The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1876-08-03
TIL E CLUB FOOT
A DETECTIVES STORY.

One. cold January night was seated
cozily by my fireside, enjoying cup o
tea which my wife knows so we'll how tt
make, when violent ring at the from
door bell disturbed the reverie in which
L was indulging.
My visitor was very handsome younf
g1l OF about eighteen years OF age. She
was dressed with great taste, and evi
IDENTIFY belonged to the upper ranks OF
life. She appeared somewhat embar.
rassed, as if she were at loss how ia
begin the conversation.
Have L the pleasure Of speaking to
Mr.. James Brampton2" she said, at last.
That is my nat e" l replied.
My name, sir" continued the young
girl, gaining courage, "is Eliza Mil.
ford"
Milford" said 1, "what, the daugh.
tor of the gentleman who has lately SC
mysteriousiy disappeared, with the &C.
count OF which the papers have been SO
full for the past few days9"
"The same, and it is on that very
business L have come to consult you.
You are perhaps aware that young man
has been arrested on suspicion of having
taken his life ?"
Yes, Mr.. Henry Waring, 1 be-
Geve2"
"Ios, sir, that is bis name--that
young man is ipnocent.'
"Indeed !"
" L will make plain statement of the
facts of the case, and then am sure you
will agree with mo. My fathers lame. as
you are aware, is Mr.. Herbert Milford.
We live On the banks of the North river,
about twelve miles from New York. MY
father was devotedly attached to me, and
we live'l as happily as possible together.
About a year ago l was introduced to
the son of gentleman living in the
neighborhood, 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 early one
morning found in the garden attached
to our house in half senseless condl-
tion, his clothes and hands were covered
with blood, and my father had mysteri-
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.
"Ihat 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 Hepry's pocket at
the time he was arrested"
"HOw does Mr.. Waripg account for
thatl" asked.
81 don't know, replied Miss Milford,
u" for L have not been permitted to see
him. He has been removed to the
county jail, and his case has not yet
been Investigated, owing to the fact of
my fathers body not having been dis
coverel. But to suppose that Henry
could be guilty OF murder and robbery,
is too preposterous to be believed for a
moment"
"Snch would certainly appear to be
tho case," returned - Lut did not
the place where Mr.. Waring was arrest
ed reveal nothing?"
sob, yes, terrible struggle had evil
IDENTIFY taken place there. The flowers
and roots were torn up, the shrubbery
broken, the ground in various places |
was covered with blood, and knife was
found which was proved TO have belonged |
to Henry, also stained with the vital
"Do [ understand that your father
no obstacle to Your marriage
with him :"
"None at all, sir in fact my father
loved him."
Chow long ago is it since your father
was missing" 2"
"This is the fourth day. My motive,
Mr.. Brampton, in applying to you, is to
free Mr.. Henry Warinp from the innu
tation OF crime of which am sure he
is as innocent as l am.
cit does indeed seem improbable that
he committed the deed. The first thing
must do is tosee Mr.. Henry Waripg, and
hear what explanation he has to give"
"Thank you, sir" said Miss Milford.
" When shall l come and see you
again T.
Are you staying in New York -
"Yes, sir; L am staying with an
aunt"
every well, when have any thing to
communicate to you 1 will CALL"
The next morning 1 started for the
town of L., situated on the Hudson
River railroad, in the prison of which
Mr.. Waring VAS confined. / had some
little difficulty in obtaining admission
to the prisoner, but when / stated that
l was detective officer, an order was
given me.
The moment l entered his cell, Mr..
Waring advanced to meet me. In a few
words told him of Miss Milford's visit
10 me, and that was acting by her in.
structions.