“Your brother! what is he charged with?”
“Murder,” replied Mary; “but indeed, sir, he is not guilty,” she continued, as she burst into tears.
Mr Trevor was not only a clever, but also a kind and considerate man. He remained silent for some minutes to allow Mary time to recover herself. When she was more composed, he said—
“What is your brother’s name?”
“Joseph Rushbrook.”
“Rushbrook! Rushbrook! I well remember that name,” remarked Mr Trevor; “strange, the Christian name also the same! it is singular certainly. The last time I was concerned for a person of that name, I was the means of his coming into a large landed property; now I am requested to defend one of the same name accused of murder.”
Mary was astonished at this observation of Mr Trevor’s, but made no reply.
“Have you the indictment? Where did the murder take place?”
“In Devonshire, sir, many years ago.”
“And he is now in Exeter gaol? Come, tell me all the particulars.”