The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1903-01-17

my mind The impressive words of the
Judge, the callous indifference of the pris-
oner, and the solemn hush throughout the
crowded court room suddenly broken by
sharp cry SO full of agony that it thrilled
with pity the sternest heart. 1t was the
wretched wife of the prisoner. I knew
her we'll Her father was one of my dear
est friends, to whom | had been so fortu-
nate as to render important service; and
pressed through the oficious but we'll
meaning crowd that surrounded her, to see
if could be of any assistance. At her
request | obtained carriage and accom-
panied her to her fathers house, and had
never seen her since.
cit was the old story. She had met
this man by accident and under circum-
stances of somewhat romantic nature.
In spite of the vilainy that to the prac
ticed eye was plainly discernible upon his
countenance, there was certain fascina-
ton in his manner when he strove to please,
and their acquaintance rapidly ripened into
intimacy. Meeting with opposition from
her father, the infatuated girl left his
house and fed with her lover to an adjoin-
ing town, where they were married.
CATER brief season of anger, the dot
ing old man not only forgave his daughter,
/ but for her sake took into favor the SON.
in-law who had been so unceremoniously
thrust upon him, and offered him every
inducement to engage in some honorable
business and become an honest and useful
member of society. But it was of no
avail; his was one of those depraved ma
lures which seem to have no moral sense
of right and wrong. Indeed it is to be
questioned as to whether any CLEANS of
human tenderness ever softened his heart
save the love he bore his young and beau
tiful wife; and even this could not save
him from crime. In less than year from
the time of their marriage he was tried
and convicted of murder in the first de-
gree.
''Though no one who heard the evil
dence had the slightest doubt of the pris-
oners guilt, his wife was firm in her belief
of his innocence, and entertained hopes to
the very last moment of his acquittal.
But before the day set for his execution
he managed to effect his escape. A few
weeks after, his wife suddenly disappeared.
"All those "reminiscences passed through
my mind in the space of few seconds
The man merely came in on some errand,
going directly out again and his wife soon
followed.
cleft to myself, began to reflect upon
the singular circumstances which surround
ed me. The prospect Of spending the
night in that lonely place under the roof
convicted murderer was not very pleas
ant one; but still if he was, as | hoped,
ignorant of the amount of gold | had with
me, it might not be attended with any
danger 1t promised to be dark and
stormy night; and, unaccustomed to the
country, it would be difficult for me to
find my way. Then again, if the man
had determined to rob me, he could easily
waylay me; so | decided to remain.
II was we'll armed, having good re-
volver and Spanish dirk, which had done
me good service in many emergencies,
and what was better, I knew how to use
| them.
1t had always been point of conscience
with me to look personally after the COM
fort of my horse, and with this object in
view, 1 took my way to the barn, which
was only a few steps from the house. L
found the doors open. As [ entered, my
attention was arrested by sound of voices
which evidently proceeded from the part
partitioned off for the stable.
"'I tell you it can't be possible, said
a voice that [ recognized as the landlords.
why he was famous lawyer, and it
ISM at all likely he's in these parts. It's
Ben White father law, that he s been
expecting so long, who's been to Califor-
MA Bill Cady found out all about it
more n fortnight ago, and we've been
on the watch for him ever since. 1t ain
so. Besides, it would only strengthen my
purpose, if it was. I only wish that |
could put knife to the throat of the
whole cowardly pack who sat there that
day looking at me as if | was a Gagged tiger,
and gloating on my misery.
"'In Gods name Richard! said the
imploring voice of woman, do not do
this cruel thing, or | shall 60 mad! Have
YOU not committed crimes enough? The
very air is full of the shrieks of your vic
tins, and they pursue me wherever turn
Remember all that [ have sacrificed for
your sake, how I have forsaken home,
friends, and every pleasant thing, and do
not make my life uncomfortable. F."
s'sIt's of no use, Sue, returned the
man, doggedly; I've made up my mind,
and as you well know, it amt SO easily
turned 1 tell you he's got gold, gold
and must and will have it.
"sGo your own way, Richard; but,
terrible as have been your crimes, remem-
Der, warn you, that it will be the sad
dest and worst you ever didP
usWbat do YOU mean by that p re-