Rocky Ford enterprise., 1910-07-01

moment the train came TO Iuli STOP,
a man on the platform made rush
for the nearest railway cartilage. He
opened the door and entered, but sud
denly drew back with look Of fear on
his face and a cry Of horror on his
lips.
The guard looked and what he saw
robbed his tongue Of its glibness. The
setting sun sent a golden streak into
the coach and the glaring light re-
vealed there on the blue cushions a
pool Of red blood. The guard and the
hesitating passenger entered together
and made a careful examination OF
the carriage. The mans first sight had
not deceived him. There could be no
possible doubt about It. The cushions
of khe carriage were soaked with hu-
IN ! blood. Inside the coach was hat.
a walking stick. and a small black
leather bag.
The railway carriage was run on to
its destination and a dispatch Instant
ly flashed to Col. James Fraser. the
head Of the London police force. In
the meantime the most persistent
cross-questioning failed to throw any
light whatever upon the mystery Of
the blood soaked cushions. The guard
remembered in q hazy sort OF way
that two men had entered the carriage
Just before the train left Fenchurch
street in London. His impression was
that they were together but he had
no certain recollection OF that. As to
their appearance, he was totally at
sea. He only knew that he had a
crowded train that day. and In the
hurry and hustle OF his work paid but
3scant attention to individuals.
There was one clue. however. and
ehat was Of a character that could not
be overlooked even in the density dis
played by the railway ofiicials. 1t was
he impression OF blood.stained hand
bn the door Of the railway carriage.
lrhe first act OF Col. Fraser was to
brder the guilty carriage out
pf service. He directed that
bpecial pains be taken to preserve the
Impression Of the blood-stained hand
20 that 1t could be referred to when
ver the occasion demanded.
That same night word came to po-
Ice headquarters that the body Of
eI;0 0essed man had been discovered
SPOT where the North London
hilwb passes Victoria park. The man
as unconscious but still alive. He
as taken to a nearby hospital and all
lat medical science could do was
pne to restore him to consciousness.
BIT in vain. He died within "a hours
thout saying a word. It was evident
pm the start that he had been muir
red. Unfortunately, his head and
ce had been beaten so cruelty that
was unrecognizable. Just at time
len the solution OF his identity
emed farthest away, the hospital au-
brities came upon a card In his vest
fket. It read Thomas Briggs. Rob
s & Co., Lombard street, London.
An officer was at once dispatched to
office of Robarts & Company. In
nbard street. The head Of that firm
d that Mr.. Briggs was their chief
k, and one of their most valued
ployes. and that they were at
hl loss to account for his unex-
med absence from his post. He had
n with their banking house for
rly half a century, and during all
that time had promptly reported
work as the clock was striking
He failed to do SO that morn.
and they had assumed that he
i'll. Just as they were preparing
end an inquiry to his home mes
was received. stating that he had
returned to his house in Hackney
might before. A hurried investiga-
proved that Mr.. Briggs left his
at the usual hour on the pre-
day. He carried a gold-headed
and wore gold-rimmed eye
es. and had in his possession a
+ wanr and chain. After conclud-
Is business at the bank he left at
usual hour in the afternoon. and
with his married daughter at
kham He returned to the city In