Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-09-09
rFrom the Philadelphia Sunday Mercury
THE MURDER AT THE ST. CHARLES.
BY c. NJ.

The inmates of the aristocratic st. Charles
Hotel were, one morning, aroused from their
slumbers by the dreadful intelligence that
murder had been among them. Mr. Aus
tin, q wealthy, retired merchant, had been
found strangled in his bed. No evidence Of
robbery appeared; not an article had been
disturbed: there was no signs of house
breaking; nothing to betoken violence but
the horrible disfgured face. Shrewd de-
tectiyes we're Immediately set to work to
elucidate the mystery. Their practiced
ewes soon concluded that no outside agency
had been at work, but that it was the deed
of some interested inmate of the hotel. But
whoever it was, his track was well hidden.
Their first hasty investigation criminated
no one, but convinced them that the only
party that could be benefited by the deed
was Charles Austin, the nephew Of the de-
ceased. .r...-
AT this junction, Mrs. Austin, who had
been absent, returned, accompanied by Mr..
Smith, close friend of the family. The
poor lady's grief was inconsolable on find
ing realization of the terrible news she
had heard. Mr.. Smith, on being questioned
by the officers, at first could think of none
on whom suspicion could rest but at last
concluded with them that Charles Austin
might have entertained hopes of an Inherit
ance.
"But see herep he exclaimed; "there
is something clasped in the hand Of the
corpse"
After striving for an instant to open the
rigidly-closed hand, the officers watching
with much interest, he handed the detec-
tive coat-button, which seemed to have
Or L. -. al aIxT
examined by all present.
''This is a most important matter" re-
marked one of the officers, tall, handsome
man; "and may lead to conviction of the
murderer. Have either of you an idea to
whom this button belongs"
The lady looked at it with fearful eyes,
and replied:
at pains me to say that it closely re-
sembles the buttons on coat worn by
Charles Austin"
"Ah exclaimed the detective; I" this be-
comes interesting. That young gentleman
requires watching l will have to take
boarding here for few days as private
gentleman, to inquire into this business.
must request you to preserve my incognito,
and advance my purpose as much as posi-
ble."
ave will do so" they replied.
Meanwhile, Mr.. Smith," he continued,
"ind an opportunity to examine the coat
in question, and see if our suspicious are
correct"
The next day a new boarder took quar-
ters at the st. Charles. This was none
other than our gentlemanly detective, whose
GOOD address we'll hid his assumed charac-
ter. He devoted himself particularly to
Charles Austin; and, having an engaging
address that pleased that gentleman-a
somewhat wild, but seemingly good dispo-
sitioned young man-they soon became in
innate. The murder was still the allah
sorbing topic, and Charles expressed very
natural horror at the deed; or as the detec-
tive remarked to Mr. Smith, it might have
been remorse.
Certainly proofs seemed accumulating.
That very day Smith brought him coat,
which Mrs. Austin Immediately recognized
as belonging to her nephew.
"And look here p remarked Smith, point
ing to the row of buttons, from which, in
deed, one was missing, apparently having
been torn off.
"Haw exclaimed the officer snatching
the garment and fitting the button to the
cavity. 1t exactly fitted, and matched the
others.
"This is fearful proof" he continued.
81 could never have believed it" said
Mrs. Austin. "Charles always was of SO
excellent disposition, and so devoted to
his uncle"
"Ah, my dear madam" replied Mr.. Smith,
"you always let your good heart run away
with you. But, in case like this, even
pity is misplaced. Hypocrisy msy put on
any garb, and we must depend on proof
alone, though against all our former con.
Yictions."
"But do you know any other circum'
stance bearing against the young man 7?
asked the officer.
"I have knowledge of one circumstance
that might be important" answered Mr.
Smith; "but l do not wish to injure tn,
youth"
"Justice requires that you submit al
proof, said the officer. "What was thu
circumstance ~
"About eleven o'clock, on the evening o.
the murder" began Smith, "as l was on
the point of retiring, Charles Austin passed
me on the stairs. He walked unsteadily,
and seemed greatly agitated. He was
deadly pale, and started at the slightest
noise. This discomposure, 80 different
from his ordinary selfpossessiOn, naturally
surprised me, anu Wnen the ueAI hoIhihB 3
revealed the murder, l could not help con-
Meeting the two events"
"PrOofs are certainly accumulating," re-
marked the officer. al have no doubt we
shall We able to trace the bloody deed to its
author"
sand yet am sure you must be mistaken
In your suspicious" said the lady.
Proofs are stronger than impressions,
madam, remarked the detective; "but lei
our sUspicions be kent senreI for q few dars