The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1871-11-25
EBENsBURG, PA, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1877.

W OcCcPy hlS Celi, ana Lloyd went to
work with his little instrument to file the
handouts and chain which bound him.
1t was slow and tedious, but in an hours
time he had the satisfaction of one free
hand, and the power TO remove his limbs
from the CALLING, rafting torments which
had 50 firmly held him.
''I must be able to throw these fetters
off, or am lost" So he worked away
industriously until the obstinate link was
displaced, and he could wear or leave
them eff at his pleasure. Ten clock ar
rived and the turnkey had his cot brought
in The CELL
''Nhen are you going to turn in, FIetch-
er. I'm as tired as an East India nig~
ger. Plaguy afraid [ wont be much
company tonight; better had the priest
You wrote all your letters yesterday,
Fletcher, did you = and the keeper yawn-
ed deeply, turned over once or twice, and
in five minutes was snoring profoundly
''Now is my time" thought Tlctchcr
''It won't do TO wait. Heaven help me"
NoiseIessly he stepped from the chains
and drew of the torturing band-cufIs. Il
was but the work of a moment TO saturate
his handkerchief with the mixture, and
less time than it takes me to telIit, Lloyd
had stripped the hardened wretch There
was trihing difference in their height.
but Lloyd lacked the aIdermanic propor-
tions Of the Jailor. However he managed
that quickly and easily, unlocked the door
OF the cell, stepped into the corridor,
locked 1t again carefully, withdrew the
key, and initiated as nearly as possible
the dull, heavy tread of the keeper The
Jail physician was just leaving the build
ing, and Lloyd walked along after him,
as if to see him safely out Only one
subordinate guarded the entrance, and so
Lloyd and the doctor walked out together,
without exciting the slightest suspicion.
He reached the old rookery, donned
his attire, which proved to be q soldier
uniform, removed the black wig Of the
keeper, and substituted a light, curly ara,
and before twelve O'Clock, had reached
the house Of friend, two or three miles
from the city, told his story, and was
warmly received and promised protection.
Lloyd felt sure he had left no clue by
which he could be traced 30 this spot, and
almost overcome by his great happiness,
he fell on his knees and thanked the God
he had previously foresworn for his mi
raculous escape.
The next morning all was asiir early
IN the prison, but our turnkey did not
make his appearance what could it
mean ! a key was produced to open the
cell door, and the nude, inanimate figure
of the fat keeper was presented to their
astonished view. In the middle of the cell
was the prisoners wardrobe all he could
spare from the make-up Of the turnkey's
lusty proportions. a little cold water and
fresh air revived him, but he could throw
no light on the mysterious disappearance
of Fletcher. He had seen nothing, knew
nothing, and remembered nothing, Mrs
Fletcher was arrested on suspicion of as
sisting her husband to escape, but nothing
could be proven, and a few days saw her
at liberty. She was confident that her
darling was safe, but could form no idea
of the mode, or where he WAS concealed.
However, now that so much was gained,
she felt that she could afford to walt for
the rest. Large rewards were offered for
tie prisoners apprehension large posters
were placarded everywhere, and the de-
tectives were set to work 10 ferre. out his
hiding place, but in vain. When the ex-
element was at its height, the ante-mor>
tenn statement and confession of dying
man were brought before the court, en-
tirely exhonorating Lloyd Fletcher from
completely in the murder. The man was
Mrs. Lancaster's foster brother. He had
drugged and beaten poor Fletcher the
night of the preparation of the crime,
stolen his pistol and committed the deed
himself Mrs. Lancaster had been from
the first exceedingly suspicious of him,
but proofs were not in her power, 80 she
had used every means possible to restore
Lloyd his liberty, trusting to time and q
merciful G cd for the rest. How well she
acted her part and succeeded in her en-
deavors the reader is aware. Fletcher
was Immediately pardoned, and driven by
excited Londoners so his residence.