Waterbury Democrat., 1902-02-21
A S1REMD
 WOMAN

s.+**.ss.s.s..s.*s# < j. < ys..s..s:s.ssss.s.4 nURING trial held in the town of J Merrivale the court was crowded to its utmost capacity, while an i1n- patient mass of swaying humanity awaited the verdict outside. It was a case of phenomenal interest. Two young fellows of good family, com panions since childhood, had set themselves to earn fame and fortune, or the latter at least, in their na- tive place; Albert Meyrick as an art ist, Herbert CarlstSn as a physician. Their love for each other was broth erly; yet love proved the gulf which separated them. Both had been fas- cinated with the charms of sunny haired, brighteyed, laughing beauty. Her admirers were legion; but her favors were equally bestowed between these two.
 One morning people were horrited with the report of murder. Meyrick had been shot iH his studio. revol- yer was found on the table few inches from the dead body. The bull let, which, after passing through his head, had lodged in the wall opposite, exactly fitting the chamber, and was precisely similar to the others which the revolver contained. Both revol- vers and cartridges were proved to have been bought by Carlston within 24 hours previous to the crime. He was known to have been at the house at about the time of the crime. All these things he fully admitted. Only one fact he denied; but this was the evidence that chiefly condemned him.
 Edna Dalton, the girl through jeal- ousy of whom he was supposed to have committed the murder, swore to seeing him close to the house. In- deed, she had spoken to him; but he strangely passed her, refusing to speak. The general evidence against him was so overwhelming that there could be no doubt of the issue. The prisoner had condemned himself by his own admissions; yet he emphat- icaly asserted his innocence.
 The eventful day of the trial came. Counsel had labored for and against him. The judge had summed up: the jury retired to consider. The breath less hush of suspense was oppressive. Presently door opened. Twelve men solemnly took their seats.
 Guilty or not guilty?"
 ."Guiltyi"
 A piercing shriek, awful from its burden of agony, rang through the court. Edna's unconscious form was borne out. For the first time the prisoner quailed. Throughout the trial be had behaved with almost in- different coolness. Her voice un- manned him. He buried his face in his hands. grooming aloud and trem- bling violently. With an effort he re- gained his manly bearing.
 Asked if he had any reason to state why sentence should not be passed, he drew himself up, and in firm, clear voice, said:
 To-day my words are an empty sound; one day they will have great power, though they will come back from the cold depths of the grave. I am innocent. No man will believe me. l speak for the future, because be- heve an averaging justice will surely bring truth to light. Then I wish you to remember my words"
 The sentence of death was passed, the voice of the judge being scarcely audible amidst the sobs of some of the women present.
 One person alone seemed unaffect- ed. With the quiet demeanor of hero, Herbert folded his arms to re- ceive his doom without quiver
 To the last momentous words: f'May the Lord have mercy on your soull" he responded with firm but 1everent "Ameni"
 Mir. Dickinson, Herbert's lawyer, was disturbed in his office by young lady, whom he failed at first to rec ognize as Edna Dalton.
 What marvellous changei Her hag- gard face, large eys. looking larger from their sunken sockets, the fierce, determined expression of her face, made the experienced lawyer betray his surprise in spite of himself Was this the airy, smiling creature of few weeks ago? She had aged years. He placed seat for her, and inquired the object of her visit.
 .'To free Herbert Carlston! He is in- nocent, and I have discovered the cul- prit!"
 The lawyer looked at he=, but did not speak.
 Perhaps, you think me mad? Well, l have not been far from it. While you men have pitied him and won- dered, I, a weak woman, have worked"
 Have. you any evidence of your Etatement2"
 Ample. The murderer has a foot two inches longer than Herbert. He wore pair of old overshoes with cut across the left sole. Herbert never possessed such things On that night he wore a light suit, the sus- pected man wore a dark tweed suit, with q red thread-rather a peculiar kind of material, lighter in weight and cheaper"
 How in the name of all that is ra- fional, did you learn al this?"
 Thereby hangs my tale. I believe Herbert to be innocent. Common sense told me. Crime always leaves a trace for those who have eyes to see. No one ever sought. They were satisfied with superficial appearances. Knowing the landlord. I obtained permission to see the house. I searched the building without success.