The New York herald., 1877-09-15
A TRAMP AT BAY.
THE ST. ELMO TRAGEDY-DEADLY SKILL WITH
REVOLVER.

THE ST. ELMO TRAGEDY-DEADLY SKILL WITH
A REVOLVER.
From Chicago Tribune's Terre Eaute (Ind.) Corre-
spondence, sept H.
Tho little village Of St Elmo Ill.,, situated on the
Vandaa road, seventeen miles from Emngham, was
this morning thrown into intense excitement by o
series OF the most dastardly, terrible murders that
have ever been perpetrated in this section OF the
country. The particulars these:-About eight
o'clock this morning Mr. John Scoles o most es
timabo citizen Of the village. with his family. re-
turned to their residence, situated in the midst OF
ihckly built part of tho place, from visit East,
whero they had been absent for several days. On
entering the house ho Immediately discovered that
1t had been robbed Of articles Of value, and
from several Indications convinced that the
burglar had but just left the place, as he had
left freshly prepared breakfast the
ablc. This fact induced Mr.. Scoes to
mcncs instant search for the thieL He
searched carefully through the house, ouihouscs and
out in the yard, going toward his stable. AS ho
did 20 he perceived q man running rapidly through
the field 10 The rear, looking back and showing un-
mstnkablc evidence OF beng the party wanted try
ing 10 escape. Mr.. Scoles mounted horse Standing
ana M ~ Of ms s
Scoles ordered him 10 halt The villain did SO. but,
with consummatc coolness and murderous daring, no
drew q revolver and fred, shooting Mr.. Scoles three
timos each shot giving fatal wound, one taking
effect in the hoad and TWO in the body. Mr. Scolcs
fell from his horse and expired about three minutes
living until his family and or three observers
roached hun, to whom ne spoke tow words
Tho news spread with electric rap,dty throughout
the village and in about twenty-five minutes upward
hundred men, armed win hastily seized rifles.
revolvsrs ana shoiguns were 10 close pursuit Owing
to the country being very level there the rapidly
Gaping nend still in fair view OF the pursusrs He
fleeing like deer, urged on by his great dcspcra
tion, but the numerous pursuers, mauy being
mounted. swiftly overlook him. AS soon as he ar
rived wthn hatlng distance Mr. Frank Barnes. who
Ia advance Of the citizens, called to him. "Iialt
you IA dead man." At this the desperate hend
turned, and holding revolver In each hand, cooy
commenced drng ut distance OF about forty icct
Tho first shot fred from his right hand revolver hit
hr. Barnes. very worthy young gentleman, In the
head, killing him instantly, the Dody falling with
thud 70 the ground The second shot, given IRON his
Lett hand, hit Mr. Frank Wseman, another excellent
citizen, In tho head, also with deadly effect he falling
from his horse expiring IN q lew moments.
Still cooliy iacing the advancing c.tzcns no aimed
with ms right hand revolver and fired, killing horse
from under pursuing farmer, whose name Is not
learned. Thcn giving terribly demoniac yell no
rushed toward the cnte party of about dozen horse
tho demon disconnected tho party and caused them TO
turn and fee In all directions, Stlll intent with
deviiish, murderous deeds, he again and hit
horse woundiug u 80 ie, unable to move further
and Tue rider oblged u escape on foot
Tho demon then turned and easily jagged to como
timber anu ut some distance IN wnicn he
IL now supposed TO be hidden. He IS certainly ter
rbly dangerOu object, wonderful dcad shot with
either hand, is well arme aud icarfully desperate,
AZ this writing the Country Is aIive with armed cti-
IONS uumberIpg several hundred but all are feeling
cautious OF approaching his hiding place, ana u Is
feared that when durkncss comes ne will make his
escape. He is unknown to any tDat saw him, but Is
supposed 10 be some wandering tramp. lie appeared
about thrtynve years old low IN stature, heavy
set, dark complexion, heavy dark HAIR, fierce black
and ioriyhy pounds. lhe wno'o village IS IN mourn
ing Tor the three respected murdered citizens and Tho
most excitement prevails. The murderer has
been seen, ana It believed ho will caught as
hundreds are IN hot pursuit;