Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-04-21

hidden his booty in the mattress?"
| az think so Mt all events, was his re-
ply, as he took out his knife and opened
the seam.
Then inserting his hand into the
opening, he presently drew forth the
package OF greenbacks. They were in
tact, so Mr.. Purvis announced after ex-
amining the fastenings and seals.
"What am TO think of this ?" asked
| the gentleman, in helpless tone. Il
declare that my head aches trying to di-
vine the motive Of this most extraordi-
nary robbery"
think az | do"
"What is that?"
"Why, that Pembroke Sharon, instead
OF being the robber, is the victim of the
robbcr, which accounts for his leaving
all his outer garments behind. He evi.
IDENTIFY surprised the robber at his work,
and in the encountcrd that took place
he murdered poor Sharon, dragged him
across the street, as the trail showed to
me, and tossed him into the river
"Thcn you really suspect August
Yerkes rs the robber?" nsked the mer-
chant, greatly agitstcd.
/ /" | am sure he is not only the robber,
/ but possibly also a murderer, was the
reply.
"Oh, the wretch 4" cried the mcr-
chant, passionately ; "and in my heart
| admired his bravery, while | pitied
/ him for what he had endured for en-
doayoring to protect my property"
" am convinced that You have hit
on the right man." said Mr.. Puryis
"If he knew Of this he might give Us
the slip. The next thing to he done is
TO use every means in our power TO re
cover the body of poor Sharon
Poor, indeed, since all the clothes
he has on his back are not his own"
spoke voice behind them.
All looked at the speaker, who wore
gn old soamnn's suit, and looked as il
lac had just recovered from severe
spell of sickness
Something in the tone Of the voice
strnck chord in the breast Of the mer.
chant, He approached the man and
asked, eagerly
Who are youg'
Ny name i, Pembroke sharon"
In a moment he was surrounded by
the trio. who congratulated him on his
escape from death. He requested per.
mission 10 assume his proper dress,
after which he would tell exactly what
had occurred during the past night
His story was very similar to the one
told by Icrkcs, with this difference
the positions were changed. II was
Sharon who surprised tho other before
the opened safe just in the act Of stow
ing in his pocket the package Of green
backs alluded to. II was Sharon who
denounced the act, and Yerkcs, both !.
angry and frightened to bc thus detected I
picked up a paper.wcight and hurled it I
Mt his fcllow-clcrk, striking Sharon on
the head, inficting ghastly wound, /
from which he faintci. and knew no .
more until he awokc on board vessel .
near the navy yard He was told that
they picked him mp in the river.
The captain and two of his men had /
been TO the theater and were returning
in boat To- the vessel when q white |
object floating on the water attracted .
their attention and they made for il.
and drew the apparently deal man in
the boat and took him ON board the I
vessel, where his wants were at once ai-
tended TO.
When Yerkcs' version Of the affair
was related 10 him he laughed derisive-
ly, and was on the point of making a
remark when familiar footsteps we're
heard ascending the stairs
"By heaven / believe it is August
Yerkes!" whispered Sharon. a. he
hastily entered the closet and drew the
door to. He Wa none too soon. for the
next moment Ycrkcs walked brisklv mn
to wherc the three gentlemen were
standing. Something in their faces
told him that something was amiss--
something to his disadvantage. too.
You arc probably surprised to see
me here again ?" remarked he. for want
of anything else to say.
1--WE arc indeed" said Mr.. Purvis.
regarding him with an ominous frown.
"You all appear to be anything but
pleased to see meT" next remarked the
robber and would-be assassin.
"On the contrary, we are very glad
to see YOU" here spoke varnoc, with an
ambiguous smile.
Glancing at the detective with skep.