Will Scarlett told a true story. Dent gave
him the notes because he wanted to get rid of them, and because he
wanted to win Bet for himself. Isaac Dent is the thief, sister; my
cousin Will is innocent."
"But if you knew this, Hester Wright--if you were certain on this
point," answered Miss Vallence, "why did you not come to the
police-court the other day, and clear the sailor? Oh, I think it was
cruel of you to stay away."
"What's _my_ word, lady? I know it, but I can't prove it. The facts are
all agin' Will--he's in the House of Detention now, and he says he's
safe to get two year."
"Two years' imprisonment, when another man did the deed!"
"Yes, sister--he says he's quite sure."
"But this is dreadful! I will speak to my father--you must tell your
story to my father."
"That'ull do no good, lady. Facts go agin' Will, and there's only one
way of clearing him."
"Oh, is there a way? How glad I am! You are a brave girl, Hester. Tell
me at once about the way."
"I can't tell you much, Miss Vallence, but I ha' come here to-day--I
ha' come to say--yes, to say that we can't never clear Will, and that
a plan I have got in my head can't be carried through without you,"
"Without me? Yes; I will certainly help--tell me what I can do.
Pages:
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273