The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1868-01-09
For the JeffeTsoniah.
THE UNION VOLUNTEER.
BY H. LANGFORD.
CHAPTER XIII.
D A r X PL o T S.

Gonsalvo was seated in his private
room; and upon the table lay pile Of
papers, among which he shuf1ed occasion
ally. One drawback remained upon his
happiness, and that was the Disappearance
of certain document, whose possession
enabled him to exercise great influence
in society on account of his wealth; and
that paper in the hands of any other
would Immediately expose him to disgrace,
and, perhaps, public trial. This calamity
caused him some uneasiness, but the hope
of recovering from existence, those no
stood in the path of prosperity, somewhat
relieved his present suffering, and led him
to depend for peace and happiness in the
selection of an accomplished executor
With these intentions he sat quietly, and
forced himself to smile, looking with sat
isfaction on the letter which he held in
his hand.
The door opened softly, and servant
entered to announce a visitor. GOnsalvo
glanced over the card, and directed that
he should be admitted at once The SER
want retired, and he commenced to clear
away the documents in haste then sat
down to await the appearance of the
guest.
"Tbe Honorable Mr. Edgerton." And
the attendant, as he announced the visi-
tor, closed the door and retired. Con
salvo rose quickly AMI courtesied, at the
same time inviting him to seat, and, af-
ter few remarks as to the weather and
the news of the day, they proceeded to
business.
Having, for considerable time,
heard Of your abilities as a detective Off
GER, and learned much of your exploits
while engaged in that honorable profes-
sion, sent for you on a very great mat
ter of importance, and calculated to be
very injurious to those whom it may con-
cern. Besides, fully confident that your
sagacity for hunting up clues to perpe.
trations of robbery, or any thing else that
disturbs the common veal, is oftentimes
very shrewd and active, and has proved
itself extremely useful to the civil author,
tiles in general, hem you agree with
me, Mr.. Edgerton?"
Possibly, Mr.. Cameon, though fail
ure has often attended my most vigilant
efforts"
Hem. OF course, sir, there are case.
occurring that defy detection; but sup,
pose case where there are actual proofs
of ones dishonesty, aud clues also as tc
where he may be found; do you think
there are, or could be any impediments
to his arrest?"
Certainly not, Mr.. Cameon, provided
the law took cognizance of his offence
and issued warrants"
Issued ,rarronts, hem, hem. You
mean writs, enabling one man to arrest
another?"
Yes, sir.
Hem. Well, we will suppose tha
there are conditional circumstances con
nected with the above case, hem. Sup
pose that he to whom the inquiry wa:
done was unwilling to give his offender
over to the course Of the law, but would
greatly reward any person who should
arrest him, and give his offender over tC
his own custody. Do you think that such
a proceeding would be illegal?"
OF course, sir, the laws of the coun
try do not permit the guilty to be pun.
ished by him who is individually wronged
There are common rights established foI
offenders The Commonwealth DEGREES
their punishment or pardon, and private
vengeance cannot be tolerated = the ag.
grieved must appeal to the Law in every
case"
Gonsalvo drew his chair closer, and de
termined to bring the business to point
Edgerton had ere this perceived that the
wrong which was committed on him wa,
a private one, and would fetch price
consequently he kept aloof from inquiry
knowing that in his own good time the
secret would come out; with this appar
ent knowledge of the matter he continued
in the same legal toner
You see, Mr.. Cameon, that if the Law
sanctioned private redress, any man could