The Broken Emblem.

gold Avatcb and chain , but they , too , were gone . Upon removing his clothing about the region of the heart , a gash about an inch in width Avas found , from AVMCII oozed a little blood , showing where some deadly instrument bad entered . " Murdered !

" said the doctor , and " murdered " Avas Avlhspered from lip to li p throughout that croAvd of spectators , " Murdered and robbed by some party to tbisjury unknown , " Avas tlie verdict of tlie Coroner ' s jury ; and thus it still remains , " murdered , " but only tlie

grand inquest at the last great day shall reveal tlie name of the murderer . After tlie inquest Avas ended , Colby and Neivton gave orders for bringing the body to the village and preparing it for the grave . Then they roturnend to the hotel to get a change of clothing , and by this time much needed refreshments .

The two friends and Brothers , Colby and Neivton , seemed naturall y , as Fraternally , called upon to take a sort of supervisory care of the affairs of their deceased Brother Clark , and make all necessary arrangements for his decent and proper burial . After

partaking of a substantial breakfast , and Avbile waiting the coming of tlie body , the two friends Avere startled hy an as yet unthouglit of difficulty . Tins difficulty ivas suggested to them b y the sight of little Belle , as she Avas sporting amid the

floAvers of the park on the lakeward side of the hotel . In the sonwful excitement of the past feiv hours , her very existence seemed b y them to have been forgotten . But now , as if by common impulse , both asked the question , " What is to become of herf

Neither Avas prepared to ansiver , and both remained for a feiv moments silent . "I Avonder , " said NeAvton , "if any one lias told lier of her father ' s death . " " I think not , " said Coldb y , " hut let ' s inquire and find out . " And entering the hotel

, they sent a servant to ask Miss Sherill to grant them a short interview . In a moment their messenger returned and invited them into the parlour where Miss Sherill aAvaited their coming . After the usual compliments of courtesy were passed

by the lady and two young men , upon their entrance into the parlour , Colby at once entered upon the subject uppermost in bis mind , by inquiring of Miss Sherill if little Belle bad been informed of the death of lier lather .

"No , " said Miss Sherill ; and the tears started as she replied , " I could not tell lier ; ' twould kill me to see lier suffer as she must , neither can I find any one in the house who will consent to perform the painful duty , so it lias not been done , and I cannot do it . "

While she Avas still speaking , Belle came in at tho door , and Avith a happy smile on her iace , bade them all good morning . Colby bad frequently spoken to her before tins time , and was on very good terms with her , and IIOAV feeling it to be Ms

duty , as no one else Avould do it , lie determined to be himself the bearer of the terrible HOAVS of her bereavement to the . little girl . Extending both Ms hands toivai'ds her , be said , " Good morning , little Belle , Avon't you come and shake

bands Avith me . " " Yes sir , " replied the child , and going up to Mm , laid both her little hands in Ms . " "Would you not like to go and ivalk in the park Avitb me a little while , " said lie .

'' Oh , yes , " and lier eyes fairly danced Avitb joy , " I saw such a pretty little bird out there just IIOAV ; I hope Ave can find it again , and maybe dear papa will come Avlieu Ave are out there , " and she started to lead the Avay out , holding on to Colby ' s band .

His heart and throat Avere too full for utterance , but takhig the child up in Ms arms and impulsively pressing her to bis bosom , be Avalked out into tlie park and took a seat on a rural bench in tlie shade of a great ebn—still holding Belle in bis aims—and Avhile be gazed on lier happy

face , he felt that bis coinage was fast ebbing away , and if be was to tell the little girl the sorrowful tale at all , be must tell it at once . " Belle , darling , " said he , and his voice trembled , and in spite of himself the tears chased each other quickly down Ms

cheeks , " I have bad news to tell you about your dear papa , and you must try and be a good girl and not feel too bad Avben I tell it . " Belle slipped from bis arms and stood before Mm gazing into his face—her bright smile Avas gone , the rose blush bad fled from

lier cheek , and every feature bad assumed the expression of one suffering the most intense agony . "What is it , sirl what is the matter with my papa ? " said she in a hoarse AvMsper .