Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-01-16

lish guilt; but the victims we're usually
of the lower class, often the depraved,
the debased and the ignorant, who were
commonly considered the enemies Of So
ciety. But here was an officer in his
Majesty's service, whose associations had
been with the best people in Essex, to be
tried for murder charged to have been
committed under such circumstances, and
with such plotting and delibsration, as to
evidence cruelty that criminal annals
had not yet shown.
The excitement increased. A mild in
terest was aroused by the story of Blanche
Pembroke's answering faith in the ac-
cused, and her abandonment of o luxu-
rious and aristocratic home to be near
him; but the prevalent feeling among the
people was a desire to look at the man
who had done the things that it was
charged Captain Courtenay had done.
On some days, even before the trial be-
gan, Chelmsford was crowded with men
and women who came in and hung about
the Jail, eager to get peep at the pris-
oner. Not only were they the common
people, but ladies and gentlemen swelled
the number, and pushed and elbowed with
| the others.
Captain Courtenay's regiment had en-
barked for India. Itwas said-and many
believed the report-that the Colonel
wished to have him cashiered at once, be-
| fore he had been condemned, and when all
the presumptions of the law were in favor
| of his innocence.
This was but one specimen of the
| heartless Indifference to the fate of a
brave and accomplished officer that was
exhibited at that time; but the Honorable
| Algernon Desmond and other sprigs of
the aristocracy we're pressing for promo
tion, and the hateful spirit of kicking
man when he is down, old as the world,
was again exemplified.
After the few officers of the departing
| regiment who still believed in their COM
rade, and hoped for his deliverance, had
hidden him an affecting farewell, there
we're very few left to befriend him. Who,
indeed, but Blanche, the good Mrs. Gray
son, and his hired advocate2
Without saying anything Of his inten-
tions, the latter had determined to have
an interview with Sir Roger Pembroke,
and try to enlist him in the desperate
cause Of his client.
| The advocate was man of large ac-
| quaintance, as well as influence, and was
| we'll known to the baronet. He was cor
daily received at the Villa, and, being a
bachelor and in the line of promotion to
the nobility and judgeship, Miss Isabel
treated him as graciously as did her
father. But the mention Of his errand
instantly cast chill over both.
The person you mention is nothing
whatever to me-" replied the Baronet.
Excuse me, Sir Roger; he has been
something to you, and / believe you to be
| too generous and chivalrous man to
| wholly desert Captain Courtenay when
he is surely in need of your friend
ship. Your admirable daughter, Miss
| Blanche"
"Do not mention her, sir! She has
| chosen for herself, and must abide by her
! choice. She also is nothing to mel"
You shock and distress me, said Mr..
Lascelle. Miss Isabel, will not you
| speak for this man-for your own sister?"
Sir Roger has uttered my sentiments, !"
| was her reply.
The advocate rose to go, politely con-
cealing his anger and irritation.
Il regret to refuse you anything" said
the baronet, apologetically. "But if I
were inclined to manifest amy sympathy
in public way-and | certainly am not
IL suppose 1t would do no good. The
fellow-that is, Captain Courtenay-is
sure to be convicted, if one-half that I
hear of the shocking case is true"
Il will not deny" said Mr.. Lascelle,
seriously, that very strong case is to be
made out against him, and have frankly
told him so. But I have hopes. The
case is weak in at least one important
point, and shall labor in his defense
with my whole heart. The discouraging
thing is that public sentiment is con-
demning him in advance The adminis-
tration of our criminal law is not what it
ought to be, and juries are too much
affected by an adverse public opinion.
Do you not see, Sir Roger, that if you,
we'll known as you are, should visit the
Captain, express your sympathy, and
boldly declare to those you converse with
that you do not believe him guilty, it
would powerfully cheek this current Of
hostile feeling?'
THAT might be, sir; but shall not do
as you request. 1 don't choose to have
my name mixed up with those of men
indicted for crime, and I'm not in the
habit of visiting jails. If any other rea-
son we're necessary, I may say that I be-
lieye this man guilty of the murder"
At Chelmsford, ON the following day,
the lawyer visited his client. Blanche
and Mrs. Grayson were present, and dur
ing the talk that followed it came out
that Mr.. Lascelle had been to Pemoroke
Villa.
1T was kind of you, sir, said Blanche;
your errand would result in no good
You got not SO much as o word OF kind
ness for him-or for me.
The lawyer shook his head.
The Captains courage bore up wonder
fuIIv. huf fhnra 1uoro tinaa xuhaV, hio