The Solitary Farm. Hume Fergus

I do," said Tunks, sturdily, "corn don't pay, and there was always only one pathway left. Now my idea is – "

      "We don't want to hear your ideas," said the Coroner; "get down. Silas Pence."

      The young preacher's examination occupied only a few minutes. He said that he was absent from his lodgings until eleven, and then returned to find the note. As it was late he did not call, and went to bed, as his landlady could prove. He had no reason to believe that Captain Huxham expected to be murdered, and considered that the old sailor was more than capable of looking after himself. Witness was very friendly with the Captain and wished to marry Miss Huxham, an arrangement to which the Captain was quite agreeable. Witness presumed that Huxham wished to see him about the projected marriage when he wrote the note asking witness to call. Next morning when about to pay the visit, witness heard of the murder.