Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1860-06-22


was his astonishment on his arrival to learn
that his brother, who had Just been admit !
ted at the bar, had taken up the case for
him, and that his trial was even then pro-
ceeding. He FASTENED TO the Courtroom,
entered softly, and was about taking his
seat when Sheriff Wilkins called out, "Ilere
is our prisoner, don't let him escape again p
Every eye was turned toward the new
conner who walked boldly forward, bowed
and said, f" Gentlemen, had made good my
escape, since which time i have learned to
place the most perfect trust in Providence,
and am here to-day to assert my inno-
cence,-but | will not hinder you"
There was evidently great sensation
through the room, but all were silent, and
Lucius was allowed to seat himself among
the spectators, and the trial proceeded.
The next witness called and sworn was
John Walters, one who had been tried and
found guilty of making and passing coun-
terfeit money. He said, came here as
witness against Lucius Randall, but my
conscience will not allow me to say what
you expect me to. freely acknowledge
that am guilty of all that has been brought
against me, but it is my firm conviction
that Randall is innocent. The watch found
in his possession was one that ] sold him.
James Wilkins, whose name was found in
the watch, had few days before traded
watches with Leland Raymond, who at the
time was disguised, with the intention Of
making Wilkins believe that he was Lu-
cius Randall. 1t was FOR this purpose that
L. r. was marked on the outside of the
watch (these letters being the initials OF
Randall's name as well as his own). Ray
mond hired me to sell the gold watch TO
Randall at very low price, that in case
the money given to Wilkins in trading
watches, proved to be counterfeit, the guilt
might rest upon Randall, and thus he would
gain revenge which his father had so vainly
sought"
Walters was severely cross-questioned
but to no effect. He knew he had told the
truth, and questions could not disturb him
| There was no other witness called, and the
pleas followed Immediately. They were
short but the one of Edward Randall was
rich with justice and eloquence.
There was great joy at least in one fami.
ly, as the jury returned after short alb.
sence, and pronounced Lucius Randall
Nor GUILTY!"
Many friends instantly pressed arount
| Lucius to congratulate him on his courage
and success, all of whom received genia
smile and kindly pressure of the hand, but
words he could not give; and whenever he
tried to speak, the deep emotions of graft
tude would well up from his heart, ant
gladness checked his voice. Then ther,
was father, mother and a brother, press
ing through tine crowd, eager to clasp thu
hand so dear to them.
That evening, as the little family gath
cred around the home-fre, Mrs. Randall
remarked, j" "There is only one thing t.
mar our happiness tonight, but the lightes
thought of our dear lost Lily will brinl
tears to my eyes, even when all else i
shrouded in gladness."
i" But mother, truly believe that ou
sister will soon be with US. There is some
thing in my heart that makes me sure Q
this. / feel that heaven has protected hei
and cannot help thinking that all will 500
be explained" said Lucius who had scarce
ly ceased speaking when Sheriff Timou
came in.
al am here on important business" sal
Timour quickly, l have just come fror
the company of the five men who hav
lately been detected in making and passin
counterfeit money. They all agree i
stating that Leland Raymond was one G
their company. and that he escaped deteC
, ton by being hid, somewhere in the noun
tain, with young and beautiful girl, whor
he had taken prisoner in this city. Th
, girl, say they, was no other than your ow
daughter. The girl was very unhappy an
! her misery had made her poor and pale
This was said in hurried manner, but a
the family we're on their feet before h
ceased speaking, SO eager were they
, know all concerning the dear one, an
:, again to be on the search for her and th
I villain who had so long kept her his pri;
, oner.
| We must 90 this moment " said fathe
, and brothers, almost in the same breath.
Blu, amid your anxiety you must us
your judgment" said Timour. sour youn
friend here" continued he, turning TO Ii
cius. " is so much worn out that shall IL
: sist upon his remaining with his mothe
else fear he will find his grave ere we rt
turn. But you, Edward, and your fathe
, may 90 with me, for shall need you bot
/ presume.
, After few moments consultation thes
!, arrangements were agreed upon, and er
the clock told the hour Of nine, the ihre