The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1876-06-07

D
ure of the case. Where was the
will? Had Ross Edwards been so
stupid as to take it with him after
committing the murder. 10 make sure
of it, IF so, it could probably be
found in the room be occupied at the
tavern. or even on hrs person; and
that would be piece of evidence
that would establish his guilt beyond
q doubt.
"Ab, how short-sighted me1 are
when they commit crimer I mused
Even the shrewdess of criminals are
sure to leave some clue
| FASTENED back TO Wellington
aud found Nc. Brush.
"Did you search him!n | asked
Yes" be replied. Il took all his
etfects-knife, pipe, tobacco, aud a
pocket book with fifteen dollars and
twenty cents in il I"
Nothing in the shape of willl"
"No.v
"Had be any opportunity to throw
anything away after his arrestyr
No, | am certain Of that, watch
ed him like a cat
Then get out a search warrant
and we will 60 to the Cross Roads
and lake look at his room at the
tavern"
This was done at once, and we
went to the Cross Roads that after
noon, when we made careful exam
ination of Ross Edwards room, aud
everything 10 it, No will was found,
nor did any Of his clothes show marks
of blood
"He must have been more cum
ming than | gave him credit for" /
remarked to Mr. Brush as we mount
ed our horses to ride back to Wei
lington Where can that will be"
Within a month the County Court
was in session, aud Ross Edwards
was tried for murder. Yes, and to
the astonisbment aud indignation of
everybody, be was acquitted Not
because thejury believed him innocent
but because the evidence against him
was not conclusive.
He is the luckiest murderer ever
heard Of. ! said TO several brother
attorneys, and they all agreed with
me.
Not long after Ross Edwards was
set at liberty, the daughter Of the
murdered man called on me and said
she desired TO contest that will, aud
would place the case in my hands.
She stated that her father was proba-
bly, not in his right mind when be
made that will; that he often had
peevish spells; that he frequently few
into q passion about nothing; and
tLat she bad done nothing whatever
to offend him en- the morning that be
started for Wellington with the
avowed intention of making a will
that would disinherit her.
Lucy was rather a handsome
young lady. not over twenty-five,
with black eyes and a clear complex
ion Her manner was candid aud
earnest, and | was soon convinced
that if her father had not been de-
ranged, she at least believed MIN to
be so, and | readily agreed to take
the case. We were in consultation
bali an hour in reference to what
witnesses should be summoned TO
testify to the old mans eccentricities
of character, and she had risen to go.
when I said:
"Why how forgetfuI | have beenl
unless the will is produced, there is
no use contesting it"
Why, have it," she replied.
To my astonishme1t, she deliber-
ately drew from her pocket and hand
ed me legal paper, which | imme-
diately recognized as tine missing
will.
Where did you get thisy" ask
ed, almost with vehemeuce.
A puzzled look came over her
face-a dash-then she turned death
" pale.
Where did you get this2" I again
demanded, as a fearful thought fash
ed across nv mind.
She tottered few steps, aud sank
trembling into a chair, and, covering
her livid face with her hands, ejacu-
lated:
"Merciful, heaven. What have /
done"
What have you done2" echoed,
with some severity. "I'll tell you,
girl you nave murdered your faith
father"
NO, no, haven't she said, franti-
cally, while she elssped ber hands,
and looked imploringly into my face.
"0h, | didn't kill him. Spare me.
Save mel"
"Spare you. Save Won, Whygr
She dropped her face upol ber
hands and was silent.
Answer me, girl" / said sternly. |
Did your Cousin Ross kill your
father. Speak the truth"
No." she replied beginning to cry.
Then you didr'
NO, 20, no." she walled piteous-
ly.
"At least you know who did,"
NO one did; be was thrown from
bis horse"
How do you know"
Il saw it"
You saw him thrown from his
horse and killed."
Yes"
What mystery was here Was the I
girl crazy? No, that could not be, fer 4
why was she so frightened and, I
above all how came she in possession
of the willl
Why did you try to have Ross
hanged for murder" | asked.
Because | hated him.
How came you TO see your
father thrown from his horsez"
Here she burst into a perfect con-
vulsion ofsobs and tears, and after 8
few seconds regained control of her
voice SO as to say:
"Oh, I'll tell you all. | nigh, as
well DOW But they won't hang me
for that will they!"
"For what? | asked, unable to