The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

264 The IlioJiland MontJily.
and spoke as follows :— " You will pardon this strang-e
interruption at such a moment when you have learnt the
cause ; but before I proceed to speak of the matter which
has brought me here to-day, I would ask you all, especialh-
the lad}' who was to have been a bride in one short hour, to
be calm and collected, for I speak the truth when I say that
my communication shall prove a joyful one to you all,.
except the individual whom it concerns." He then turned
to Dillon, and, taking a step towards him, said in loud and
measured tones, at the same time raising his right hand and
pointing to him, " I accuse that man of murder !" Everyone
within sound of his voice turned and looked upon
Dillon, \\ho stood pale, but perfectly cool, and who, after a
moment or two, calmly replied, " The man is mad." " Yes,"
exclaimed several gentlemen, " the man must be mad, and
should be at once removed." " I am not mad," replied the
stranger, " nor shall' I be removed until I have spoken. I
again repeat my accusation against this man :
he
is a mur-
derer, and, to confirm my charge, I have brought with me a
competent witness." " Ha, ha !" laughed Dillon, confidently
and scornfully, " produce your witness by all means, and
put an end to this piece of masquerading." The stranger's
only reply was to raise his hand and tear away the long
flowing white beard and the snowy locks which had hitherto
partially concealed his countenance, and the well known
features of Arthur Bothwell met their wondering gaze. Most
of those present knew him in the years that were gone ;
none seemed to possess the power of speech ;
yet
all stood gazing
upon him as if petrified. Not a word was spoken, and not
a movement made, until they were startled by observing
Miss Murray rushing with a half sob, half cry, to where he
stood. She clasped her arms around his neck, and, sinking
her head upon his breast, remained motionless. Some ex-
claimed that she had fainted, but,speedily recovering her self-
possession, she looked up in Arthur's face long and earnestly,
then, with flashing eyes, she turned to Dillon, exclaiming,
" Is this accusation true?" Dillon, who had been standing