The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1876-12-08

suit.
! 1t would be tedious 70 dwell on the steps
preceding the trial. l in:erposed no obsta-
cles in its coming on speedily. Nv aim
was not to thwart the ends OF Justice. but
20 see it fairly meted out
! Dr. Baldwin was the first and chief wit
ness. He told his story clearly and meth
odicaliy; and it was easy to see it carried
conviction to the jury. My rigid cross-ex-
animation only served to bring out bis evil
dence with more distinctness Of detail. I
ELECTED the fact, for instance, that the
child's nurse lay in the same room that
she was asleep when the doctor entered,
ana that it was to her lie first announced
the child's death. | also examined fully as
to the prisoners acts at the time the alarm
/ was given, thinking to prove that he came
from his own chamber, appearing to have
been just aroused from sleep. But made
nothing of this, the witness stating that his
agitation had distracted his attention from
these points.
! The doctor had only recently settled
among us, but his conduct had been so cx-
( emplary that he had made many friends.
He had especially won the confidence of
the prisoner. | interrogated him as to his
past career, but brought out nothing to his
discredit.
! The evidence of the chemist who made
the analysis was next put in, and the
States attorney ''rested."
Il have brought tie nurse here" he
said, ''but as she was asleep when the pris-
oner entered, her evidence is unimportant
| thought it my duty to have her here,
however, to afford the other side the op-
portunity to call her if they desred''
Nothing could render the prisoners case
more hopeless thar it was already, while
something might come out to his advan-
sage.
Il will call the Witness" l said.
She was a middle aged woman, of not
unprepossessing appearance. Her agita-
tation was visible and | noticed that, in
taking the oath, she laid her hand beside
the book and not upon it.
Il ask that the witness be sworn with
her hand upon the book" | said, Calling
attention to the omission.
The Judge so ordered and the witnesses
hand shook violently as she reluctantly
obeyed the direction, and the oath Was Ie-
| administered.
After few preliminary questions as to
the hour of her retiring, her falling asleep,
sc.
'What is the next thing you remember"
asked.
The witness hesitated.
''Answer the question: said his Honor
I'll heard noise as of some one COM
/ ing into the room," she faltered.
'Did you see any one entcr?''
Another pause.
! repeated the inquiry.
| ~ did," was the answer.
"What did the person do?'
The w0mau's face grew paler, and it was
with difficulty she found utterance.
.'Ie came to the side of the CRADLE" she
said, "with the bottle of milk in his hand,
and put it to the babys MOUTH
The judge and States attorney both
bent forward in eager attention. The lat
ter it was evident, had not expected this
testimony.
| felt that my questions thus far had
only served to draw the halter closer about
my clients neck. But had gone too far
to retreat.
My voice trembled almost as much as
that of tie witness as l proceeded
.'Did you recognize that person?''
sIdid," was the answer, scarcely audible.
My clients life hung on the answer to
the next quest ion The silence of the
! courtroom was death like. | dreaded to
break it, The sound of my voice startled
me when I spoke.
.'Who was ?" | asked.
Her lips moved, but no sound came.
''By the solemn oath you have taken on
that sacred book, and 10y your hopes of
salvation hereafter, | adjure you to tell the
truth ~ | said earnestly.
Her agitation was fearful to witness. -
She shook from head to foot. A deadly
pallor overspread her face. Slowly raising
her trembling hand, and pointing at Dr..
Baldwin:
..That is the man - she almost slirieked
Then, in quick, wild accents she went
on to tell that on finding himself discover
ed by reason of her waking, the culprit,
who was no other than Geo. Granger, Mrs.
Berkley's profigate brother, had disclosed
to her that his purpose was to regain his
lost inheritance by putting out of the way
those who stood between him and it, prom
ising the witness to provide for her hand
somely if she kept his secret but, when
put to the test, she had found herself una
ble To violate her solemn oath
Geo. Granger, alias DR.. Baldwin, would
have left the court room, but an officer was
ordered to detain him; and when bis dis
guise was removed, though he had been
absent many years, there we're many pres.
ent who could testify to his identity.
Nv client was acquitted on the spot and