The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1897-05-20


TO bsar that bis companion Of the morn
ing had been murdered soon after he lett
him and that his own revol YER had been
found lying near the dead man. Great
excitement prevailed and he was believed
to be the guilty man. Tbieits of lynch
ing and sll other modes If vengeance
that lawless mob could think Of, were
being discussed.
Tom knew that It would be foolish
and dangerous thing to attempt tn prove
his innocence. He formed his plans
quickly and waiting until the general
attention was drawn to some new rumor,
he armed himself with gun, an axe and
a few other Indispensable articles and
fed. Out into the deuse forests 10 its
widest stretch, he strode, with a heavy
heart; farther and farther from the
abodes Of civilization at every step. When
night came down with her ebony cur
tain, he halted, knowing that he might
retrace his steps. He sat down at the
foot OF a gigantic pine and sought some
rest for body and mind; but he could
not sleep. When would he ever dare to
return to society He thought of the
dear old days at college,; of Anna Ban
ming; of Pearl Leland; Of Ned; Of his
poor mother who would be distracted
when she heard of the dreadful tragedy.
Then he would wonder now he could
prove his innocence but oiroumstantial
evidence was very strong against him.
How could his revolver have gotten
therep He left It In his room at she
Damp. He thought and Thought until
daylight began to brighten the east. He
looked at his compass. arose and started
on. About moon he bsoame sensible that
his body must be fed or that he would
perish In the wilderness. He saw a squir
rel sitting on tree not far of. He fired
aud 1t fell to the ground and soon he had
q comfortable meal. He felt enoour
aged The dealings Of Providence with
his humble life ran through his mind
how he had been sustained and led tt
the present hour, and felt that like Job o.
old, "he could wash his hands in limo
oency"; that he was not wholly forsaker
and q brief prayer trembled on bis lips
80, thou God Of the poor and ouctast
pray thee to remember me-" Afte
resting awhile he travelled on; on TOWARD
the setting sun. At night he made him
self more comfortable place and slep
until day. Again be had the good for
tune to secure q squirrel and made
hearty breakfast. In this way b
travelled for days and at last just.as tn
sun was setting In the west, he came {
the termination Of the forest, and befor
him lay, as he stood upon small eleva
ton, the Pacific oosan. 1t was a lovel
spot; small bay edged round wit
many terraces Of soft white sand, whic
reflected like polished mirror the settin
sun. A small island rose from the So
little beyond and nearly hid the placi
bay from outward view.
Tom looked upon the scene " ith grea
/, admiration. and involuntsrily exclaime
Here will rest. -
, The axe be had carried 30 far was no.
of much use; he felled trees and slowl
CONSTRUCTED a cabin, which, If not beat
tifol, was strong and picturesque.
was now drawing toward autumn. Dee
a and game of all kinds were plentiful an
with fish and native fruits afforded
generous diet, and he was busy trying I
lay up surplus for the unfriendly wintt
r months.
9 Continued Next Thursday