Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1885-07-10
MiscellamenMs.
ADROITLY FOILED.

Senior LA Barrier, an immensely wealthy
Spaniard, died suddenly at his home in
st. Thomas. His young and beautiful
wife acted as though dementod 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 widow decided to turn the
fortune left her into ready cash and
leave St. Thomas.
Shortly after Senora's departure, tho
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 had been
poisoned, and that no less 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 a
handkerchief, "A couple of nights before
his masters death. and though doctor
certificate declared that death was occa-
stoned by peritonitis, he was morally
certain that the man had been poisoned.
The body of La Barrier was subsequent
ly exhumed, and post mortem revealed
the fact that death was occasioned by
prussic acid.
Suspicion pointed to the wife as the
murderess, and steps were at once insti-
tuted by the murdered mans sister-in-
law to discover the whereabouts of Senora
La Barrier.
"Black Pedro the detective, was ut
the time we speak of probably better
known to the criminal class Of Cuba and
Mexico than any other man living To
him was ntrusted the finding Of Sonora
La Barrier, and it was under peculiar
difficulties that the officer started out TO
find the woman. His ability in such
cases was never doubted, and his daring
and bravery 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 visit to felow-oflicer. After ex-
planning all the circumstances which had
come TO his knowledge concerning the
young and beautiful widow, be said that
there was no doubt in bis mind but
that she had murdered her husband and
fled to place Of safety with all bis wealth.
The friend became silent for few mo-
ments, and then Frightening up said he
thought he could put his friend on the
track Of the party be was in search Of.
That evening the two visited the theatre,
and, seated in n box. respondent in
jewels and silks sat woman whom
"Black Pedro" recognized by the descp-
ton 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 handsome
creature will trick you and make her
escape"
On the following morning Pedro stood
in an ante-room adjoining the elegant
apartments of Senorita Lspuerta, await
ing that lady's presence. As she APP
pearcd in answer to his card the detec-
tive quietly said
"Senora, IL is my duty 10 arrest YOU"
"You dare not !"
The 'woman's lips we're white with
passion, rather than fear, and she stood
before the detective like lioness at bay l..
He himself could not help 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 q
queen than hunted criminal
~ must" replied "Black Pedro" II
do not doubt your innocence. Looking
in your face, il is strange that any one
could couple it with guilt. But | am
constrained to do my duty, sonora, how
ever unpleasant it may be to my feel
ings ?"
"Will you allow inc to change my
dress 7 she said in tone almost pleas
ant. The hard lines around the mouth
had relaxed and the passionate glow on
tho face gave way TO pleasant smile.
Certainly. I will wait for you here "
II 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:
"Scnora desires TO send messenger
for friend permit him to pass"
Almost at the same moment the door
Of the APARTMENT that sonora had en-