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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1889-12-27, Page 7DECEMBER 27, 1869 o; 01111rHalOril ttn:.,:mr ^: tr^a tz HE UIfflVIONU BIIflON FROM THE DIARY OF A LAWYER MiD Tk1E BOOK OF A REPORTER, By BARCLAY NORTH. gill I Copyrighted, 0889, by 0. M, Dunham. Published by Spe- • Bial Arrangement through the American Press Association. They parted, ttolureolt going st1'aognt- way to his office. There for a time he became so en- grossed in business that the murder and the diamond button were driven from his mind. ' Upon what small threads do matters of human Interests hang? The young lawyer had for some time anticipated that a contingency would arise calling him from the city to a dis- tant point for at least three weeks, in the interest of a client His nihil that morning in-1'onmee him that the contingency had arisen. Ilia first impulse was immediately to pre- pare for his departure. lois second thought was, if he we111 the coroner would not have Iritis for a witness, and as a matter of public duty lie ought to remain. Then he thought that while the client was a valuable one, nevertheless the duties to be performed were of the sim- plest character—the superintending of the Figaro; of papers and contracts al- ready drawn—so he called in a neigh- boring young lawyer to whom he often tendered business, and who consented to go. Had Holbrook gone this story would never have been written. During the morning Holbrook received a note from a lady in whose good graces he wished to stand high, asking him to call upon her. The lady was young and handsome, .andrumor said rich. She lived with her uncle, her parents being dead. Holbrook -was greatly delighted with the summons, Fie load been attentive, but as yet had received little encourage. ment front the young lady. Her manner toward bion, while cour- teous, was not different frons that dis- played toward a dozen or more of the young gentlemen ,with whorl he was in rivalry. Her name was Flora Ashgrove, and she was spoken of in rho clubs as "'1110 handsome Flora." Rumor did not cri'dit any man with having the favor of tho fair lady. Her acquaintances of her own sex said she angled for suitors and failed despite her beauty. Twenty men knew she had re- fused the offer of one mal at least. She diti not want for a galla4.lt in the park nor an escort to the opera: ;she was sure of an invitation to the hunt and a seat upon the most distinguished coach in the parade; at each regatta her name was seen among the guests of the most nought after yacht, while at the charity fairs her bboth turned In twice the mon- ey any other did. These were hard nuts for her dear fe- male friends to crack, but they hammer- ed at them persistently; consequently she was,a great social success. Holbrook was a self contained young man, whose good opinion of himself was fully equaled by his good looks, and upon that score he was well content. While not of a very ardent nature, still he ad- mitted to himself that if the divine Flora would but give hint some sign that she found more pleasure in his attentions than In those of others lie could quite readily fall in love with her; but until she did he proposed to keep himselfwell in hand and not make 0 fool of himseif, as some others he could, name had done, The note lying before hint was the first he had received from) her, an'' - indeed, the first intimation he had had 1 dicating that she cared whether he came or went', He was therefore filled with pleasure able emotion and no little wonder. The note had driven from his mind all recollection of the button and his visit to the coroner, and, disposing of his Basi-. gess as speedily as possible, he took ^hhn- self to her uncle's residence—a handsome dwelling in Fifty-sixth street, 1101 far from Fifth avenue. . When ushered into the richly furnished parlors he was made 'aware that it was the summer season. ,The furniture was covered, end so were the or'naments, statuary and most of the pictures; Then he remembered he had;rl*ondered bow It was that Miss Ashgrove was in the city a.t that time of the year, But one picture was exposed. and from that the cover had been thrown back over the easel upon which 1t rested, This was the portrait of the lady herself, He fell to a study of it, waiting the coating of the ladywhohad summoned Mtn to presence, He thought it would be anfine .thing to have so handsome a head at his, table. Other lovers would probably have given rein to other thoughts,but Holbrook was moo of those young Men who get on in the world, less given 00 sentimental con- siderations on-side011110 s than to those of a practical nature, While tours mimed the original of the picture entered the room through a door which brought her to the back of hot visitor. She was entitled to the name of "the handsome Flora." Tall, df superb pro- „portions, her exquisite form was full llodgh not plump; iter hair was flaxen tad shining in waves over her perfectly proportioned tread, standing erect upon it white 001um11 0f a neck; r k, her skit ryas Whitens alabaster, and he' cheeks had bo delicate tinge et a p0acht her lips eve twin cherries, full to the 001)11111 - sensuality; her Matures taui1lese in their classic regularity. She stopped for a moment, placing a shapely white hand upon the back of a chair, steadying herself, Her footfall had been so light upon the soft carpet that she lead not attracted the attention of her visitor. She observed him intent- ly for a moment, As she stood 111(310 a gracious p101010 in the half light, it could be seen that her eyes were gray, luminous and large, but cold, even hard, and greatly at va- riance with the full and sensuous lips and the voluptuous curves of her face and the folds of her neck. Finally she meted up and said: • "I hope you admire the art of my old professor, Mr. flalbmok?" "1110 young lawyer sprang up atartiea, but wieldy recovering itself possession replied: "1 was less engaged with the art of the picture than with the beauty of the subject." The lady made a deprecatory gesture as she said: "As a work of art it has been greatly admired." "The artist had inspiration in his sub- ject worthy of his greatest skill." "A truce to compliments," laughed the lady, "but sit here, where we may have light and air," leading the way into a rear apartment. "Indeed, this le the only habitable spot on this floor." "I supposed until I received your note you were still in the country," he re- marked as he seated himself in an easy chair. "We returned yesterday on some tire• some business my uncle insisted upon. You see," waving her hand over the room, "we are not living. merely exist- ing for a few clays." •I was delighted to hear from you," said Holbrook, not very brightly, but for the sake of saying something that would lead to the reason of his summons. His effort was successful, but some high expectations were tumbled and he was filled with astoniehment when. he heard her unfold it. CHAPTER V. THE YOUNG LAWYER IS e1YST1PIED AND PERPLEXED. -- G IS astonishment was ex- cited because the 1 a d y should concern herself in a vulgar murder, and he was disappointed because h e thought mere curiosity had made her thoughtlesslysuatmen him to her. Thus she answered his leading question. "Yes, I wanted to see you badly. S read'an account of that shocking murder in Union square last night, and I also read that you were one of those who saw the frightful deed." "Yes," he replied shortly, and though annoyed and astonished he did not fail to appreciate that she was greatly agi- tated and seemed to make efforts at self repression. "I knew the murdered man," she con- tinued. "Indeed he was somewhat of a relative; I was much shocked." "Very naturally." "Who committed the murder?" - "011, that is -wrapped in, mystery. The authorities aro at a complete standstilll) they have not a single clew of any value," "But you naw the man, according to the neas0auer account." ' "Yes, tit A distance. Indeed, I saw hien closely, but did not then observe him . with attention. I was looking front my window, and was dimly conscious of a man standing on the pavement beneath, and of his stepping off the curbstone to walk across the street. I was awakened to full consciousness of his existeuce by seeing him seizethe man he met by the arnn, and then striking him down; the next moment lie fled through the park, I was not aware murder was done until I heard the cry, from a third." "Was the third man connected with the attack? I saw lm was arrested," "I think not, He gave a clear account of himself, and his statements Have been verified by 0110 polies; he was released, this morning," - A shale of vexation passed over tho face },I' his (banning companion, and Itolhrool. s astonishment watt further 111- Oltascii by the fact. 'Were not 1110 alihoritfes foolish 111 lotting linins l,n ,ho asked, after a brief moment of •,11en eV "dio navy have been the murderer,"- "Impossilylc said Holbrook. "I naw yli the man oto iko nus victim and then run into thei,rk, and saw the other twenty feet awCrying murder." "Y ill b elf e a witness, (n0aw t" 'r then, n l his faivor,'�. \ THE BRUSSELS POS Scree, 11"ill ,11 11---' J;1'0y eye's gli:ll!r ', "C e ttninl if hr• hl ue t used," replied 11o1blook, n. ,o.',ed at the taws1101), 'fiat thane is little tear of that." "If sin accusorbe rttoded, he may Rad one in me." 1-lolbroolc was utterly confounded, Do you knew the elan? Do y knew anything of this murder?" The lady showed that she felt alio h discovered more emotion than the situ tion warranted, and, by an effort, Fumed control of herself. "You ask' two questions. I do not know the mau, 1 never heard of hintbefore, What is his name?" "blessing," "Yes, Wessing. Do I know anything about this murder? Nothing except what I have read and what you have told me, But how happens it that he was there at that Hour in the morning so opportunely to cry "Murder' and mis- lead others by attracting attention to himself? Were you not mistaken, awakened, as you confess, from a sort of stupor. and did you not imagine you saw a man running away?" rhe had again lost control of horse and she was speaking with gloat carnes nose and with heightened color. H brook wondered at it all, but he replio coldly: "No, Miss Ashgrove. I was not mi taken. 1f you were to accuse this you) gentleman you would be doing a grie Gus wrong, and, tts well, placing you self in a false position. You forget thin 1 saw the noun run away after the blow throwing off lids coat as he ram Subse- quently the coat andother articles used for this disguise were found." .lora tossed tier tread lncrednlousty. Holbrook continued: "Tho bitterness you manifest surprises me." Tho lady shot an angry glance at him, "It is you who forget now. I told you that Mr. Templeton was a friend and a relative, though n remote one. Why should I not feel an interest in his mur- der? Is there anything surprisingiu my desire for justice and tengeanoe? 1 can tell you I have little faith in your police. He is an unusual stupid criminal who cannot escape your detectives. Still, I may bo entirely mistaken. You may have been fully conscious that you saw three non, not dimly." The sneer conveyed in these words was unmistakable. Before Holbrook could recover himself from this indig- nant rush of words, she spoke again in strangely altered tones: "After all, I suppose you are right, and I am silly to set up my judgment against those who were present." Holbrook noticed that she was making a violent effort to compose herself, and be gave her time by not replying; when she spoke again, it was with an obvious attempt to speak lightly. - "See whet sympathetic creatures we of tho weaker sex are: here am I work- ing myself into quite a fever over poor Templeton's death, even disputing with you as to what you did or did not see. But the mai who ran away? Was he a tatllman?" "Yes, I think he was." Alam quickly passed over her face, but not so quickly that Holbrook, whose senses were now all alive, did not ob- serve it. "And slight in figure?" Whether the flying man was slight or not .Holbrook did not remember, but he quickly determined to follow the lead she was -giving him. "Decidedly slight and tall." ' She had greater command over fear tures and manner now. but ver voice be- trayed intense interest as she said: "Yes, [suppose so, since he ran so fast as to get away before any one could seize him. He must have been a young man?" She looked at him most inquiringly. Holbrook replied: "Unquestionably." "What was his Complexion, did you notice?" Holbrook did not fail to realize .how absurd it was to ask, or to assume to know, thecomplexionof a man, running nt a distunco of at least 200 feet, in th moonlfglo. to an observer looking down from a height of 40 feet, but his mind was working actively, and he recollected lie W113 fair. "Unquestionably dark, with hand. some prolilo—a straight nose" Wall'slle prepnrea liir the answer, that her face expressed nothing but curiosity and that her color remained steadfast?And was he certain that she' seemed to •chitah at her heart with her left hand? Thee was a silence between them for a little time—Flom' deeply absorbed in thought, and he watchful and keen, Suddenly he was' possessed of an idea. He trembled at its audacity, But he was a man of nerve drew his purse from his pocket, and took from it the diamond button. "See," he said abruptly, "I found something valuable at the place of mur- der," There was no mistaking now, $er fate flushed red and then grew ghastly pale, while alarm was plainly visible. "It is a cat? button," She stretched forth a trembling hand to bike it. `Phe moment she possessed it she ex- amined it eagerly.Ile etticlied her face and was per• ploxed' He read recognition, relief, surprise and sattiat'aCtion+la'aomgely blended.Bavo you its mate?' she asked: "No I found 'Ina this one," "'Where.?". "At the place of 111010de' Afterward." 'Does it belong to the murderer?`" "'(,hat is for the police 'to [Ind out all turn it over to the authorities, She handed it hack to him and shish )i have seen"— Tlio door opened anti her untie, Mr, itherapoonc entered, 011 ad a-. re- lf, t- at - d button Tumid by flullnls,k, 1101' the knife lift in the body of the deed man. n. a- had proved to be clews of raito the g police. �" the vcrdiet of the coroner's ,jury had r` 1)001): "Caine to his death by being t stabbed with a knife, in the hands of a UFI:IPTE]1 P1, A air tall' 1r1.1n0SPi:1T7010, IFI; is rapid 1 Now Yorlc Events of yeste Baty are Damien history, 1fter aween the tragedy o Union square was forgotten. T h eu;'oucr lead hel the Inquest an had establish. nothing. The strictest in quiry had (01110 to discover a um rive for the deed 11 ' Templeton' life W11001/ opo one and Pathe conunonplaoe in its exactness and regularity. He attend ed strictly to business during busines hours, alai stood well in oomnner1la circles. He took 111s pleasures soberly in his hours of relaxation. He bed novices and no entangling alliances. Neither the clothes exist o1? by the murderer In Isis flight, nor the diamond 7 01 1Ge two threw 0000 Der 001 07 c ape veil. n Holbrook was struck withate marvel - PUS beauty of the face thus uncovered r- before him—a face almost colorless, of t marble wilitelcss, exquisite in form and feature, delicate, refined and sensitive; c ' two large, soft brown eyes looped upon f him appealingly, soft brown hair crown- ed the beautiful face; she was slight and O petite in figure. d In a low, sweet voice elle said: d "My name is Templeton—Annie Tem. d pluton. This is my mother." The lady referred to throw buck her - veil to acknowledge the bow of Dir. Hol- d brook. She was at least 00 years of age, prob. . ably older, with silver hair; truly ,the s mother of her daughter, having the same 1 refinement and sensitiveness of feature ✓ and expression, the sono brown eyes, though somewhat dimmed—a cad face - and worn—nota face to battle with the s world. Quite evidently she was one of 1 those who are lod, who do toot lead.. The young lady continued: "We are the mother and sister of the Mr. Templeton who was foully murdered ill Union square," "I presumed se when I beard your names," Feld Holbrook, for the sake of saying sornetldng, "I hardly know what we waist to say to you, Mr. Iiolbrcolc—lewdly know what we want to do. We have twist so distil). pointed. The coroner semis to lucre washed his hands of the whole matter, and the police give us no satisfaction or hope, We have no friends in the city— we tie quite alone. But we thought that as yon had been a (witness of the terrible deed we would hall upon you and ask if there was anything you saw that has not beau made public." The helplessness and the innocence of the two women, impelled by love for a son and brother to an enterprise for which they were wholly unfitted, touch- ed Holbrook; he felt a boundless pity for them, and he was surprised at it, for his sympathies were not particularly quick. An jn.t)1'1' !lush spread, over Merit's person unknown," The police adopted the theory that the man had been struck in mistake, and that another victim had been intended, Why? 'That was a secret they guarded, and they worked on that line, A large reward for the detection of the criminal was offered by the antllorities. And the affair faded from the news- papers. 'The inhere 1100 been a quiet ono. There were but two mourners present— an elderly lady and a yotinger one closely veiled, both evincing great grief. There were but few attendants from ottriosity. Neither Mr. Witherspoon nor Flora Ashgrove wore present. Holbrook, who was, noted thisfact, and contrasted her intense interest in the murdered man the day . -after the murder, with her absence from the fu- neral ceremonies. A few of 'Templeton's business ac- quaintances, and the friends with whom he spent the last hours of itis life made up the rest. Apparently the tragedy was of one act. and the drop curtain was down. Holbrook's law office was on the sev- enth story of one of those tall buildings which in recent years have become a conspicuous feature of lower New York. His private office was a corner roost, and from tloe window his eye could roan) over the raofs of adjacent buildings, across the Hudson river and beyond the houses on the Jersey shore to the green hills back of them One afternoon, two weeks after the murder, he was resting himself from his labors and enjoying the extensive view spread out before him. In fact, he was reviewing that strange interview with Flora Ashgrove the day after the murder.. Her manner, her emotion, her eager- ness, her auger, all dwelt vividly in his mind, but his perplexity was tis great as on the day he left her presence. What connection, if any, had she with the murder? What did she know,: if anything? What relation had existed between herself and the dead man? Why did she want to know so pa'ticularlythe appearance ofthe nourdere'? What was at the bottom of the intense anxiety she dis- played? And for whom wee' this anxiety. displayed? She was tall and slim, or would he if dressed in men's clothes could it possibly have been herself? Was she the kind of a woman whom jealousy would impel to such n crime? - These were the questions he had asked himself again and again, and never had found satisfactory weever.; t,, ?ham, They haunted him li:.o eightiva'e, and at every It;isurentoinent returned to vex Ilion. mien 'Itt• pnuogv:i 1 l)1' titre work 10 escape 111e110, Of this, holeever, ht Was 0(10eleua— his feelings toward Flog load undergone a great change, .18 1 )011 11 OfIll as she tin• deniably was, he preferred that elle' should be some one else's wife.' ori her interview with him she haat uncovered e disposition he ditl'4not like, and the tor.' menting questions that would ''come un- bidden had finally bred in hint 11 fear of her and he had taken alarm. As he was thus musing, a clerk in- formed hint that two ladies desired to see him, "What are their names?" he asked, "They would not give them; -they said they would convey noinformation. They Are 'dressed In deep mourning—one young, one old." "Show them in." CHAPTER VII. A DEUCED PEETTY CLIENT. ti I liT' - iY i I)± 1'a^j 1,IP' I 'I IID111iII11114 mere were mute appeals for ueip111 the brown eyes of both, clouded with tears as they looked upon him. He felt a choking sensation in his throat and could hardly realize it. "I believe, madam, all that is known of the stuff affair has been made public. I am aware the ponce authorities are completely mystified. and now hive the theory that lir. Templeton was atlucl;- ed under the ilnpression he was someone else." "That is what the detectives told us,'' said the mother; "but is it not awful that in a crowded city a mon can 60 s0 killed without reason?" "The case has been surrounded with mystery from tho beginning," replied Holbrook, grao'ely. ',lir. Templeton's lite in the city has been carefully in- quired into, and nothing elicited to seg. gest an enmity that could end in mur- der. itis life was thoroughly reputable, honot:tiblo, upright and virtuous." The eyes of the two women blessed him for his words. He continued: "Perhaps you would permit me to ask you some questions?" "Oh, please do," cried the sister. "We don't know what to say or tell and no one has helped us." Holbrook thought if she would but continuo to look upon him in that ap- pealing manner he would never want to stop trying to help her. "In the first piaci:, lir. Templeton's father is (lead, I apprehend?" "Yes, he died fifteen years ago." "You'do not live in this City?" "No, we have always lived near Plain- field, New Jersey," "Have you any relatives?" "None that we know of.- illy husband was an English gentleman, who came to this country when quite a young mean with his uncle. The uncle died a year after, and Mr. Templeton, who had conte to Plainfield, married me. ide bought:the place where we now live." "What baldness did he follow?' "Nona. 1'10 was student and expert. mewed In chemistry. ole died from in- juries r'e'ceived while conducting an experiment." "On your side Have you eo relatives?" "No." 1'eplidd hire Templeton. 'My another died in giving hie birth; shortly after my lather, whose name w110 Unroll Preston- vent to PhiliuIelphia, letvfna Inc to the care 0 ')fly mother's slster— my aunt.• After Ilving,tlle'e 'a year or two ho went abroad on business and died there, Seine ye ars after lay Miele, with wlto11 i 1 lived, heard that he had married again in Philade11r11ia, lint that was never verified. ' Both my atiht anti uncle are dead; they had mid children." "What disposition was made of his property?" . "He had none to dispose of except his personal effects, and while uncle was satisfied as to his death, so much dim- culty surrounded the obtaining of in- formation that he isntde no effort to se- cure it—it automated to so little." '"Had he no relatives?" "Yes, a brother who left home'Fenn and died before he was of ago; and a sis-' ter—a maiden Iady who died in Plain- field ten years ago. She left a s,nafl property to Annie here," "Tier grand niece?" "Yes, she was very fond of Ilei." "Was her property inherited?" "3'es, from her father," "Why then did not your rather have property?" "Us did; but he lost it in speculation." "Ohl Did ;your son leave property?' "IIe must have left Bunn, far during e very Inst con vm:111011 1 111011 with int he toil mo he had been fortunate 1 busiee0s during the post three years, ail had haunt some pro111able invest- tents." nvest- te h -. "We have not thought ul' (hat," hr01c r the 14.,1(1 -only or the 1er1i1,10 min" 1 how to olonr un 1i, ..• (Ta the cowl)))) , HE younger' of the two entered first, 11 "Be oohed," said h dioibrool, 118 110 drew it chairs toward his clash, , all for 0 them to- occupy, ' 11 "In what tray carpi 0011'() y Olt?" - 11 ,4.o he ((41(0(1 this ,.1lrel11111 tin-vtluneer N