CHAPTER XVI.

OWARDS morning Richard sank into an

TOWARD

uneasy slumber, from which he was roused by one of his guards, who brought him breakfast; and in another hour he was again disturbed for the purpose of carrying him before the Genoese authorities. He was not permitted to make any change in his dress, and was paraded through the streets with a guard of soldiers, surrounded by a mob which showered down execrations on him. He had not gone very far when a halt took place, the crowd made way, and the miserable Richard, to his great relief, saw Mr. Erle and Granville pressing forward, and cautiously admitted by the guard to him. They were both in a state of the greatest agitation.

'Richard Boothby, what is this? How came you here? Where have you been all night? Eh! no, it is impossible-you cannot—but what is that blood?'

He could hardly speak at first, but at length the words came forth.

'Of course it is impossible.

Save me, Mr.

Erle. It is a strange, fatal mistake.

Come with

me, Granville, and interpret. Tell them the true story. I have not been able to defend myself because I cannot speak Italian.'

He was beginning eagerly to tell his tale to his friends, but the Captain of the guard stopped the interview, and, separating the friends, marched on. When they reached their destination, Richard was allowed to have Granville near him, and an interpreter on the part of the Genoese was also present. The examination was long and complicated; and to his astonishment and horror, Richard found that the chief witness was Silvio, who, in a calm, concentrated, deliberate, but consistent manner, brought forward much evidence.

In vain Richard declared he was alone; that no one but himself and the real murderer, who ran past him, knew anything of the transaction till he was made prisoner.

Silvio persisted in his statement, which was to the effect that he saw Richard stealing along the streets quite out of his direction, in the neighbourhood of the Count's dwelling; that, knowing that the Count had gone on before, and also having heard Richard ridiculing the Count some weeks ago by name on board the

ship, he felt sure he intended some ill, and followed to prevent it, when he lost sight of him for a few minutes. He then saw him come forward from the shade of a house he mentioned, and turn up the pathway leading to the Count's house, and before he could reach him there were some cries and a groan : and when he (the Italian) had summoned help, they found Richard running away, and the Count dead at his own door.

Then came forward one or two witnesses to prove that Richard had twice quarrelled with the Count; and the fruit-woman, who was among them, identified him by his peculiar countenance, and mentioned having seen him turn up such a street, which must show plainly that he did not intend to return immediately to his friends, as they lived in another street.' The evidence certainly seemed overwhelming; still Granville hoped much from the fact that no weapon had been found upon him, but when he suggested this, the officer in charge produced a stiletto which, stained with blood, had been picked up at a little distance by some one near the scene of bloodshed. Granville and Mr. Erle both declared their certain conviction that Richard never possessed such an article, and had no means of obtaining it. It was simple and ordi

nary, with no distinctive mark, and no light was thrown on the affair. Mr. Erle gravely returned the weapon to the officer, and as the evidence was now concluded, he begged for time to find witnesses on Richard's part, which was accorded, and the prisoner removed to a miserable room in an Italian prison, already condemned by the universal opinion of all Genoa; and his friends returned home full of sad forebodings as to the issue of the trial which must take place shortly. They had been greatly alarmed at Richard's non-appearance the previous night, but had quieted themselves with the idea that the Captain had taken him on board. The first thing in the morning they sent off to the ship, but could gain no tidings of him, and on the messenger's return, news were brought them that a murder had been committed the night before in the city; and, full of fears, they directly set out to ascertain who was the victim, apprehensive lest Richard should have fallen. It was while on their way that they met the procession; and now, though fully convinced of Richard's innocence, Granville could not help seeing how alarmingly consistent was the circumstantial evidence; as for Mr. Erle, his own faith was slightly shaken; he could not help fearing that in some moment of fury Richard might have

been tempted to do that from which he in his calmer moments would have revolted. However, he constantly reassured himself with, It is not an Englishman's mode of venting his rage; it is more like a crafty Italian. No, I don't believe it. By-the-bye, Granville, who is that witness? he could speak English. Haven't I seen-oh, to be sure. Isn't he--ay, he is one of my men. How comes he to be so very knowing, eh? I'll have the man here and examine him, and get him sent off in double quick time.'

'I doubt if you can do that,' said Granville; 'I dare say the authorities will not let him leave Genoa at present, but we might have Captain Dare here, and I will get hold of Silvio if I can. I have a hold on his gratitude, and shall use it. I know him well, now you say who he is; and I believe he has some grudge against Richard, which will account for much; only how are we to disprove this terrible circumstantial evidence ?'

Captain Dare was soon over, much distressed at the state of things. He confirmed the suspicions about the Italian's feelings towards Richard at least, he said that he saw the Italian had some spite against Richard, and he believed Richard teased Silvio a little sometimes, but not much. From the sailors they obtained more in