Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1869-07-22

had been published by the authoritie,
and in many heart arose the desire I
earn the money. The detectives dis
played an extraordinary activity. Wit
} such snug sum to reward them 70
doing their duty, there was no lack O
attention on their part to be complain
ed of.
But thus far all searches had been il
vain. In every direction by telegraph
the news Of The murder. and a minut
description Of the portfolio and Its val
liable contents, as well as OF the ribbol
knot and the gold watch, chain, an,
the portemonnaie had been most exten
sively published. Still no news hat
as yet reached the head department
and the police hal not even been abl,
to fix any suspicion upon any bod,
whatever.
The two laborers who had found the
dead man first were known as strictly
honorable people, and had proved al
alibi. by bringing forward the inmate:
Of their house and their neighbors.
More and more it became eviden,
that the murderer had succeeded in
making his escape with the spoils. The
sum was so great that the robber would
strain every nerve to reach a seaport
but even then he was sure TO be detect
ed, for agents of the police were sent
| to every harbor. and Mr.. Burns had
placed IA very considerable sum at their
disposal. as he had promised. Almost
every day he called at the judges office
to ascertain what reports had come in.
Judge Simmons himself took the great
| est interest in the matter which had
created such q sensation, for every
body questioned him about it, and he
| felt that detecting the murderer was n
matter Of honor and conscience for
him. But all his efforts had proved
fruitless, and not n single clue had
been found which he could follow up.
when most unexpected incident turn
ed up. A constable. who had passed
the forester's residence, found the
empty portfolio of young Burns in a
neighboring thicket. He brought it in
triumph 10 Mr. Simmons. who now be-
gan to feel degree of interest that
was quite extraordinary. II was at
least something Of a clue. Without
delay he sent for Mr. Burns. who
recognized the pocket-book ~ the one
belonging To his son. The old man
swore that it was the same Henry had
! about him on that dire after noon. To
t,lry. bar
ance, it had been lying in the thicket
for weeks.
How had il come thither This ques-
tion the judge was trying 10 answer to
himself after old Burns had left him.
The spot where it had been found was
at some distance from the place where
the murder had been committed.
Among all his suppositions, the one
that the robber had thrown rtIe portfolio
hastily away when making his escape
seemed Ia Mr.. Simmons the most prob
able, for if he had not been afraid of
speedy detection, he would have dcs-
troyed it or chosen another hiding
place.
Presently there was knock at the
door
FART VII.
The judge had not noticed the
knocking at his door. He was alb
sorbed in deep thought while sitting in
his armchair. 1t was Doctor Eckert
who now entered; he was the family
ply sician OF the Simmons, and came
for the purpose of prescribing for one
OF the children.
Il hope do not intrude, he said,
extending his hand to the Judge.
'.Oh no, not at all was only re-
hecting and trying to form some
plan.
Il thought you were not in. SO en-
tered to write my prescription.
won't trouble you for long while.
well, was absent in my thoughts
people like YOU do not know how we
judges feel sometimes; this awful
Burns tragedy deprives me Of peace
and rest in daytime, and keeps ne
from sleeping at night.
And have you as yet not found any
trace or clue?" the doctor inquired.
well, there is just something turn
ing mp that seems to lead to it.
,'Is it possible! what is it?"
Il should not like to speak about it
before l know how to act upon it; bu,
then, if the coroner can keep q secret,
l will show him something.
He took the pocket-book from the
drawer Of his desk and showed it tc
the doctor. "This may likely give me
a chance of finding the right man, he
added.
is this young Burns portfolio?
Eckert said, taking it in his hand
"Yes, sir, there is his name, but il
can scarcely be made out his father
has recognized it though he was here
but half an hour ago"
''But it is empty, the doctor said
opening it.
| ''Of course it is the murderer took
out the coLtents and threw the portfo-
lio away.
| "Where has it been found!"
In a thicket near the forester
house.
"Near the forester's houseI" re
peated the doctor.
"Yes, sir,
"Near Hills residence!" said the
doctor, with tone in his voice.
"Why, doctor, is thare any thing
strange about it ? what are you think
ing Off"
"Oh |! nothing, nothing answered
Eckert.
"Be open to me, doctor, the judg'
said ; ''you seem to he concealing some
thing before me.
because it's only sudden though
that struck me; q suspicion which il