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something bright at the bottom of the Water which I took up, and found to be a huge clasp-knife with the letters R. S. scratched rudely on the handle. I shud- dered to think that with this very instru- ment the fatal deed was probably commit- ted, and we were confirmed in this opinion by discovering marks of blood on the handle, which the water had not wholly washed away.
When the ceremony of interment was
over and before any person began to retire Mr THOMSON, standing on a grave-stone informed the company, that it was the wish of the sheriff that no person should be per- mitted to leave the church-yard till an ex- amination had taken place, which might serve to throw some light on this dark and horrid business. ‘Huzza!’ cried ROBERT Stewart; ‘that’s right! I'll guard the yett and let none out.’ ‘You are saved that trouble, young man,’ replied Mr THOMSON ‘for there are constables already posted at the gate, and none need attempt to make their escape. I must request every person,’ con- tinued he, ‘to sit down on the grass in the vacant space at the north side of the church, arranged as nearly in rows as possible. That you may not think this request un- necessary, I will explain to you the reason of it. The murderer, whoever he was, left
