Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-02-15


Undoubtedly the chief person to fear was
Mrs. Wilson. Sne alone Knewtnar Tie man
Intended to reach Roding that night She
alone knew in what relation, or supposed
relation, he stood to Pnilippa. The very
night Of his death would be fixed by the
snow storm; and felt sure that as soon as
the dead man was Identified Mrs. Wilson
could not fail to associate her guests sud-
den departure and subsequent illness with
the terrible event. The moment she reveal
ed what she knew or suspected, suspicion
must point to the right person, and pursuit
must at once follow. My heart grew sick,
as, think how l would, l could see no loop
hole by which to escape from this danger.
About secondary things l troubled but
little. Upon calm reconsideration, l did not
believe that my stolid William would for a
moment jump at the right conclusion. If he
were led to suspect either of US, it would be
me, not Philippa; and well knew that he
was so much attached to me that, although
he felt certain had done the deed he wouid
feel equally certain that l had good and
proper reasons for doing it, and no word to
my detriment would pass his reticent lips.
No, there was little to fear from William
l had blamed myself deeply for the inn
pulse which had urged me to hurl the fatal
weapon away. Why did not keep it and
bury it fathoms deep? II that pistol were
found, it would possibly furnish a cIew
which might be followed up, and undo
everything. My only hope was that had
thrown 1t in some spot where 1t might lie
for years undiscovered. until all association
between it and the murder had disappeared.
To sum up briefly, was bound to decide
that the damning circumstantial evidence
which could be furnished by Mrs. Wilson
drove me back to my original idea. There
was no chance Of my poor Phiiippa's re-
naming unaccused or unsupported of the
deed she had unwittingly done; so her only
hope Of safety-indeed, considering all,
may also say my only hope Of safety-was
rapid flight. We must gain some land in
which we could dwell without fear Of being
arrested. What land was there?
Many one. The date Of my story is be-
fore 1878, when nearly all the exSradi,ion
treaties were made. At that time such
treaties existed with only two foreign coun-
tries. France and tho United States; so
that our choice Of a resting-place was not so
limited as those who are flying from the
| clutches of the law find 1t to-day. However
in order, to make certain, paid a visit to a
legal friend of mine; and, By quoting a sup
positions case, managed to acquire good
deal Of information respecting the dealings
| Of one nation with another, so far as fugi-
tives were concerned.
found that although, with the two ex-
ceptions above-named, there wa, no settled
International law on the subject, there was
| kind of unwritten substitute, which Was
known by the name Of the Comfy Of Ma
tions. Under this code Of courtesy, . no.
torious criminal, who had sought refuge in
the arms of another country, was not un-
commonly, although there was nolaw under
which he could be arrested, given up to his
pursuers, by being simply driven across the
frontier Of the country in which he had
hoped to find security. However, gather
ed that this so-called comfy was scarcely
expected to be exercised by the most friend
| ly state, unless the fugitive had ned almost
red-handed, and so placed his guilt beyond
doubt No ono exactly know how far this
obliging expulsion might be counted upon.
1t was generally supposed to be decided by
the amount Of influence or persuasion which
one government could exercise on the other.
This information rather upset my precon-
| ceived ideas as to the ease with which safety
might be obtained; but reflection told me l
had little to fear. The case against Philip
pa could be nothing more than ono Of sus-
picion. No one, not even myself, had seen
the deed done. A warrant would, no doubt,
be issued for her arrest; but II our flight
precluded its execution, did not believe
that any government would put itself out of
the way to aid the English law. There was
no one, save myself, who could positively
swear that Sir Mervyn Ferrand had been
killed by Philippa.
Learned that Spain was then, even as 1t
Is now, the land safest against English law.
Perhaps the reason is that the grave, yet at
times hot-blooded Spaniard reckons human
life at lower value than more northerly
nations. Any way, it was to Spain that !
turned my eyes; Spain that l resolved to
reach without an hours unenforced delay.
The very next day broached the subject
of foreign travel to my mother. Although
SO short time had passed since they first
met was overjoyed to see the terms upon
which she and Philippa stood. The girl
seemed to cling to her as to natural pro-
tector-seemed ready to install her in the
place of the mother she had lost. After all
the love Of her own sex is indispensable to
woman's happiness. It did my heart good
to see the two together. Philippa talked to
my mother as she had never yet talked to
me; and l knew that when the day came
upon which should ask for the only re-
ward l wanted, my mothers kindness to the
forsaken and shame stricken girl would be
an advocate that pleaded strongly IN favor
Of my suit.
But, could it ever be? Could we know
hannipacc iy, tba eN xhoS I,rI III
work? All me! my heart sank IS thought
that any day might bring the crashing blow.
Let there be no delay. Let me not blame
myself hereafter for any negligence or false
security. Let us away from the peril.
Mother" l said, will you come abroad
with Philippa and me?'
Abroad, Basil! have only Just come
home"
No matter; come with Us at once. Let
us go to some place where Is warmth and
bright sunshine. Let us 20 to Spain."
Spain! why Spain? Besides, surely
Philippa is not fit for long journeyv'
1t will do her good. Her recoliections Of
this country are but sad ones"
well, in week or two will see about
It"
No, at once. Let US start tomorrow or
the next day. Mother, ask it as favor"
Give me some good reason, Basil, and l
will do as you wish"
Look at me, and you will see the reason.
Cannot you see that am i'll, worn out nerv-
Gus? must have a change, and at once"
She gazed at me with solicitude. "Yes, l
know you are not well; but why Spain?'
"A Wilma sick mans fancy. Perhaps
because it is Philippa's fathers country put
it into my head. Mother, tell me, how do
you like hcr?'
''She is the woman you love; she is very
beautiful; she has been cruelty treated; she
is blameless; to say more after so short an
acquaintance would be exaggeration."
You will come to Spain with me-with |
herr"
She kissed me and gave in to my whim.
l sought Philippa.
My mother is going to take us abroad,"I |
said with smile, which was forced, as all |
my smiles now were. 'tShe will see to
for YOU"
She is kind-she Is sweet" said Philip
pa claSpiny her hands ssRasiI Ion h.