The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1888-10-12

DuslnesS VIII De easily settled; the muir
derer doesn't even attempt 10 deny''
NJ Mechinet jumped at least three feet,
but the jailer didn't notice it, for he con-
tinued-
I'm not at all surprised. When saw
hie prisoner, rs he was brought in, said
to myself, Here's one who won't know
howto hold OUT"
''And what is he doing now,"
Hes groaning. / was told to watch
him lest he should commit suicide, and of
course L debut it's useless. He is one
OF the rascals who think more of their
own skins than of other peoples"
Lets take look at him, interrupted
VI. MechineI; but make no noise"
All three of US instantly moved forward
on tiptoe to an open door, pierced at the
height of n man with n grated window.
Through this window we could see
erythfng that was passing in the cell,
which was lighted by a dim gas-burner
The jailcr looked in first, ". Mechinet
next, then my turn came.
On narrow iron bedstead, covered
with a gray woollen quilt, striped with
yellow, saw n man lying face down
ward, with his head almost hidden on his
folded arms.
He WAS weeping. The sound Of his sobs
reached my ears, and at times con-
vulsive shudder shook him from head to
foot
"Open ths door now,'' said NJ Mechinet
to the jailer.
He obcyed, and we entered.
At the grating of the key the prisoner
had risen. and seated on his pallet, with
legs and arms hanging and head bowed
upon his breast. looked at US with a stu
refed expression.
he was n man thirty-fiya thirty
eight years old, with n figure somewhat
below the middle height, but stout, and
an apoplectic neck sunk between broad
shoulders. He was ugly. His face had
been disfgured by small poI, and his
long, straight nose and rerreating fore
head gave him resemblance to the
stupid cOuntenance of n sheep; bus his
blue eyes were very handsome, and his
teeth remarkably white.
well, Monsieur Monistrol," !" NJ. Mechi-
net began; go we are in trouble"
And as the unfortunate man made no
reply
'I admit" be continued, "that the stu
alton isn't cheering, but il were in your
place / would show myself man. /
would do myself justice, and try te prove
my innocence.
al am not innocent"
This time there was no opportunity for
mistake no room to doubt the intelligence
a
confession from the criminals own lips.
"WhatT exclaimed II. Mechinet,
"your'
The man had started up on his totter-
ing limbs, with bloodshot eyes and foam
ing lips, evidently in fit of terrible rage.
Yes. IL is / - he interrupted, "I alone.
How many times must / repeat it A
magistrate has just been here. j con-
fessed everything and signed the con-
fession. What do you ask more know
what is before me, and I'm not afraid. L
killed and must be killed Cut my
| throat: the sooner the better"
NJ. MeehiDet, who was at first some
what hewildered, quickly regained his
composure-
zone moment" said he; peoples
throats are not cut like that. They must
prove that they are guilty. Then the law
takes into consideration certain errors
certain fatalities, If you plesse-and for
this very purpose has invented ex-
tenuatinG circumstances"
An inarticulate groan was Monistrols
only reply, and NJ. Mechinet continued:
So You bore your uncle terrible
grudge ~
"Oh mo"
! "Then, why ?"
| "To inherit his property. Ny business
I .
| my uncle, who was very rich, refused 10
give me any" r.r.-
al understand you hoped to escape the
law -
"Ihoped to do So" --...r.. =.
| Hitherto had been surprised at tbe
! way NJ. Mechinet conducted the rapid ex-
animation; now ! understood it. i
guessed what would follow; 1 saw the
snare he was spreading for the prisoner.
| Another thing" he continued, alb.
ruptly where did you buy the revolver
you used TO commit the crime 80
Monistrol's face showed no surprise.
"Pve had II IN my possession long
time he answered. @
go What did you DO with It a.terwari >"
Threw it down on the outer boule
ward"
Very WELL" said NJ. Mechinet, grave
| ly; search shah be made, and it VIII i'm.
nediateIy be found" After moment,
silence he added: a
'.What l can't understand IS that you
should have let your dog follow YOU
What-my dog 20 COOS
Yes, Pluto-the concierge recognized
it." f..-r, - s..
Monisirol clenched HIS hands nnd
opened his lips to answer, but some sud
den recollection crossed his mind, and ht
threw himself back on his bed, saying, il
tone OF immoYabls frmness: s-
81 have been tortured enough; you
won't get another word out OF me-
IL was evident that it would be a waste
OF trouble to persist. --. 81 o..
We therefore retired, and, once outsid.
on the Quai des Orfsvres, seized M
Mechinet by the arm, eIclaiming: 81
lyon heard: the unfortunate mar
doesn't even know how his unole died. IL
IL possible to have any further doubt o
his innocence 80
But the old policeman was a terribl,
skeptic.
"Who knows," he replied. "rve seer
famous actors in my lifetime. But thi
is enough for to-day. I'll cali FOR you u
eat my soup this evening. To morrow
il will be daylight, and we khall see."