The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1880-06-16

an act Of violence seemed so
foreign to his character, that iii
spite of appearances few were dis
posed to regard him with sus-
picion. Still it was thought pru-
dent to detain him till the tragedy
should be fully cleared up.
Next day the coroner's jury
began their Investigations. In
addition to the facts already re-
counted, it was shown that imme-
diately after the murder all the
outer doors and windows were
found closed as ssual-a fact
which pointed TO an inmate Of the
house rs the author of the deed.
A dealer in firearms testified
that on The day preceding the
murder be had sold the pistol,
found with one chamber dis
charged in Robbie's hand, to
Charley Bamford.
At this evidence Robbie started
up excitedly and spoke for the
first time.
I tell you my brother is not
guilty = he exclaimed.
Perhaps then, you can tell US
who is,' said the coroner, dryly.
4 ami the ooy answered, with
the defiant look Of one brought to
bay.
The case was soon closed, and
the jury were not long in re-
turning their verdict that Amos
Talburton had come to his death
by a pistol shot fred by the hand
of Robert Bamford and the pris-
oner was Immediately committed
for trial.
The distracted mother retained
me to do what | could for her un.
fortunate boy ; but the task look
ed like a hopeless one. To al! my
guest io'niing T gould get bpt one
answer.
Robbie persisted in asserting
his own guilt and the lnnocence OF
his brother, whose absence he at
tributed to his having run away
to escape bis step-father's cruelty.
When asked as to Lis possession
of the pistol sold to Charley, and
the motive of the crime be fell ID
to his usual silence.
In due time my client was in
dicted and arraigned to plead. l
stepped forward to answerfor him,
but before could interpose the
boy himself had spoken.
4 plead guilty. he said, in q
clear firm tone.
No, nor cried 2 VOICE that
startled all who heard it; it is not t
be, but I, who am guilty ! and the
next moment Charley Bamford
stood at bis brothers side, encir-
cling him with his arm.
Was it not I who ran away p
be went on, hurriedly, 'and my
pistol that was found ? Cannot
every one see that ny poor, dear,
generous brother wishes to screen
my life at the expense of his
own?'
! DO not believe him ! broke in
Robbie 'it is be that would sac
ri6ce himself for me-
Let the prisoner be remanded,
said the judge visioIy moved at
the scene: and let his brother be
| detained. There is something
here which requires explanation.'
And within a week the ezpla.
nation came in a manner least ex-
pected.
John willie, an old servant of
the family was taken suddenly ILL.,,
and soon lay at deaths door. Be-
fore he died be sent for clergy
man, "a whom hl2e told q story
which completely cleared up the
mystery.
The day before Mr.. Talburton
was killed Charley Bamford had
offered to sell Willis q pistol which
the latter bought for few dol
lars. That night Willis heard a
noise as OF one stirring in the
house, and slipping from bis room,
pistol in hand, he saw some one
moving steaIthiIy in the lower
hall. 1t was long past the hour
at which any Of the family were
likely to be up. Burglarles had
been frequent of late, and acting
on the first impulse, and taking
| the best aim be could, by the dim
light, Willis fired. .