Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1899-10-04

-.ssv-captal,
carrying sucn money as had been col
lected in their districts on behalf of the
State and the necessary papers and
vouchers, and have an annual settle
ment for the years receipts and dis
bursements.
Now, at the time when Deyereux's
Affairs were most desperate, his own
county treasurer started out on horse
back with the State money, a large
sum, In a pair of saddlebags, to effect
hls annual accounting.
On the road he was Joined by fellow
traveller, who afterward was proved to
be Devereux. They put up one night
at roadside tavern, occupying the
same room. Next morning the treas
urer was found dead in bed, his throat
cut from ear to ear. His companion had
disappeared, and the saddlebags, with
their contents, were also missing The
country side was aroused, bloodhounds
were brought out. and a fierce chase of
some hours resulted in DevereuX being
run down and captured. There was no
question but that he had been the muir
dered mans companion the night be-
fore, but none of the missing money or
papers were found upon him.
These We're the facts in the case
When the news passed from traveller to
traveller along the country roads, and
finally reached DevereuX's home town.
there was a tremendous sensation, fur
ther heightened when the damning cir
cumstances of his business affairs came
uxh do al or
the crime.
Nevertheless, many of his friends
were still loyal, strong family infiu-
ence was exerted in his behalf, the best
lawyers were employed, and every eff
fort was made to free him from the
consequences of his awful crime. All
without avail. He was tried, found
guilty and sentenced TO be hanged. The
higher courts decided against him on
appeal. The Governor refused TO inter
fere. and Devereux occupied a cell IN
the Jail at the little town of st. Ste
phens, closely guarded. within few
days of the date appointed for his exc
cution, with all prospects of escape
seemingly cut off.
In spite of the enormity OF his crime.
here began to be a great deal of sym
pathy for the man who lay in jail
awaiting death. His youth. his hand
some face. his graceful. dignified bear
Ing. his calm courage, his perfect man
ner and his unfailing persistence in the
declaration of his innocence all com
bined to produce this effect. He ex-
9-essed no an mostly toward witnesses,
f,r1~ fr1rv Sip +
.ns that he was an unfortunate victim
"a remarkable circumstances, from
which he coyid blame no one for draw
ing the mistaken Inference of his guilt
The Sheriff who guarded him was of
the puplber of those thus impressed,
and in his secret heart deeply sorrow ed
at the prospect of his sad duty, al
though he relaxed not at all his Wig
lance, and the adoption of every pre-
caution to prevent escape.
To this officer the prisoner frequently
expressed the firm belief that he would
not be hanged. He assured him that,
however, he had no idea of escape, 9th.
er than by some divine Intervention,
which would establish his innocence
and point out the guilty man.
Not many days before the one fata
lay the sheriff found the prisoner Wis
IDLY agitated, and in an excited state,
Eoticeably different from his usual
'a,mness. In answer to the officers
question as to the reason, Deyereul
gave the following explanation:
Il have had" he said, "a most extra
ordinary experience. 1t came to me last
night in the form Of dream, so real,
distinct and different from the usual
hazy din.aess Of ordinary visions that
believe Il to be the gremonitinn Of an