The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-08-07
THE CLUB FOOT.
"A DETECTIVES STORY.

Olo cold January night I was seated
coziIy by my freside, enjoying a cup Of
ten which my wife knows SO well how to
make, when q violent ring at the front
door bell disturbed the reverie in which
was indulging.
My visitor was very handsome young
girl VI about eighteen years Of age. She
WIS dressed with great taste, aud evi.
dontly belonged to the upper ranks of
life. She appeared somewhat embnr.
rassed, as il she were at a loss how 10
begin tho conversation.
"Have the pleasure Of speaking TO
Mr.. james Brlmptoni" she said, at last.
.ThNt-is my uau O., replied.
MY name, sir, continued the young
girl, gaining courage, dis Eliza Mil
ford"
"SEilFord," said I, "what, the daugh-
ter OF the gentleman who has lately SO
nysLeriousiy disappeared, with the ac-
CONT of Which tho papers have been 30
lutl lor Iuc past lcW IhSSt
"'rhe samc, and it is on that very
business I have come TO consult you.
You arc perhaps aware that a young man
has been arrested on suspicion Of having
taken his life 2"
"Yes, Mr.. Henry Wariug, I be-
liCyeG"
"Ycs, sir, that is his namo-that
young man is innocent.
"Indecd!'
"f will make plain statement Of The
facts Of the cisc, aud then | am sure you
willngreo with me. My father namc, as
you are aware, is Mr.. Herbert Milford.
We live On tho banks OF the North river,
about twelve miles from New York. My
father was devotedly attached to me, and
wo ive.i as happily as possible together.
About year ago ! was introduced to
tho son Of. q gentleman living in the
nGighborhood, and mutual love sprung
up between us. Henry Waring visited
my fathers house every night. But sud.
denly our dream Of happiness was dissi-
pated, and that, too, by an extraordinary
circumstance. Henry was carly one
morning found in the garden attached
to our house in half senseless condl-
tion, his clothes and hands were 'overed
with blood, and my father had mysteti-
ously disappeared. Every search was
made for him, but without any avail,
and Henry was arrested on the charge
of having murdered him and concealed
the body somewhere.
"That was very strange conclusion
to come to-" said /, interrupting her.
=" Yes, but you have not heard all, "
she replied. "My fathers watch and
purse were found in Hcnry's pocket at
the time he wNs arrested
"How does Mr.. Wariug account for
tlat1" I asked.
81 don't know, replied Miss Milford,
"for I have not been permitted to see
him. He hls been removed to the
county jail, Rltl his case has not yet
been Investigated, owing to the fact Of
my fathers bOdy mob having heon dis
coverr'. BIT to suppose that Henry
could he guilty Of murder and robbery,
is too prepoAtrrous to ba brlieved for II
moment"
"Surh wouId certainly appear to be
the case" returned ; "Lut did not
the place where air. Wuriug was arreSt-
ed reveal notLigg% :.
"Oh. yrs,h n terrible struggle had evi'
IDENTIFY taken place there. The flowers
aud roots were torn up, tho Shrubbery
broken, the ground in various places
was covered with blood, and knife was
found which was proved 10 hayo belonged
to Henry, ulso stained with the vita.
Auid." ,,4.a-.s
"Da understand that your father
imposed M obstacle to your marriage
with him 7"
"Nonc ut all, sir in fact my father
loved him."
"now long ago is it sincc your father
was missing"
"This Is the fourth day. My motive,
Mr.. Bmmpton, i'll applying to you, IN to
FREQ Mr.. Henry Wariug from the impu'
tation OF crime Of which am sure hc
is OK innocent rs am" -,
at does indeed seem improbable that
he committed the deed. The first thing
Imust do is tosee Mr.. Henry Wariug. aud
hear what explanation he has TO give.
"TLauk you, sir, said Miss Milford
"When sLall I come and Seo yoN
asainr'
"Are you Staying in New York F.
"Yes, sir; 1 am staying with On
aunt" :
"very well, when I have anything tc
communicate to you will call,
Tho next morning I started for the
town OF L., situated on the Hudson
River riltoal, in tho prison OF which
Mr.. Warning wGs conlued. 1had some
little iitIlcalty in obtaining admission
to tho prisoner, but when stated thai
was Il detective officer, m order was
reluctantly given NE. ,r ,
Tho moment l entered his cell, MI
Waring advanced to meet me. In o lev
words told him Of Miss Miliords visi
to no, aud TINT I was acting BY I.er IN
ElruckiOus.