The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-01-01
DUTY STRONGER THAN ArFEC.
T1ON,
A Peculiar Incident.


Some years ago there came to Syracuse
from Rome, N. Y, an old gentleman
named Chichester. He had been a Metho-
dist preacher. Failing health compelled
him to quit preaching, and he took up the
profession of dentistry. He was widower,
but daughter, now about eighteen years
old, has always attended to his household.
Mr.. Chidester had been twice married. BY
his first wife lie had one son, David D.
Chidcster. This young man was raised by
the relatives of the first wife, and was al
ways fast and reckless Something over a
year ago he came to live with his father and
sister. The brother and sister had never
met before, and the latter soon formed an
ardent sisterly affection for her wild but
handsome brother. She tried to lead him
to a better life, but to no purpose. as the
sequel will prove.
In July last young Chichester forged a
heavy mortgage on some property in Sy-
racusc, and attempted to negotiate it. He
was nearly successful in his operation,
slight circumstance foiling it and leading
to his arrest. lie was held for trial in the
sum Of $1,000. His aged father, whose
property all told will not much exceed that
amount became the security on the bail
bond, believing his sons earnest protesta-
ton that he could prove his innocence.
In November last the case was called for
trial. Young Chichester was not to he
found, and it soon became known that he
had left for Canada. The old preacher
was almost crazcd with grief at this ac-
acknowledgement by his son of guilt, and at
the ruin that stared him in the face after
making good the bail bonds. After full
knowledge of the situation broke upon the
daughter, Hattie +. Chichester, she deter
mined to save her father if possible, even
II it doomed her brother to a convict's cell
Young Chichester wrote to his sister after
he reached Canada, and warm cores
pondcnce was began between them.
About the middle of November last Miss
Chidester received a letter from her broth
err, which she believed offered her desired
opportunity of bringing him to justice.
This letter contained the proposal that
Miss Chde5tcr should meet the writer at
some point in Massachusetts, whence they
should start on Il trip to Florida, and the
Southern States The young lady agreed
at once t. the proposition, and wrote that
she would meet her brother at Berkshire,
Mass. He appointed Friday, Nov. %, ms
the day. She went to that place day or
two before the appointed time. Acquaint-
ing Deputy Sheriff Mansir with her pur-
pose, every arrangement was made to Sc
cure Chichester when he arrived Friday
came, but the fugitive did not appear, but
the following telegram was received by
Miss Chdester
ST. ALBASs, Nov. %.
HATTIE: Can't come till Tuesday. Wait.
DAVE.
Tuesday came and in the place of Chld-
ester, this
MONTPELIER, Dec. ..
HATTIE: Delayed. Will come Thurs
day. Wait. DAVE.
Miss Chichester waited patiently until
Thursday. She had no doubt that her
brother would como on that day. When
night closed i'll, however, and he did not
come, and no word was received from
him, she lost her heart and concluded to
return home. Authorizing Officer Man
sir to examine all kilograms that came to
Berkshire for her before they were sent
forward TO Syracuse, she left for that place
on Friday, the 9TH.
On Saturday, the following dispatch was
forwarded her from Berkshire
ST. ALBANs, Dec. 8.
HATTIE Can't get to Berkshire. Meet
me at Springfield on Saturday at the Mas
sasoit House. DAVE.
Miss Chichester started at once for Spring
field. She arrived there on Sunday. Off
Ger Mansir had arrived there on Saturday.
Chichester did not come. His sister now
believed that he did not intend to meet her,
and gave up the notion of entrapping him.
She was about to rethrn home, when she
received the following On Sunday evening /:
RUTLAND, VT. Dec. z
HATTIE Detained here be in Spring
field sure tomorrow evening. Meet me at
train. DAVE.
Resolving to give him one more rrial
Miss Chichester waited for the train. She
was this time not doomed to disappont-
ment. The fugitive met her and they
went to her room in the hotel. They were
followed, under previous arrangement, by
Deputy Mansir and two other officers. AT
a signal they were admitted to the room.
Chichester was arrested and handcuffed, and
taken on the next train to Syracuse, lie is
now in Jail awaiting trial