Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1891-01-01

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sUDDEELI BE HEARD SLIGHT NOISE
BEHIND HIAL
dissolution 60 be filled out and signed
IN the course of a day or two.
On his part Velasquez gave Delaro a
note for the value of the mining stock.
which he held to realize on. and the
deal was ended.
It was nine o'clock before the business
was settled. At that hour Delaro rang
bell, and the call was answered by q
colored servant. I'm going out, John,
may not be back till late, so you need
not wait up for me; but see that all
lights are put out except the one at the
head Of the stairs, and the one in my
bedroom" said his master.
''All right, sir" responded the att
tendant; shut is there any thing you
want before you start, sir?"
'Yes, you may bring in some claret
and ice and cigars"
After each had lit cigar and drank
some OF the wine, Delaro arose to start
'If you care for my company" said
Velasquez, 81 will walk with you"
81 have no objections" was the re-
spouse. 1--WE can finish talking over
the matter on the way"
During these few moments a great
deal was passing in Velasquez's mind.
He was meditating on committing
deed which would place him incom-
parative ease for awhile at least.
He rapidly weighed the chances Of de-
lection and made up his mind what he
would do.
He was a man whose nature it was not
TO rest unless his hands were stepped in
crime, and he hesitated at nothing
when a chance came within his reach to
secure good round sum of money.
Delaro had not pleased him with his
carefulness; besides he was exasper-
ated at his repeated losses by specula-
ton and ready for any kind OF deed as
q means to escape his difficulties.
Excuse me for q moment" he said,
before they started. Il wish to step up
to my room"
He was only gone for few moments.
but it was long enough to get what he
wanted.
There was not much said between the
| and on beyond it to the cellars; their
differences were settled and only one or
two minor matters were left to discuss.
When they were about two hundred
| yards from the entrance to the cellars,
Velasques stopped and seated himself
on log, saying that he would remain
| there until Mario returned.
Mario DelarO proceeded toward the en-
trance and was soon inside. 1t did not
| take him moro tina twenty minutes TO
conclude his inspection. after which he
| did not wait, but at once started down
| che road toward where he had left
Velasquez sitting.
He could not see Velasquez where he
had left him, but supposed that he
| had walked on little way. He whistled
and shouted; ''Velasquez! Velasquez!"
| But no answer came.
Suddenly he heard slight noise be-
hind him. but he had no time to turn.
A blow, = groan. and Mario Delaro was
in the dust. He had received his death
wound and Velasquez was the murderer.
The blow had been aimed too sure for
the victim 60 retain consciousness more
than q second.
Valasquez dragged the body in be-
tween the vines, and, after making sure
that the deadly blade had done its work
| we'll, he left his victim to die.
Shortly afterwards Anton Reyman
passed by. followed in the course of half
an hour by three of the cellarmen. who
| had been elping him with some work
that had caused a great deal OF trouble
and worry IL the cellars of late.
Velasquez was at the Delaro home by
this time He had entered the study,
picked che fock Of the desk and taken
out his own aote and the receipt he had
| given Delero for the fifty thousand dol
| lars.
After that he retired to his room. and
slept as soundly as if guilt and crime
were perfect strangers to him.
CHAPTER III
The morning after the murder velas-
quez arose early, as was the custom
with every one in the Sonoma valley,
and started out for ride. He did not
| appear to have had very bad night Of
| it and, for a man who must have had the
| recollection of q recent murder ever
present before him. he was remarkably
self-possessed.
After leaving the party of men who
were escorting the dead body of Mario
Delaro into the little town Of San Paola,
he fastened to the railroad depot and
| sent message to friends of his victims
young wife telling them of the horrible
occurrence and warning them to be
careful in breaking the news to her.
He then started back and reached the
| little, low building, dignified by the
name OF City Hall, few moments after
the officers had arrived with their
charge.
The body was placed in room con-
nected with the hall. after which the
coroner was promptly notified, and it
was not long before the news spread
through the town.
The body had hardly been carried In