The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1870-07-26

ed, celdly, adj offers, which were good ma
turedly made, to act as mediators in the
NATTER and left the party early and alone.
The next news which the college circle
heard was four days afterward. 1t was re-
ported that Johnstone had been found dead
in the "common STAIR" as the staircase to
separate stories or flats is called in Edin
burgh, in which Powers rooms were. The
report turned out to be only too true. A
policeman said that man had rushed hur-
riedly past him about o'clock lit was Jan
uary) and exclaimed-"T is q man dy
ing in the stair No. 27,'' and passed on. He
went to the entry, and on the landing close
to Powers lodgings he found man stretch
ed on the stone floor. He raised him, and
found him quite dead. He had q 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 un-
happy student. He was found to have died,
as the medical men thought, from concus-
sion of the brain, accompanied by strangu-
lation. Their opinion was that the deceas-
ed had been seized by the throat, and
thrown violently down. His watch and
money were undsturbed.
Little as Johnstone was liked, this sad
and tragic end made deep and melancholy
impression on his circle and thoughts nat
urally turned to his alteration with Pow
er, 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 John
stone had been found. Things looked so
suspicious that warrant was issued for his
apprehension.
The second night after the murder was
discovered, Power was apprehended walk
ing quietly along the South Bridge, 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 warrant, at once
submitted, simply saying that they were
wrong, and would find out that they were
so.
lie was detained in the police cells all
night, and in the morning was taken before
the sheriff. The officials were proceeding
to take what in Scotland is called his decla-
ration-that is any statement the accused
may think fit to make-when the prisoner
said" 1t may save save you all trouble
gentlemen, if you understand at once that
do not intend to answer any questions"
In vain they pressed him to explain where
he had spent the two preceding days he
renamed absolutely silent. He evnced
neither Indignation nor sorrow, and was not
apprehensive or excited in the slightest de-
gree but speak he would not, and the au-
thorities 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," at least
for the first two or three days. AS time
went on, his natural gaiety seemed to re-
turn, and he would chat away in his cell as
if no such charge as one of murder hung
over him. The crown inquiry was commit
ted for trial, and served with an in dictment,
and his friend, the vice, who was studying
for the law, urged him to employ solicitor
for his defence. To this he consented, and
a very worthy and we'll known practitioner
paid him visit in prison.
"A very melancholy business this, Mr..
Power"
"Faith it is, Mr.. Stuart. am very sor-
ry for the poor DEVILS mother"
"But it is very serious for Yourself"
$50 they tell me, but somehow | cannot
look grave enough on it. They say may
be hanged; but for the life of me l cannot
see it."
"This levity is hardly suitable, sir, in your
position, nor is it wise. You would not
speak to the sheriff, l understand, and you
were right; but your own safety requires
that you should have no reserve with me-"
Well, sir, l shall have no reserve. That
paper (pointing to the indictment) is q bag
full of lies''