Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-04-29
THE PORCELAIN BUTTON.
BY AN Ex-DETECTIvE.

member the mysterious murder commit
ted in Grand Street, Williamsburgh, in
the year 1886. The facts are simply
thus -
Mrs. Weldon, an old inhabitant of
Williamsburgh, lived in a small frame
house at the further end of Grand street,
at that time very sparsely built up. A
niece and servant girl were the only per-
sons residing with her. The former ap-
peared to be very much attached to hes
aunt, and attended to her wants with fl
ial assiduity. The domestic had lived
with Mrs. Weldon for FIVE years, and
was considered good servant.
Mrs. Weldon was widow lady of am
pie means in the shape of an annuity,
(which was paid to her quarterly, but
which was to cease with her death. She
was rather miserly in her disposition,
and accustomed to hoard up money
Her husband at one time had lost con-
siderable amount by the breaking of
bank, and since then no one could per-
suade her to have anything to do with
any bank. 1t was supposed that this
boarding propensity was known only to
the niece, Miss Millwood, and the servant
girl Hannah.
One morning in September, 1886, the
inhabitants of Grand street were electri-
fed by the report that Mrs. Weldon had
been discovered dead in her bed; and
that strong proof of guilt existed against
her niece, Miss Mhwood.
read the account in the newspapers,
and supposed it was one of those plain
cases which admit of no doubt. The
matter having occurred in WiIliamsburgh,
it was out of my beat and / thought 10
more about it.
The following morning, while at break
fast, my servant girl informed me that
a gentleman wanted to see me. told
the girl to show him up, my time was
precious, and l would converse with him
while at breakfast.
Almost Immediately afterwards young
man of very respectable appearance en-
tered the room. l motioned him to a
seat.
d" Mr.. johnson" be said, " 1 have come
on very painful business. l want your
assistance" He hesitated to proceed.
"What can do for you, my dear sir ?"
l replied You may command me-"
d" You have doubtless read about the
murder in Williamsburgh, the day before
yesterday. a young lady, Miss Emily
Milwood, has been arrested on suspicion.
Now 1 know she is innocent, and want
your assistance to prove it."
q have read the particulars in the
newspapers, and must confess the evil
dence appeared to me to be overwhelm-
ing
Il know the evidence is strong against
her." he replied, &" but if you knew Emily
as well as do, sir, you would be morally
certain that she is incapable of he deed
The young man spoke with such
warmth that l looked at him somewhat
euriousIy.
d" Are you related to Miss Milwood p
| asked.
- Mr.. johnson, l will tell you all; the
truth is, we are engaged to be married.
l have known her from a child. Her
heart is pure and noble; she would not
injure worm, much less murder her
aunt and benefactor."
1 began to feel interested in the case
and told him that 1 would proceed at
once to Williamsburg and investigate
the matter. He thanked me, and bade
me good morning, and promising to call
the following day to learn the result of
my inquiries
hurried through my breakfast, and
proceeded at once to the scene of the
tragedy. 1 found the room exactly in
the same condition as it was when the
murder was first discovered.
It was front room In the second
story. Mrs. Weldon must have been
asleep when the deed was done. She
was discovered hanging half out Of the
bed with her throat cut in frightful man
ner. The bed and carpet were stained
with blood. And strange to say, the
blood could be traced to the door where
Miss Milwood slept, but no farther.
1t appeared that some persons in the
street were alarmed early in the morn
ing by the servant girl looking out of
her mistress chamber window and cali
ing " murder p They Immediately went
to the front door, and found il fastened
securely. The back doors and RindoRs
were also fastened. Some watchmen