North Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1867-current, 1869-06-23
WHOLE No. 662.
A Detectives Experience.

creepers shading the doorway. A young
girl peered from the tangled foliage out
into darkness; the young face wore an
anxious look, and the eyes were sad with
sorrow. The bright golden curls were
thrown back and little white hand was
lifted to the ear as if to catch the first
echo of footstep. The light from the
room flashed oyer the sunny tresses that
shown in the glare like golden crown.
Suddenly the report of pistol rent the
air, and man staggered and fell at her
feet. "1
The noise Of the street had long died
out. The busy city was sunk to rest; the
wild fever that had burned along its arte-
ries had ceased in that secluded spot no
sound was heard, save the pistol shot and
the death rattle as the victims pallid face
was raised appealingly."
"These were the facts as they were re-
lated to Mr.. land myself" said Mr..
p, an hour afterwards.
The head Of the dead man was pillowed
on his daughters lap, and to the stiffened
lips she pressed her own repeatedly. But
friends interposcd and the man was carri-
ed into the house.
"IIave you an idea who did it."
l asked Of the young lady.
She hesitated moment. Not even her
overwhelming sorrow had power to sup
press the blush that stained her neck and
face with burning glow.
~ haye none p she said falteringly.
did not believe her. Whoever the as
sassin was, she knew him. l was satisfied
of this, although some reason, for which
l could not then account, kept her silent.
This was all the public learned from the
daily papers. 1t was related in the Plea
yune as all, and for awhile it passed from
mems thoughts. But you know what 9TH
ers forget we remember. The detectives s
work is never done. The clue lost must
be regained. But in this instance the
mystery seemed impenetrable. Still the
belief that the girl knew by whom the fa-
tai shot was fired kept her constantly in
my mind. watched her incessantly.
searched out her history-learned of her
loves-her courtships and all the secrets
that young ladies guard so sacredly. l
asceytained from them that she had been
addressed by young man Of disso.ute
habits, and wild. wayard character.
She was an heiress in her own right,
but her fortune depended on her mar
rying with her fathers consent. | now
| settled in my own mind who was the mur>
derer. But had no proof. Since the
night of the tragedy he had not come near
her. But something assured me that an
interview would take place. To this end
waited patiently.
1t was Mardi-Gras night-the night of
the carnival. The brilliantly lighted city
was wild with excitement. The popula.
tion was in mask. The sound If music
the sound of echoing feet-reached the
street from many a palatial home and pub
lie building-a night of revelry. stood
in the centre Of room thronged with
dancers, my eyes never straying from a
blue demino. / had traced it here. l
knew the lady who wore it; l had seen
the milliner who fashioned it; had seen
| it fitted to the beautiful face. l had not
lost sight of her from early dawn. She
was standing underneath the chandelier
when man approached her dressed as a
harlequin. Instinct would have told ME
who he was, had not heard the sound Of
his voice-the simple word
"Mary?"
The girl trembled violently, but heard
the reply
''Murderer ~
"It was for love of your'
SIT was for love of my money-go! /
have not and will not betray you. But l
will never willingly look on your face
again."
"You will desert me then ?'
"Would you have me marry the man
who killed my parent?'
"Mary, what else could DOR
did not wait for the reply. l had
proof enough now. I whispered in his
ear and he followed me from the room.
"You are my prisoner!''
"For what?' he enquired haughtily.
"For murder p replied, looking at
him steadily in the eye. lie bore the look
unainchingly for moment and then broke
down utterly.
"Mary has betrayed me p he said.
"Not so but heard your conversa>
tionr'
"No matter, I will confess it," and he
did. 1t is useless to repeat the recital. 1t
was such as wild, impetuous nature.
Injured to crime, would be likely to make.
A great effort was made by his friends to
save him, but in vain. The crime he per-
petrated was too cruel-the deed too heart
less. He is in middle age, but his hair is
white, and his face is wrinkled with care
An old man, whom remerse has cheated
Of youth. The girl yet lives in the city,
unmarried. She has strange heart, and
a mind wrapped by affection. She re-
fused to testify even at the trial.
GARTER VERsEs.-Willis, when in Ger