Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1891-02-05
THb SILENT WITNESS.
BY SUSAN G. WILLIAMSON;

! derwent the scenes | am about to tell
you of, and to this day shudder as my
mind reverts to them. The only way
that memory can be faced for time.
is for me to shoulder gun and call my
dog Major, and spend few hours in
shooting, favorlte amusement Of
mine.
About twenty years ago, resided in
the town of Brookville, or rather in the
outskirts of the town. Tn; place had
population of about three thousand
souls, nearly all IN comfortable c:rcum.
stances. | had Just finished my college
career and was at the time speak Of,
living with my widowed mother as I
was her only child. Mother was one
of those dear LITTLE women that we meet
sometimes. Her face was gentle, and
her nature sweet, amiable and though
the flowers have blossomod on the
grave between her face and mine tor
many summers, yet her memory liyes
like u jewel in casket.
The command was given Thou shalt
love thy neighbot as thyself," how well I
obeyed this you shall Judge. My neigh
bors, on the right of our house consist
ed of a wealthy and eccentric old ship
ping merchant and hia niece-.his house
! keeper being q very crus:v old creature
and | dubbed her with the name o.
"Snapping-turtIe.' She always looked
as If she had a bad attack Of cramp COL
ic. This woman had a son. a worthless
vagabond, who would, $50 I was toluJ
get money from her and then disappear
for months.
The first time met Miss Lorng I
was struck with her grace and fine man
ner. Her face WIS Il study for an artist;
large brown eyes that could woo, Or MI
You with terror at the scorn they ex-
pressed. She was OF medium height,
Slender, and with all Il fine musician.
fell in love at first sight. My court
ship progressed us such things generally
do, through horseback riding singing,
sending of books and flowers and all
that sort of nonsense. Some months
thus glled away, aud one evening in
the month of November | determined to
know my fate. | dressed with care,
and presented myself nervously at tire
door Of my neighbours house. Miss Lor-
my looked loveller than ever as she
came forward to greet me, ana I
thought detected a glance Of love FROM
those brilliant eyes Of hers. After a
| short conversation, her uncle, whom (
Shall call Mr. Nelson, came in and re-
! quested her to sing Dear loye of mine
this heart is thine" She sang with
feeling, and the old gentleman seemed
stirred by some tender thoughts Of his
own, for he sishel and see ned pre- oc-
cupled. Afterward We had Il pleasant
game Of chess and finally I check mat
ed Mr.. Nelson.
CAM" he said. Jack, the game Is
yours so saying he babe US good
night
Now, I though is my til+a.
Miss Lorng was seated at q small ia
bic looking over some water colors.
approached her and after some trivial
remarks offered her heart and hand.
She listened quietly until | had ceased
to speak when she looked at ME in Il
laughing manner and said
"Why, Mr. Raley | never for a mo.
ment thought your intentions were
serious simply bowed to her and
went out Of the house. 1t was near
midnight. and instead of going home,
| | walked in the crisp air for some time
was angry. Angry with the girl
that had toyed with my heart and then
spurned it.. On. how I swore that new
er on earth again should " woman hcvc
the pleasure Gf it is q pleasure to be
cruel. y of discardlng me. Worn out at
last | went home, and sleep, natures
sweet nurse came over me. knew
nothing until I was suddenly awakened
/ by someone calling me. sat upright
in bed and just then my mother enter
ed and wore frightful look on her
face.
Jack" she exclaimed, do get up,
our neishbor Mr.. Nelson has been mur-
dered ~
| dressed hurriedly and ran over to
the house | had left the previous night
while in great rage. 1t was true
Mr.. Nelson was dead and had been foul
" murdered. Miss Loring was at the
coroner's inquest, and she said that her
library looking over some papers when
she bade him good night.
gave my evidence in to the effect that
| had lefG the house at midnight or