The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1875-05-06

babe him be seated. AS he sat down I
added that I was very busy, and begged
him to make his communication as short
as possible.
"fYou were preparing for the Roberts
case,' said my visitor, after a few prelim-
inaries. I assented, and he went on to
"'It is about that very matter 1 have
come. And if you can first assure me
that my communication shall be held as
privileged by our mutual relation of
counsel and client, I shall perhaps be
able to throw some light upon this mys-
terious subject
thinking that he had sought me, as
prosecutor, to add some testimony which
would fix the guilt more strongly upon
Roberts, 1 assented. But judge of my
surprise-my utter bewilderment-when
he proceeded to assure me that he was
not only aware of the complete innocence
of Roberts, but that he himself, had
been present during the alteration be-
tween Roberts and Hamilton, which pre-
coded the death of the latter by not more
than an hour. In fact, that he was con-
cealed in Hamilton's room, his purpose
being to regain from him a large sum
which he had that evening lost to him at
play.
"As my story has already occupied
more time than 1 intended, 1 will, in a
few words, state all that this man told me.
He had spent the evening at q gaming
establishment with Hamilton, to whom
he was well known, and the latter had
won from him a large sum-al that he
possessed in the world, with which he in
tended to sail on the morrow for Europe.
Both left the saloon together, but sepa-
rated on reaching the street. My visitor,
however, turned after a little, impelled
by some motive for which he could not
account, and followed Hamilton. He
did not then think of numbering or rob-
bling him, but almost maddened by his
losses, cared little WHITTIER he went.
"Hamilton entered q bar-room and
drank freely, and his victim waited out
side, rejecting bitterly that he no longer
had the means to purchase a dram or a
nights lodging. While standing there
he determined to accost Hamilton, and
coax OF compel him to return some of the
money. But when he saw him come out
intoxicated, he thought by offering him
his service to assist him home he could
better accomplish his purpose. Hamil-
ton was very glad to see him, and oblivi-
GUS of all that had passed between them,
invited him to go home and spend the
night with him. Here was the OPP
portunity he desired. He could doubt
less get the money while Hamilton
slept, and contrive to convince him
that he had lost it on his way home,
at any rate, evade suspicion until the
sailing of the steamer. 1t was an insane
project, but the devil is very fond, ap-
parently, of arranging opportunities for
those who desire to commit crimes.
"He went in with Hamilton, and was
present, as has been said, at his alterca-
ton with Roberts. When Hamilton fell
upon the floor, he quietly threw himself
upon the bed, and after waiting until he
thought his victim was soundly asleep, as
well as all other persons whom the noise
he had mao might have aroused, he
arose, and cropping across the room until
he came in contact with the body of the
drunkard, commenced a search of his
pockets. He had just laid his hand up
on the wallet which contained the money,
when Hamilton awoke. Then com
menced the struggle which Roberts had
heard.
"The thought of murder first entered
his mind as he held his struggling vic
tim by 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 fol-
lowed blow, till finally the murdered
man fell back in the stiffness of death.
All this time the murderer's hand had
been upon his throat, and no distinct cry
had escaped his lips.
"An hour later, the murderer, having
noiselessly let himself out wa 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 fact,
as he told me, he had barely time to
make his arrangements and arrive at the
steamer before the hour for departure.
"But this was his last peaceful sleep.
The stings of conscience had been more
than he could bear. He had reached
London; but, after lying i'll a long time
in that city, had seen in a New York pa
per the account of the arrest and indict.
ment of Roberts, for the crime he had
himself committed, and determined to
return, and if possible save him. OF
course, we had a long consultation. !
did not let my new client leave me; but
after he was safe for the night, 1 sat and
pondered the matter, for l found myself
placed in a most trying position.
"Next day I appeared in court, and !
afterward knew, to my cost, that I as,
tonished and surprised the audience, and
all concerned, by the wildness of my
opening speech. No one can imagine
with what trembling solicitude 1 watched
the course of the trial. 1 had contrlved
all in my power to give it a favorable
turn, and 1 was more than pleased to see
that some evidence was elected on the
part of the defense which went clearly tc
invalidate the charge.
CATER a trial of four days-days Of
intense anxiety to me, the murderer
whose .pallid face and burning eyes
haunted me continually as he sat il
court, and to his friends-the case wen
to the jury. T~wenty-four hours were
passed before their verdict was rendered
and I know that the words mot guilty
were not more welcome to poor Robertl
than to myself. He was acquitted ant
discharged. The nine days wonde
passed, but ven now the profession of
ten talk of the AM 1 managed tn,
prosecution, and pronounce that my len
iency alone saved Roberts and defeated
the ends of justice. Doubtless the frs
is true. But the ends of justice were de
foo+o5 br h ooponTlcorv oanrat T how.