Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1875-04-10

as if by magic some life into her; the color
slowly returned to her cheeks, and she be-
gan to weep.
''For the love Of God" she cried, don't
take me to prison. The money is mine-I
didn't steal it; got it honestly. You may
have the moncy-cvcry cent Eve got-but
don't take me to prison-oh, don't, don't
DON'T
My heart went out in pity for the poor
creature who now lay stretched scnscless on
the floor. To my mind, she neither looked
nor acted like a guilty person. She was 50
young-about twenty certainly not more
so fair, and lovely! She thief! impossi-
bic! Shameful shameful, to accuse her of
such a thing, not only thought, but, i'll
the heat of my pity and Indignation, said
as much.
Young man." sail Mr.. Horton, with n
tingc of sarcasm in his voice, don't let
your pity get the better of your good sense.
please. don't say this is not her first
crime, perhaps it is but, nevertheless, she
should be punished. My motto is: Fiat
justitja, rrdt cel'm."
Miss Gardner by this time, Mrs. Smith
having poured water OH her face. had re-
covered her senses. was gazing ut her
closely while Mr.. Horton spoke, and the
conviction that she was not guilty grew
stronger upon me with every passing sec
ond.
"Gentlcmcn,' I cried, Il repeat that
think she 5 innocent. 1t would be u burn
ing shame to con!in" that delicate young
creature in u filthy sutton house all night;
and if she is allowed to remain here to-
night will hold myself responsible for her
appearance III court fer examination to-
morrow morning. May not safely pledge
my word to that effect, Mss Gardner" |
asked, turning to hcr.
"Thnk you, t!ank you; God bless you
for this" She murmured, grpsping my htnd
and looking the gratitude she found it DIFF
ficult to put into words. Yes she said,
when moment had passed and she had
partly recovered her c,smncss, "you may.
| am innocent, thou III it will be difficult, |
know. for me to pro,c my innocence; but
your kind words MIR. ,5locnmh, have cheer
ed ne up--chased my fears That | should
be unable to show my ssuiltlessness away
and have maic me brave"
Mr.. Horton sid H. hi no special objec-
ton, at which was really surprised, for l
thought | should have 10 tlke him aside
and tail, him into il. Tie remarked that
was being taken in by an adventures, and
that | should laugh ut my Quixotic action
before Il day had passed. The policeman,
after had pressed n five ve-dolar-bill into
his hand also consented to leave his prison
er in my care
The remainder OF my story can be told in
u very few words.
Scarcely an hour after the departure of
the policeman and Mr.. Horton, young ll-
dy, accompanied ny her mother called at
the house. She said she had been engaged
to marry Jonas Sampson, and it was only
That evening that she had seen the notice
of his death in It newspaper.
lncY were 20 nave bctli Elllflct Ill TWO
weeks, she said, and She and her mother
havin; been busy preparing for her wedding
through the day, it was only when evening
came that she or her mother had
chance t. look at the paper, so that ac-
counted for their not having seen the death
notice earlier in the day.
mentioned Miss Gardner's case to her,
and asked her if she knew anything about
Jonas SIMPSONS money. Oh yes, she did,
he had given it to hcr.
On the day he received the money, before
returning to his boording-house, he had
called on his intended, and given her the
whole amount to pay for her wedding out
fit and other things which are essential for
newly married people.
Thus was my conviction of Miss Gardncr's
innocence proved true; and of course, Mr..
Horton withdrew his charge, apolosizing at
the same time for his part in the affair.
Miss Gardner was an orphan, and the
money found in her trunk was left to her
by her mother; she having no faith in the
safety of banks, preferring to take care of
it herself.
Another conviction soon grew on me
that loved Nelly Gardner; and for some
-'r Sh" has been Mrs. Slocomb.