Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1876-04-07
sTAUNT0N, VIRGINIA, FRIDAY APRIL 7, 1876
"'Well. what time did you get done last

"'WelI, what time dld you get dOne laSC
night?'
"'At six O'Clock, SIR:
''Did you paint after dark p
eyes. sir, after dark painted the out
side of the window, about half-past five
the man in the bank lighted the gas and it
shone so brightly that I finished the win
dow last evening"
"'Did you see the man in the bank han
die any money
''The German looked quite puzzled at
this question, but answered:
s''Yes sir; noticed him counting a
large pile
"'What kind of a looking man was he 2
"sWell, a good looking man it was Mr..
Richards. If you don't know him [ will
describe him to YOU
81 answered that [ had seen him, and
then inquired what did he do with the
money p
He made a bundle of it and handed it
to young man telling him to ia. Re it some
where. I could not hear all he said. In
addition to the bundle he gave him what
I Judged to be few dollars IN change and
told him to be back in the morning. Then
the young man went away. By and by
Mr.. Richards put out the gas and sus-
pended work and went home.'
"'Did you see Mr.. Richards again - 1
asked.
eyes, I sawshim at the cigar store as I
passed.
81 concluded my examination Of Mr..
Vogel with the question: odd you know
Mr.. Richards was murdered last night
and all the money in the bank stolen?"
1.-THE German turned pale, and ex-
CLAIMED with much excitement, Murdered!
no; is it so? Your don't think it's me
NY wife Katrine knows I came straight
home
"sOh, no = said, Il don't think it was
you. You must not, however, tell any
one you have talked about it with me, or
it may result in your beng taken to court
He promised not to speak Of it, and [ left
him.
81 was now certain of my ability to clear
my client, as I could prove he was sent on
L
find some one who had seen him on the
train, but knew not where to obtain the
Every one was talking of
the murder, and public feeling was indeed
bitter against Howard Burton. Stories of
his quarrel with Mr.. Richards were circu-
lated with the usual eXaggeration, and it
seemed to be the unanimous opinion that
he was the cold blooded murderer. Still
was hopeful, and returned to c., feel.
ing quite confident Of my ultimate success.
On my arrival 1 had an interview with
young Burton, and told him the result of
my visit to K. He was overjoyed and
expressed himself confident of being ac-
quilted. Returning to my Office, 1 looked
up all the reported cases that bore any re-
semblance to the one in hand. The exami-
nation of my client Was set down for the
sext morqing, at which time I went to the
Jail and accompanied him to the court
room, escorted by an under sheriff. We
found quite formidable array of lawyers
of note representing the prosecution In
addition to the learned District Attorney
who had been retained by the bank officers
to assist him. The examination was very
brief. and after calling Mr.. Richards ser
want, and receiving the testimony of the
hotel clerk, Howard Burton was fully COM
mitted to answer to the charges Of murder
and robbery at the January term of the
court.
"'Can you not think of some one you |
know, who sawyou on thetrain from X
to c. on the night of the lnurder?'
said I.
"'No, sir; no one that 1 know; but per-
haps the conductor will remember me. He
had to change five-dollar bill for my fare,
and grumbled little about that
s'I will see him at once said I, starting
to go.
edo so, do so,' said my client, excited
ly. Call to his mind the young man who
had pen over his ear. I remember that
on leaving the bank hurriedly [ neglected
to remove the pen which Frequently carry
over my ear, after the manner of clerks
Invent directly to the depot and learned !
that the conductor 1 was in search of
would arrive in about an hour. 1 waited, |
all Impotence, and upon his arrival asked
him if he would do me the kindness to
walk up to the jail and see if he could iden-
tify Mr.. Burton. He willingly consented,
and upon arriving at the prisoners cell
him to my client. The con-
ductor gazed steadily at young Burton a
and then said
''Mr. Burton, please put on your hat"
"Burton did SO, and again he looked at
him sharply, without a change of counte-
nance.
''Now, sir, please put your left hand in
your waistcoat pocket
81 was afraid the conductor was not go
ing to identify him, but as young Burton
put his hand in his waistcoat pocket, the |
lapel Of his coat was drawn back reveal
ing upon his vest a unique masonic pin,
the badge Of a Knight Templar.
CT fully Identify him as the person for
whom 1 changed fve-dollar bill on my
train which left k at O'Clock on the
evening Of December oath, and am ready
to swear to it in any court of justice. You
see, sir" explained the conductor, tive
learn in our business to remember faces,
and noticing a pen over this young mans
ear, laughingly advised HIM to take it
down. But what called my attention prin-
cipally to him was the fact that he wore
knight Templar's badge. stopped to ex-
anime it. You see it is very curiously
made pin, and he remarked that he was not |
strictly entitled to wear it; it had formerly
belonged to his father, who was dead. [
shall be most happy to give my testimony
in your behalf, Mr.. Burton. And now, if |
1 can get out, will bid you good evening,
gentlemen So saying the gentleman