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CHAPTER XII.â€"(Continucd). “Oh, no! There is a great deal rf talk, to be sure. Malcontents complain that he has exceeded his prerogative. that he has overstepped the law, that he has tried to establish a dangerous pre- cedent, and so on, and so on.” “And what (10% Judge Rulhven say to all this i” ' “Nothing, nothing whatever! Do you suppose for an instant he is going to condescend to defend himself to such asses? Ile says nothing." “But. his friendsl his friends! surely they defend him ‘1" “They do. They tell the donkeys that a judge has certain discretionary powers toimcdify the severity of the law when justice requires it: that these modifications become precedents for other judges to follow, and finally they become laws that none may dispute; that in this case Judge Ruthven has followed the spirit of the law. if not its letter; that he based his act upon the fact that the accused lady, being per- fectly safe from the officers of the law at the time, voluntarily came forward, delivered herself up, and challenged a trial; and that therefore she was a worthy object of the privilege of bail." Honest Clement Pcndlelon was no lawyer, and he had spoken \a trifle un- professionally; but it was no matterâ€"â€" Lyon Berners understood him, and was satisfied. Sybil and Beatrix came down to join them; and then they all adjourned to the dining-room, where they had luncheon. Thcn Captain Pendleton went home, leaving Beatrix with Sybil. A few days after this the court ad~ journed, and Sybil knew that she would not be brought to trial until the spring term. In that long interval. what dis- boverics might not be made to save her? Her hopes rose high. ‘I:“But. oh !” she thought with a shudâ€" der, “if these months had to be passed in prison l" And in the depths of her grateful heart she again thanked Pro- vidence and Judge Ruthven for her restoration to home and friends. Then Christmas came. Under the circumstances they preferred ,to spend it very quietly. Beatrix was still with them, and Clement was invited to come and dine on Christmas Day. Sybil took great delight in delighting. And if good taste forbade her now to indulge in the lavish hospilality and gay festivity that had always been cus- tomary in Black Hall at this season, she determined to indemnify herself by making unusually handsome presents to her servants and- her dependents, as well as the most liberal donations to the poorâ€"and so to be happy in the happiness she should’bestow. With this intention she put a small fortune in her longest purse, and went in her roomiest carriage to Blackville, intending to empty the purse and fill he carriage before her return. The day being Christmas Eve the vil- I go was full of people, come there to op for the holidays, and poor Sybil as brought to a sense of her condition y the‘ treatment she receivedâ€"silence. ude stares, or injurious whispers reeted her as she passed. But they ere only pin thrusts, which she soon ,orgot in the interesting errand upon which she had come. . LShe. loaded her carriage with bundles, boxes and baskets, and returned home in time to separate the treasures, and write upon each one of them the name of the person for whom it was intended. The next morning Captain I‘endletou arrived early, to :15th in the distribu- tion of the presents. No one was ne- glected; everybody was made happy with several valuable gifts. Little Cro’ went to paradise in the corner of the room, with his cap full of toys. ‘ . That day also Sybil’s dependents en- joyed as good a dinner as was set for herself and her friends. So. after all, in spite of fate. they kept their “Christ- mas. merry still." When it was generally known that Sybil Berners \had returned to Black Hall, there was much discussion among the ladies as to whether they should call on her. Some declared that she was a mur- tleress, whose face they never could bear to look on, and therefore of course they never would go near her. Others. who said that they believed her guilt- less and wished her well, added that they felt the same delicacy in going or in staying awayâ€"as in the first cilx’e Mrs. Berners might consider their call and in the second case she miglil cull- strue their absence into intentional ue~ gleci. And between these to o ex- tremes there was every shade of opin- ion as to Sybil's rulpability. 'ulld cycl'y ‘sort of reason for not goingr to one III'I' just yet. And so it folll‘.v.’i‘d that S): if [lilSN'll a whole. good. peaceful fortnigiil ill the company of her husband, her three dc- ‘ntell friends. lu‘l‘ sci‘ulllts. and her little pek, But it! leng‘ll. crl‘ly ill .Iltllltill'V. syn:- palily on the one hand and clumsily on the other pre\uil~d over every oih-~r 0R, svan. BERNER’S VINDICATION an intrusion from motives of clll'li,siiy.l WWWm-«MOW feeling and reason, and Sybil‘s neigh- bors. both detractors and defenders, be- gan to call on her. But Mrs. Berners had penetration enough to know her friends from her foes, and so she felt no hesitation and made no mistakes when she welcomed the visits of the first and declined those of the last mentioned. So the winter slipped away peace- fully enough. and Sybil seldom renumâ€" bered what tier friends tried to make her forgetâ€"the heavy cloud ihat_still hung over her fate. She was reminded of it only when her counsel came to consult with her; but then they always wore cheerful coun- tenances, and spoke hopeful words that inspired her with confidence and courage. Sometimes, indeed, the recollection of the awful crisis that could not be shun- ned, that must be met, would come to her in the middle watches of the night, and fill her soul with horror; but. with the first beams of the morning sun this darkness of her spirit, like the. dark- ness of the hour, would pass away. It was in all the reviving life and budding beauty of early spring that the Criminal Court resumed its sit- tings at Blackville. The case of Sybil Berners. charged with the murder of Rosa Blondelle, was the very first upon the docket. It was a day as bright, beautiful. and glorious as any day that ever dawned. when the summons came that called Mrs. Berners up to the court to be put on trial for her life. CHAPTER XIII. It is not necessary here to dwell upon the trial. It all passed like a dream [0 Sybil. I\ ‘. Ishmael Worth was sunl- inoned fr in Washington for the dc- fense; but nothing he or Mr. Sheridan could say was sufficient to put aside the all too-convincing evidence. ,The venerable Judge Ruthven, in summing up, palpably leaned to the side of the 'prisoner; but to no purpose, for the jury, after retiring for only a short time, returned to the courtroom and announced that they had unani- mously agreed upon a verdict of “guilty.”‘ Sentence Sybil fainted away. Her recollection followed was that she was being con- veyed home when a violent storm broke out and she was obliged to seek shelter in a cottage. The storm was a reality, was borne through it. not to her home, but to the county jail, where s» was to remain till the death sentenCe was cx’e- cuted. Fortunately, the warden was a kind- hcarted man, and the cell to which he \conmgned his nc‘w prisoner was more of death was passed and afterward of what but Sybil like a pretty room, and the willing hands of Miss Pcndleton and Lyon Berners still further helped out the hallucinalion by adorning the with pictures and knick-knacks. Lyon was himself compelled to re- turn to his desolate home each night, and who shall describe the awful tor- ture that he endured? Gradually Sybil sank deeper and deeper into apathy. Iler hallucination ,was now complete, and she constantly expressed regret that her husband and lher friends were obliged to so long en- croach upon the hospitality of the owner of “the cottage.” As the days passed she lost all count of time, and always thought that she had arrived “last Sundey,” and was going home “to-morrow l" , Miss» Pendleton was permitted to re- main with her, and Mr. Berners was alâ€" lowed to visit her every day. So some weeks had passed, when one day a terrible event occurred. It was early in the morning; the pri- son doors were just opened for the ad- mission of visitors, and Lyon Bernch had just entered the lower hall, on his |way to the, warden‘s office, to get that old man to conduct him to Sybil’s ccll. %\\'tlt?n he was overtaken and accosted by 1Mr. Fortesizue. the sheriff. “What is the matter?" inquired Lyon Bcrners. hurriedly, alld in great alarm. i “For Heaven's sake, compose yourself walls i now! You will need all your self~pos- 'Spsgion. for her sake. as well as for n.0,“. own. Come into the warden's ionice with me. life also must go with us to hel‘ cell." i In great distress of mind, Mr. Berners followed the shefiff into the wardens ' ollicc. , Old Mr. Martin. the venerable war- jdru, who was at his desk, came to meet ,lhe visitors. 1 “(me moment. Martin. I will see you in one moment. Just now I wish to telli‘ok in Mr. Berners.” said the sheriff, '3‘- liii drew Lyon Deniers aside. 9 “What is it now?" inquired van's ‘liusbanu‘. in an agony of alarm for her sully“. ‘ “lLau you not. surmise?” compaSsion- ;uniy- \uggi-strd the, sheriff. ~~j.....li, gin-ill llravenlâ€"I dare not!" gpn mil-aimed. throwingnlp his hands ‘albl limping his head. i "You ulusi know that the petition sent up to the governor for her pardon has been returned with an adverse deci- sion." “I feared it! Oh. heaven 1" “Oh, try to be iirml I must now tell you the worst. The petition did not come down al<:noâ€"â€"" The speaker paused an instant, and then added gravely and compassionately: “There was another document come down with itâ€"a document that I most read to her." “The death warant!" _ Lyon Iierners uttered these words with such a groan of anguish and despziir as seemed to have rent his soul and body asunder as he reeled and cought at the window frame for support. and then dropped into a chair by its side. “Mr. Berners, for her sake! for flea- v-cn's sake! bear up now! Martin, a glass of brandy here! quick !" The warden. who always kept a bottle on his desk. hurriedly filled a tumbler half full of brandy, and hastened up with it. “Drink it! drink it all !" said the sher- iff, pulling the glass into Mr. Bemcrs‘ hand. Lyon Rcrners drank the, strong and fiery spirit, feeling it no more than if it had been water. A [cw momean passed. during which Mr. Ilerncrs struggled hard for self- control, while the warden in a low voice inquired : “What is it?" “The death warrant!" As the sheriff whispered these awful Words, the warden clasped his hands. saying fervently: “Now may the Lord help them both!" Then the sheriff turned to Mr. Ben ners. who had again sank upon a chair. and was still striving to recover him- self. and he kindly inquired: “Are. you ready now to go with us to her cell? She will need your support ill this tryingr hour." “Heaven give me strength! am ready !" said Mr. ‘ierners. And the ministers of fate went to! take the death warrant to the cell of Sybil Be’rners. Yes, I CHAPTER XIV. The warden unlocked the. door and entered the cell. followed by the sheriff and Mr. Bel-hers. Sybil was dressed, and Beatrix was sitting beside her, engaged in some light needlework. “She is very feeble. both in mind and body to-day." said Beatrix. in answer to an inquiring look of Mr. Berners, as she arose to give him her seat by the bedside. "Ilow inquired Mr. her hand. “Oh! I am better! Shall we go home toâ€"morrow. Lyon 2’” ’ » “If it please Providence. dear.“ an- swered her husband. putting a strong constraint. upon himself. llut he saw that though she had asked the question, she scarcely heard his answer; her at» lention had “rendered from the point, and she was idly pulling the curly- haired ears if her little dog, who lay coiled up beside her. Meanwhile Mr. I‘DI'ICSCIIQ had shaken hands with Miss Pcndlcton. and was now saying : * “Beatrix, my child. you had better re- tire from this scene for a few mo- ments,” “Why?” inquired Beatrix. looking her old neighbor firmly in the face. “Because I have a very painful duly to perform. which will be very distress- ing to you to witness." “What is it?" inquired Miss Pcndle- ton. without removing her eyes from his face. , 'l‘he sheriff stooped and told her in a whisper. She turned pale as death, caught her breath. and leaned for an instant on the 'table near her. Then, with a supreme effort, she stood up and said : “You have known me from my child- hood. Do you think me such a dastard as to desert my friond in the hour of her' utmost necd‘! No, Mr. li‘orloscue; I will stand by Sybil to the last. So do your duty! Thank Heaven, you cannot hurt her IllUCll !" “Thank lleaven, indeed, if that is so, Beatrix." answered the sheriff, as be made. a sign to Mr. Berncrs, and ap- proached the bed with the death war- rant ill his hand. “Sybil, darling": whispered her agop- ized husband, “here is Mr. Iv‘ortescue come to see you." “Ilas he? that is kind." she answered, looking curiously at her own fingers, and then forgetting the presence of her visitors. “How are you, quircd the sheriff. “I am better. I am going home to- morrow, and then you must come and~â€"-” She broke off suddenly, and began to feel about with her fingers over the white counterpane. “Good llcavcns!" exclaimed the sher- iff. looking up into Mr. Berncrs’ face. Lyon Berners gravely bent his head. The sheriff hesitated, as if uncertain are you this morning. love?“ Borders, tenderly taking Mrs. Berners?" in- ‘how ta proceed. Mr. Burners came to his side and whispered : ‘ “if you must read that document to her, be merciful and read it now, when her mind is dulled to its meaning." The sheriff nodded. and then said: “Mrs. Burners. I have something to read to you. (Zan you listen 1’" “Yes. Is it interesting '?” inquired- 'Sybil, rousing herself. Without answering that last question, the sheriff proceeded to read the awful instrument of doom. Lyon Berners sat down on the side of the bed. and drew his wife‘s head upon his bosom. Miss Peudlcton sat pale and stiff as a statue. The old bent upon the floor. .Sylill roused herself to listen. and shy-V heard the first few lines of preamble ' make warden stood with his eyes ‘â€" addrcssed to the sheriff, but afler that her attention wandered beyond Con- trol; and at the conclusion, she slightly smiled, and turning to her husband, said : ' “Lyon, be sure to come early to-nior- row. I want to go home in the cool of the morning." “Yes, dear; I shall be here very early.“ answered Mr. Rerners as stead- ily as he could spaik. with his heart, breaking. Then laying her gently back on her pillow, he touched the sheriff on the shoulder and beckoned him to follow toi the. window. “You see?" said Mr. Berners, as they stood side by side. looking out. “I see. I am very much shocked. This Should be looked into. A medical ex- amination should be made. Another ap~ pcal should be sent to the governor. llas Mr. Worth returned to Washing- ton ?“ “No; he has been waiting the issue of the petition to the governor." “Then I advise you to see and con- sult him without loss of time. Do it: now, this rooming," urged the sheriff as he took up his hat and gloves to leave the cell. He went to Sybil‘s bedside to take leave. of her. “Good morning. Mrs. Bemers." he said. holding out his hand. “Good morning, Mr. Fortescue. Thanks for your call. When you come againâ€"fl" she began. smilingly, but lost the connection of her ideas, and with a look of distress and perplexity she sent her fingers straying over the counterpane as if in search of some- thing. With a deep sigh the sheriff left the cell. And at the same time Lyon Berners quietly kissed his wife and withdrew. Mr. Ilerncns went at once to the hotel where, Ismael Worth lodged. On inquiry at the office. he found that Mr. Worth was in his room. Without waiting to send up his name first. he desired to be immediately shown up 10 Mr. Worth‘s presence. He. found the young lawyer sitting at a table, deeply immersed in documents. lie was about to apologize for his un- ceremonious intrusion, when Mr. Worth arose, and, with grave courlesy and earnest sympathy, informed his visitor that he had already heard, with deep sorrow, the adverse decision of the governor. Mr. Berners covered his face with his hand for a moment, and then sank into the chair placed for him by Mr. Worth. As soon as he had recovered himself he entered upon the subject of his visit â€"thc insanity of Sybil. and the use that might be made of it in gaining a respite that should prolong her life for some months, until perhaps she might be permitted to die a natural death. “tier state. as you represent it, gives me hopes of obtaining not only a re- spite. but a full pardon.” said Ishmael Worth. when Mr. Berners had finished his account. “I scarcely dared to hope as much as that,” sighed Mr. Berners. l “I must speak now from the. law‘s point. of view. You and I believe that. sane or insane, Mrs. Bcrners never committed that murder. But the jury says she did. Now if she can be proved to be insane at this time, her present in- sanity will ‘argue. a foregone concili- sion,’ namely that she was insane at the time she is said to have committed the crime; and, if insane. then she was therefore irresponsible for her action, and unamenablc to the law. Let this be satisfactorily proved, and properly set before the governor. and I haw little doubt that the result will be a full par- don." I “You give me hope, where I thought hope was impossible. If we can only obtainlthis pardon. and get my dear wife out of her horrible position, I will take her at once to some foreign Coim- try, where, far from all these ghastly tilSSOCItlthIIS, she may live in peace. and possibly recover her reason, and where she may have some little share (I earthly happiness even yet," sighed Lyon Berners. “And if it can be shown that thy-re has been insaniiy in her family, it will make our argument nluch stronger. Ilas such ever been the case?" earliest ly inquired Ishmael Worth . “All, not unless the most violent pas- sions roused at times to the most un- goyernable fury, and resulting in the most heinous deeds, can be called in- sanity. there is none in her family." said Mr. Berners. sadly, shaking his head. “That is also insanity, certainty," said the philosophical Ishmael Worth, “but scarcely of the sort that could be brought forward in her favor." “Nor is it the type of her present men- v tal malady, which is very. very gentle.” “However, we have ground enough to go upon. Our case is very strong. We must lose no time. The first step to be taken will be to procure an order to have the lady examined by physicians competent to form a judgment, and a report upon her condition. Their report must go up to the govern-. or, with the petition for her pardon.l And now, Mr. Del-hers, if you will go home and seek the rest you need and leave this business in my hands. I will set about it immediately,” said Ishmael Worth, kindly. “Thank you! I thank you from my soul! I will confidently leave her fair in your hands. I know I could not leave it in any better under heaven!i But. tell me, when shaltl so: you again ?" “’l‘o-morrow morning, after your visit io the priwn. you can call here if} you please. and I shall be able to re- port sume prztlgrcss,” said Ml“. Worth. '..:\ chair. i .‘I‘w’ iib‘ll shook hands willl' l the N w:::. I {3.1 L; L .mliililicdl. till THE ililtt WW IMPORTANCE OF THE SILO. Evidently the silo is increasing in po- Dlllarily. I became interested in the use ol Sllflgl‘ as a feed a number of years 880' Writes Mr. G. Latilner. \Vhen two years later I started in the. dairy busi- ness, I fully made up my mind to have one as soon as possible. Previously I had fed corn stovcr and mixed hay with corn and oats mixed as a grain ration. I am now using the silo a third sea- son. It is 14x26 feet and is located at the end of the barn and connects oi- rectly with a feed alley in front of the cows. It cost $188 above the foundaâ€" tion. ' Silage kept perfectly the first season. and was all good after removing about 8 inches of black silage on top. The second season the corn was” badly frost- ed, eight or ten days before being put in the silo, and did not make as good feed as the preceding season. It kept well, however, except the first It or 5 feet, at the top. where there were small spots here and there, 4 or 5 inches in diameter and 2 or 3 inches thick, held. together with a white mold, while all around would be free from mold. I had a similar experience last year; small spots continuing down a little farther than the previous year. The corn was about the right stage of maturity. or perhaps a little riper in the parts where the spots were found than where they were absent. I have been told by several men who used the same power and cutter just preceding or following me, that they found similar spots in their silage. None of these spots was within a foot of the walls, where the silage had been trumped down more than elsewhere. My method of feeding is to give each milking cow 20 to 25 pounds feed, ac- cording to the appetite, and the amount of milk given. I feed three to four quarts bran in the morning when milk- ed. feeding silage after milking. Cows are turned out for water and exercise one to three, hours. according to the weather in the afternoon, and they are under cover if necessary. The same amount of silage in the evening, sprink< led with one' to one and a half quarts oli’l process oil meal-is ready for the cows when they are turned in to be milk- ed. A ration of clover or mixed hay is given at noon and sometimes a few stalks or oat straw when out for a change. __ My former method was to feed corn stover in a manger or. when the ground was frozen, in the barnyard or field near by. using the. ear. either whole (r chopped, with oats as a grain ration. This was inever’a satisfactory way of using our most valuable forage crop. More recently the huskch and shred- ders have come into use, and left the fodder in a condition to be fed with less waste and to better advantage. But even with this improvement. therewere seasons when it was impossible to get the shredded fodder drv enough to pre- vent molding in the mow. Now, with the silo. there are two weeks more (r less. according to the season, in which the corn crop can be secured in the right condition. Then it contains the highest percentage of digestible matter of any stage of its growth and can be fed without any loss whatever. FARM NOTES. .. One good car to each stalk and two" stalks in each hill will make corn yield more than 100 bushels per acre. Many people try to have from three to five stalks per hill and get much 1953 than for bushels per acre. The whole point of forest management- is to have new trees of the most useful: kind take the place of the old just is: soon as possible after they are cut. One thoughtless stroke of the axe will get rid of a fine sapling half the size of a man‘s wrist. and a dozen years of growth is lost. On the other hand, the cutting of a good free may simply open room for worlhlcss trees. A light application of manure will benefit all crops. Some soils will take more manure than others. Care should be‘taken to put the manure on the land when fresh. It should not be left too long in small piles in the fields before spreading. Although the farmer may often be crowded with work, a little leisure time. ought to be had \in which to cut those needs in the. fence corners and along the road. This will add to the appear- ance of the farm, and keep the weeds from ripening their seeds. Weeds and bugs claim much of the attention of the farmer at this season; but if he be master of his business. he will deslroy the former as soon as they germinate. and the latter during the earliest stages of their growth; to neg- *lcct the destruction of either for but a‘ few days will often reduce the crop one-i half and may cause its entire destruc-. tion. LIVE STOCK NOTES. If one has profitable cows, it won‘t. ,pay to allow them to get out of condi- tion by ccol'iouiiziug on feed. and if' they are not all profilalile. now is the; time to do some ct'l'cv'tiye culling. andt, thus save feed for the paying animals} During the heated soils in the animals‘ should lltl\'c :lll .‘vppu'iunity to drink“ late in the owning. This prevents ex-l' ci-ssive thirst in tile lllornlllg and eon-t sbqiimil overloading with \‘.'Ill‘I'. liven- pig xixiicrin: also gives the caretaker the l’l‘CLKiiilf‘Y Ullfd'H‘hiIIlty for if sfclli-i-q] m-l,,-,-'p,ii of the :illin‘ljs and; stables, which is neocssary for the best care. ,