Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1896-02-20

A month had passed ana the enaoes
of tranquility rested over the little vii.
lags Ballyglen. when one autumn even.
ing its slumbering inhabitants were
awakened from their repose by the cry
of
"MurderW
Murder. The terrible word seemed
to be echoed from the surrounding hills
and filled the hearts of the people with
awe.
And too true was the awful tidings;
feudish murder had been committed
and the victim was Goefrey Blake.
And the murderer; he was found bent
over the PROSTATE form of his victim
with blood stained dagger in his hand
Gerald O'Conuer, the lover Of his
daughter-and was safely lodged In
prison.
Another man was also found lying
almost dead little way off from where
the crime was committed with terrible
wound in his head. BE was farm
hand of Mr.. Blake's and was conveyed
to bis home.
The terror which filled the people
when the terrible deed had reached
them had now passed away and desire
to be avenged on the murderer had now
taken its place and foremost in his in
dignation was Anthony Bell, who urged
them on 10 their wrath, and were it not
that the prisoner was removed to the
county Jail, the probability is that he
would have been hung without trial by
Judge orjury.
Two weeks after the burial of Mr..
Blake the trial was to take place and
on the evening before the fixed day Ger.
aid O Conner sat in his cell, his head
roasting on his hands.
Only two weeks since his arrest, and
a change came over him in that short
time, every trace Of color had left his
cheeks, and Ills eyes were sunken in
their sockets.
"Oh, Godl what have ever done to
merit this terrible torture that is killing
me2 the murderer of Goefrey Blake,
a man whom would sell the last drop
of blood to serve. No, mol there is some
terrible mistake; for he was dead when
l discovered him with dagger buried
in his heart. And che people all believe
that am guilty of so foul crime.
Poor mother, what agony must she not
be suffering; and Molly, oh, heaven!
does she too think me guilty?
His head sunk lower, ,his chest heaved
with emotion and the great sobs that
escaped him depicted the agony that he
suffered.
He did not hear the bolt of the cell
door shoot back nor was he aware thlt
anyone entered till hand laid on his
shoulder and voice said:
"Gerald."
He raised his head like one awakening
from dream.
"Gerald, don't you know me" asked
his visitor as no sign of recognition was
evinced by him.
YVES Mollie, l do," he answered in
mournful accents, "and do you believe
me guilty of this terrible crime? If SO
how came you to seek the presence OF
one whom you believe to be the MUIR
derer Of your fatherT
"Oh, Gerald, how can you accuse me
so? I believe you to be gullty?-nol l
am sure that you never committed the
crime OF which you stand accused.
Trust in Him who knows all and He
will not let the innocent suffer for the
guilty"
"Your words tighten the terrible load
that lies on my heart and makes it cas-
Ter to bear; but the evidence is so strong
against me that it is a mockery to hope.
| have made up my mind that am to
he made the victim to atone for crime
Of which am falsely accused"
"Do not give way to despair, for God
will not permit you to suffer for the
crime Of another; and now as the time
IS up and l hear the jailer coming,
must leave you, 60 good by for tonight,
and she pressed his cold hand in her
own.
Wood night Molly. and may God
bless you"
The morning came calm and beautiful
the morning of the day on which
Gerald OConner was to be tried eor his
life-triad for murder he meyer COM
mitted.
The prosecuting attorney opened the
case in behalf or the crown and witness
es were examined.