That makes all the difference in the world." "Guilty!" cried Mrs.Brenton, a strange fear coming over her as she stared at the girl; "guilty of _what_ ?" "Oh, madam, let me tell you all about it.

There is, of course, no excuse; but I'll begin at the beginning.

You remember a while before Christmas that John came to see me one night, and we sat up very late in the kitchen, and your husband came down quietly, and when we heard him coming we put out the light and just as John was trying to get away, your husband shot twice at him, and hit him the second time ?" "Oh yes," said Mrs.Brenton, "I remember that very well.

I had forgotten about it in my own trouble; but I know that my husband intended to do something for the young man.

I hope he was not seriously hurt ?" [Illustration: "Guilty! Guilty of what ?"] "No, ma'am; he is able to be about again now as well as ever, and is not even lame, which we expected he would be.