The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1874-04-29

lectUrs. DuJ u more nOtcu dce VI SSHoiositJ
Is related by which Darlington saved an inno-
cent man from suffering death for crime
which he himself had committed. He was
one day riding, with a broad brimmcd hat on
his head and mufiled in large cloak, when
he overlook collector also on horseback
Riding up alongside he presented pistol and
with fierce voice and look exclaimed, " Your
money or yaur I;fe!" Receiving his demand
from the frightened steward he fastened on.
but soon heard posse of citizens in pursuit.
Dstrnsting the speed of his tired horse, he
rode into field where he saw a man working
at hedge, threw off the hat and cloak, re-
questng the man to hold his horse for few
minutes, as he was very unwell. drew cap
from his pocket which he placed upon his
head, stepped through the hedge and disap-
the laboring man had a curiosity to know how
he would look in the hat and cloak, but be.
fore he had time to admire himself in the as
sumed dress the pursners rode into the field,
arrested him and had him committed to pris-
on. A few weeks after the court, or assize as
it is called in England, was sitting in the
county where this occurred, and the man was
brought up for trial. The day before the trial
commenced a stranger arrived and dismount-
ed at the hotel where the judges had their
temporary residence, He was fine dignified
looking man. He wore a drab Jockey riding
coat, in the then style of the country gentry,
buff vest and small clothes, fall top boots,
travelling cap. leather gloves, and in his hand
a silver mounted riding whip. He ordered
room into which his saddle bags were carried,
intimating that he might remain for day or
two So intelligent and fluent in conversa-
ton, and so well informed on the subject of
legal proceedings that he at once gained the
attention of the judges who invited him to
visit the court room and directed him to a scat
within the bar. The case of the robbery was
called up; the prisoner appeared attended by
his wife, the hat and cloak were placed upon
the table before the court, the plaintiff swore
positively to his being the robber, and others
swore TO the circumstances Of his arrest. The
poor man could only protest his innocence and
show previous good character. The pro-
ceedings were short. The judge in charging
the jury commented upon the good character
of the prisoner, and said he bore every APP
pearance of an innocent man that it might
be possible there was somewhere a mistake |;
but as the evidence was positive he did not
see how they could avoid convicting him. AT
this stage of the business the strange gentle
man, who had been most attcntively watching
the proceedings, arose and observed to the
court that as they appeared to take some in
terest in the prisoner, perhaps they would al
low him to throw some light on the subject
The Judge replied that they would willingly
hear anything that would promote the just
ness of decision. Upon which the stranger
picked up the hat, placed it upon his head,
muffled the cloak around him, and turning to
the plaintiff drew pistol, presented it at him
and exclaimed fercely: " Your money or
your tfei I" That--that--that' the man
that robbed me, stammercd the complainant,
81 can never forget that look for Gods sake
don't convict the other man, he is innocent. ;"
The stranger threw the hat and cloak again OH
the table, looked at the accuser with IL sheer,
and turning to the court said A short time
ago he swore it was that man, now he swears
it was I who robbed him. IF your honor
would put them ON he would swear it was
you" He was about leaving the court room
when the judge called out, "who are you and
where do you come from ?" Well knowing
cusation would not be allowed to swear
against him, he turned to the court and said
in loud clear voice, "My name is Barring
ton :" went to the hotel, mounted his horse
and rode away.
The age has not long passed when, high
wayman considered himself toerably re-
spectacle character in England, and took
pride in deeds of daring. Lord Chesterfelds
carriage was one evening stopped in the sub
urbs of London. A man presented himself
with pointed pistol at the door and said, ~
have heard you boast that no single man could
rob you. | am here, TO show you your mis-
take--deliver I" II have said So" replied
his lordship, nor would you do it were it not
for the man behind YOU" The rohber in sur
prise turned to look, and received ball
through his body. Darlington was at last
detected, convicted and transported for
life; lamentable example of 4 great man
lost to the world--lost to his family connec-
lions, and destitute himself OF all personal
happiness.
And let me here say in closing, that one act
of dishonesty, even in youth, leaves all indel-
lible stain upon the memory, and even if un-
known to all but the transgressor, will often
come up in the mind bearing load of con-
domination. And what is more deplorable,
one act of theft, like the first Intoxicating
glass, too often Dads to another until the
whole character is demoralized, to end at last
in utter ruin.--NeptoWn Enterprise.
--->>-sUs--~>----
1t is intimated that the time to change the
or If cburnhae IL immn1i ataIv after the cf,v,