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East Lynne by Mrs. Henry Wood
page 50 of 842 (05%)
"Richard," she suddenly exclaimed, "why not tell the whole circumstances
to Archibald Carlyle? If any one can help you, or take measures to
establish your innocence, he can. And you know that he is true as
steel."

"There's no other man living should be trusted with the secret that I am
here, except Carlyle. Where is it they suppose that I am, Barbara?"

"Some think that you are dead; some that you are in Australia; the very
uncertainty has nearly killed mamma. A report arose that you had been
seen at Liverpool, in an Australian-bound ship, but we could not trace
it to any foundation."

"It had none. I dodged my way to London, and there I have been."

"Working in a stable-yard?"

"I could not do better. I was not brought up to anything, and I did
understand horses. Besides, a man that the police-runners were after
could be more safe in obscurity, considering that he was a gentleman,
than--"

Barbara turned suddenly, and placed her hand upon her brother's mouth.
"Be silent for your life," she whispered, "here's papa."

Voices were heard approaching the gate--those of Justice Hare and Squire
Pinner. The latter walked on; the former came in. The brother and sister
cowered together, scarcely daring to breathe; you might have heard
Barbara's heart beating. Mr. Hare closed the gate and walked on up the
path.
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