Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1892-07-15

SAVED BY A HAIR.

1t was a dark and stormy night with
out, and drew my chair closer to the
FIRE as slipped my tea and rogaled my
self with the news of the local paper.
AS the storm and sleet ratified furiously
against the window, aud pedestrians
hurried by anxious to reach a place of
shelter. | felt thankful | was not OBJ
liged to leave my comfortable home for
the night.
whats this?" | said as my eye
alighted on a startling paragraph.
"Mysterious murder Mr. Jno Ran
dolph, one of our old and wealthy citi-
zens, was this morning found dead in
his room, having been murdered during
the night by some unknown person
Edgar Morton, clerk in his employ,
and who, reports say, was soon to be
married to his daughter, has been ar
rested for murder, and circumstances
are said to be against him"
Now, although | am usually among
the FIRST to hear of criminal news, from
the nature of my business, this was the
first intimation had received that such
a murder had been done This seemed
very strange, as | was on the very best
of terms with Mr.. Randolph and his
whole family.
"And so this is the way that Edgar
Morton ropays the benofactor of his
youth and soon-to-b be father Yet no, :"
| cried; 81 will stake my life on that
young mans innocence"
AS | spoke there came gentle tap
at the door, followed almost Immediate
ly by the entrance of lady deeply well
cd, who at once threw aside her viel,
disclosing to me the features Of my de-
ceascd friends daughter, Cecilia Ran.
dolph.
Excuse me, Mr.. Ferguson, for en-
tcring unlimited. but urgent business
must be my only excuse"
"Be seated, Miss Randolph | said,
rising and handing her a chair.
"Oh, Mr.. Ferguson !" she sobbcd
forth, burying her face in her hands !;
chat ! should ever be obliged TO come
to you on such an errand as thisw
| endeavored TO quiet her, and par
tally succeeded, when | drew from her
what few facts she knew regarding her
fathers death.
ale retired last night at the usual
hour. apparently in good spirits, and no
sound was heard during tho night to
cause any alarm Ia the morning as he
failed TO appear at breakfast, a servant
was dispatched TO summon him. Knock
ing at the door aud receiving no an
swer, he finally opened it and advanced
into the room, What sight did he
then behold My poor father lay upon
his bed, with his throat cut from car TO
ear Death must have come suddenly
so suddenly as TO prevent an outcry-
and the unknown assassin had no trou-
bic in making his escape"
But" said, ~ can't see why any
one should suspect Edgar Of the muir
der"
THAT is the most mysterious part Of
the sad affair. This morning, when
Edgar was told Of the murder, he turned
very pale, reeied and would have fallen
to the ground had not support been given
him Some Of the ignorant beholders
Of this scene thought his actions devoted
guilt. and an officer was summoned, who
at once assisted on searching his room
A razor, on which was several spots OF
blood, was found concealed under the
carpet, together with an old suit Of
clothes belonging to Edgar, which wa,
despatched with blood This was con
sidered sufficient evidence to warrant his
arrest, and he now lies in Jail, charged
with the awful crime Of murder Oh
Mr. Ferguson, if you can do anything
10 save him, aud, at the same time
bring the guilty perpetrator of tho deed
to justice, will amply reward you"