The Argosy, Vol. XII

Dene Hollow, by the Author of *East Lynne* (serialized, December 1, 1871) Chapter XIX concludes the story arc of Randy Black. While taking an evening walk, Mary Barber—a servant at Harebell Farm—discovers Black mortally wounded at the Trailing Indian inn. His gun has discharged while he attempted to clean it, loaded contrary to his expectation. As he lies dying on the kitchen floor, Black confesses to Mary that Captain Jarvis Clanwaring (not Tom Clanwaring, the suspected innocent) stole Sir Dene's bag of money on New Year's Day. Black had known but remained silent, bound by mutual blackmail with the Captain. With surgeon Priar and the clergyman attending, Black makes a final confession of petty sins—smuggling, poaching, receiving stolen goods—before the wound reopens fatally. He dies on the kitchen floor, seeking redemption at the eleventh hour.