The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1870-06-14

trothed. On his return two men, walk
ing arm in arm turned into the street
before him, continuing in the same direc-
ton as himself, but some distance in ad-
vance. Suddenly one of them dsen-
gagged his arm and dealt his companion a
swift blow with some instrument, which,
as it descended, cleaned in the gaslght
like the blade Of weapon The one
stricken reeled and fell, uttering faint
cry. The other glanced hastily around,
and seeing the prisoner rapidly approach
ing, turned and fed When the latter
reached the body, life was distinct. He
had just withdrawn the weapon, which
had been left in the wound, and was Just
about to run or call for help, when he
was apprehendod as already stated.
But prisoners statement, though all
powerful against him goes but little way
in excuIpation. A verdict of "willful
murder, against Eugene Aubrey was re-
turned by the coroner's jury, and he was
fully committed for trial.
1t was at this stage of the case re-
tained for the defence The case seemed
hopeless enough. On the final trial, the
only facts in evidence would be those
which told so damningly against the pris-
oner. His own statement which the
coroner had allowed to be received, would
be entirely excluded. But one result
could reasonably be anticipated.
The poor woman never doubted her
sons innocence. " He was always so
good and gentle" she said Still less
would it have been possible to create a
suspicion in the mind Of her who loved
him with all the blind devotion of young
and trusting soul. Il know he is not
guilty" she would again and again reit-
crate g. when he left me that night, with
words so tender and loving, there could
have been no murder in his heart
1t was impossible to witness a faith so
pure and steadiast without feeling its in
fuence The young mans statement if
true, perfectly reconciled every fact with
his innocence; and, after all, less weight
was due to his first confusion and failure
to explain the circumstances than was
generally supposed. A man brought
suddenly face to face with an appalling
crime, and while still staggering under
the shock, accused of its commission,
may we'll lose his presence of mind. Be
fore saying ne looks and acts guilty,
wouldn't it be well to be quite
sure we know how an innocent man would
look and act in the like case?
The day of trial came [ had no wit
nesses, save few to previous good char
acter. | had determined to risk on q
stroke, the wisdom or folly of which
could only be determined by the event.
Giraud was the first witness called
He gave his evidence with great precis
ION and clearness. I cross examined hin
very briefly, and he had just quilted the
stand, when, as if transfxed by some in
Simultaneous shock, he stood the very i'm
personation Of terror. His hair literally
stood on end. His eyes were riveted on
a figure advancing towards him, with {
slow and measured tread. II acas the e.r
act image Of the murdered man his
face all pale and CHASTITY as when he lay
in his coffin. That such visitor was
not Of this world was the common feeling
even Of those who had never seen Mar
ley, and who knew not whose was the
Shostly form thus mysterously revealed
"Merciful God w shreked rather thar
articulated the frightened wretch who
had just stepped his soul in perjury
against another's life, "but unchain my
senses from this horrible vision, and lei
mans weightiest condemnation fall upon
me-"
Then falling on his knees, in disioint
ed and broken sentences, he poured forth
a confession that fully justified the belize
had for some time entertained, that he
Giraud, and not my client, was the rea
culprit.
And now reader, don't throw away this
paper with sneer at "ghost stories, /" till
you find out whether | have been telling
one or not.
| had friend, young actor, who, il
living to-day, would be the brightest star
on the American boards. His power OF