The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-02-25

!. UNDER sUsPICION

UNDER sUsPICTog. 4 ~
So jamie went away with the constable
and / sat all night by the Fireplace moan
ing and crying, as I thought Of my poo
boy in the stone-cold cell Of the Jail. Whel
morning dawned, tried to rouse myself TO
the duties of the day, but, oh, how lionel,
and desolate the little kitchen looked, ant
when laid the table and put Jamie's plat
in its accustomed place, and thought hov
for long days he would not be there to ca
any more. my eyes filled with tears, and
rest spread quickly through the village
When they told it to Maggie Bryan, tn,
brave girl tied on her hood, and goins
straight to the Jail, demanded an interview
with her lover. She never doubted his in
nocence for moment, and, there, with the
bleak, dreary walls surrounding her, she
vowed to remain faithful and true to him
always, and devote every energy to secure
his vindication and release. Her presence
cheered jamie, and she came from The jail
to my cottage, bringing many hopeful mes
sages from the dear boy. From her. first
learned in full the charge against him. II
seems that, on Sunday night, Jamie had
been seen near the Presbyterian Church,
shortly before the fire was discovered there.
Nor, was that tie worst. Joseph Milward,
whose father owned the factory where my
son worked, was ready to swear that he saw
jamie rush from the vicinity of the vestry,
where the fire broke out, and that he spoke
to him as he passed. David Butler, wealthy
young man, was MiIward's companion, and
his statement was the same. Jamie's ex-
amination-the preliminary examination
they called it-took place on Tuesday. The
magistrate heard the evidence, and said that
he must commit tho prisoner to await the
action OF the Grand Jury. We might have
got him out on bail, but there were none to
become his bondsmen; for though Jamie
had plenty of friends, they were all poor.
The boy spoke no harsh words whatever.
"Twin make no difference, mother, ~
he said, when I first saw him in his cell,
''for the jury is in session, and if they find
an indictment against me, shall be tried in
few days. You have money enough saved
up to live on these many weeks, and they
will acquit me in the end.'
"But, Jamie, asked, ''what does young
Milward mean by his evidence? He has
perjured himself, has he not?"
jamie hid his face in his hands for mo-
ment, then looking up. he said resolutely:
IL can't answer your question, mother
God must judge between him and me. u
Then, changing the subject, "Can you get
me lawyer. mother?"
'Of course can, and will
And, after little more talk, left Jamie
and sought the Office of Squire Carnan. A
good man the Squire was, and an honest
lawyer. When he discovered who was and
my business, he told me bluntly that he did
not wish to undertake the case.
"And are you afraid that I'll not pay
youP" I asked. Indeed, sir, if it costs
years of labor, you shall receive every cent
that you charge
He smiled sadly.
''No, madam, tits no. the money, he said
''but do not like to feel that the saving of
anybody's life depends on my efforts"
Iife," [ replied; "would they hang
Jamie?'
IF found guilty, in all probability they
WILL" he replied.
Iscarcely / knew what said, but begged
and implored Mr.. Carnan to save the poor
boy. At last he consented to visit him
''and If am convinced of his innocence, u
he added, "I will endeaYor to obtain his ac-
quittal."
SO the Squire went to the Jail, las was
told afterwards and saw my son alone.
"James," said he. kindly s'I want to
know the truth in this case. My position
as lawyer, and the rules of the court,
render whatever you may tell me now q
sacred secret. By acknowledging your
guIt-if You ara guilty. shall be able to
shape my defence so as to obtain the light
est possible punishment
Then jamie stood up boldly in his cell
and raising his right hand towards Heaven,
he said:
CONCLUDED IN OUR NEXT.