The tribune. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-02-02

The man turned pale, and exclaimed
with much excitement.
Murdered no !; is it SOL You don't
think it was me2 My wife Kathrina
knows came straight home"
Oh, no |" Il said "I don't think
it was you. You must not, however,
tell any one you have talked to me, or
it may result in your being taken to
court"
[ was now certain of my ability to
clear my client, as could prove he was
sent on the mission to @. next wanted
to find some one who had seen him on
! the train, but / knew not where to obtain
the information. Every one was talking
I of the murder, and public feeling was in
deed bitter against Howard Burton
Stories of his quarrel with Mr.. Richards
were circulated with the usual exaggera-
tions, and it seemed to be the unanimous
opinion that he was the cold-blooded
murderer. Still I was hopeful, aud re-
turned to c., feeling confident of my
ultimate success. On my arrival, held
an interview with young Burton, and
told him the result of my visit to f.
He was overjoyed, and expressed him
self confident of being acquitted. Re-
turning to my Office, looked up all the
reported cases that bore any resemblance
to the one in hand. The examination
of my client was set down for the next
morning, ut which time I went to the
jail and accompanied him to the court
room, accompanied by an under sheriff
We found quite a formidable array of
lawyers of note representing the prose-
cution. In addition to the learned dis
trict attorney, there were two astute
criminal lawy rs who had been retained
ply the bank officers to assist him. The
examination was very brief, and after
calling Mr.. Richards servant, and re-.
ceiving the testimony of the hotel clerk,
Howard Burton was fully committed to
answer the charges of murder and rob-
berry at the January term of the court.
"Can you not think of somo one you
know who saw you on the train from X.
to G.. on the night of the murder2" said
mo, sir; not one that l know; but
perhaps the conductor will remember
me. He had to change five dollar bill
for my fare, and grumbled little about
that"
"I will see him at once" said /
starting to go.
"Do SO, do So" said my client, ex-
citedly. "Call to his mind the Young
man who had a pen over his ear. re-
member that on leaving the bank hur-
riedly 1 neglected to remove the pen,
| which frequently carry over my ear,
after the manner of clerks"
went directly to the depot, and
learned that the conductor [ was in
search of would arrive in about an hour.
[ waited, all impatience, and upon his
arrival asked him if he would do me the
kindness to walk up to Jail and see if he
could identify Mr.. Burton. He willingly
consented, and upon arriving at the
prisoners cell, I introduced him to my
client. The conductor gazed steadily at
young Burton moment, and then said
Mr.. Burton, be kind enough to put
on your hat"
Burton did SO, and again he looked at
him sharply without change of counte-
nance.
"Now, sir please put your hand in
your waistcoat pocket"
was afraid that the conductor was
not going to identify him, but as young
Burton put his hand in his waistcoat
pocket, the lapel of his coat was drawn
back, revealing upon his breast q Ma
sonic pin, the badge of Knight Tenn
plar.
81 fully identify him rs the man for
whom changed five dollar bill on
my train, which left K. at six O'Clock
in the evening, and am ready to swear
to it in any court of justice. You see,
SIR" continued the conductor, "we
learn in our business to remember, and
noticing pen over this young mans
ear, laughingly advised him to take
it down. But what called my attention
principally to him was the fact that he
wore that Knight Templar's badge"
saw that could prove an alibi, ard
thus undoubtedly clear my client but
L was ambitious to do more. wanted
to arrest and convict the guilty party
The next thing for me to do was to see
the keeper of the cigar store, at which
my painter on his way home had seen
MIR. Richards after six p. NJ. on the
night of the murder. On the following
morning took the train for K, and on
my arrival went directly to the cigar
store, and then spoke to the man behind
the counter of the murder.
"Oh," said he, "poor man, he was
in my store about au hour before they
found him dead"
Indeed" said 1, "did he trade
with you2"
"Oh, yes, sir; why, he came in here,
as tell you, and bought some cigars
that very night on which he was killed,
and stopped moment to chat with me.
Then he looked at his watch, and said
1t is q quarter past six. must go in
and lock up the bank and go home.
just then his man servant came in and
said
Mr.. Richards. have a note from