University of Virginia Library

9. CHAPTER IX.

The manner and situation in which Hamilton Woodhall had
found the bloody hat and vestments, were briefly detailed by him
to Colonel Dudley, Judge Sumpter, and other gentlemen who
were present; and the conviction was, that he had been murdered.

`There can be no doubt of it, gentlemen,' said Woodhall, in
wardly rejoiced at the success of his fiendish deception; `see the
back of this coat! It has plainly been dragged over the ground,
and when Howard was in it! The buttons are scratched as if with
gravel! And the hat has mud upon it!'

`It is very clear,' said Judge Sumpter, with deep commisseration
in his tones and looks, as he glanced at Colonel Dudley, who
stood gazing upon the vestiges of his son with stupefied amazement.
`It is very clear that my young friend Howard, has been
vilely murdered.

`Murdered! my brother murdered!' murmured Duncan, who

had been partially restored, and now started from the arms of his-friends
who were supporting him.

`There can be no doubt of it, my son,' said his father! `he has
been decoyed from the house, and brutally murdered upon the
beach! These bloody clothes bear stronger testimony to the deed
than human language!' And the old gentleman brushed the tears
from his eyes, and tried to address a word of consolation to Mrs.
Dudley, who sat in the carriage overcome with the most violent
grief. Duncan glanced at the garment of his brother as they lay
upon the ground, and with a groan of horror turned away and
wept like a child.

`Have you any suspicion, sir, who could have been the perpetrator
of the deed?' inquired Judge Sumpter of Hamilton Woodhall.
`Do you know if he has recently had a quarrel with any
person?'

`No, Judge, I do not,' answered the young man hesitating, and
then glancing at Duncan slightly but significantly.

`Did you search for the body?'

`No, sir! As soon as I found these, I hastened to let you
know!'

`Search must be at once made for the body. Besides we would
like to see the spot where the clothes were found! Would you
not Colonel?'

A general assent being given, the whole party proceeded to the
beach, and were guided to the spot on the ledge by Woodhall, who
explained to them the situation of things as he pretended to have
found them, as clearly to establish their convictions that he had
first been murdered and then dragged violently over the rocks.
Search was made for the body until too dark to discover any object,
and they prepared to return and defer further search until
morning.

`His body was probably thrown into the sea at ebb tide, in which
case it would have been carried down the bay, said Woodhall;
and I don't think any body 'll be likely to see it again. Or perhaps
they carried it out in a boat and sunk it with rocks.'

This opinion was plausible and was received by them all. And
they returned slowly to the house of Judge Sumpter, under the
melancholy conviction that by foul hands, the noble and generous
Howard hed been made way with.

`Now to discover the murderer,' said Judge Sumpter, after they
had entered his drawing-room.

`This I fear will be difficult,' said Colonel Dudley, pacing the
floor between indignation and grief, while Duncan stood by a window,
his fraternal bosom torn with a thousand conflicting emotions
at the extraordinary event. The idea that Howard might have
made way with himself once entered his mind, but was rejected
with horror, while a moment's reflection showed him that it must
have been by violence at other men's hands. He was bewildered
with doubt and grief; while his heart bled for Isa bel, whose sobs
he could hear from her apartment, mingled with the weeping of
his mother. He was startled by Hamilton Woodhall's reply to
the remarks of Judge Sumpter:

`Not so difficult neither, Judge, as people would imagine,' was
his reply in a tone and look of mystery.

`Why have you suspicions of any one, sir?' quickly demanded
the Judge, while the eyes of Duncan, and of all others in the
apartment were turned upon him.

`Why not exantly, Judge. But —'

`Well, sir; for God's sake speak out!' cried Colone! Dudley,
stopping in his walk across the apartment, and fixing his eyes earnestly
upon his face.

`If you know any one likely to have committed this murder, for
murder it plainly is—poor Howard! It is your duty to name him,'
said the Judge with impressive authority. `You said that it would
not be difficult to find out the perpetrator!'

`And I repeat my words,' answered the young man doggedly,
not pleased with the manner in which he was addressed. Proud
and sentitive, and knowing he was not entitled to respect, he was
ever irritated when he thought it was wanting towards him. `It
is my opinion you will not have to go very far to find the murderer!'
and his eyes again glanced towards Duncan with that covert,
significant expression which he had before noticed so unplesantly.

`Then you know the man?' said the judge with surprise.

`I only have my suspicions,' answered Woodhall, cautiously.

`It is your duty then, to make them known,' was the answer of
Judge Sumpter and other gentlemen present.

`I only suspect from what I have overheard between him and
another person!'

`Between who and another person? You are very mysterious
in your language.'

`Unless I can receive the courtesy due to a gentleman, Judge
Sumpter, I shall decline any further conversation on the subject,'
he answered moodily.

The Judge was about to reply warmly by reminding him that
it was in his power to arrest him and detain him to answer; but
having some knowledge of the disposition of Woodhall he merely
remarked mildly,

`It is is not my intention to treat you with any disrespect, Mr.
Woodhall. You know we are all deeply interested in this painful
affair.'

`It makes my heart bleed to think of it,' answered Woodhall,
willing to be conciliated. `Poor Howard! I knew him well!—
We were great friends. It was a vile murder!'

`On whom do your suspicions rest?'

`Perhaps it might not be exactly safe to mention names,' he answered,
again fixing his eyes with more marked significance upon
the face of Duncan, who was standing near, waiting the issue with
impatient anxiety. The direction of his eye was noticed by all,
but gave rise to no suspicion. Duncan felt the glance, and was
trying to understand its meaning, when Judge Sumpter continued,

`We are all friends here, Mr. Woodhall. You can speak with
perfect security. While you are delaying here the assassin may
effect his escape.'

`He has'nt escaped yet, nor will he, I think. He believes no
one can suspect him, and feels secure as you or I. But there's
more known than he thinks for,' and again Hamilton Woodhall's
glance rested full upon the face of Duncan, and he smiled significantly.

`What do you mean, sirrah,' demanded Duncan angrily, `thus
glancing repeatedly at me with eyes full of secret malice?'

`I did not look at you! It must have been your own conscience,'
he answered with provoking coolness.

Duncan was about to strike him in his impatience, when Judge
Sampter restrained him.

`Be temperate, my friend. He tries us all! If he answer not
soon. I will have him arrested, and put him under oath.'

`If you arrest any body, Judge, it will not be me. The man who
murdered Howard Dudley stands there!'

He pointed with an emphatic gesture, as he spoke, full at Duncan!
There was a general exclamation of indignant surprise at
this bold charge, and for a moment all were thunder-struck at its
audacity. Duncan started, as well he might, and after surveying
his accuser a moment with indignant contempt, he relaxed the
hand which he had clenched to fell him to the earth, and smiling
scornfully, he turned away. After a few moments silence, during
which the eyes of all had been moving alternately from one to the
other, Judge Sumpter, in a voice of stern displeasure addressed
Woodhall, who stood calm and unmoved, and in a confident attitude,
as if he was ready to maintain his words.

`Young man, this is trifling! Some private malice hath led thee
to this! We are not to be deceived by such groundless accusations!'

`I am ready to re-assert and maintain it,' answered Woodhall
firmly. `Duncan Dudley, who stands there, is the murderer of
Howard Dudley!'

His tone and manner seemed to carry conviction with them.—
Every one fixed his eyes upon Duncan, who, after recovering from
his susprise at this repetition of the charge, stood silently and
proudly looking with wonder and astonishment at his accuser.

`This is becoming serious,' said Judge Sumpter in a low voice
to a gentleman near him.

`It is indeed a grave charge, but it is groundless, I am convinced,'
was the answer in the same tone.

`So am I, answered the Judge. `Young man, you have made a
weighty accusation against Mr. Dudley. You are aware of the
difficulty in which you have involved yourself unless you are prepared
to substantiate your charge. Something more than mere
suspicion must be advanced to shield yourself from the consequences
of criminal proceedings against you?'

`I have not made my accusation idly, nor from any private
pique,' answered Woodhall quietly. `What I have asserted I believe
to be true, and when I have stated my reasons, I feel I shall
be acquitted of any intention of wronging Mr. Dudley without
cause, and prove to all present that in making the accusation I
have, I have been influenced only by the motives which should
govern the conduct of every good citizen.

At this speech Duncan was filled with indignant astonishment,
mingled, nevertheless, with not a little curiosity to know what he
would bring against him to give the least color to such an extraordinary
accusation.

`It is false! He shall not speak! Duncan is innocent! The
rascal should be driven hence by the dogs!' cried old Colonel Dudley
with uncontrollable resentment.

`It is necessary, Colonel,' said Judge Sumpter, `in justice to
Duncan, that we should hear what he has to say, that suspicion
may be wholly removed from your son's character.'

`Well, well! Let him speak! And when he has done I will
force the dog's words back again down his throat!'

Woodhall smiled inwardly at the consciousness that he had the
power of humbling the father and son, and said, in a calm voice:

`I have publicly charged Duncan Dudley, who stands there,
with being the murderer of his brother, Howard Dudley. I will
now give my reasons for making this accusation. While Duncan
Dudley was at home, during the college vacation, a year ago, he became

deeply attached to Miss Sumpter, and betrothed himself to
her. During his absence they corresponded as lovers do!—'

`Impertinent slave!' cried Duncan, advancing towards him, as
if he would have torn him in pieces.

`Patience, Mr. Dudley! Let him go on!' said the Judge.—
There is nothing told I know not already.'

Duncan with difficulty suppressed his wrath, and Woodhall with
a vindictive smile, went on.

`A change at length came over the affections of Miss Sumpter.
Howard had become her companion instead of Duncan, and insensibly
he stole her affections from his brother. He did it ignorantly,
not aware of his brother's regard for her, for I know, from my
knowledge of his character, and of his love for his brother, he
would never have been more than a brother to her. At length
Duncan returned and discovered the true state of affairs. At first
he was not angry with Howard or with her; but waited to assure
himself of their sincere attachment. He was at length satisfied
that their happiness was bound up in each other, and that to interrupt
it would make them miserable!'

`How knew you these were my thoughts sir?' demanded Duncan
with a surprise that for the moment overcame his disgust for
Woodhall.

`By accidentally overhearing you talking aloud to yourself, as
lover's sometimes do, in the forest path, one evening, as I was
passing.'

`Rather hideing to listen,' answered Duncan contemptuously.
`But proceed with thy pleasant tale!'

`You will find it less agreeable as I proceed,' answered Woodhall
casting upon him a look of fiendish triumph. `This seemed
to be his first feeling and it was honorable to him. I give him
credit for it, as every gentleman would! But as day after day he saw
Howard and Isabel—'

`When you speak of that lady, you will call her Miss Sumpter,'
said the irritated Duncan.

`Your interruptions will not prevent me from telling all, Mr.
Dudley,' answered Woodhall. `He became dissatisfied with his
brother and envious of him; and having an interview with Miss
Isabel (if that name will suit Mr. Dudley) he was convinced that
if his brother was out of the way, he could win back her affections,
without which it was very plain he could never be happy!'

`You will keep your reflections to yourself!' cried Duncan
chafing, and with difficulty restrained by his friends. `I cannot,
gentleman, suffer this vile wretch to desecrate thus the most sacred
feelings of my nature! Are you willing this should go on? Judge
Sumpter can you suffer this fellow, to speak thus freely of your
daughter?'

`It is painful my young friend; but the charge against you is
very serious, and it is proper that you and your friends should know
all the grounds upon which it stands. You will oblige us by being
brief, Mr. Woodhall! Come to the point!'

`I will, sir! Last evening about this time, perhaps a little earlier,
I called here to see Judge Sumpter about a pair of hound-pups I
have. The hall door was open and I knocked but brought no one.
I heard persons talking in the room, and supposed it was you sir,'
he said looking at the Judge, and your daughter, `I walked into
the hall and laid down my hat. I was then stepping towards the
door which was open, when I heard Mr. Duncan Dudley's voice!
There was no light in the room, nor in the hall. It was
twilight. I had got to the door when I heard Mr. Dudley's
voice, and not wishing to interrupt a tete-a-tete, I hesitated and
was about to return, when I heard him say in a very impassioned
tone:

`You love me then, Isabel!'

`Yes, Duncan, I love you as I ever did, and with the same degree
of affection. I only love Howard more! I knew not all my
heart's depths when I first gave it to you. What I gave you, you
still have. What I have given to Howard you knew not of!'

`What you gave me then,' he said to her, `was enough to make
me happy then, it is enough to make me blessed now! I envy not
Howard the deeper place he hath discovered in thy heart, so thou
givest me the place that was mine.'

`It is thine, as ever it has been, Duncan,' she said in a voice of
deep emotion.

`Then but for Howard,' he said with earnestness, may I hope
you would still have been mine?'

`Yes,' she answered faintly but firmly.

There was a pause during which I was about to retire, for I had
been an involuntary listener, when I heard him say, `I have one
question to put to you, Isabel; answer it truly.'

`I will,' she replied but her voice trembled.

`Would you have been true to me if Howard had not sought her
heart?'

`Yes; next to him you are most dear to me!' she answered him.

`Thanks, thanks!' he said warmly. `One more questions!' Here
his voice fell but I distinctly heard him say:

`If Howard were away—if he were dead, would you still love
me and be mine?'

Here there was a perceptable emotion and movement among all
present; and all eyes were fixed earnestly on Duncan, who stood
petrified with amazement. The interest was now painfully intense.
Woodhall saw the full extent of the impression he had
made and triumphed in his dark spirit.

She replied with a perceptible shudder at the idea, in the affirmative.

`Then Howard alone stands between me and your true and
whole affection?' he said.

`Yes, Duncan,' she answered him,' but why such dreadful
questions;'

`Only to relieve my self-love and pride; for I had suspected the
cause might lay in some dislike to me!'

`No, oh no!' was her earnest reply.

`I trust then that circumstances will yet restore you to me,' he
said to her in an impressive manner.

Up to this sentence it will have been seen that the accuser kept
tolerably well within the bounds of the truth; though leaving out
much that would have redounded to the credit of Duncan's heart,
and twisting other parts to suit his evil purpose. He said nothing
of Duncan's intended departure, but as will be seen, gave an entirely
different character to his closing interview with Isabel. He
thus continued:

`What do you mean?' she cried as if astonished at his words as
I was myself.

`Nothing,' he answered carelessly; `but Howard you know is
adventurous, and some accident might bafall him, such as falling
from a cliff or —'

`Foul-mouthed fiend! I will pluck thy lying tongue from thy
throat!' cried Duncan springing upon him. Two or three gentlemen
drew him back, while he received so severe a reproof from
Judge Sumpter that he felt the tide of prejudice was flowing strong
against him. He folded his arms, and sternly and silently awaited
the issue.

`What strange words are these? exclaimed Miss Sumpter.

`They have no meaning! he said with a laugh. `Say you will
be mine Isabel—mine but for Howard!'

`I have said it, Duncan, but—'

`I could not hear the rest he said; but he made some inaudible
reply which seemed to throw her into the greatest agitation. Suddenly he broke from her and rushed from the apartment through
that window, when Miss Sumpter uttering a loud shriek fell lifeless
upon the floor! I flew to her assistance, and had just raised
her upon a sofa when you, sir,' looking impressively at Judge
Sumpter, came in alarmed by your daughter's shriek!'

`Is this last fact true, Judge Sumpter? asked Colonel Dudley,
in a hoarse voice.

`It is, sir! I was in my study and heard the shriek, and when I
came in, I saw Mr. Woodhall bending over my daughter.

`And you asked me the cause of it?' said Woodhall eagerly.

`I did.'

`And I said briefly that there had been some misunderstanding
between her and Duncan Dudley.'

`That was your answer,' said Judge Sumpter.

There reigned for a few moments a dead silence throughout the
large apartment. Eye met eye unconsciously, and all looked grave-Duncan
Dudley stood like one entranced. He had been utterly
confounded with surprise and astonishment, as Woodhall's testimony
gradually unfolded itself! He saw at once his unpleasant
position. He remembered his words to Isabel; but how had villany
and conspiracy turned them against his own life! He felt
that he could not deny having said them, and that the circumstances
were strong against him. Yet his emotions were not those
of fear and alarm! In the consciousness of his innocence, he believed
that all others would regard Woodhall's words with the
same sentiments of contempt he did himself. But when he looked
round and met the various looks of surprise, suspicion, horror and
grief fixed upon him, he was roused.

`Can it be possible,' he said, looking round upon the ten or
twelve gentlemen present, his eyes flashing, `that there is one individual
here present, that can for a moment give harbour to the
suspicion this vile fellow's words would seek to establish! He is
only worthy of the contempt of every honorable mind. Yet I
meet glances whose expression tells me I am really suspected of
my brother's murder! Is it not quiet enough for me to know that
he had been basely slain, that I must have my sorrow invaded by
the suspicions of my friends?'

`But, Mr. Dudley, the evidence is very strong,' said Judge
Sumpter, mildly. `You doubtless are innocent of this crime! I
believe you to be! We all believe you to be. But you must confess
that circumstances are strong against you!'

`I do,' answered Duncan more calmly.

`It therefore is necessary, your own honor demands it, that this
matter should be fully understood. Did you have a conversation
with my child last evening, as has been stated? This is no tribunal!
we are friends only solicitous for your honor!'

`Did you make use of the words, that he has reported.'

`Part of the conversation this honorable eaves-dropper has correctly
stated. More he has garbled; more maliciously mis-stated,
and much he has invented with no other motive, I now plainly
discern than to injure me!'

`One part of the conversation is only of importance. Did you
say to my daughter `if Howard were dead would you still love me
and be mine?'

`I did,' answered Duncan calmly.

Every person in the room gave a start, and his father groaned
deeply. Hamilton Woodhall looked round with a triumph he
could ill conceal.

`This is unfortunate,' said Judge Sumpter, shaking his head and
giving Duncan a commisserating look.

`The question was asked in a morbid state of feeling, only to
secure additional support to my pride and self-love, as he has had
the grace to mention,' answered Duncan. `It is well known to
all how fondly attached I was to my brother, and that my life at
any time would have been sacrificed to save his.'

`But love and rivalry make a great change in such feelings,
even between brothers,' said Woodhall. `But I have not done,
gentlemen! As soon as I could I followed him, thinking over
what I had heard, and resolved to give Howard, for we were great
friends, warning! So you see, gentlemen, I had even then my
suspicions; but I must confess I was not prepared for quite so
sudden a catastrophe as has taken place! Poor, Howard! Well,
I followed him; but it was sometime before I found him, when I
saw him and Howard standing together in the path on the cliff,
talking. It might have been then about nine o'clock. I watched
them, for I had my doubts and expected some mischief. At length
they had high words.'

`'Tis false!' cried Duncan, in a tone of thunder. `Our interview
was full of kindness and brotherly love!'

`Then you confess having been with your brother on the cliff
after nine o'clock last night?' said Judge Sumpter, very gravely.

`I do. After I left Miss Sumpter, having taken leave of her,
with the intention of departing the country the next day, my
brother overtook me, and generously offered to resign her. This
I would not consent to; and told him of my intention. This was
the subject of our conversation. We returned home together,
and parted in the hall for the night, since then I have not seen my
unfortunate brother.'

`Now what further have you to say, Mr. Woodhall,' said the
Judge, who by general consent had been suffered to pursue the inquiries.

`They had high words, though I could not distinctly understand
what was said, and then walked homeward together. I saw
them till they entered the forest path by the cliff-head, and seeing
they were quiet, walking along without speaking, I said to myself,
`He will not do it to night, and to-morrow I will caution Howard!
As it was late I then went to the Stag Inn, and lodged,
instead of going home. Whether they went strait home or not is
best known to Mr. Dudley.'

Here the wily villain cast a significant look upon Duncan, and
every eye followed the direction of his own.

`This is an unpleasant business, Mr. Dudley,' said Judge
Sumpter.

`Gentleman, I am innocent! This is a conspiracy of fiendish
malice and vindictive revenge against me, by this miscreant. I
repeat to you, with a blush of shame, that your unworthy suspicions,
should compel such an avowal from me, that I am innocent
of this crime; if my brother be murdered!'

`No man, Mr. Dudley, is above suspicion. The circumstances
are very clear, and strengthened by your own confession of having
proposed a benefit to yourself on the supposed condition of your
brother's death. It is unfortunate, very. But I fear it will be my
duty, holding as I do the commission of the Peace, to detain you
on this charge.

`Impossible,' exclaimed Duncan, with undisguised amazement,
while grief and anger struggled in his expressive face.

`It nevertheless is my duty.'

`My father! do you regard me as guilty? Say you believe me
innocent!' he cried, clasping his hands.

`I do, my son! But suspicions are strong, and it is your duty
to submit to arrest that you may be acquitted by the law of the
land.'

`I submit, sir,' answered Duncan, firmly; and folding his hands
upon his heart, he quietly yielded himself a prisoner.

`You must be detained as a witness, Mr. Woodhall,' said the
Judge; `or give bonds for your appearance.

The intelligence of his arrest was soon conveyed to his mother
and Isabel by Judge Sumpter. His mother believed him innocent;
but when he was told that Isabel uttered curses upon his head as
Howard's murderer, his heart sunk within him, and with a
desponding spirit he suffered himself in silence to be led away to
a felon's cell.