Litchfield enquirer., 1870-06-23

- - - N s- =. -. cination of the snake. knew that out of it would spring misery ald trouble unend- ing, and yet could not take my eyes of it. The ten years intersl shrunk up into a dream-time, and the felling was as If had at that moment heRd the steward s voice, He's not there, sii' It upset me for the day. I could do lothing. I tried to write-to read Wherever I went o1 whatever I did, I heard the words in my ear: He's not there, sir.
 The next day my presentiments of evil were stronger than ever; Eseemed pressed scarcely crawl. I could ae nothing but a dull, leaden hue on every object, and hear through every sound: Hes not there, sir. I knew myself as innocent of his death as if l had never seen him; put that unhap py quarrel felt would agin point suspi cion at me, and all the digrace and mise " of public trial would fill upon me.
 l had not long to wait tie fulfilment oi my prophetic feelings. About fortnight after the date of the adv. .rtisement, was waited upon by an extremely polite per son, who said, T have caaed to settle this little account of Messrs. Rilson Brothers Will you give me a receipg' -.
 sat at the desk, wrote out the receipt and signed it; he looked ofer my shoulder all the tune. When I had turned the line under my name, and put the dot at the end, he touched ne on the shoulder, anG said: I thought so. arrest you for the murder of James Smithsol.
 am"
 You know I shall have b repeat all you say, so don't say anything How's busi ness in these parts? They're rather dul in New York?
 was stunned; made no answer.
 How will you go? Quielly. I suppose. most gentlemen do, but just as you please; and he pulled out of his pocket pair O handcuffs, and opened his coat to show the butt of his revolver. It's much pleasant CT travelling without these.'
 Yes, yes; I'll go quietly enough, only want an hour or two to arrange my affairs here'
 'Oh, certainly; only you must pay the express fare-Uncle Sam doesn't allow ex press fares on these occasions. I see I car trust you; and mind leave my reputation with you. w.ll call for you for the five o'clock express. You can settle your af fairs and look over your papes, and I'll ge and see your town. Don't forget 6vt o'clock;' and he left.
 The blow had fallen: was hit. All the little wealth I had collected was to go te defend my life I called on my solicitor and told him about it.
 Awkward, very, for you were rising mana very rising man.
 l am as innocent
 Oh, of course, my dear fellow; every body is. But I'm thinking how we'd best administer the estate for you. If it gets wind, you'll have more difficulty in getting Tn your money. Whats thesmount out twenty thousand dollars?
 About that-say tWenf--tWo.
 sWell. sell them. I'll find you g buyel for the whole concern for, say ten thousand dollars in hard cash You can leave il with me, and I'll see what can be done fol you. Come back here at four, and IT have the papers ready
 Ten thousand is rather small for twen ty-two clear surplus
 Well, as you like; name your lowest and I'll see what can be done; only re you've but four hours to do it in and don't put it too high. Tomorrow your surplus will be, as far a. your chance of getting it is concerned very small indeed
 Well, get twelve if you can; if not ten; and let me see you in New York
 Right you are: was going for my re cess to that very place, and now I'll cont bine business and pleasure. Call at four mind
 Iwent my lodging-house, and astonish ed my worthy landlady not little by giv ing her child a rather extravagant neck lace, and telling her was going away fo a few days, and would write to her abou my rooms. Then I wandered wearily bacl to the office, told the clerk that l mus leave, and had sold the business, an, would introduce the purchaser that after noon; and then sat with my head upol my hands, and my elbows on my knees utterly broken.
 l was interrupted by visitor, bil black-whiskered and bearded fellow, dress ed like a river-pilot.
 Excuse me. sir; your name is Rydon- Gilbert Rydon?'
 Yes; what then?'
 T made so bold, sir, he said, drawin his chair close to mine, ( to tell you I hay heard about it.
 Well, what then? HowY
 was in Lawyer Shepherds office whel you was taking inside, and heard all yo said. The carpenters about here use tn stuff so green that the joints gape enougl to put your finger through in month o so, and saw you and heard all you said.
 What then? Are you come to beg?'
 No; I've come to give you hint as t how to lessen your difficulties. though You're going to have ten thousand dollar this afternoon at four?'
 Yes
 Well, then, if I were you'-and drew his chair alose to mine, and put hi hand to his mouth and to my ear-' I'd
 'What?'
 'Slopep
 Escape! Yes, I would-I would escape My weariness left me. would escape. sprang up and wrung his hand. Goo God! I never thought of it.
 I thought not, by your talk with tn lawyer; but down in Texas or Oregon you'd be as safe as possible. You mus start at once. I'll give you letter to brother of mine in Minnesota County, Tex as; he'll show you the ways of the place.
 l hurried off with him. went to the SC licitor's and to.d him.
 The best thing you can do,' said he for though. you are innocent, it's hardl worth while running the risk; and, as thi good fellow says, in Texas you'll be safe it will all blow over, and you can begil again.
 I went to the office, got my trunk, an, then to the railway station with my friend .Ql cfarfo6 ok 4 .S0