The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-10-22
A WICKED WON AN.

| "''N" "o 'nouSh uementeu when she
learned that her husband had passed
away, and her intense grief and prolonged
hysteria gave rise to che belief that the
uniortupate woman would herself soon
follow the husband whose loss she seemed
! to feel such poignant grief for. When
senior La Barriers will was pr0bated 1t
was found that he had bequeathed his en-
tire fortune TO his wife, and, as no one
disputed the testament, the young wife
decided to turn the fortune into ready
cash and leave ST, Thomas.
Shortly after senoras departure the
servant who had been employed In the
family of Senior La Barrier informed the
chief of police that he had occasion to be-
heNe that his late master had been poi
soned, and that no less parsonage than
La Barriers wife had committed the
crime, lie handed the chief vial of
prussic acid, which he said he saw drop
from senora's pocket, wrapped in hand
kerchief, couple of nights before his
masters death; and, though doctors
certificate declared that death was occa-
stoned by peritonitis, he was morally Ger
tain that the man had been poisoned. The
body of La Barrier was subsequently, eX-
humed, and post-mortem revealed the
fact that death was occasioned by prussic
acid.
Suspicion pointed to the wife us the
murderess, and steps We're at once insti-
tuted by the murdered mans sister-in-
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
Ia Barrier, and it was under peculiar diff
flculties that the officer started out to find
the woman. disability in such eases was
never doubted, and his daring and BRAY
cry were by-words with every one
Black Pedro had reached Vera Cruz
in his search for the missing woman, and
one day he impaired the object of his Wis
it to fellow-officer. After explaining all
the circumstances which had come to his
knowledge concerning the young and
beautiful widow, he said that there was
no doubt in his mind whatever that she
had murdered her husband and fled to a
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
Che party he was in search of. That even
ing the two visited the theater, and, seated
In box, respondent In jewels and silks,
sat woman whom BLACK Pedro" recor-
nized, by the description and portraits
given him, as the party he was in seGrch
Of, When BLACK Pedro" and his friend
parted that night the latter said:
Be careful, Pedro, or that handsome
creature will trick you and make her es-
cape"
On the following morning Pedro stood
In an ante-rOom adjoining the elegant
apartments of Senorita Iapucrta, await
ing that lady's presence. AS she appear
ed in answer to his card the detective
quietly said:
Sonora, it is my duty to arrest YOU"
You dare not y
The woman's lips were white with pas
sion, rather than fear, and she stood he
fore the detective like lioness at bay.
He 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 pre-
sented standing there in the middle of the
room, was more the appearance of queen
than hunted criminal.
- must" replied Black Pedro" 81
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, however unpleas-
ant it may be to my feelings"
Twill you allow Inc to change my
dress Z" she said, in tone almost pie asant. |
The hard lines around the mouth had |
relaxed and the passionate glow on the |
face gave way to pleasant smile.
Certainly. l will wait for you here"
81 also wish to send messenger |
for a friend, Will you permit him to
pass %
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
:" Sonora desires to send q messenger for
a friend. viii you permit him to pass"
Almost the same instant the door of the
apartment that sonora had entered
opened, and youth-apparentlya mulatto
boy-came out and passed hurriedly
through the room into the hall, and from
thence into the street. 1t was, 10 doubt,
the messenger, Pedro thought, and he
picked up book and began reading
Nearly an hour passed and still senora
did not make her appearance. nor did the
boy return. The friend she had sent for
must have lived at some distance. "niack
Pedro " thought, or sonora was unusually
careful about her toilet and SO another
hour went by. At last the detective grew
impatient ana knocked at the door,
Sonora, / can wait no longer"
There was no reply, He knocked re-
and at last he determined to
effect an entrance. Strange fears harasScd
aim; he began to suspect he knew not
what. 1t took but moment to drive in
he door, and, once in the apartment, the
mystery was revealed. SeEora's robes lay
lpOn the floor, and scattered over The
DOM were suits of boys wearing apparel,
similar to the one worn by the muatto
BOY On table was a cosmetic that would
stain the skin to a light. delicate brown.
Black Pedro" was foiled for n certainty.
Sonora had escaped in the gnisc of
messenger. Why had he not detected the
'uses He felt Inundated and determ-
ned to redeem his error. He knew she
would not remain in the city an instant
onger than she could help. lie hurried
% her Bankers but found that she had
lrawn the amount due her an hour before.
"Who presented the check - asked the
detective.
ga mulatto boy-it WAS made payable
70 bearer"
There was yet chance. 4 steamer LEFT
within an hour for America il was posi-
hat she would seek that means of escape
i Black Pedro" jumped into u carriage
and arrived at the wharf ten minutes be
lore the vessel left-just in time to assist
an aged and deerepit gentleman into the
cabin. There were few passengers none OF
Them answered the description Of the per
son the detective sought. lie stood on the
wharf watching the rcceding vessel Until
It disappeared. lie was in the act of turn
ing away, when n driver of one of the car