The Mineral argus., 1885-07-09
ADROlTLY FOILED.

Cincinnati Inquirer.
On the morning of August 90, 1868,
Senior La Barrier an immensely wealthy
Spaniard, died suddenly at ms home in
st. Thomas. his young and beautiful
wife acted as though demented when
she learned that her husband had passed
away, and her intense grief and pro-
longed hysteria gave rise to the belief
that the unfortunate woman would her.
self soon follow the husband whose loss
she seemed to feel such poignant grief
for. When Senior La Barriers will was
probated it was found that he had be-
queathed his entire fortune to his wife,
and as no one disputed the testament.
the young wife decided to turn the for
time left her into ready cash and leave
St Thomas.
Shortly after senora's departure, the
servant who had been employed in the
family of Senior La Barrier informed
the chief Of police that he had occasion
to believe that his late master hal been
poisoned. and that no less q parsonage
than La Barriers wife had committed
the crime. He handed the chief vial
of prussic acid, which he said he saw
drop from senora's pocket, wrapped in
handkerchief, a couple Of nights be-
fore his masters death, and though
doctors certificate declared that death
was occasioned by peritcnitis, hc was
morally certain that the man had been
poisoned. The body Of La Barrier was
subsequently exumed, and post NOR
tenn revealed the fact that death was
occasioned by prussic acid.
Suspicion pointed to the wife rs the
mur,leress. and steps were at once in
stituted by the murdered mans sister.
law to discover the whereabouts OF
Sonora La Barrier.
BLACK Pedro" the detective. was at
the time we speak of probably better
known to the criminal class of Cuba
and Mexico than any other man living.
To him was intrusted the finding Of
Sonora La Barrier, and it was under
peculiar difficulties that the officer start
ed out to find the woman. His ability
in such cases was never doubted, and
his daring and bravery were bywords
with every one.
"Black Pedro" had reached Vera
Cruz in his search for the missing
woman, and ono day he impaired the
object OF his visit to fellow officer.
After explaining all the circumstances
which had come to his knowledge con-
corning the young and beautiful widow,
he said that there was no doubt in his
mind whatever but that she had MUIR
dered her husband and fed to place
of safety with all his wealth. The
friend became silent for few moments,
and then frightening up said he
thought he could put his friend on the
track Of the party he YVES in search
of. That evening the two visited the
theatre, and seated IN a box, resplen.
dent in Jewels and silks, sat woman
whom "Black Pedro" recognized by tho
description and portraits given him, As
the party he was in search of. When
"Black Pedro" and his friend parted
that night, the latter said
"Be careful, Pedro, or that hand
some creature will trick you and make
her escape"
On the following morning Pedro
stood in an ante-room adjoining the ele-
giant apartments Of Senorita Lapuerta,
awaiting that lady's presence. As she
appeared in answer to his card the de-
tective quietly said: -.
"Senora. 1t is my duty to arrest you J"
"You dare mott"
The woman's lips were white with
passion, rather than fear, and she stood
before the detective like lioness at
bay.
lie himself could not help but note
the striking beauty of the woman. Tall
and slender. eyes black and flashing,
almost lurid at the time, the spectacle
| she presented standing there in the mid
| die OF the room was more the appear
ance of o queen than a hunted crimi-
nal.
II must" replied BLACK Pedro" u
| do not doubt your innocence. Looking
in your face, it is strange that any one
could couple it with guilt. But ! am
constrained to do my duty, sonora. how
ever unpleasant 1t may be to my feel
ings:"
dress ?" she said, in tone almost pleas
ant. The hard lines around the mouth
had relaxed and the passionate glow on
the face gave way to a.pleasant smile.
Certainly. will wait for you
here"
81 also wish to send q messenger for
a friend. Will you permit HIM to pass p
Certainly"
As the woman left the room "Black
Pedro" stepped to the window and said
to his mate, who was waiting at the
street door:
MSonora doa;ros 70 sonI a rnessnn nel