The Osceola times., 1886-06-12

hsd gone the probability was that he
would never be apprehended. Picking
out those whom ! suspected, / gained
their friendship, and in time would
show them the popularity of the inn
print of thumb, and after gaining pos
session of it, would compare it with the
one on the block of wood. Things
went on in this manner for several
months, and began to get discouraged;
and as winter came on, | partially lost
interest in the work, devoting my time
to social enjoyments. While at a social
gathering one evening, | became ac-
qualnted with the cashier of one of the
leading banks OF the city. and as he was
Dachelor like myself, warm friend
ship soon existed between us. As we
were parting for the night he invited
me to call at his room in the rear of the
bank the next evening and we would
visit the opera-house. | was on hand
at the appointed hour, but, as he had a
little writing to do, he handed me
cigar, with the request that | should
make myself at home for a few minutes.
While thus waiting allowed my mind
to wander back over the past few
months, and was thinking of the muir
der when my companion announced
that he was through with his writing.
For want of anything else made the
remark that it was rather strange that
no trace had ever been found of the
murderer of the old man on the hill. As
l said this a dcathly pallor came over
his face and he shook from head to foot
as if with a chill. He arose and COM
menced to arrange his papers on the
desk, vainly trying to conceal his agita-
ton, but in doing so partly upset a bot
tie of ink. Not pretending to notice his
discontinue, l made some iovial re-
mark, and when he brought a cloth to
wipe up the ink, | asked him if he had
ever noticed the popularity of the under
part of a persons thumb. He had never
heard of it, and entered heartily in the
experiment, soon regaining his self
composure. With little trouble secured
one of the pieces of paper ON which he
had placed his thumb, and we were soon
on our way to the theater. paid little
attention to the play, and when it was
over rushed home to compare the mark
on the piece of paper with that on the
block. They were identical; every line
and curve was the same. | knew that
was proof enough to convict him; and
the next day warrant was sworn
out for his arrest | accompanied
an officer to the bank. and the
warrant was read to him. He seemed
cool and collected now, and requested
to be allowed to enter an adjoining
room for his hat. He had hardly dsap-
peared before shot was heard. and,
rushing into the room in which he had
gone, we found him lying on the floor
with revolver in his hand and the
blood streaming from his head. He was
conscious, but lived only long enough
to make a confession of the crime. He
said that gambling was the cause of it
all. He had lost heavily of the banks
funds, and, .Anowng that detection was
imminent, he resolved TO replace il by
robbing the old man, having heard that
he kept large sum Of money in the
house. The old man had awakened
while he was searching for the money
and recognized him, aud he was forced
to commit the murder. The real cause
of the suicide was never generally
known. the affair having been hushed
up as much as possible by his relatives.
] was remorseful that | was the cause
of his although i was far better
than for him 70 have spent the re-
mainder of his life in the penitentiary.
! resolved to give up the profession, and
marry the old mans granddaughter. |
moved to Minnesota. This may seem
a very improbable story, but it is never
theless true. ST. PdW Pioneer Press