The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1875-04-23

Ballyglen, when enc beautiful autumn
evening its slum bering inhabitants were
awakened from their blssful repose by the
cry Of
murder ''
Murder. The terrible word seemed to
be echoed from the Surrounding hills and
filed the hearts of the people with awe.
And too true was the awful tidings; q
fiendish murder had been committed, and
the victim was Godfrey Blake,
And the murderer; he was found bent
oyer the prostrate fern of his victim with
blood-stained dagger in his hand Gerald
O'Conner. the lover of his daughter-and
was now safely lodged in prison.
Another man was also found lying al
most dead a little way off from where the
crime was committed, with terrible
wound in his head. He was farm
hand of Mr.. Blake's and was conveyed to
his home.
The terror which flied the people when
the terrible deed had reached them, had
now passed away. anda desire to be aveng-
ed on the murderer had taken its place,
and foremost in his Indignation was An
thony Bell, who urged them on in their
wrath, and were it not that the prisoner
was removed to the county jail, the proba-
bility is that he would have been hun.
without trial of judge OF jury.
Two weeks after the burial of Mr. Blake
the trial was to take place, and on the
evening before the fixed day Gerald O'Con-
ner sat in his cell, his head resting on his
hands.
Only two weeks since his arrest, and
what a change had come over him in that
short time; every trace of color had left
his checks, aud his eyes were sunk in their
sockets
ooh, God what have I ever done to
merit this terrible torture that is killing
me ? the murderer Of Godfrey Blake, a
man whom l would shed the last drop OF
my blood TO serve. No, no! There is
some terrible mistake made; for he was
dead when discovered him with dagger
buried in his heart. And the people all
believe that l am guilty of SO foul crime.
Poor mother, what agony must she not be
suffering and Molly, oh, heaven! does
she too think me guilty PSI
His head sank lower, his chest heavel
with emotion, and the great sobs that es-
capped him depicted the agony which lie
suffered.
He did not hear the bolt OF the cell door
shot back, nor was he aware that any one
entered till a hand vas laid on his shoulder
and a voice said;
"Ger;,ld -
He raised his head like one awakinc from,
a dream.
Gerald, don't you know me 2" asked his
visitor, as no sign Of recognition was
evinced by him.
Eyes, Molly, I do,' he answered in
mournful accents. "and do you too believe
me guilty of this terrible crime? If SO
how came you to seek the presence of one
whom you believe to be the murderer oi
your father?''
"Oh, Gerald how can you accuse me so
! believe you to be guilty mo! 1 am sure
that you never committed the crime ot
which you stand accused. Trust in hin
who knows ali, and He VIII not let the in
nocent suffer for the guilty"
"Your words tighten the terrible loat
that lies on my heart and makes it easier
| for me to bear; but the evidence is st
| strong against me that it is mockery t.
hope. 1 have made up my mind that an
| to be made the victim to atone for Grim,
| of which | am falsely accused
"Do not give way to despair, for God viii
not permit you to suffer for the crime o
| another; and now, as the time is up, and
hear the jailor coming, must leave you
SO good-by for Tonight" and she presse,
| his cold hand in her own
Good night, Molly, and may God bles
you."
The morning came calm and beautiful
the morning of the day on which Geralc
O'Conner was to be tried for his life trie,
| for a murder lie never committed.
! The hour for trial had come, the prisone
was led up the aisle of the crowded cour
room, and placed in the dock.
The prosecuting attorney opened the cas-
Ia behalf of Ahe crown. and witnesses wer
| examined.
| Anthony Bell was the principal witnes
for the prosecution; he testified to havin;
| found O'Conpor bent over the MURDERS
man with a blood-stained dagger in hi
hand; saw him plunge it into the murders
mans breast.
Other witnesses testified to the sam
with the exception of thss sstabbing, and tn
+, prosecution closed.
The attorney for the defense opened Ii
case in a very eloquent manner. and trie
by every available means to prove the in
nocence of the prisoner, bringing to bea
his former good character, etc.
The judge then charged the jury, tellin
them to think well over the evidence befor
giving their verdict.
They then retired. and, after an hour