The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1876-07-14

I
was conveyed to his home.
The terror which filed the people,
when news of this terrible decd had
reached them, had now passed away
and desire TO I've avenged on the muir
dercr had taken IL place; aud fore
most in his indignation was Anthony
Bell, who urged them on in their
wrath, and were !, not that the pris-
oucr was removed to the county jail,
the probability is that he would have
bcen hung without trial Of judge or
jury.
Two weeks after the burial Of Mr..
Blake, the trial was TO take place, and
on the evening before the fixed day,
Gerald OConnor sat in his cell, his
head resting on his hands.
Only two weeks sincc his arrest;
what change had come over him in
that thort time; every trace Of color
had left his checks. aud his eyes were
sunk in their sockets.
80 God! what have ever done 10
merit this terrible torture that is kill
ing mci l the murderer Of Godfrey
Blake, man whom | would shed the
last drop Of blood 10 save |!
No, no! There is some terrible mistake
made; for he was dead when discov-
cred him, with dagger buricl in his
heart. And the people all believe
that ! am guilty Of SO foul crime.
Poor mother, what agony must she
now he suffering! and Molly-O, Hea-
vcnl does shc too, think that !
am guiltyf'
HE head sank lower, his chest hcav-
ed with emotion, and the great sobs
that escaped him, depicted the agony
which he suffered.
lie did not hear the bolt of the cell
door shoot back, nor was he aware
that my one entered till hand was
laid ON his shoulder, and n voice said:
"Gernld!"
file raised his head like one awaking
from dream.
"Gerald, don't you know me?' ask.
ed his visitor, as no signs Of recogni.
ton was evinccd by him.
Eyes, Molly, d." he answered in
mournful accents; and do you too, be-
lievc me guilty Of this terrible crime?
If SO, how came you to seek the pres
encc of one Of whom you believe to be
the murderer Of your father!"
20, Gerald; how can you accuse
me SO! I believe you to be guilty?
No! am sure that you never COM
mittcd the crime Of which you stand
accused. Trust in Him who knows
all, and He will not let the innocent
suffer for the guilty."
"Your words tighten the terrible
load that lies on my heart, and makes
it easier for inc to bear; but the evil
dence is so strong against me. that it
is a mockery to hope. l have made
up my mind that am to be made the
victim to atone for n crime of which
am falsely accused"
do not give way to despair, for
God will not permit you to suffer for
the crime Of another; and now, as the
time is up, and ! hear the jailer COM
ing, l must leave you, so good bye for
tonight" and she pressed his cold
hand in her own.
GOOD night, and may God bless
you!"
The morning came, calm and beauti-
ful-the morning Of the day on which
Gerald O'Connor was to be tried f..
his life-tricd for a murder he never
committed.
Tho hour for trial had come. The
prisoner was lead up the aisle Of the
crowded courtroom. and placed in the
dock.
The prosecuting attorney opened the
case in behalf OF the crown. and the
witnesses were examined.
Anthony Bell was the principal wit
ness for the prosecution. He testified
to having found OConnor bent over
the murdered man with n blood stained
dagger in bis hand; saw him plunge it
into the murdered mans breast.
Tho attorney for the defense opened
the case in a very eloquent manner,
and tried by every available means to
prove the innocence of the prisoner,
bringing to bear bis former good char
acter. etc.
The judge then charged the jury,
telling them to think well over the ev-
idence before giving their verdict
They then retired, and. after an
hours conference, returned to the jury.
box.
Every eye in the crowded court Was
fixed ON the twelve, solemn men as
they took their places and answered
to their names.
Gentlemen of the jury, have you
decided ON a verdict Is the prisoner