The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-01-20


called his dogs to his side, when he was
somewhat startled by the appearance of
half dozen men coming towards him from
the edge of the wood nor were his emo
tions lessened when he saw that the sheriff
was at their head.
"Good morning, gentlemen" said Or
lando, as the posse came up.
"Do 1 speak with Orlando Chester ?'
asked the sheriff, after he had returned the
youths compliment.
"That is my name, SIR" returned the
young man, at the same time casting his
eyes about to see if he could recognize the
two men whom he had met in the forest,
but neither of them was there.
"Then," said the sheriff, ''I have to ask
that you will accompany me to jamestown"
"To jamestown, sirP And for what?'
"Simply to answer to criminal charge
that has been preferred against you"
"And the nature of that charge-what
is it?" asked Orlando.
"Young man, do you know what has
become of the commercial agents messen-
ger?" asked the sheriff, in return, at the
same time casting a scrutiniziug glance
into the youths features
"To what commercial agent do you al
lude ?"
"To Mr.. Roswell Berkeley"
"And who was his messenger ?"
& To- IL
"Then l have every reason to believe
that l shot him." answered Orlando, in
frank, independent tone.
"And for that must arrest you," said
the sheriff, not little surprised at the
readiness with which his question had been
answered.
"Arrest me for that, sir?'' exclaimed
the young hunter. I am sorry that the
red man fell by my hand, but could not
help it, did the deed in self-defence.
Even as drew my trigger upon him his
rife was aimed at my heart. He had way
laid me in ambush, and in moment more
should have fallen a victim to his own
bullet Surely, sir, you would not arrest
me for that"
"If you killed him in self defence, you
will undoubtedly be able to prove it before
the court, returned the officer.
"And now, how shall l prove it, if my
simple word is not sufficient ?' earnestly
exclaimed Orlando 81 have no witness
but God, for He alone saw the deed"
81 am sorry that this duty deyolves upon
me-" said the sheriff, "but such as it is
must perform it. With your innocence or
guilt have nothing to do--that rests with
a power higher than mine. have simply
to arrest you, and trust that you will now
quietly accompany me-"
"Sir," urged the youth, while an ex-
preston of the deepest agony rested upon
his features, " have poor insane mother
who depends for her very peace and COM
fort upon my presence. Her already shat
tered heart would be utterly crushed did
she think that danger threatened her son,
and she might go down to the grave in the
sorrow of her desolation. 0, sir, do not
then take me away. Let my accusers, if
any have, be brought here, and if the
firm assurance, from heart that never
cherished thought of evil against hu-
man being, can be believed, then will my
innocence be established"
"The favor you ask is beyond my power
to grant," the sheriff returned, in tone
and manner that evinced deep sympathy
with the young man. "You must go with
me to jamestown, and there trust you
will be enabled to make the court believe in
your innocence, even as do now."
"And have been really accused of any
crime in connection with Lolowah's
death ?" asked Orlando, while thankful
CLEAN passed over his countenance, as he
heard the sheriffs avowal Of belief in his
innocence
"CrimeP answered the officer, in tone
of deep regret. "'Tis for the red mans
murder you are arrested. Lolowah was
servant of the government"
Murder No, no, thcy cannot hold
such charge against me. Such an accu-
sation / could blow TO the winds in an in
srant. will go with you, sir But shall
not be lodged in jail, shall II"
g think you will, for the present. But
you need not fear on that account
Fear, sir ~ exclaimed Orlando, with
flush Of indignation. 4" For myself I'd
care not if thousand prison doors were
barred upon me, but 'tis for my poor moth
or that fear. Her shattered mind cannot