The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-05-21

the judicial bench. Deacon is 50 years Of
age, his thin hair showing tho gray. That
he was nervous was betrayed by the FREE
quent spasmodio contraction of the eyelids
and mouth. His voice was firm, however,
and in clear tones, with thorough ease, he
responded through the interpreter to the
questions asked him by the procursur. Mrs.
Deacon, who had been formally cited to
appear. was not present. On an invitation
from the president of the court Deacon de-
tailed the facts of his married life which
he said was happy until his wife met
Abeille. He then proceeded to tell the
story OF the growing intimacy. between
them; his efforts to have her break with her
lover; their frequent quarrele and reconcil-
iations. and finally his discovery of her in
her night dress in room in the Hotel
Splendide with Abeille, and the killing of
the latter in what appeared to be haprante
delictu.
Mrs. Deacon's deposition was evidently
prepared with hostile spirit. Deacon, on
the stand, told Of his doubts and the wran-
giles between himself and wife; his suspic-
ions, employment Of detectives without
precise results, divorce between the pair,
closed their marital relations. De aeon
proceeded to relate the incidents
occurring at Cannes on Feb. II.
the date Of the shooting. He stated that
toward midnight, upon retiring to his room
at the Hotel Spendide, he was seized with
suspicious rega rding his wife, who occupied
a room on the floor below. He went to the
door Of her room and listened, and be-
lieved he recognized the voice Of Abeille.
He then returned to his own room and pro-
retary of the hotel to accompany him to his
wfe's room. Arrived there, Deacon
Knocked on the door. Forcing his way
into the salon. he saw above the back Of the
safa n head. at which he fred three times.
He then pushed the sofa aside and reoog-
nized Absi!le.
Continuing, Deacon said: II had no in
tention. no desire to kill him. When I
saw this little man wounded felt poignant
grief, for man having conscienos must
always regret killing another" The audi
ence greeted this statement with applause.
Resuming his testimony. Deacon alluded
to the numerous letters Mrs. Deacon had
wfitton him since the tragedy. The
president asked il shs wrote OH
May 5. asking witness to pardon
her fer the sake OF their children. Deacon
repliod he had received repeated loving
letters fr ON her, written in that sense, but
there was no question of reconciliation be-
tween them. He had already commenced
action for divorce.
Upon the reassembling OF court after
lunch Mrs. Deacon's deposition was lead.
Opening with the events of February Mrs.
Deacon deposed as follows: "Abeills came
to see me at 1890 o clock in the evening. l
met him in the salon alone. About l1:3O
my husband knocked violently at the door,
Drying, Open; know there is some one
with you.' lit Il candle and opened the
door: He immediately searched the room.
then extinguished the candle,
but he relit it quickly. From my
room he passed into the salon.
where Abelle was hidden behind a sofa
to avoid my husband, seeing the latter had
not authorized me to receive him. Deacon
discovered him and fired three times, then
went away only after showing a disposition
to enter the room where the victim was car
ried in order to attack him again.
had on blue robe de chamber.
not robe de mutt. as reported. The sec-
reta,y of the hotel testified that Mrs.
Deacon was certainly Glad i'll white robe
when the door opened. Deacon asked wit
ness to note i'll his wife's bed tho impress
sion OF the bodies of two persons. Witness
remarked that there were impressions on
both pillows.
After further testimony the case was
concluded. Deacon was sdjudged guilty
and sentenced to imprisonment for one
year.