Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1883-12-22
Proof Of the Murder.

opposed to have been foully murdere.
He was a traveller, who had stopped
at an inn in lonely country place,
and was there said to have been MUIR
dered for bis money. The landlord
was held to he guilty, although
there was nothing but suspicion and
his previous bad name to fasten it
upon him.
This much / was told by my chief
when he placed the matter in my
hands. He had learned this, and
nothing more, from those who had
come to employ some one to inyesti-
gate the mystery / was told to 60
and do my best, and / went.
I went first to the individuals by
whom l was employed, and Of them
learned all that / could Of the affair.
This did not take me long, for they
were few, indeed
An inn, standing in an isolated
spot in the midst of a forest, had
long borne an evil name. There were
many dark whispers concerning it,
and more than one belated traveller
was supposed to have lost his life
there.
A few days before traveller had
stopped there for the night, and was
not known to have gone away again.
More than that, the landlord drove a
new horse which some were ready to
swear was the one the traveller had
ridden, changed only by a few jockey
tricks.
My duty was to endeavor to find
out the truth of the matter, if posi-
BILE. 1t would never do for me to go
there with my calling known, as it
would be sure to defeat all. But
there was no need of that. I was no
novice in my profession, and had all
its tricks at heart. would play the
part of a tourist, in search of quiet
spot where / could spend few days
in rural enjoyment. With every
thing perfected in the character
was to play, / was on the point of
setting out, when another party ap-
peared upon the scene.
1t was the brother of the missing
man.
He had not returned at the time
expected, and his friends were an
xious for his safety. His widest
fears were aroused when he knew
all. He declared that he would 90
to the inn at once in company with
me. But this 1 knew would never
do. His manner could not help but
put the guilty ones on their guard
So 1 prevailed upon him to stay be-
hind, promising him to report prog.
ress from time to time.
With matters thus arranged set
out for the inn. I went on horse
back as the supposed murdered man
had done. I could not help think
ing as I rode along, that perhaps the
landlord might try his hand upon
me; for to all appearances / was a
very quiet, inoffensive looking trav.
eler. But / was well armed, and
ready for him should he attempt
anything of the kind.
Arriving at the inn, the landlord
received me in person. No sooner
did my eyes fall upon his counte-
nance than l decided at once that he
was a william. A more sinister look
ing face l don't think ever beheld
The name on the creaking sign was
Saul Farman.
1 stated my wishes TO him and was
told that the house and all it con-
tanned was at my disposal. He
would do the best for me that he
could. So bargain was struck and
| was soon domiciled in my quar-
+ tiers. Then / went quickly about
my errand.
There was no positive proof yet
that the missing man was dead. Still
in my opinion there was no doubt.
was sure | had seen very many OF his
effects. His brother had described
them too minutely for me to be mis-
taken. Thus day after day went on.
had no fears at all for my safety
now. | had given him to under
stand that I was the pastor Of a
church who had been granted a leave
OF absence to recruit my health. If
he bnlinved thia ho knaw moll fhot T