Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1885-03-05
But whv did he plead guiltyr' asked

"But sChy did he plead gstiltyP' asked.
because he tcas fool" raped out IEr.
Crisp
Because he was a fool, raped out Mr.
Crisp alt was like committing suicide.
don't care button for the man himself; but
l confess was annoyed at seeing my case
all knocked to pieces by his obstinacy.
went to him; if you were in court you no
doubt saw me. l begged him to withdraw
his plea. told him could save him. Yet
the fool insisted
| did penitence or remorse urge himN
"Idon't know. He could have had more
time for penitence and remorse if he had
let me save him from the gallows No; he
says, Its no good-not bit of good. You
don't know all know. There's some one in
court who knows all about it-saw it all
done. She's come to hang me- l bave no
idea what he meant"
started. l knew what the man meart.
He, in common with every one else in that
court, had turned and looked at Philippa as
she rose from her seat and addressed the
| judge. 1t was the sight of Philppa thai
had taken away the wretch's lapt hope OF
| escape.
II wash my hands of the fellow OF
course" continued Mr.. Crisp; "but did
take the trouble to inquire if any witnesses
for the prosecution had been allowed to enter
the court. l am assured they were all kept
in waiting outside"
sat for some moments in deep thought
The solicitor looked at me as if he fancied
had already taken up as much of his valu-
able time as he could spare
''Is there any way of gaining access to the
condemned man?" I said ''Could YOU, for
instance, get an order to see hfm?"
"No doubt could; but have no object in
seeing him."
Il will give you an object" l said. Il
want you to see that man, and if possible
get written, or at least dictated, confession
from him-not of the bald fact that he is
guilty, but of all particulars connected with
the murder"
Mr.. Crisp looked surprised, and expressed
his opinion that it was all lut impossible to
| obtain what wanted.
| l had taken rather fancy to the brisk
spoken, sharp little man. He seemed to me
trustworthy; so that, after consideration,
determined to con6de to him my reasons
for making this request Under the assur-
ance of professional secrecy, I told him
briefly so much as thought fit of Phiippa's
and my own connection with the events of
that night. He listened with an interest
which augured well for the reception which
awaits the sombre tale l now give to the
world. His curiosity seemed excited, and
he promised to see the convict, and if possi-
BILE learn all l wanted to know. l left my
address and. bade him good day.
did not care to linger at Tewnham; so
walked down to the railway station, intend
ing to return to town by the next train. As
l waited on the platform a down train
came in. A sudden impulse seized me- The
day was still young l had time to spare
crossed the bridge, entered the train, and
in quarter of an hour was at Roding ]
went there because was impelled by de-
sire to once more visit the actual scene of
the beginning of all these troubles.
I walked that road which Sir Mervyn
Ferrand had walked that dark night. But
oh, how changed every thing wasl Yet not
more changed than our own lives! It was
glorious afternoon in September. The rain
of the preceding day had left the earth
moist and fresh. The fields, on either side
of the road, were cleaning with that bright,
pure emerald which they wear after the
ruthless scythe has swept away the ripe
grass and the marguerites and other flowers
which grew among it; or else they were
filled from hedge to hedge with golden
sea of waving corn, or sheaves waiting
to be garnered for the harvest that
year was not early. The wild roses were
long over, but fragrant honeysuckle and
other wild flowers still made gay the hedge.
rows and banks. The birds had awakened
from their August silence and were singing
once more. The great sleepy cows lay under
the shade of the trees. The large mows OF
new hay stood side by side with their dngv.
looking but more valuable elder brothers.
The whole land seemed wrapped in happy
autumnal repose. The scene was calm, peace.
full and thoroughly typical of England. So
beautiful it was SO full now felt of love 70,
my native land that had those pages beer
then written should upon my return home
have erased all my glowing description Of
Seville.
A breath of soft but fresh air came blow.
ing from the faraway downs drew in
deep draught; threw back my shoulders
and stood erect. laughed aloud in my great
happiness as comical picture, familiar tc
my childhood, of Christian losing his bur-
den, rose before my mind, and seemed to be
the exact thing wanted to illustrate my own
case. Yes, the burden had borne had fallen
from my back forever!
Ali here is the spot-the very spot where
Sir Mervyn fell. 1t was here, just under
that cluster of ragged-robbins, must have
have placed his corpse. little thinking that
the Find white snow would hide it and save
my love and me. Oh, how prayed in those
days that the bitter weather might last; that
its iron grip would hold the world fast until
Phlippa's health and strength returned! 1t
did so, and saved us!
"Where are the SHOWS that fell last yeayT'
Ahl should I not rather sing, "Where is tt.=
grief Of yesterdayr Gone like the snow.
Other snow may fall, other grief may come,
but last years snow and yesterdays grief
are gone forever
Nevertheless, that spot was too suggestive
Of horrible "reminiscences for me to linger
long over it! turned away, and in my
great happiness could whisper to myself
Americas Pride.
True American men and women, by reason Of
their strong constitutions, beautiful forms, rich
0oLlx6px ions and clarnc teristc energy yieO