Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-04-12
GLASS DAGGER. 6 HR
Rv vwETHERLEY CHESNEY.

| man with keen, penetrating eyes and
glittering row Of teeth. He had waited
the whole day for this case, and when
it at last was called and Fitzgerald
came up the steps into the dock he
leaned forward with eager intensity.
For the purpose of the burglary Fitz-
gerald had discarded the frock coat
which always lent some little pretense
of respectability to him, and he now ap-
peared in short pilot jacket. In place
of collar and tie scarf was twisted
round his neck, and gloves no longer
gave piquant finish to his exterior.
From the depths of a pocket he pro-
duced a single eyeglass, and, having
carefully wiped it, fixed it in his left
eye and then courteously took note OF
the magistrate He nodded approvingly
at the reporters, smiled contemptuously
on the lawyers below and then turned
to survey the spectators. He looked at
them very carefully, and it might have
been noted that as he did so the black
bearded man in the last row but one
drew back into the gloom of his corner.
A warder tapped the prisoner on the
shoulder to direct his attention to the
front, and, with an apology, Fitzgerald
turned round.
A dapper little solicitor was now on
his feet.
"May it please your worship" said
he, 81 appear for the prosecution. The
prisoner, James Fitzgerald, alias Will
liam Richmond, is charged with enter
ing the premises of Mr.. Ralston Fenton,
at l45 De We're Gardens, between the
hours of 10 and on the morning of the
18th inst, with felonious intent. He
had an accomplice, who has unfortu-
nately escaped. The two men effected an
entry at the back Of the house and pro-
ceeded to appropriate various silver and
other articles in the dining room.
Commander Brett, who was staying
in the house at the time. evidently heard
them, and went down stairs, when he
was attacked by the men. A severe
struggle apparently ensued, and I am
sorry to cay that Captain Brett is now
lying in precarious condition, and is
quite unable to give evidence-in fact,
up to last night he was unconscious.
Policeman q 952. whom shall call
to give evidence, was on duty Oh that
beat, and he will tell you that as he
passed Mr.. Fenton's house the door
opened and a man rushed down the
steps. He stopped at the sight of the Of
fcer and hurriedly informed him that a
robbery was taking place in the house.
They entered together, but the man evil
denJly took advantage of the darkness
of the hall to absoond. By this time the
inmates of the house had been aroused
by the sounds of the scutf1e, and the
prisoner had taken alarm. The officer
met him in the doorway Of the dining
room with bag in one hand and life
preserver in the other. Luckily, he man
aged to get the first blow in, and
promptly secured the prisoner. He then
ascertained from evidence in the room
that there had been two Of them at
work, and the man who had given the
information was undoubtedly the accom-
plice of the prisoner Gall officer q
952"
The officer gave his evidence in con-
frmation of the statement of the prose-
oution, and Fitzgerald was then asked
if he wished to put any questions to
him.
"WiIl you please describe the man
you met on the doorstep?" he said.
cit was dark at the time, and he
came on me so suddenly that did not
turn my lantern on him. but should
say he was of middle height, and he had
lightish beard"
"And this man told you there was a
burglary going on inside the house?"
"He did
"Thank sou. That's ALL. said Fitz-
gerald with a vindictive smile on his
face
"That is the case for the prosecution,
your worship" said the solicitor. ION
the charge of burglary. 1t is obvious
that still graver charge should be pre-
ferred either against the prisoner or
some other person in respect Of the as
sault which has been committed on
Commander Brett, but further inquiries
will be made before any information "
laid"
"Prisoner, said the magistrate,
"having heard the evidence, do you
wish to say anything in answer to this
charge? You are not obliged to say any
thing unless you desire to do so. But
whatever you say will be taken down in
writing, and may be given in evidence
against you at your trial.
Fitzgerald leaned over the bar in front
of him and nodded to the reporters
"You hear?" be said. lyon We got to
take it all down in writing. Don't miss
an 'h.'"
"Yes, your worship" he continued
in consecutive sentences, very different
from his ordinary speech, Il do desire
to say something, and something Of i'm.
portance I am guilty of this charge,
but it is not of myself, but Of my ac-
complice that 1 wish to speak. For
years the police have been on his track,
but the devilish ingenuity Of the man
and the assistance Of his friends have
prevented their purpose being attained.