Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1899-10-26

but the man was forced to yield.
Franks suspicious semed to be well
founded. The man was evidently q
tramp, with surly looking counte-
nance.
There was blood. too, upon his hands
and clothing.
He eyed our burden with a shudder,
but resolutely maintaiped his limo
cence.
Fortunately, our village had just re-
ceived an acquisition In the shape or
new doctor. The latter, although
young man, was said to be wonder
fully skilled person. Thus far, how
ever, he had met with but little en-
enlargement, for old DR.. Garland had
attended closely to his duties.
TO DIR. Peters house we carried our
inanimate burden. The young doctor
looked grave, but still said there was q
chance. The victims skull had been
crashed by some heavy instrument,
and portion of 1t was pressing upon
the brain. Delicate as the ensuing OPP
Grafton was, it proved successful, for
the old doctor at last awoke to con-
seriousness.
1t was two hours before Charley
White returned, and when he did, he
had in custody Withholding individ-
ual. Fid kept close to the individuals
heels, growing fiercely.
We learned afterward that Charley
had been engaged in most desperate
struggle before he conquered his man.
The prisoner, although slenderly built.
had slnews like iron.
1t was probable that Charley would
have made a second victim had 1t not
been for Fid's aid in worrying the
man, and distracting his attention.
Matters now began to appear some
what complicated. Which of the two
men in custody was the murderer"
Charley chung firmly to the belief that
the dogs instinct was the true one.
There seemed to be no ground, how
ever, to support his theory. The man
bore no evidence to convict him. Not
spot of blood could be found upon
him, and all our questioning failed to
elicit a word of explanation.
On the other hand, Franks prisoner
seemed to be in an agony Of fear. He
repeatedly affirmed his innocence, and
yet was unable to account for the
blood stains upon his clothing. Pub
lie opinion was about equally divided
between the two men. The young doc
tors skill, however, was the means Of
cutting the Gordian knot. Three days
of the utmost quiet in his house, and
then the news went forth that old
DR.. Garland was free from danger and
would recover.
AS soon as he was able to bear the
excitement he expressed a wish to
have the prisoners brought before him,
for he had been able to recognize his
assailant.
Frank Fields prisoner was the first
one brought in, but the old doctor
shook his head.
THAT is not the man." he said,
promptly.
Then the other prisoner was brought
forward.
''That is the fellow" said the old
doctor, quickly. 'Have him closely
watched; he is an escaped lunatic."
The prisoner made n rush to escape.
but we were too quick for him. The
lum.
He had formerly been treated by the
old doctor, and, 1t was supposed, had
entertained some grudge which led to
the attack.
AS to the other prisoner, he confess
ed to finding the doctors mangled
form, and attempting to restore him.
Finding 1t useless, and fearful he
might be suspected as the murderer,
he had resolved to go on his way.
After this affair DR.. Garland was
| so won over to the young doctor that
he relinquished his practice in his IA
vor and retired.
The affair created an intense excite
ment in the little village.
Fid, who acted such prominent
part in the affair, had always been a
great favorite with the doctor. On
one occasion the dog had been badly
hurt by a passing carriage and ten.
derby treated at the doctors hands.
He had well returned the kindness,
however, in the manner shown.
1t is altogether likely that had it not
been for the dog, and the victim had
died, an innocent man would have an
swered with his life for the murder.
Fid was ever favorite with all af-
ter this exploit. 1t was always a puz-
cling question, though, how he had
been abb to pick out the scent Of the
right man. And that question none Of
us could ever answer satisfactorily.