Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1830-06-23
From the Massachusetts, Journal.

i Murder ,ciH Om.-Thc excitement Of
all classes ofpeOple concerning the afro
cious Salem murder, has naturally led to a
great number Of stories connected with
similar subjects. The following, which
| heard in conversation few evenings
since is striking illustration how the
Providence of God can defeat the cum
ming and caution Of man. How often
have the most trivial circumstances led
to the discovery of great crimes! In the
Salem murder, the omission of tho little
word jr. on the outside of letter, led to-
the discovery of transaction which the
vigilance of an excited community had
been unable to detect; in the case | am
about to relate, a toad discorered a mur-
der!
"A gentleman travelling in England
stopped at a village tavern to dine. The
Inn happened to be opposite church,
yard; and while he was waiting for his
dinner, he took fancy to stroll into it. to
read the epitaphs, and talk with the SEX
ton whom he saw at work there.
After some conversation, he remarked
to the sexton, "But you are disturbing the
dead, my good friend; here are bones
you have thrown out" "The ground is
so crowded, that it is impossible to avoid it
sometimes" replied the sexton; "and in
this case, nobody's feelings will be hurt.
That is the skull Of stranger, who died
here suddenly, and none of his relations
ever came to inquire about him. 'Where
did he dic?' asked the traveller. "He
died at that place yonder, where tavern
used to be kept. Five or six years ago,
he arrived at the inn toward night, ate a
hearty supper, went to bed apparently I'M
good health, and was found dead next
morning. His papers gave no clue to his
name, or place of residence; and no one
ever came to claim his clothes, watches,
sc. which were found in his chamber
The physicians thought he died in ftI
in the night time"
"Poor fellow! he had melancholy
fate" exclaimed the traveller, looking att
the bones. AS he spoke, he observed
the skull rock to and fro, with Il sudden
motion; he took it up to examine the
cause, and perceived that toad had
lodged in it. In attempting to thrust the
creature out, he struck his finger against
a nail! This excited his curiosity; and
en- close examination, he perceived that
a nail had been driven through the back
part of the skull He did not make this
discovery known to the sexton; but in the
course of conversation, inquired what sort
of character the landlord had borne, and
whether he still resided at the house he
had pointed out "He is a thrifty mo-
ney-getting man," replied the sexton; 81
never heard any harm ofhim. He bought
a great farm three or four years ago, and
he resides on it now. His old neighbors
wonder how he managed to grow SO rich.
The traveller made no remarks; but OBJ
serving that he had some knowledge and
taste for anatomy, begged leave to keep
the skull. His wish was readily granted.
On his return to the inn, the landlord cor
roborated the story he had heard from
the sexton, without being aware that his
guest had any particular motives for in
quiring. Having ascertaincd where u
justice resided, the traveller waited upon
him and made known the circumstanc es
that had come under his observation.-I
The Squire was personally acquainted
with the former landlord; and agreed to
accompany the traveller to his fam.-||
They were very Hospitality received, and
urged to remain through the night, "You
seem to be very prosperous man" said
the squire, "every thing looks in thriv-
ing order" eyes," replied the farmer,
"Providencc has blessed me in all my
undertakings" "Providence blessed
you!" exclaimed the squire, suddenly
holding up the skull before him, "hasn't
the Spirit of darkness helped you! Look
at this nall" The guilty man turned as
pale as a corpse; and covering his face
with his hands, trembled violently.
He confessed his crime and was exe-
cuted. lie had been tempted by the
sight of large sum of money which the
imprudcnt traveller had opened before ]