, 1864-01-30

corpse of the murdered man, asked who
had committed the atrocious deed. The
query was addressed to M'Eachern in par
ticular, and by him it was answered. Look
ing at the querist with q countenance Of
great stolidity, he replied
"Oh hon, oh hon! we tree wee Heelan-
men,"
"Whatl was it you that committed the
horrid deed, and do you confess il Ora
cious heaven! what could tempt you to
commit so foul crime 7"
"Ta purse an Ia penny siller."
Gay, that has been the temptation to
many dark deed" replied one Of the gen
tlemen; and, in the next instant, he, with
his own hands, collared one of the atrocious
criminals, calling at the same time on his
companion and servants to do the same to
the other two. They instantly complied
and in the next instant the whole stree
wee Heelanmen" were secured; and in
few minutes after were on their march to
the nearest county town, into which they
were brought in sort Of procession; the
poor men the while greatly marvclling, as
they well might, what could be the meaning
of the treatment they were undergoing.
Having reached the town, they were i'm
mediately conducted before a magistrate,
when one Of the gentlemen who had aided
in their capture detailed to the former the
whole particulars of the shocking occurrence
connected with the prisoners, which they
had just witnessed, adding that the culprits
had confessed their guilt, but had obstinately
refused to give any further account Of them
selves, although repeatedly and earnestly
urged TO do so.
"They will answer no questions" said the
gentleman; shut readily admit that they
are the murderers, and acknowledge their
motives for committing the dreadful crime.
They confess it was plunder."
On this statement being made, the magis-
trate put on his most awful looks, and, ad-
dressing the prisoners, who were staring
about them in the utmost perplexity and
amusement at the novelty Of their position,
said
"Unhappy men, this is dreadful charge
against you; and l much fear, from what
this gentleman has said-and TO whom, by
the way, the public and the cause Of justice
are much indebted for the activity and de-
cision of his exertiOns-I say that much
fear, from what he has said, that there can
be little or no doubt of your guilt How.
ever, you will have the benetit OF iair and and
impartial trial and, IT you choose It, may
stiii recall the confession you are represensed
to have made. DO you still adhere 70 tnat
confession = added the magistrate, pausing
and looking hard at the prisoners. "Speak
was it you that committed the atrocious
murder! :. ,.,,r
,"We tree wee Heelanmen, replied ~ Ea-
chern, who was again spokesman and ne
essayed a smile and q bow as ne spokej ms
companions at the same time confirming his
assertion py series OF nods' ana ali tnree
looking at their interrogator with an alr OF
ccmplacency that was strangely At variance
with the predicament IN which tney STOOD;
AND wnat, Wretchea men, VIVA. ccIio
tempt you 70 the commission ot 50 horrible
. CRIME = continued the magistrate. :,
Ia purse an "a penny siiler' promptly
replied M'Eachern ana again ne smi,e9
ana poweu, ana again ms companions nouueo
their assent 70 ms acknowledgment
Inen, said the magistraIe, nothing
now remains Tor me % 90 put 70 commit
you 70 stand your triai.
And nc was about 70 execute the neces-
sary instruments for such proceeding, when
ne was interrupted by q LOUD noise, as II
crowd Of persons, seeking admission, were