South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1871-02-03

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mystery still shrouded the evil deed, and
no light appeared in the cloud. But two
days remained to :bem 10 which 10 fud
clue to the real perpetraior, when, as Ella
left the prison at twilight, a soiled aud
crumpled paper was thrust into her hand
by ragged, dirty urebiu, who seompered
hastily away, as it fearful of detention
On the day following she left tue city,
sending as a partiOg message to the priso-
ner, 'Hope aud trust; all will be we'll
The day Of trial came, and the court room
was crowded to its utmost limits Among
that crowd were many friends aud acquaiu.
tances of bis prosperous DAYS, aud though
George, conscious of Innocence, bore him
self proudly, be cou.e uos but feel the de-
graduation of his position, aud his heart sank
like lead Within his bosom. A few of his
tried friends pressed forward with words of
cheer, but many were the faces averied
from the man fallen from his high estate,
and standing a criminal at the bar Of Judy.
mcnt.
The evidence in full force was brought
forward and commented upon iu strong and
pointed language, by the counsel of the
prosecuting party. He was answered in a
strain Of eloquent pleading by the counsel
for tue accused, aud men held their breath
TO listen as he spoke of the blameless life
of tho prisoner, aud his many vriues.-
Can such a man, he said in conclusion,
be guilty of the crime charged to him 2
simultaneous cry of No, No, rcsound-
cd through the courtroom, but quiet was
restored, and the judge gave bis charge to
the jury They were long absent, but at
last entered and took their places The
silence of death reiCued around as the Judge,
turning to them asked the question, What
say you gentlemen of the jury, is the pris-
oner at the bar guilty, or not guilty?
The response was heard to the remotest
corner Of the room: Guilty
Pale aud firm the prisoner stood, as the
judge rose to pass sentence against him,
when a voice in the crowd cried out, Make
way there for that lady, and Ella Sinclair,
leaning on the arm Of bis mothers friend
her face brilliant with JOY, passed to the
side of her lover, and said, clearly and dis
tinctly:
'Your Honor, George Hampton is not
guilty. l have with me the written con-
fession of the real criminal. Cold could
not bride, but death forced it from his lips.
\ mau by the name Of Adams, an employee
in Mr.. Stuart's Office, ia height aud color
ing of hair aud beard resembling Mr. Hamp-
ton, did the deed and after presenting the
check, fearful Of discovery, laid his plans to
fix his guilt on an innocent man. Calling
Mr.. Hampton from the city with the letter
which this court has seen, he visited his
rooms, aud with false keys opened his desk
aud placed the notes aud limitations of Mr.
Siuart's writing among his private papers
He also wrote to Mr. Stuart, rousog his
suspicious of his nephew, and left for his
country home. Conscience preyed upon
him however, aud be found DO rest. Seized
with low nervous fever, lie was brought
to the gates Of death, when be summoned
me to his dying bed to receive his confes.
sion, witnessed by the magistrate Of the
county and others. Hero it is
The judge perused the document, and
rising with a benevolent smile on his couu-
tenauce, said ia joyous voice:
George Hampton, you are acquitted,
houorably acquitted
Loud and long were the cheers rising
from a thousand threats as, with Ella lean
ing on his arm George Hampton left the
scene Of his great humiliation aud suffering,
aud fondly he looked down into her beaut-
fuI face as they passed out together from
under the cloud once so dark around them.
Gen Sinclair, peDitent and humbled
waited at home 20 welcome them, and as
be casPed his daughter 10 his arms, tears,
The first he bad shed for years, fell upon
be asked forgiveness Of the young couple
for his harsbuess and cruelty and no one
would have believed him the General Sim
clair Of few months before, had they wit
messed bis emotion az, placing Elias hand
in that Of Der lover, be said
Bless God, my son, for the love and
faith Of tr1c woman's heart, which, tried
in the furoace Of affection, has proved AZ
the pure god, which will never lose It's
brightness