Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1876-01-28

Gus tate. 1t was forlOrn nope, p"C
when Charlie Lawrence ana Jack
Hobby put their heads together, they
were a power at any time, but since a
friends life was at stake they would
work wonders.
Harold Vincent was deemed guilty
by the law for the murder OF George
Pollock. The evidence was purely
circumstantial. The murdered man
and the condemned had onrivals in
love. Pollock was found dead in a
suburban grove with t three knlle
wounds in his breast. At his side was
found button that correspondent with
those of Harold's coat. There was IL
button missing from Harold's coat =
The prisoner was seen in the vicinity
of the murder on the evening it must
have occurred. That was all there
was of it,
The prisoner, when charged with
the crime had scornfully denied the
charge, and all during his trial he
had conducted himself in a manner
that left very favorable Impression
on the minds OF the spectators. lie
had never for once betrayed the slight
est evidence of guilt, and when the
awful sentence was being pronounced
upon him, he kept lis blue eye on the
Judge s, and at its conclusion bowed
gracefully, and was led away. He
saw that Il. was at the mercy Of Il
train of fatal circumstances, and knew
that nothing would save him but eXe
cutive clemcncy. When that was de-
MED him, he exclaimed, "God help
my poor mother, Nellie and darling
Mary and commenced preparations
for the last scene.
When Charlie left the presence Of
Nellie, after the interview narrated
in the beginning Of the chapter, he
sought his friend Jack Hobby. He
found him at his hotel, and together
they repaired to his room.
II have been reconnoltering in the
rear Of the vacant house, Charley"
sad jack in an uniertone.
"Well whist success ~
We can obtain an easy entrance
through a back window" "
Good , no time must be wasted.
If YOU will attend to the matter Of
tools and lantern, | will sound the
sheriff this afternoon. The under
taking is u desperate one, Jack, but
perseverance may give us success
God grant that it may be so.
Have you intimated your scheme
to Harold, vet, asked Jack.
Nc" Charlie replied. II thought
it would not be best to do so until |
had interviewed the sheriff. This
individual was an easy going fellow,
always pccuniarly embarrassed and
always ready to take a drink when
opportunity offered Ever since the
sentence was pronounced on Harold
Vincent, and it became plain that it
would be his painful duty to place
the moose around an old friends neck
and spring the gallows trap, he had
been much depressed, and had kept
his room almost constantly. Thither
Charley went and was admitted by
the unhappy official himself.
"Good afternoon, sheriff" said
Lawrence. You don't seem to be
yourself Of late. What $ the matter,
approaching duties trouble you, hey"
"Well, to tell the truth, said the
official, Il do dread what s coming
awfully, wish it was over"
"Well," replied Charley, "it won't
help you any to sit around in close
room all day, what dye say to taking
walk around to Pendergast's, and
trying some Of his fresh lager %
"Well, l don't mind" said the
sheriff, taking his hat. " | believe a
glass or two would do me good
1.-The two were soon on the street,
and pointed for Pendergast's. Arriv-
ing there Charlie was gratided at
finding the place quite Deserted
Seating themselves at the 1emotest
table they leisurely enjoyed couple
Of glasses Of lager, which improved
the sheriff S spirits wonderfully.
Sheriff" said Charlie after little,
II have a peculiar request to make OF
you. | have always been friend to
I I