The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1875-05-13


his pockets. lie had just laid his hand
upon the wallet which contained the
money, when Hamilton awoke. Then
commenced the struggle which Roberts
had heard.
"The thought of murder first entered
his mind as he held his struggling victim
bv the throat. Hamilton was a strong
man. The danger was imminent. In
another moment his cries would arouse
all in the house. Perhaps even then the
ear of suspicion had heard his smothered
appeal for help. There was a sharp
poinard in his belt, He seized it, and in
a moment it struck into his victims side.
Another struggle ensued, another and
another, each fainter, as blow followed
blow. till finally the murdered man fell
back i'm the stiffness of death, All this
time the murderer's hand had been upon
his throat, and no distinct cry had escap-
ed his lips.
"An hour later, the murderer having
noiselessly let himself out, was at his no.
tel. Here he changed his clothing.
burned his linen, carefully removed the
blood stains from his outer garments,
and then actually lay down and slept
peacefully until nearly noon, In iact,
MS he told me, he had barely time TO
make his arrangements aHd aEriye at the
steamer before the hour for departure,
"But this was his last peaceful sleep
The strings of conscience had been more
than he could bear. lie had reached
London but, after lying i'll Il long time
in that city, had seen in New YORK
paper the account of the arrest and IN
dictment of Roberts for the crime he had
himself committed, and determined to
return, and, if possible, save him, ~
course, we had long consultation. ana
not let my new client leave me; but atler
he was safe for the night, ! sat and pom
dered the matter, for | found myself
placed in most trying position. =.
"NeXt day appeared IN court, ana
a(lerward knew, to my cost, that | aston
ishcd and surprised the audience, and all
concerned, by the wildness of my OPEN
ING speech. No one can imagine with
what trembling solicitude | watched the
course of the trial. had contrlved all
in nv power to give i. a favorable turn,
and | was more than pleased to see that
some evidence was elected on the part OF
the defense which went clearly to inyal-
date the charge,
"After trial of four days--days of in.
tense anxiety to me, the murderer whose
pallid face and burning ewes haunted me
continually as he sat in court and to MS
friends-the case went to the jury.
Twenty-four hours were passed before
their verdict was rendered, and l know
that the words mot guilty were not more
welcome to poor Roberts than to myself
He was acquitted and discharged. The
nine days wonder passed, but even now
the profession often talk of the manner l
managed the prosecution, and pronounce
that my leniency alone saved Roberts
and defeated the ends of justice. Doubt
less the first is true, But the ends OF
Justice were defeated by the compulsory
secret | have borne with me ever since
my knowledge Of the true murderer"
"And what became of him." question
ed the doctor, breaking silence for the
first time since the commencement of tie
tale.
0, he went to California after all was
over, and hear he has since risen to
considerable eminence in his adopted
State. He is noted for his morality and
public spirit. and is looked upon as 4
thoroughly good man, He was one OF
the celebrated vigilance committee OF
1858, and is a foe to all gamblers, and
drunkards, and evil doors, Of whatever
manner or stamp. But would not bear
his conscience about the world with me
far all the wealth of Califolnias mines"