The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-09-17
a VitrlOl Fiend.

"a NltrlOl cl6nu.
On the morning of the 14th of No
vembcr, 1878, tho mutilated remains of
n man were found on the bank of the
River Tula, in the suburbs Of the city of
Panuco, Mexico. The body was clothed
i'll coarse garments, and though authori-
ties endeavorod to solve the mystery
their efforts were without success. The
fact was disclosed that besides being
gashed with knife, the face, hands and
body were burned beyond recognition
by strong acid. The ghastly remains
were buried, and further investigation
ceased
A short time before the occurrence Of
the above facts there camo to live on
the outskirts Of Panuco, one Baptiste
Monzani, accompanied by his pretty
Mexican wife. They lived in princely
style, and were looked upon rs people
of fabulous wealth. Baptiste was known
to absent himself from homo for days
and weeks, during which time tho fcs-
tivitics at his house continued without
interruption. Rioh and venerable
seniors seemed to be tho principal
guests during Baptiste's absence, but
as everything passed off in the most
decorous manner gossip was denied it's
swing.
One morning charcoal burner whilo
at work in forest just up from tho river
noticed that his dogs were acting in a
mysterious manner, and following their
lead for distance through the under
growth camo upon the mutilated body of
n woman almost nude.
What little portion of the garments
still remained upon her were of the
finest material and hor feet and hands
were of q mold which indicated that
the unfortunate was Of q higher class Of
society. The face was distigured beyond
recognition by an acid, and in conse-
quence of tho intense heat, dccomposi-
ton had set in. A short distance from
Monzani lived Sonorita Jurez, an old
and wealthy widow lady, who, three
mornings before the discovery by tho
charcoal burner, had disposed of largo
portion of her city property and had
drawn large sum Of money from her
banker in the City Of Mexico. On the
night before she visited Molzani's villa,
and when departing stated that she
would leave for Vera Cruz the following
morning, whence sho would sail for Eu.
rope, to DO absent somo timo. That was
the last seen of her alive
During an excursion to Panuco, Juan
Mevannez, young and handsome MeM-
can, who by the death of his father a
short time before fell heir to M immense
fortune, mot Senorita Monzani, who,
with hor husband, entertained the young
Mexican IN princely fashion. Ho be-
came very confidential with his Ii osts,
informing them of his intention Of going
abroad for a number Of years, and be-
side giving Baptiste letter of introduo-
ton to his banker in Mexico.
While two fishermen were i'll their
boat on the river Tula ono morning, they
picked up bog carefully sewed together
and upon opening it discovered the
body Of man mutilated and hacked to
pieces.
This, like the others, was surrounded
in mystery, and all efforts to discover
n clue proved fruitless.
The fetes at tho Monzani villa contin-
ued to 60 on uninterrupted, and it was
considered groat favor to gain admis-
sion to any of them. Baptisto had fire.
quontly absonted himself, under tho
prctcnse of looking aftor somo business
matters, but his pretty senorita continued
to dispense hospitality with liberality
that provoked admiration.
About this time thero appeared on the
scene young Mexican named Rudigo,
whose attentions to the beautiful senor-
ita did not escape observation. Though
Baptiste noticed certain acts on the part
of the pair that would cause disruption
in any woll-regulatcd domestic circle,
he, to NIL appearances, quietly winked
at them, firmly believing that it was
only part being played by his wife for
the consummation of deed from which
both would enjoy harvest. This state
of affairs continued for some time with
out any objection being raised by Bap-
tiste, until one morning he unexpectedly
returned to his homo and, unnoticed,
proceeded to his room, where, to his
astonishmcnt nc discovered his wife and
Rudigo fast asleep in each others arms.
Some noiso awakened Rudigo, who, with
out standing upon any ceremony, mado
n prccipitate flight, disappearing before
tho astonished Babtiste could fully real
izc the true state of sffairs.
No exploration would satisfy tho in
furiated man, and ]Io swore to be avenged
on both.
About week after the above occur.