The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-10-14

IeSs1Oui uAu uSou " unIdteAn& myH-
teres, offered my Services In the pres.
ent case. 1t was accepted without hesi-
tation, save by one member of the board,
! who was most bitter in his hostility to
the countess. ,,
This man alluded to showed such an
amount of strong dislike to me that
resolved to find out the cause. All 1
could learn, however, was his name, and
the fact that he was the father of half
witted girl. .. .a ....
had two interviews with the. coun-
tess, and each of them strengthened my
belief In her innocence.
endeavored to find the young nobler
man whose name had been coupled with
hers, but he had left the country. Of
course this gave still darker look to
the case, but did not despair.
On. night was proceeding homeward
at late hour, when heard stealthy
footstep behind me. l turned quickly,
and just in time to catch my assailant by
the arm. A keen stiletto was in his hand,
and my prompt action had saved my
life. Snatching out my revolver, ley
eled it at his head, and ordered him to
move on, at the same time keeping q
firm hold upon his collar.
The muzzle of my weapon was a con-
vincing argument, and he did not dare
disobey. marched him straight to the
house Of my friend, Dr. Glover. As l
marched my prisoner into the Doctors
presence, l, for the first time, caught a
glimpse of the face beneath the slouch
hat.
! l started back in astonishment. 1t was
no less person than my strange enemy
among the police officials. l knew then
that he was able to throw some light
upon the mystery.
"See here" / said, assuming my
fercest tone; "you are fairly cornered
now. Confess what you know concerning
the murder of Count Ardotti, and you
shall go free, otherwise l shalligive you
into custody for your attempt upon my
Gfe."
The man, frightened by my manner,
told all he knew. His insane daughter
had been made so by the counts former
attentions. Having betrayed her, he had
cast her off, and she had brooded over
her wrongs until she had become dan
gerously insane.
After the counts marriage she had
sworn revenge, and became SO violent
that she required constant watching.
On the day of the counts murder she had
succeeded in eluding the vigilance Of
her friends.
Her father was the first to miss her,
and fearing her purpose, had gone
straight to the counts entrance. lie
had arrived just in time to see his crazy
daughter escaping by back entrance,
and shrewdly guessed that the deed had
been perpetrated.
His wish for revenge upon the new
countess for usurping his daughters
rightful place, and his fear that the
crazy girl might have to pay the penalty
of her act with her life, had led to his
silence.
Strange to say, the sight of her muir
dered lover had brought back the girls
wandering senses, and she was legally
liable for the act.
The doctor listened in open-mouthed
astonishment, while drew up the state
ment in legal form, and compelled the
man to sign it.; then We accompanied
him home, and had the truth corrobor-
ated from the unwilling lips of the
daughter.
The countess was quickly liberated
and public opinion swung round in heI
favor. The real murderess was never
prosecuted, opinion seeming to be that il
was an act of justice.
Such is the story, as told me by
LAWYER friend on his recent return from
abroad. His wife was the former Coun
tess Ardotti, and she was, indeed, a mos
beautiful woman.