The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1859-11-25
VOL. 1.

ly expected, and of hearing Of many kline
attentions TO myself. | even saw my sis
ter and her bridegroom, as they passec
into the little room where the nice things
prepared for the wedding breakfast were
set out; and my sister begged my mother
to have portion of all the deicacies saved
for me in case arrived too late to partake
with the guests.
[ thanked the dear in nv heart for this
kind thoughtfulness, though | could no,
help fancying it might have been induced
by her remembrance of my feats of glut
tony during my school bov variations. Al
an early hour | was shown to comfort
able chamber in the wing devoted to the
servants and farm Iaborers, where | slept
soundly until The dawn Of day, Of the fol
lowing morning. As soon As | avoke
-prang from my bed, intending TO 20 al
once 10 my room, dress myself in the
handsomest garments which had been pre-
pared for and awaited me there and then
present myself to my mother
But while [ was hurriedly slipping on
the peddler's garments, saw lying at my
feet something that attracted nv curiosity.
| raised it and found it to be solid piece
Of paper, wrapped about pebble, which
had evidently been thrown into my low.
open window. ! unfolded the paper and
read these words which were written on
| the surface:
"Come to the woods and make chang.
again | must be off at once
did not understand this, but snpposing
the peddler was anxious to resume his
dress adapted to his calling, and thinking
L was still in time to return, dress, and
surprise my mother, | finished arraying
myself in his garments, and then jumping
from my low window. made my way across
The fields towards the woods.
At the last point ere | entered them,
turued and looked back to the house. 1t
seed to me that there was an unusual stir
about its general quiet precincts, but con
cluding 1t arose from the expected we'd
| ding and It's arrangements, hurried on,
my only thought being that as everybody
was awake and stirring. I should. after all
be obliged to make my appearance in my
own character
| had some little difficulty IN finding he
spot where the peider had deposited his
pack. and where | expected to meet him
think it was quite half an hour and per
haps more, ere reached it, and when
reached no peddler was visible. called
| him and receivd no answer, began 10
look about | saw that tie vines had been
torn rudelv from the crevice where the
Npack was hidden | removed them and
f4ul Ihat the pack was no longer there
IIe hsI gone and shall have to 90 home
IN tins dress after all" Thought, and
was tur0lny in that direction, when the
.s!rGteru5 Of some article within the Gre
yice attracted my attention. | thrust my
hand III and drew out package Of silver
spoons. partially wrapped IN tissue paper
and worked with my sisters name.
was still holding them in my hand
and lost in wonder as to how they came
there, when was aroused by shouting
and trampling in the woods. and IN anoth
er moment several men, armed with varl
Gus offensive weapons, burst through the
ticket and surrounded me.
The surprise and shock were so grea
that | had never been able to describe the
scene beyond this point until found my
self led back over the fields | had just pas
sed prisoner, and learned that was ac
cused Of the foulest crime-that robbery
and murder had been done, and that
had been seen where | fingered on The
outskirts of the woods, followed, aud The
seeming proof of my connection with these
fearful deeds found iu my hands.
|
reached the house. Servants were flying
in all directions, weeping aud pale witt
horror Nv sister was lying on sofa II
the little family room, her face buried II
+ the cushions and her form convulsed viii
emotion, while her husband elect stood
near, trying evidently to impart SOM
words ofconsolatIou which he knew wer'
vain But was not allowed t. stop here
but being led. almost thrust, into IN,
mothers bed room, which adJolned thu
apartment. found myself in the presence
IF her remains.
Till then had vaguely realized th'
crimes whereof was accused But thu
siyht told me all 1t was with a cry 0
, mortal agony, that tho~e strong men wh'
, had held and surrounded me will never for
, pet. that | burst from their grasp an
t threw myself beside my dead mother bu
all unavailing were my burning tears an
: bitter remorse. There was the ghastl
, wound which had let out life, and thong
: her face WAS calm and peaceful, 1t was tn
, face of the dead.
. | had no great difficulty in causing my
self TO be recognized by my sister, and b
nv old friends and neighbors; and while
, related nv unwarrantable confidence wit
| the peller, and my silly freak of masque
rading my self accusations were lar great
er than any they could utter. Ny stor
. gave the clue to the real robber and mui
| derer, aud men were presently scourinI
the woods and the bleak bill country be
!, yond in pursuit.
He was not to be found, however In
g wiley villain had laid his plan well, an
5 coutriyed TO get clear away, carr, ing wit
him a large sum OF money and near a
3 nv sisters more valuable wedding gifts.
E These he had taken from room With
r INV mothers AMI in returning had probab