"In the mean time," he added, "I will order you, Nell M'Collum, to be
strictly confined, until I ascertain whether she can be produced or not.
Your haunts may be searched with some hope of success, while you are in
durance; but I rather think we might seek for her in vain, if you were
at liberty to regulate her motions. I cannot expect," he added, turning
to the stranger, "that you should prosecute one so nearly related to
you, even if you had proof, which you have not; but I am almost certain,
that she has been someway or other concerned in the robbery. You are a
modest, interesting woman, and I regret the loss you have sustained. At
present there are no grounds for committing any of the parties charged
with the robbery. This unhappy woman I commit only as a vagrant, until
her niece is found, after that we shall probably be able to see somewhat
farther into this strange affair."
"Something tells' me, sir," replied the stranger, "that this young man
is as innocent of the robbery as the child unborn. It's not my intention
ever to think of prosecuting him. What I have done in the matter was
against my own wishes."
"God in heaven bless you for the words!" exclaimed the parents of
O'Rorke, each pressing her hand with delight and gratitude. The woman
warmly returned their greetings, but instantly felt her bosom heave
with a hysterical oppression under which she sank into a state of
insensibility.
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