AN ATROCIOUS CASE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 463, 10 November 1869, Page 3

AN ATROCIOUS CASE.

The Macon (Ga.) Journal tells the following terrible story : — lt seems that a young lady from an adjoining State was visiting the county seat of a neighbouring county last year, and while there was courted by, and engaged herself to, a young lawyer of the place. All was smooth sailing until she returned home. Then she learned, for the first time, that her parents had other plans for her future. She was told that her hand was sought by a wealthy old man, and that she must prepare to receive him as her future husband. To her remonstrances and disclosure of her love for and engagement to another, her parents turned a deaf ear. They had determined she should marry the old man, and at last, by arguments, threats, and importunities, brought her to the point of writing to her lover and breaking off the engagement. Immediately upon receiving her letter he left for her home, and on arriving there soon had an interview. Then was concocted the horrible plot. It was settled between them that she should marry the old man, and after getting him to settle his property on her, the young man was to bave him murdered ! 'Back home came her lover, and soon commenced his preparations. He soon found a

willing tool,- who j for the sum of 1000 dollars, to be paid when the guilty pair were married, agreed to go to the old man's house and murder him. The marriage, in the meantime, had taken place, and the would-be assassin found the old Benedict in the first flush of his honeymoon. The assassin, from some cause, did not, or could not, find an opportunity to do the deed, and finally either relented or became doubtful as to the safety of the job. He then sought an interview with his intended victim and told him of the plot, first binding the old man to pay him 400 dollars in gold, and to hold him harmless. The feelings of the old man can be better imagined than told in words. He hardly knew what to do, but at last concluded to go home and confront his young wife with the terrible revelation. He did so, and was met, of course, by an indignant denial. The old man was staggered but not entirely convinced, and fearing he would invoke the law's aid and have the matter thoroughly sifted, the wife at once wrote to her lover all that had happened. He realised his peril and made preparations to fly. In a day or two he disappeared, and there the matter stands at present.