Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1896-02-01

where the crime was committed, witt
a terrible wound in his head. He wa
a farm hand of Mr.. Blake's and wa.
conveyed to his home.
The terror which filled the peopl,
when the terrible deed had reached
them, had now passed away, and a
desire to be avenged on the murderer
had taken its place, and foremost il
his Indignation was Anthony Bell
who urged them on in their wrath
and were it not that the prisoner wa:
removed to the county Jail, the prob
ibiiity is that he would have been
hung without trial OF judge or jury
Two weeks after the burial Of Mr.
Blake trial was to take place on the
evening before the fixed day Gerald
O'Conner sat in his cell, his head
resting on his hand.
Only two weeks since his arrest, and
change came over him in that short
time, every trace of color had left hi.
cheeks, and his eyes were sunk in
their sockets.
"Oh. God what have ever done
to merit this terrible fortune that is
killing me ? | the murderer Of Goe
frey Blake, a man whom | would
she'd the last drop of blood to serve
No, no. There is some terrible mis-
take made ; for he was dead when
discovered him with dagger buried
in his heart. And the people all be
lieve that ! am guilty of SO foul a
crime. Poor mother, what agony
she is now suffering and Molly. oh
heaven does she too think me
guilty?
His head sank lower, his chest
heaved with emotion, and the great
sobs that escaped him depicted the
agony which he suffered.
He did not hear the bolt of the
cellar door shoot back, nor was he
aware that any one entered till Il
hand laii on his shoulder and voice
said.
Gerald" 3"
lie raised his head like one awak-
cning from dream.
Gerald, don't you know me y
asked his visitor, as no sign of recog-
milton was evinced by him.
"Ies, Molly, do, he answered in
mourniul accents, "and do you believe
me guilty OF this terrible crime? II
so how came you to seek the presence
of one whom you believe to he the
murderer of your father?
"Oh, Gerald how can you accuse
me so! / believe you to be guilty p
no. | am sure that you never com
mtted 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 easier for me to bear but the evi
dence is so strong against me that il
is mockery to hope | have made
up my mind that am to be made the
victim to atone for crime of which
am falsely accused"
'Do not give way TO despair, fol
God will not permit you to suffer foI
the crime of another; and now. as the
time is up, and hear the jailor com
ing, must leave you, so good-by foI
TO night" and she pressed his cold
hand in her own
Good night, Molly, and may God
bless YOU
The morning came calm and beau
tiful-the morning of the day on which
Gerald O'Conner was 10 be tried ior
his liie-tried for murder he never
committed.
The hour for the trial had cone,
and the prisoner was led up the aisle
Of the crowded court room and placed
in the dock.
The prosecuting attorney opened the
case in behalf of the crown, aud wit.
nesses were examined.
Anthony Bell was the principal wit
ness for the prosecution: he testified
to having found O'Conner bent over
the murdered man with blood stained
dagger in his hand saw him plunge
it into the murdered mans bieast.
Other witnesses testified 10 the same
with the exception OF the stabbing
and the prosecution closed.
The attorney for the defense openeC
the case in Il very eloquent manner
and tried by every available means t,
prove the innocence of the prisoner
bringing to bear his former GOO,
character, etc.
The judge then charged the jury
telling them to think well over til,
evidence before givirg their verdict
They then retired, and, after NJ
hours conference, returned to the jury
box.
Every eve in the crowded court wa
fixed on the twelve solemn men Il
they took their places and answered t,
their names.
"Gcntlemen of the jury, have yo,
decided on Il verdict Is the prisone
Twenty Years Proof.
Tutt's Iiverpills keen the bow