thin spoons, real silver, on which she greatly prided herself; they were gone. A large silver watch, together with a red silk shawl and a Bandana handkerchief, very regular parts of her Sunday attire, were also not to be found.
After the first burst of dismay was over, two subjects were universally started as topics of conversation; first, how every one had predicted that "a poor lone woman" was sure to be murdered; and, secondly, as to "who was the murderer?" Here there was an unusual coincidence of opinion. A gipsy and his wife had for the last week been in the neighbourhood, and their presence had been testified by innumerable small thefts. The man was dogged and sullen, apparently without occupation or motive for staying among them; the woman pretty, active, and with a great gift of fortune-telling. Many recollected seeing them both prowling about the little shop; and some, who came in last, stated that their encampment by the nut-tree wood was deserted. After the coroner's inquest, suspicion was sufficiently roused for a warrant to be issued for the apprehension of the prisoners. They were overtaken in a by-lane some miles distant, and brought to Newcastle, vehemently protesting their innocence.
The female was first examined. She evidently required to have the questions put to her in the simplest form, otherwise, from her imperfect knowledge of the English tongue, she could not com-
