Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1891-12-05

Nua w ysSs1S
John Layton disappeared q week
ago" said he. "Absconded is the bet
ter word. for he took with him quite .
sum Of money belonging to his father:
The old gentleman is very wroth and
has used every means TO find him. but
mas not succeeded. Fanny Morton
thew were to be married soon, you
KNOWS almost crazy about II, and
will not believe that John intended to
do ANYTHING wrong. This Is all that
Is known about il. But. speaking OF
marriage, did you know that Gerald
Macburn and Jennie Magrair are to be
married tomorrow"
John Layton Is dead" said I. with
out answering his question, though 1t
had sent a pain through my heart that
was agony to me. He is dead, Harry
Wilmot."
Harry gazed at me pityingly.
There. Fred, wouldn't talk any
more" said he. you are very weak
yet. Try and sleep" 49,
You think am still crazy. Harryg'
Don't, Fred. don't. II you ever
expect to get of this sick-bed you
must be more reasonable"
NV question was answered. turned
my face to the wall and tried TO deter
mine In my own mind whether l was
sane or not.
l went to sleep thinking of it. and
when woke the sun was going down.
Harry, who had been out during my
sleep, had Just returned. and his en-
trance had probably walked me.
How do you feel now. Fred!" said
he, drawing a chair to the bedside.
much better and stronger. Harry.
I have had most refreshing Sleep"
We talked awhile, and then alb
ruptly asked him II he would grant me
one favor on the morrow.
Certainly. Fred, if it isn't asking
too much"
at will be quite easy, though none
the less important Will you promise
to carry out my directions faithfully"
If reasonable. yes. But couldn't
you postpone it for dayP You know
the wedding comes of tomorrow.
mot an hour. Harry. after sunrise
III LILO tuOLuluS, uhu ~ ohouAN " ~S~S
tonight If it were not too late"
well. go on, Fred, and let US hear
what it is"
/ did not tell him what had seen
from the housetop for did not con-
slider myself competent to make an
accusation against any one. but de-
scribed the spot where firmly be-
lieved that I saw Gerald Macburn
murder John Layton. and ! requested
him to take three or more companions
with him-men that could be trusted
and explore the spot thoroughly.
will you promise. Harry? Now.
don't say you will and then forget it,
thinking l do not know what am
talking about. for tell you am moi
insane now"
SWELL Fred. promise"
/ knew that Harry could be depend
ed upon. and l felt much relieved.
passing n very quiet night.
Gerald Macburn was to be married
at 8 o'clock, and at 10 they were to
start on their wedding tour.
This was why l was in such haste.
If he was guilty, as / firmly believed,
/ wished to prevent the marriage. or
at least to arrest him before he stepped
aboard the train.
hardly know how passed the time
till Harry's return. was so impatient.
/ heard the carriages of the guests
drive up to the door. and / could
family hear the busy hum Of prepare
ton below; and then the old town
clock, striking the hour Of 8. startled
me.
Only one hour longer. and Harry
had not returned. What il he had
missed the spot!
l watched the hands Of the little
clock, and for once they went too fast.
] could almost see them move. Twenty
-twenty-tive-thirty minutes past g.
and would he never Gomez Yes, thank
God! / heard the gallop of horse on
the graveled road, and in moment
Harry entered the room, flushed with
excitement.
What did you find, HarryP Quick,
quick!'
The body of John Layton!''
II knew it. Harry! l saw the deed
Il saw the murder. But there is no
time to lose. The wretch must be
secured before it is too late. Bring q
magistrate and an officer as quick as
you can"
He was not long away. and he
brought with him the old doctor, who
was also a justice, while the officer
entered by the back door and adroitly
made his way to my room unobserved.
l made my deposition, the warrant
was issued and handed to the officer.
and he went softly down the stairs to
make the arrest.
He was not q moment too soon nor
too late aud he laid his hand upon
Gerald Macburn's shoulder just in time
to prevent Jennie Magrair from be-
coming the wife of murderer.
Macburn was tried. convicted and
executed.