Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1896-01-17
A RACE FOR A LIFE,


In 49, was first mate of the Monico,
one of the Red Ring line, and then one
of the best going boats in the Atlantic
service.
had run across (while the ship was
in dock) from Liverpool to my home
near Doncaster to see my sister Patty,
before her marriage. She was engaged
to young lieutenant of the name of
Rupert Rowling, the nephew and heir
of old Jonathan Rowling, wealthy,
eccentric country squire in Yorkshire,
and it was not only good match for
her, but Rupert, whom had known
from childhood-we were at school to-
gether-was one of the hcarticst and
most genuine fellows you'd find in a
days walk.
When | arrived at Doncaster was
surprised to find things all in an
uproar. Old Rowling had, it seemed,
taken some offense at an inno-
cent but misunderstood remark of
passion, swearing he would disinherit
him. Rupert, who was high-spirited
young chap, gave the old man bit of
his mind, and they had a violent quar-
rel, which ended in Mr.. Rowling turn
ing his nephew out of the house and
forbidding him to ever show his face
there again. That was on Thursday, a
fortnight before my visit
On the evening of the quarrel Rupert
called on my sister and told her of what
had taken place, and they agreed to
postpone the wedding for the present.
He then left, as he stated, for London,
where he was due TO join his regiment
on the following Saturday.
The next morning friday every
body was startled at hearing that old
Jonathan Rowling had been found dead
In plantation on his estate. He was
lying face downward, and had evident
~ been shot in the back by some one,
the bullet having penetrated to the
heart and killed him instantly; and,
on medical examination, it was ascer-
tanned that the murder--for such it
doubtless was-must have been COM
mitted ON the previous night, for death
had taken place many hours before the
body was found.
The fact of the quarrel between the
deceased and his nephew was already
public property, aAd suspicion mt once
pointed to Rupert as the probable cul-
lrit. The police soon ascertained Ru-
pcrt's movements, which showed that
he had called on Patty. as have stated,
and that he caught the next express for
London, the time between his leaving
Patty and the starting of the train Civ
ing him plenty of opportunity to com
nit the crime had he been so minded;
and, moreover, his road from my sis
ter's TO the station took him alongside
the plantation in which his uncle's
body was found.
The London detectives were put to
work, and they ascertained that Rupert
had Il revolver of The same caliber rs
the shot found in old Rowling's corpse,
md the upshot was that he was ar
rested and brought before the mat,is-
tIates at Doncaster.
The assizes were just approaching,
and, when | arrived on the scene, Ru-
pert stood committed for trial on the
charge of numbering his uncle.
could do nothing to help him, but |
went to the assize town and saw him in
prison. lie denied all knowledge OF
the crime, swearing to me that he was
absolutely innocent. believed him,
but the evidence was overwhelming
The station master at Doncaster spoke
Of Rnpert's rushing into the station in
great furry, and looking very upset;
and the revolver, which he admitted he
had used for some days, had one cham
her empty. Many other things, trivial in
themselves, but awfully black when put
together, were brought out at the trinl,
and before left had heard him found
guilty by the jury and sentenced to
death by the judge. 1t all seemed like
n CHASTITY dream.
was due to return to my ship, the
Monico, and | babe Rupert good-by. |
don't mind telling you that sobbed
like child. shouldn't have felt it SO
II could have done anything, even to
try and help him, but was perfectly
powerless.
My sister, of course, was in terrible
way. and | hardly liked leaving her, but
my whole future depended on my keep
ing my position in the Red Ring line,
50 ! wrenehed myself away and was
,n board the Monico the next morning.
We sailed the following day, which
as Wednesday, and the last thing
heard before leaving Liverpool was
hat poor Rupert's execution had been
sxed for Thursday in the next week.