Horatio Alger

“ Her companion quickly came to her side.
"My husband is dead!" cried the woman; "basely murdered, and there," pointing fiercely to Carl, "there stands the murderer!"
"Madam, you cannot believe this!" said Carl, naturally agitated.
"What have you to say for yourself?" demanded the man, suspiciously.
"I only just saw--your husband," continued Carl, addressing himself to the woman. "I had finished my meal, when I began to search for some one whom I could pay, and so opened this door into the room beyond, when I saw --him hanging there!"
"Don't believe him, the red-handed murderer!" ”

“ Things began to look very serious for poor Carl.
"Your husband is larger and stronger than myself," he urged, desperately. "How could I overpower him?"
"It looks reasonable, Maria," said the man. "I don't see how the boy could have killed Mr. Brown, or lifted him upon the hook, even if he did not resist."
"He murdered him, I tell you, he murdered him!" shrieked the woman, who seemed bereft of reason. "I call upon you to arrest him."
"I am not a constable, Maria."
"Then tie him so he cannot get away, and go for a constable. I wouldn't feel safe with him in the house, unless he were tied fast. ”

“ I learn by a letter received this morning that she is still living in a town of Illinois. The only thing I can do is to free you both from my presence. When you come back from the store you will find me cold and dead. ”