The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-06-02
GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY.
CONTINUED.

CONTINUED.
Great commotion of course ensued.
Power was white and furious with rage,
and in his first transports, nearly vented
it on those who tried to prevent him
from following his assailant. He Gained
down after awhile, but took no more part
in the evenings festivities, and was over
heard to soy that he would have his life.
He refused, coldly, all offers, which were
good-naturedly made, to act as mediators
in the matter, and left the party early
and alone.
The next news which the college circle
heard was four days afterwards. It was
reported that Johnstcne had been found
dead in the common stair, as the stair
case to separate stories or flats is called
in Edinburgh, in which Powers rooms
were. The report turned out to be only
too true A policeman said that man
had rushed hurriedly past him about 5
o'clock, lit was January,) and exclaimed
e'There is man dying in the stair No.
27," and passed on. He went to the
entry, and on the landing close to
stretched on the stone floor. He raised
him, and found that he was quite dead.
He had severe cut over the eye. His
collar was thrown open, and he had faint
marks of pressure round his neck. On
conveying him to the police Office, he
was recognized as the unhappy student.
He was found to have died, as the medi-
cal men thought, from conclusion of the
brain, accompanied by strangulation.
Their opinion was that the deceased had
been seized by the throat, and thrown
violently down. His watch and money
were undistured.
Little as Johnstone was liked, this sad
and tragic end made deep and meIan-
choly impression on his circle; and
thoughts naturally turned to his alterca-
tion with Power, and its probable result.
On inquiring, it appeared that Power
had not been seen at college since the
supper party; he had not been seen at
his lodgings since Johnstone had been
found. Things looked so suspicious, that
warrant was issued for his apprehen-
sion.
The second night after the murder WAS
discovered, Power was apprehended,
in the direction of his lodgings. When
seized, he at first resisted, and demanded
to know what the officers meant by their
violence; but, on being shown the war
rant, at once submitted, simply saying
that they were wrong, and would find
out that they were so.
He was detained in the police cells all
night, and in the morning was taken be-
fore the sheriff. The officials were pro-
ceeding to take what in Scotland is called
declaration-that is, any statement that
the accused may think fit to make-when
the prisoner said: 'tIt may save you all
trouble, gentlemen, if you understand
for onst that do not intend to answer
any questions"
In vain, they pressed him to explain
where he had spent the two preceding
days; he remained absolutely silent. He
evinced neither indignation nor sorrow,
and was not apprehensive or excited in
the slightest decree; but speak he would
not, and the authorities did not know
what to make of him.
Several of his friends visited him; but
although he received them courteously,
he showed no desire for their society, ut
least for the first two or three days. AS
time went on, his natural gaiety seemed
to return, and he would chat away in his
cell as If no such charge as one of murder
hung over him. The crown inquiry was
completed; he was committed for trial,
and served with an Indictment; and his
friend the vice, who was studying for the
law, urged him to employ solicitor for
his defence. To this he consented, and
very worthy AMI well-known practi-
toner paid him visit in prison.
"a very melancholy business this, Mr.
Power"
''Faith it is, Mr.. Stuart. I am very
sorry for that poor devils mother
'But it is very serious for yourself"
$50 they tell me; but somehow can
not look grave enough on it. They say
I may be hanged; but, for the life of me,
I cannot see it."
'"This levity is hardly suitable, sir, in
your position, nor is it wise. You would
not speak to the sheriff, understand,
and you were right; but your own safety
requires that you should have no reserve
with me-"
"Well, sir, I shall have no reserve.
That paper (pointing to the indictment)
is bag-full of lies"
''Of course-I understand. You say
you did not murder the man"
"Not IN inch Of me-"
"But pray, explain yourself fully. Mr..
Power; tell me all about the supper, and
tho Quarrel and what Won did newt 1ov