Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1893-09-23

| gave IL 10 mr.. rax0n last night,
she replied. 1T is in the same condition
as it was the morning after the MUIR
DER"
| Mr.. Faxon here advanced and handed
up the weapon. which was passed round
between the Judge and the lawyers. Sim
fire continued her story:
Il rode toward Cedarcliffe through the
woods, and rode fast. | had been to
the lake on horseback before, and I am
fond of the woods and never miss my
way. remembered deserted shed or
barn mile or two from Cedercliffe and
aside from the path on which was rid
ing, and decided to lead my horse there
and go the rest of the way on foot. ]
found the barn without any difficulty
and unsaddled my gray and made him
comfortable. Then | walked toward the
/ Cedarcliffe woods"
will you state" interposed the law
yer, whether your object in this esca-
pade was to assist in the proposed cap
ture of the burglars"
No; took no interest in that at all
wished to see Henry Mainwaring."
For what purpose?
II had been waiting, ever since he re-
turned home from abroad, to speak to
him on subject of Importance to us
both," replied Sinfre, her cheeks and
eyes glowing, while her voice augmented
in volume and richness. Il had never
found the opportunity that suited me.
He did not suspect my intention: indeed
he misinterpreted it, and at one time ]
thought of taking advantage of his mis-
take to accomplish what wanted. But
that course proved to be too difficult
mean too revolting-and | gave it up
And afterward something happened"-
here, for the first and last time, her
voice faltered somewhat" something
that almost made me decide to give it all
up-give up all had come so far to do
and had promised to do-and to leave
Cedarcliffe as suddenly as | came to it.
he had done, said to myself that !
would stay and not break my promise.
SO, when the ambush was planned,
knew that it would give me what |
wanted. could meet him. and then |
could ride back to the lake, and no one
would know that we had met"
"Allow me IL moment, madam" inter-
posed the judge again. THE Inference
from your words is-the ostensible in
ference-especially when viewed in con-
nection with the event which afterward
took place-that you were acting with
the deliberate design of waylaying Mr.
Henry Mainwaring, and being armed
of either compelling him to do some
thing or to agree to something 1--WE do
not know WHAT, or in case of his re-
fusal, or for whatever reason might
seem to you sufficient, taking his life. ]
say this is an allowable inference from
your words. Is it what you intended to
convey"
at was in my thoughts that might
take his life," Sinfire answered, but
other things were also possible. could
not know what should finally do until
| had spoken to him and heard him
speak. | think now that should prob
ably not have killed him, but then he is
dead, and one feels more gently toward
the dead"
VERY well, madam" replied the
| judge, scribbing some words on paper
and then scratching his chin with his
penholder. you may proceed"
II have told nearly all" she said 81
searched for Henry Mainwaring, but |
did not find him. | once caught sight
| of some one | thought was he, but it was
his brother John. They must have al
tered their original intention and
watched in different places from those
they had at first determined on. The
| body was found in spot | had not
looked in. At last, as the dawn began
| to break. went back to the barn and
| saddled my horse and rode toward the
lake. At that time the murder must
have been done, and John Mainwaring
and the groom, after carrying the body
to the house, had returned to the camp.
And presently the wagon came up, and
Joined the others, and they told me
what had happened. but no one asked
me how CHANGED to be mounted and
abroad so early. That is all"
Pardon me, | have one more ques-
ton to ask" said the lawyer, who held
the derringer in his hands. II think
you said this pistol was in the same con-
dition as on that morning. Are you
aware that it has been discharged and
that the shell of the cartridge still re-
mains in it?'
| At this announcement John, whose
face had lightened little during the
previous few moments. suddenly turned
white and leaned heavily against the
back of his chair.
YES, know that" returned Sinfre
quietly.
How do you account for it?'
LAS | was on my way back to the
barn | saw rabbit crossing the path,
and fred at it. 1t was the impulse OF
moment, and was sorry directly aft
erward that | had killed the poor crea-
ture."
at was an impulse that may have fatal
consequences for you, madam" rejoined
the lawyer, while low muttering of
discordant feeling ran through the room.
Your honor" he continued, 1--WE have
treated this lady with every considera-
ton, and she has been allowed to take
her own course in the story she has told
| We had witnesses ready to speak to sew
eral points, but the cynical frankness
which has characterized the greater part
of the narrative to which you have just
listened renders their confirmation super
fuous. while as for the conclusion of the
tale, SO manifestly artificial and out of
keeping with the rest, it will not, think,
carry any weight of conviction with it.
| We have been told that the witness had
a motive for enmity and hatred against
the deceased reaching back to period
antecedent to her appearance in this
community, and her presentation of her.
self before us as the offspring Of an un-
consecrated union. and therefore with
out recognized social status, justifies thu
inference that in whatever may have
happened between her and the deceased
he was not the only or the chief one to
blame. Be that as it may, she conceived
malignant purpose against him"
Why should concern myself to re-
produce the fluent rigmarole uttered by
this solemn legal fool? He spoke accord
ing to his light, but his light was dark
ness. He ended by proposing that Sin
FIRE should be committed for trial, with
out further ceremony, on the charge Of
the willful and premeditated murder Of
Henry Mainwaring, and it would doubt
less have been SO ordered if | had not
arisen and stated that | was prepared to
make deposition of the gravest impor-
lance, which would put very different
construction upon what had just been
heard. The judge accorded me perrnis-
sion to give my evidence in my own way.