Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1897-11-18
CHAPTER XII.


Although the verdict had been antici-
pated by the majority Of those who had
been present throughout the examina-
tion, all we're nevertheless Mortified,
even though they admitted its justice
in consideration of the evidence. There
were some, of course, who stoutly main
tanned that Virginia was innocent, but
they were chiefly her most intimate
frienda These proclaimed themselves
to be in position to judge better than
those who did not know her so we'll.
Unhesitatingly they asserted that her
whole life and character made it utter
ly preposterous to harbor suspicion Of
o crime of so heinous nature. Said
one, docs an innocent girl become a
hardened criminal in a moment?" But
others gravely shook their older heads
and readily recalled instances where
equally respectable individuals had
been proved guilty Of murder. After
ALL horrible as it is to take life, yet,
viewed from certain standpoint, muir
der is less dishonorable than theft. One
who would scorn even to tell lie
might yet in anger or under great prov
ocation unhesitatingly send another to
his last account. So respectability is
scarcely defense against charge Of
murder.
The town Of Lee is in STAFFORD coun-
ty. and the county seat is Dover. Here
the grand jury meets, and here the trial
would take place if there should be one.
Squire Olney, at the termination Of the
inquest, therefore declared that Virginia
must be taken to Dover Oh the follow
ing day, together with the record Of the
evidence which would of course be pre-
scented to the grand jury. 1t was de-
cided that she should pass the night at
the residence Of the squire, who would
personally drive over with her early In
the morning. The squire in all his life
time had never been placed in posi-
tion so painful to himself and SO trying
to all his pride III the morality of his
town. 1t was bad enough to have II muir
der. but that tho guilty party should be
II woman, and she the most respected
and admired female in the town, was
simply terrible.
AS soon as Mr.. Barnes learned Of tho
disposition to be made Of the prisoner,
for such she was TO be considered now,
he determined to seek rest at the ear
lest possible moment. Wishing to 60
ON to Riverside and share the room
which had been provided for Burrows,
he sought for that young man, but could
find him nowhere. He was somewhat
annoyed at this, as he wished to talk
with him Oh some of the points brought
out in the examination. Finally, con-
Guiding that Burrows must have gone
to the farm, rs it was already after
dark, he decided to go there also, and
go started Immediately. He had walked
but few rods when he overlook John
Lewis and. recognizing him, said:
"Ah, Mr.. Lewis. arc you going to the
farm?'
liam, and, supposing that you would
put up there for the night, have wait
ed to join you as you passed. I could
not see you at the moment when the
inquest ended, for you were speaking to
the squire.
eyes. wished to know what would
be done with Miss Lewis. She will stay
at the squire's house tonight and be
taken to Dover in the morning"
The two men walked along for some
little distance without speaking, until
at length Lewis broke the silence, and
when he did SO Mr.. Barnes noticed that
he spoke very earnestly, as though the
subject concerned him nearly. At first
it seemed to the detective that this in
terest was more than was natural, but
then he recalled to mind the fact that
the girl was a relative, and as such
would of course attract his sympathy.
"Mr. Barnes" began Lewis, what
do you think Of the result Of the in
quiry"
As have already stated, Mr.. Barnes
was most careful III forming definite
opinions, and he was still more so in
giving expression to them. He felt a
double need of caution at this time and
determined rather to discover what his
companion thought than to commit
himself by any direct reply to this lead
ing question.
"Well," he responded. what other
verdict could you look for under the
circumstances"
II suppose nonel Nevertheless a
stigma has been placed on that girl
which she does not deserve. At least"
he continued quickly, THAT is my opin-
ion"
"You mean that you think Miss Lew
is is Innocent"