LAURA STANBRIDGE HANGED IN ENDEAVOURING TO ESCAPE.
The lantern was hooked upon a branch and flung its ghastly rays upon the surrounding trees, and upon the young man who stood with his arms folded, a cold stern light in his eyes; upon the convicted wretch who, now cowering to the ground, uttered low moans of terror.
At the same time another figure also cloaked, and with features concealed, issued from behind the trees and stood in the dark shadows of the background, unheard and unseen save by Mrs. Grover, who however seemed to be heedless of his presence.
“Laura Stanbridge,” said she, “prepare to meet your fate. In a few minutes you must die.”
“Why must I die?” exclaimed the wretched woman. “What have I done that my life should be thus sacrificed?”
“Do not fear,” answered Mrs. Grover, “you shall be fairly judged, and I will accuse you first.”
“You have me in your power, and can of course do as you please with me. It is cruel and merciless to treat me thus.”
Heedless of this last observation Mrs. Grover proceeded. “I accuse you,” said she, “of decoying my child into your house, of depraving his mind and teaching him to steal, of driving me forth when I attempted to save him. How say you, Laura Stanbridge? Is that true or false?”
“It is true, but you must remember that I found him starving, and that I gave him bread to eat, that I taught him to earn money as I earned it, and as you earned it, and, at the time I parted with you, you did not yourself know that he was your son, and could allege no good reason for trying to thwart my schemes.”