CHAPTER XVIII.
GEOFFREY HAYWOOD’S SECRET JOURNEY.
Leaving Leonard Lester, Carlos Conrad, and Mr. Stark together, concocting their plans, we will turn again to Dalton and its neighborhood.
Every one believed Carlos guilty. The evidence (of which only the merest apology for a synopsis was given inthe chapter devoted to that purpose) pointed to no other conclusion.
Consequently the sentiment on the subject was well-nigh unanimous, unless exception be made of the few whose sympathies were excited by the prisoner’s pale, refined face, and those who attached importance to Mr. Royalton’s closing speech, hinting at new and surprising developments.
Mr. Geoffrey Haywood, when the examination was concluded, passed through the crowd with the air of one who had done his duty, and with an expression of very becoming and impressive sadness.
He proceeded to his store, which was of course closed, and the doors and shutters of which were draped in black. He stepped within, and soon emerged, bending his footsteps in the direction of Elm Grove. He paid Florence Darby, the late Colonel Conrad’s ward, a short visit, offering words of consolation, and informing her that he had made arrangements for attendants during the night upon the remains of Colonel Conrad, which lay in state in the parlor.
He suggested that she permit him to send Tom, with a horse and buggy, to bring her friend, Mabel Cummings, to bear her company for a few days during her loneliness and sorrow. To this she assented, and then Mr. Haywood took his departure, announcing that he would call during the forenoon of the succeeding day.
It was now after eight o’clock in the evening. Mr. Haywood again proceeded to his store, and locked himself within, where he remained for some time.
He heard the train arrive and depart which was to convey Officer George Johnson and Carlos to Hillsdale. Another hour passed.