Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-03-17

erful drug and carried from his room,
but the signs Of struggle and the
blood marks seemed to upset this theory.
The same awful stains were found IN
the hall leading toward the room occu-
pied by Boyd Springer, but the door
was found to be locked. Springer hav-
ing carried the key away with him.
Had the occupant Of No. 8 committed
the terrible deed, then concealed the
body in his room? Suspicion pointed
strongly toward him.
When the landlord told the constable
of Bentley's story, as related to him IN
the early part of the preceding night
that official declared Springer to be the
guilty one. Then the door was forced
open, but nothing was discovered 10
confirm the suspicious.
In Bentley's room only large valiss
was found, containing q few changes
of clothing, with nothing to give any
clew as to the owners occupation or
the place he had come from The
whole affair was full of mystery.
From the facts In hand it was thought
best by the citizens of Burrville 10
place Boyd Springer under arrest, ana
warrant was issued.
Inquiry revealed the fact that he had
hired horse and buggy to drive into
the country. The constable and the
deputy Immediately started in pursuit
They overlook Springer about five
miles from the village and, putting him
under arrest. brought him back to
Burrville, where he was lodged III jail
to await preliminary examination.
The prisoner seemed utterly amazed
ut the serious charges made against
him. He denied all knowledge OF the
affair and telegraphed at once for n
prominent attorney in Baltimore.
Meanwhile the village WAS all agog
with excitement over the mysterious
and sensntio event. Nothing like II
had ever happened in peaceful Burr
vile, and 1t became the all absorbing
theme for discussion.
After q long search in the vicinity OF
the inn something was discovered that
seemed to afford clew to the mystery.
Tracks were found on the margin OF
the river. deeply sunken into the SOIL
as II made by some one carrying
heavy burden. and near by were traces
Of blood on some shingles. and broken
cuff button. believed to have belonged
to the unfortunate lodger, was picked
up.
At this juncture excitement In Burr
vile rose to Its highest pitch. and at
meeting of the mayor and council II
was decided to offer liberal reward
for any information that would lead TO
the discovery Of the old man Bentley
dead or alive.
This offer resulted In bringing sew
eral detectives to the village. Among
these was Amos Peel. tn" shrewdest
detective In Baltimore. He went to
work in a careful and systematic man.
ner, but whatever his theories were re
garding the strange affair he kept them
to himself.
About this time there arrived from
Baltimore Victor Laney. He was a
cousin of Boyd Springer. the prisoner
and about his age.
The situation cannot be explained
any better than by giving an extract
from an article which appeared In the
Burrville Herald few days later:
At present suspicion points strongly to
Boyd Springer the prisoner. as being the
guilty party. yet. as far as has been ascer-
tained, he ia man whose character Is
above reproach. 1t is stated that he came
| to Baltimore from Colorado less than a
year ago and opened a law office. where
he has since practiced his profession,
making many friends among the legal
fraternity.
It has been learned that his business al
Burrvllle was In connection with the title
10 some land in this locality claimed by
one of his clients.
Mr.. Springer is a man Of considerable
means and the owner of valuable prop
erty in the city. He is well respected by
| those who know him. and. taking every
thing into consideration. there has MOI
yet appeared the faintest shadow OF any
motive he might have had for committing
the crime with which he 10 charged.
And now come the questions: Who wal