The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1883-09-29
NIGH UNTO DEATH.

was supposed to be burglar proof, 80, whel
NJ. Bertrand put up his shutters and wen
home, the safety Of his goods troubles
him but little. It appears, however, tina
on the morning Of February 10, 1910, a
the Waterman, accompanied by fellow
officer, was passing, had noticed that ono Q
tle side shutters had apparently been re
moved. This aroused the suspicious o
the officer, and, advancing a few steps
he stumbled over the bleeding and mani
mate form Of a young man. At this mo
ment two men rushed from rear door
The companion OF the officer gave chase
and succeeded in capturing one OF the twt
who bad just left in such great haste. Thu
Waterman then summoned assistance, anC
the limp body Of the young man was born,
to the Palais de Justice. Further search
revealed the fact that NJ. Bertrand haC
been murdered while in his warehouse
When sufficiently restored to conscious
ness the young man, Henri Gourard, by
name, protested his innocence. His story
was heard, butnot believed.
"Alasn he exclaimed, why did they
not kill me and save my mother this grea,
SORROW"
The one captured by the watchman'f
companion, Richet, an ex-galley slave, then
told his story, on promise OF being set Al
liberty.
The three had put up the job to "gu" N,
Bertrand'S warehouse, Soule, the one who
had escaped, Gourard and himself. They
had entered the place, and were progress
ing admirably when noise startled them.
1t was NJ. Bertrand, who had entered the
place to ascertain the cause Of the shutters
being down. AS he approached to where
the three were Crouching Gourard struck
him tremendous blow on the head with
q Jimmy" which ielled him lifeless to the
floor. Apparently terrified at his own act,
Gourard then rushed down stairs, and
when he reached the middle he stumbled,
his head striking the corner of the counter.
He fell senseless. They carried him from
the building, intending to convey him to a
place Of secrecy. They had Just reached
the street when they rememb ered that they
had LETT something compromising behind,
and had gone in search OF it when the OIL.
GERS arrived. The rest is known. Gou-
rard was remanded to be tried before the
Presiding Judge at the Tribuneux. He
tirst, however, sent letter to bis mother
informing her OF his great trouble,
and assuring her OF his innocence. His
mother, Fastening to Paris, had secured the
services Of one NJ. Belot to defend her son.
The day Of trial at length arrived. 1t hap
peneu, however, that on that very day q
young lawyer, Pierre CASTOR, was stopping
in Paris awaiting the arrival OF certain per.
sons with whom he had important BUSH
meas. Nothaving anything to do he sought
the courtroom, for the purpose OF passing
the time in observing the proceedings Of
the court. His route led him by the Jail
where Gourard was incarcerated. just
before reaching the grim receptacle OF
crime and misery two officers, having in
charge pale young man, apparently about
81, came from the prison, stepped upon the
walk Immediately in front OF him, and
moved In the same direction he was going.
NJ. Castor had then an opportunity 10 OBJ.
serve the features OF the young prisoner.
His features, his manners, his respectable
bearing, all struck the young lawyer favor
ably. The three persons walked with
rapid strides toward the Court House.
Thay had proceeded but short distance
when they were met by respectfully Ap.
pearing woman about 40 years Of age. The
moment she saw him Rhe sprang forward
and clasped him in her arms, exClaiming:
ooh, Henri, Henri My boy, my sonw
The sudden appearance OF the woman
caused the officers to halt.
4 I'll -
Court House for me?" said the young
man, endeayoring to smother his emotions.
"Because | did not SEQ you thsre, HeDri,
and | thought perhaps you might not have
your trial to-day alter all, aud sol started
10 see you at the jail. Oh, my boy, my dar.
ling" said the wretched woman, her voice
now broken with sobs, "are they going TO
try you to-day?"
ayes, mother, am 10 be tried to-day.
But calm yourself. trust all will be well
with me, for God above US knows that l am
not guilty"
The woman raising herself to her full
Insight answered:
"You guilty, Henri? You guilty? Who
dares accuse you ?"
Then hesitatiBg and seeming to realize
the full situation OF the wretchid doom
that threatened her son, she exclaimed
"0h, no, mol You are not guilty! You
cannot be, you are 30 good and true! There!
there! Now you look just lis you used to,
when on your knees first thought you
your little prayer in our dear old"
"Come, come, old woman, sand aside
and don't hinder ia any longer. Tho young
man Is wanted yonder," said one Of the
officers pointing towards the Court House.
"Oh, sir" said the woman, "do you not
see that he is iHjured-that is, innocent ?
know he is!
SHOW do you know that ? Maybe you
can swear Tor him?" said the officer,
gruflly. -
"Because-because am his mother, aud
and taught him his prayer, and-"
"Yes, yes. You amt the first good
woman who had bad boy for son. Come
on, my csvey. Monsieur lie Judge will
see to that"
Gaston's progress was arrested by this
pathetic scene. Deeply touched by the
appearance OF the mother and son, he fol.
lowed them to the Court House. Just as
they were about to ascend the steps that
led to the Court House, the young man
paused moment.
"Mother," said he, "is NJ. Belot going 10
undertake my defense?"
"Not unless We pay him in advance, aud
and we have no money you know"
"Ob! God have mercy on me, exclaimed
the young man, completely breaking down.
"What shall 1 do?
"Come along; don't stop to blubber hel g.
The Court will appoint some one to defend
He was coon seated in the prisoners box
to await the proceedings Of Court.
The young lawyer followed. the officer into
the Court room and seated himself behind
the bar. Alter scanning more carefully the
features Of the prisoner, he said to himself:
at that young man is guilty Of any serious
Presently the loud tap announced the
approach Of Monsieur le Judge.
"OAicer," said the prosecuting lawyer,
"is Henri Gourard in CourtH"