Year: 1875

blllty is that ne would nave Dcen nunS
without a trial of judge or jury.
| Two weeks after the burial of Mr.. Blake
the trial was to take place. and on the
evening before the fixed day Gerald O'Con-
ner sat in his cell, his head resting on his
hands,


Only two weeks since his arrest. and
what change had come over him in that
short time; every trace of color had left
his checks. and his eyes were sunk in their
sockets


"Oh, God what have I ever done to
merit this terrible torture that is killing
me? the murderer of Godfrey Blake. a
man whom 1 would shed the last drop Of
my blood to serve. No, no! There is
some terrible mistake made; for he was
dead when discovered him with dagger
buried in his heart. And the people all
believe that nm guilty of so foul crime.
Poor mother, what agony must she not be
suffering; and Molly. oh. heaven! does
she too think me guilty ?"
| His head sank lower, his chest heayed
with emotion, and the great sobs that es-
capped him depicted the agony which he
suffered.


He did not hear the bolt of the cell door
shot back, nor was he aware that any one
entered till hand was laid on his shoulder
and a voice said:


"Gerald! -


He raised his head like one awaking from
dream.


"Gerald, don't you know me ?" asked his
visitor, as no sign of recognition was
evinced by him.


Eyes, Molly, I do" he answered in
mournful accents, "and do you too believe
me guilty of this terrible crime? If So,
how came you to seek the presence of one
whom you believe to be the murderer of
your fathcr?''


"Oh. Gerald! how can you accuse me So?
l believe you to b, guilty ?-no! am sure
that you never committed the crime of
which you stand accused. Trust in him
who knows all, and He will not let the in
nocent suffer for the guilty"


Your words Tighten the terrible load
that lies on my heart and makes it easier
for me to bear; but the evidence is 50
strong against me that it is q mockery to
hope. l have made up my mind that 1 am
to be made the victim to atone for a crime
of which am falsely accused"





"Do not give way to despair, for God will
not permit you to suffer for the crime of
another; and now, rs the time is up, and l
hear the jailor coming. must leave you.
so good-by for tonight" and she pressed
| his cold hand in her own


Good night, Molly. and may God bless
you!"


The morning came calm and beautiful
the morning of the day on which Gerald
| O'Connor was to be tried for his life-tried
for a murder he never committed.
/ The hour for trial had come the prisoner
was led up the aisle of the crowded. court
room, and placed in the dock


The prosecuting attorney opened the case
! in behalf of the crown, and witnesses were
examined.


Anthony Bell was the principal witness
| for the prosecution; he testified to having
| found O'Connor bent over the murdered
man with blood-stained dagger in his
hand; saw him plunge it into the murdered
mans breast.


Other witnesses testified to the same
with the exception of the stabbing, and the
prosecution closed.


The attorney for the defense opened the
case in a very eloquent manner, and tried
by every available means to prove the in
nocence of the prisoner, bringing to bear
his former good character, etc.


The judge then charged the jury, telling
them to think we'll over the evidence before
giving their verdict.


They then retired. and, after an hour s
conference, returned to the jury box.
Every eye in the crowded court was fixed
on the twelve solemn men as they took
their places and answered to their names.


"Gentlemen of the jury, have you decid-
ed on u verdict? Is the prisoner at the bar
guilty or not guilty?"


The stiffness of death reigned every
breath was hushed, as the foreman of the
Jury arose to render their verlict-a ver-
diet which was to be either life or death to
the prisoner.


"Guuty"


The awful word rang clearly through the
crowded court room, and every eye was fix
ed on the prisoner, who stood pale, yet res
olutcly on the dock.


"Gcrald O'Connor!" spoke the judge,
arising from his seat, you have been tried
by a jury of twelve of your countrymen.
and found guilty of the terrible crime Of
murder. Have you anything to say why
sentence of death should not be passed up
on you?"


The prisoner gazcd around him for a
moment, aud then, in n clear, firm voice,
said:


"My lord, and gentlemen of the jury
l have been tried anl found guilty of
crime which / never committed-a crime
the most foul in the annals of history! On
the night on which the fatal deed was
! IL ..,.A -