Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-08-06

TIE JUDGES STORY.

commenced the Judge, lighting a cigar.
was admitted and opened an Office in
the village--now city-of c., in the
spring of 1856. had but little business,
and the case you have mentioned proved
the key to my future success. was sit.
ting in my office. trying to keep comfort.
able. the clock already pointing to 1890,
when the door opened and the keeper of
the county Jail entered
1--WE had guest at our house who is
quite anxious to see you, and requested
me to bring you up to him if you had not
retired'
l gladly put on my coat to accompany
the .ailor, for | needed every cent could
earn just then, and announced myself
ready to start. 1t was not far to the Jail,
and we soon arrived there. After unlock
ing the usual number of doors the TAILOR
admitted me to the prisoners cell, and
remarked that when l was ready to 90 he
would come and let mo out. The huge
iron door closed with clang, the bolt
was sprung, ''and / was alone with my
would-be client.
AS had supposed, as soon as the jailor
was out Of hearing, the prisoner came
forward. He was young, gentlemanly
appearing fellow. apparently about twen-
four years of age. Extending his hand
to me he said:
II am glad to see you, Mr., you
are indeed kind to come to me at this un.
timely hour, but wanted to talk to some
one, and feel that you will take an in
terest in my case. have been arrested
for the murder of Mr. Richards the Presi-
dent of the Farmers Bank Of, and for
the robbery of the bank. Will you not
lend me your assistance?'
assured him that would do all in my
power for him, if he desired to retain me.
He suddenly interrupted me by saying
II beg your pardon, sir, do wish to
retain you, to defend me in my trial, and
a trial must of course take place. saying
which he handed me five gold double ea-
giles.
II have heard but few of the lcircum-
stances oIthe tragedy" he continued, "as
it occurred this lvery evening, andI fear
that there are some things that will ap-
bring me out all right. Do all you can,
sir, employ more counsel, if necessary,
but clear me for l am innocent"
assured him that I had no doubt but
we could clear him, and added
ACll iuC WHdt NyOu kuOW Vi lQc case,
and the circumstances that You think ap-
pear against you"
"Well l had quarrel with Mr. Richards
last evening, but it did not last long |
will tell you the whole story sir. am q
clerk in the Farmers Bank, of K, of
which Mr.. Richards was President.
have been employed there nearly five
years, and think l have attended to my
duties to the entire satisfaction of all of
the officers of the bank, and have been
liked very much by them all. particularly
by the President, who has invited me to
his house great many times. Now, Mr..
Richards, you must understand, has q
daughter several years younger than am,
a lady with whom have not only become
intimately acquainted, but for whom
have conceived strong attachment. Her
father, discovered that l was deeply IN
love with Clara Richards, and saw, l pre-
sumo, that she was not wholly Indifferent
to me. Last Sunday l dined at their
house, by invitation CT Mr.. Richards, and
during the evening told Clara the state
of my feelings, and was overjoyed to
learn that she reciprocated my love. We
agreed that should ask her fathers con-
sent to our marriage as soon as should
be able to support wife,-You see, sir,
| am telling you ALL" said the prisoner.
THAT is right" said, 'in fact it is all
important that you should tell me ALL"
Last evening boldly asked his con-
sent to our engagement. He was very
angry said, was an impudent fellow, de-
clared l should never speak to Clara
again, and in short he insulted me. accus-
ing me of taking advantage of his kind
ness TO ingratiate myself into the heart of
his only child. Finally. too got angry,
and can hardly remember now what l
said only know | did not threaten him.
At the close of our conversation he left the
room, and | went directly to my room and
to bed. This morning l went as usual to
the bank, and as soon as Mr.. Richards
came down he took me into his private of.
fee, and said to me that most men would
discharge a clerk from their employ under
similar circumstances, but as was hon.
est. capable and faithful, he would keep
me on condition that | would forget my
fancy.
Why" said he, CLARA has more for
than your salary; and then
after informing me that l would no lon
ger be received at his house; he told me
to return to my desk. Nothing unusual
occurred during the day until just before
we closed, when we received an unusual
ly large cash deposit. As | was on the
point of leaving the bank, Mr.. Richards
called me and said:
Howard, here is a package containing
$4,000 | wish you to take to Mr.. Martin,
Cashier of the City Bank of c. You
can explain to him about our vaults not
being any too secure, and apologize for
coming at such an unreasonable hour, and
ask him as a personal favor to ME to re-
ceive the funds on deposit. Take re-
ceipt and return in the morning You can
take the six o'clock train this evening"
had a little money on deposit at our
bank, and having a payment due on my
life insurance in c., l drew 500 and
thought would pay that before returned.
l took the package containing the 1900.
and after receiving some money for my
expenses l started. arrived at my des-
tination about 6 80 o'clock, and went di-
rectly to MIR. Martins house. but found