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Charles Peace, Or The Adventures Of A Notorious Burglar

Anonymous

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CHARLES PEACE

CHARLES PEACE

OR THE Adventures of a Notorious Burglar CHARLES PEACE. No. 1. Charles Peace alias John Ward , whose life and adventures form the subject-matter of our story, has gained for himself a reputation equal, if not superior, to the lawless ruffians, Jack Sheppard, Dick Turpin, and others of a similar class. He is a union of various elements. In more senses than one he was a local character. Born in Sheffield he was, in early days, trained according to the customs of the day, and when about eight or te

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.

He had a taste for music, and played the “bass” at the Wesleyan Chapel, Owlerton. When ten years of age Charles Peace commenced to take lessons on the violin, his instructor being his father, who rather prided himself on the way he could play the double-bass. His son Charles was a diligent pupil, and ultimately, having acquired a proficiency in the instrument, he started in life as a sort of successor to Paganini—fiddling most successfully on one string, and only failing to achieve some distinc

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OAKFIELD FARMHOUSE—THE BURGLARY—DESPERATE ENCOUNTER—VILLAGERS TO THE RESCUE.

OAKFIELD FARMHOUSE—THE BURGLARY—DESPERATE ENCOUNTER—VILLAGERS TO THE RESCUE.

Mr. Jamblin smiled, shrugged his shoulders, and obeyed. The other friend of the farmer’s, a Mr. Cheadle by name, followed Jamblin. After dinner had been served, “clean glasses and old corks” were festively proposed by the host. Some bottles of genuine spirits and a box of Havannas were placed on the board; an animated discussion on things agricultural and political followed, while ever and anon Jamblin and Cheadle would rise from their seats, repair to the window, and, flattening their noses aga

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CAPTURE OF THE BRISTOL BADGER—MURDER WILL OUT—CHASE AFTER CHARLES PEACE—HIS MYSTERIOUS ESCAPE.

CAPTURE OF THE BRISTOL BADGER—MURDER WILL OUT—CHASE AFTER CHARLES PEACE—HIS MYSTERIOUS ESCAPE.

“Ah, he knows how many blue beans make five,” said the carter, as he took out the peg by which the folding doors were kept dosed. “I don’t feel quite so sure about the footsteps,” remarked the policeman; “they don’t appear to me to tally with the others.” “If I’m mistaken, we shall have to try back,” answered Jarvis. “Of course, it is just possible we are on a false scent. Ah! what is this?” The speaker pointed significantly to some drops of blood upon the straw in front of the barn. “What say y

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COMMITTAL OF GREGSON—JANE TELLS A TERRIBLE TALE—BROXWELL GAOL.

COMMITTAL OF GREGSON—JANE TELLS A TERRIBLE TALE—BROXWELL GAOL.

“Well, master, it’s a sad and sorrowful tale, which I have kept locked up in my own breast for ever so long, but it is but right you should know all about it.” “Right lass, right you are; go on. What made you imagine that the house was likely to be attacked? You asked me to load the two other guns.” “I did, because I felt assured that danger was at hand.” “Why so?” “I had a dream—twice I dreamt the same thing—and then I went over to Mother Crowther and consulted her. She can read the future—b

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PEACE RETURNS TO BRADFORD—THE SLEEPING BEAUTY—HIS DISGUISE AS A ONE-ARMED MAN—THE ROBBERY AT DUDLEY HILL.

PEACE RETURNS TO BRADFORD—THE SLEEPING BEAUTY—HIS DISGUISE AS A ONE-ARMED MAN—THE ROBBERY AT DUDLEY HILL.

One of the girls came suddenly forward, and struck Peace in a familiar manner on the shoulder. “What! Charlie?” she ejaculated, in a tone of surprise and delight. “Who would have thought of seeing you at Bradford?” “Bessie dear,” said Peace, “don’t talk so loud; I’ve not been in the town half an hour, and——” “What brought you here?” “I came to see you, my charmer.” The girl made a grimace—she didn’t quite believe what he said, but, nevertheless, felt flattered. Although one of the working class

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THE CONCERT.—PEACE AS A PUBLIC ENTERTAINER.—THE SURPRISE.

THE CONCERT.—PEACE AS A PUBLIC ENTERTAINER.—THE SURPRISE.

“Nay, I think you are the best qualified to determine as to that,” returned his companion, courteously. “If I might suggest, then,” said Peace, “I will come on as a nigger, give a sort of medley on the violin, and finish up by performing on one string only. I have been tolerably successful in this, and find it generally pleases the people.” “I’ve no doubt it does. We’ve got a young gentleman—a volunteer—who is well up in nigger melodies. Would you like him to assist you in this part of the per

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BBOXWILL GAOL—GUILTY OF WILFUL MURDER—PEACE SEES THE LAST OF GREGSON.

BBOXWILL GAOL—GUILTY OF WILFUL MURDER—PEACE SEES THE LAST OF GREGSON.

Thus did the earlier portion of his imprisonment pass pleasantly enough. It is true that he sometimes complained of the regulation respecting the quart of malt liquor, but upon the whole behaved himself very quietly. In fact, as he was almost invariably asleep, it could hardly have been otherwise. But, alas! one dreadful morning he was informed that his money was all gone, and that he must, for the future, content himself with the prison diet. He knew from experience what that was. A mug of grue

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THE OLD FARM HOUSE—THE MASTER PASSION—JANE RYAN.

THE OLD FARM HOUSE—THE MASTER PASSION—JANE RYAN.

At the side door of the homestead is a young woman. She is attending to a throstle suspended from the wooden porch in its wicker cage. Her face is pale, its expression is sad and thoughtful. It is evident that she has been early acquainted with sorrow. It would be difficult for many, who had known her in earlier years, to recognise this young woman as the once gay and sprightly Jane Ryan. A strange change has come over Jane. She moves about the house, and grounds attached thereto, in a mechanica

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PEACE HAS ANOTHER NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE.

PEACE HAS ANOTHER NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE.

It is a sad reflection that nothing can be done to purge the land of this terrible scourge. Bristow had an amiable, forgiving, and patient wife. Her life, since she had been united to her drunken husband was one of sorrow and suffering. She had for her companion, and to a certain extent this was a solace to her, Bessie Dalton, who on many occasions had sheltered her from the domestic storm which burst over her defenceless head. The gentleman who had been the companion of these two women on the e

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PEACE RETURNS TO HIS LODGINGS.—A VIOLENT SCENE.—THE ACCUSATION.

PEACE RETURNS TO HIS LODGINGS.—A VIOLENT SCENE.—THE ACCUSATION.

He walked gaily along in an easy self-confident manner, not for a moment caring about a chance encounter with any member of the police force. The self-possession and assurance of the man surpassed all belief. He was, however, greatly chagrined at the unsuccessful nature of his raid upon the warehouse, and he could not disguise from himself that he had escaped almost by a miracle. Nothing daunted, however, by his dangerous adventure, he walked gaily along till he reached one of the main streets o

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PEACE HASTENS UP TO LONDON—CUNNING ISAAC—THE JEW “FENCE”—THE VISIT TO SHEFFIELD.

PEACE HASTENS UP TO LONDON—CUNNING ISAAC—THE JEW “FENCE”—THE VISIT TO SHEFFIELD.

“Some enemy is at work, and to remain here much longer would simply be an act of madness. No, I must away, and that, too, as speedily as possible, but I will not let any one know my intentions—no, not even Bessie. That Bristow is a dangerous fellow—when the drink is in him he cares not what he says.” Peace had concealed in his rooms a number of valuable articles which were the proceeds of his burglaries. He did not care about running any risk by disposing of the same in Bradford; neither did h

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THE PROPOSAL—MRS. MAITLAND BECOMES COMMUNICATIVE.

THE PROPOSAL—MRS. MAITLAND BECOMES COMMUNICATIVE.

The more he thought over the matter the more he became impressed with the fact. The only wonder is that he had not arrived at this conclusion from the very first. His successful rival, Tom Gatliffe, had been on terms of the closest intimacy with Mrs. Maitland and Aveline. His love for the latter had grown with his growth and strengthened with his strength. He positively worshipped the fair young creature who had so enslaved him, but for a long time he had remained silent upon the subject which e

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THE BURGLARY AT WOOD-HILL—AN UNEXPECTED MEETING.

THE BURGLARY AT WOOD-HILL—AN UNEXPECTED MEETING.

The burglar, who, as we have already seen, was an expert in dealing with locks and bolts, began by ascertaining, as nearly as possible, the nature of the fastenings. With a bit of bent wire he picked the lock, and one of the doors yielded to his pressure. He found the top bolt had not been drawn home into its socket, and an aperture was disclosed sufficiently large for him to withdraw the bottom bolt with one of the instruments he had brought with him. The bolt was pulled back, and the door was

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THE DRUNKARD’S HOME—THE ASTOUNDING DISCOVERY.

THE DRUNKARD’S HOME—THE ASTOUNDING DISCOVERY.

The great poetical genius of America—Edgar Allan Poe—gasped out a life the world could ill spare in the agonies of a drunken debauch. Robert Greene, worn out with debauchery and completely shattered with diseases which were a consequence of his ill-guided indulgences, was carried off, it is said, by a surfeit of red herrings. There is no sadder book in literature than his dying homily, “A groat’s worth of wit bought with a million of repentance.” Poor Lee, the author of the “Rival Queens,” die

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THE FLIGHT—A CONFIDENTIAL FRIEND—THE ROLL OF NOTES.

THE FLIGHT—A CONFIDENTIAL FRIEND—THE ROLL OF NOTES.

“Certainly. Don’t let him imagine you are going to remain in this country; say you are going abroad to seek your fortune in a strange land, that’s the way to put it.” “He wont believe it.” “It doesn’t matter what he believes—only don’t give him an idea that it is any use his endeavouring to find you out.” “I wish you would dictate the letter.” “Very well. Are you ready?” “Yes.” “Then go on.” “ Dear John ,—I write these few lines to tell you that I find it impossible to remain under the same ro

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PEACE MEETS WITH A TARTAR—THE CAPTURE, AND ITS RESULT.

PEACE MEETS WITH A TARTAR—THE CAPTURE, AND ITS RESULT.

In a day or two after this it was returned to the post-office at Sheffield. On the envelope was marked, “Gone away. Not known where.” His worst fears were confirmed. He uttered anathemas loud and deep not only against Bessie Dalton, but the whole sex generally. He was wild with fury, and, like M. Mallet, tore up the letter in a thousand pieces. “The perfidious, worthless, little hussy,” he ejaculated. “The ungrateful, deceitful minx to serve me like this. Gone away, and not known where. Oh, she’

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THE EXAMINATION AT THE POLICE COURT.

THE EXAMINATION AT THE POLICE COURT.

“Slinging my book”—a professional term for picking pockets—“but I’m as innocent as the babe unborn,” added Mr. Green. “Oh, of course,” returned Peace; “so am I.” Mr. Green whistled and looked up at the roof of the cell. “You just mind your own business,” said our hero, “and speak only when you’re spoken to.” “All right, mate,” returned Mr. Green, “there’s no occasion to be humpy with a fellow—but there, I’ve done.” Leaving the culprits in their narrow prison house we will enter the court. The

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THIEVES IN THE LOCK UP—A HORSE-STEALER TELLS THE STORY OF HIS LIFE.

THIEVES IN THE LOCK UP—A HORSE-STEALER TELLS THE STORY OF HIS LIFE.

A cheerful fire was burning in the grate, and in front of this ran some strong iron bars as high as a man’s chest. These were supported and braced by iron uprights. When Peace and his fellow-prisoners entered this place they found several other offenders already assembled therein. The massive door, studded with iron nails, was slammed to and looked from the outside. “What do they mean by bringing us to a crib like this when we are committed to the county gaol?” said Mr. Green, in a tone of disgu

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PRISONERS AWAITING TRIAL—THE ASSIZES—PEACE’S DEFENCE.

PRISONERS AWAITING TRIAL—THE ASSIZES—PEACE’S DEFENCE.

“Thank you, sir,” returned Peace. “I do not think there is any necessity for that. I am better than I was; the bruises on my head are less painful.” “And your cell. Do you intend to clean it yourself, or procure a substitute?” “I’ll do my best to clean it.” The name he had given at the police-court was now entered on the list in the warder’s book. Two brushes were then given him, with which he was directed to polish the floor of his cell; and the warder instructed him as to the regulation mode o

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PEACE’S PROVINCIAL TOUR—THE “OLD CARVED LION.”

PEACE’S PROVINCIAL TOUR—THE “OLD CARVED LION.”

Thus it came to pass that thousands for whom a vulgar career of crime and violence has no attractions are compelled to feel some interest in a man who is almost unique in the annals of crime. It is not so much, however, for his commanding superiority in any one department of criminal activity as for the rare combination of his various talents that Charles Peace commands attention. He was a veritable genius, who reached a high level of excellence in many branches of his profession. There have bee

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THE OCCUPANTS OF THE PARLOUR—A CONVIVIAL PARTY.

THE OCCUPANTS OF THE PARLOUR—A CONVIVIAL PARTY.

“I don’t want to go any further to-night. Can I have a bed here?” “Ah! surely,” answered the host; “for as many nights as thee likes. The more the merrier.” “Good. Then that’s settled.” He returned to the parlour. Over the mantel-piece of this was a smoke-bleached board, on which was inscribed, in dingy yellow letters — However a scrawl of chalked hieroglyphics on the bar door proved that the practice of the publican was less resolute than his professions. “I think I’ll ha’ another half pint,” s

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PEACE BECOMES ACQUAINTED WITH THE LANDLORD OF THE “CARVED LION.”

PEACE BECOMES ACQUAINTED WITH THE LANDLORD OF THE “CARVED LION.”

“Some of them are very good indeed, and some of them, of course, but indifferent. This one must always expect in a miscellaneous collection, but the frames are little the worse for wear.” “I’ve bin goin’ to have ’em done up ever so many times, but, lord, it ed run into money, I fancy.” “Not much,” returned his visitor, musingly; “not a great deal, I fancy. If I stop here for a while I’d give you an estimate.” “And don’t you think of stopping?” enquired the landlord, who was much taken with our h

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PEACE’S BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS—A VISITOR FROM THE HALL.

PEACE’S BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS—A VISITOR FROM THE HALL.

“I think I can arrange that. You know Charlie Styant?” “No indeed, I do not.” “Oh, yes, you do. Not by name perhaps, but you’ve seen him, an’ he knows you well enough.” “Well, what of him?” No. 12. PEACE THREW HIS ARMS AROUND NELL’S NECK, AND IMPRINTED A KISS ON HER RUBY LIPS. “He’s a carpenter and cabinet-maker, and has a big workshop just at the end of Dennet’s-lane. I dare say he’ll be but too glad to let ’ee have part of his shop?” “Do you think so?” “Of course I do; nay more I’m pretty nigh

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LORD ETHALWOOD—A CHRONICLE OF PAST EVENTS—THE SHADOW ON THE HOUSE.

LORD ETHALWOOD—A CHRONICLE OF PAST EVENTS—THE SHADOW ON THE HOUSE.

People, in speaking of him, said he was just and generous, but very proud. He was a rigid observer of class distinctions. He paid all persons the honour due to them, and he expected the same in return. “The Ethalwoods came in with the Conqueror,” he would say. “Had fate ordained them to be kings, they would have known how to reign. Old as the line is, there is not a blot on the escutcheon. No Ethalwood ever forfeited his honour.” It is an axiom as old as the hills—much older, it may be, than th

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THE CHILDLESS MAN—IN THE HANDS OF FATE.

THE CHILDLESS MAN—IN THE HANDS OF FATE.

He did not interrogate any of the household about his daughter’s mode of life, or make any inquiry about Montini. Servants as a rule are loquacious enough with regard to the movements of their superiors. His gamekeepers could, and, indeed, would have told him of rambles in the woods of Broxbridge, of stolen meetings in the grounds, but their lord and master at once repressed them. He forbade them ever to mention the names of either the Italian or their young mistress. The men of course deemed it

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THE SOLITARY STUDENT—THE FALL OF AN ANCESTOR—HIS RESTORATION BY PEACE.

THE SOLITARY STUDENT—THE FALL OF AN ANCESTOR—HIS RESTORATION BY PEACE.

He has pursued his studies with unwearying industry; has never relaxed, but has worked as hard—and, indeed, harder, perhaps—than many men whose means of existence depended upon their own exertions. There is good reason for this: the recluse at Broxbridge needed some occupation to drive away the miserable thoughts which at times took possession of him. Without some such employment his life would have been one long sorrow. He had made chemistry his study, he had also dipped deeply into the scien

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THE END OF THE INEBRIATE.

THE END OF THE INEBRIATE.

Bristow was in a most miserable plight; his clothes were ragged and torn, and hung upon his attenuated frame like those of a scarecrow; he looked the very personification of squalid misery. Peace never remembered to have seen such a sudden alteration in anyone. “Is this the right road to Saltwich?” said Bristow, addressing Peace, whom he evidently did not at first recognise. “You’ll have to turn round to the right when you reach the finger-post at the end,” returned Peace. The man started. “Good

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THE WORTHY VICAR—A FRIENDLY COUNSELLOR.

THE WORTHY VICAR—A FRIENDLY COUNSELLOR.

“Then what do you mean by an effort?” “My dear Lord Ethalwood, I have no desire to offend you, but assuredly you can be at no loss to divine my meaning?” There was a pause. The nobleman made no reply. Like Othello, he gnawed his nether lip, and looked persistently at a large silver salver that blazed on the sideboard beneath the rays of the midday sun, which found their way through the oriel window of the apartment. The vicar felt that he was treading upon forbidden ground. He, however, determin

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THE NOBLEMAN AND THE DETECTIVE—A CONSULTATION.

THE NOBLEMAN AND THE DETECTIVE—A CONSULTATION.

“I have done all that man could do, but my efforts have not as yet been crowned with success; I expect you to give me all the information you can.” “Certainly, that is but a just and reasonable request.” “You will not be offended, therefore, if I inquire about one or two little matters? Just tell me if you have any of your daughter’s letters, which she might probably have sent here after her departure?” “I have never seen any of them,” said Lord Ethalwood. “That’s most important—did anybody els

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MR. DETECTIVE WRENCH AND CHARLES PEACE.

MR. DETECTIVE WRENCH AND CHARLES PEACE.

He handed his visitor a ricketty Windsor chair, which, to all appearance, had been put together in the last century. Mr. Wrench sat down, and Peace, with his book of leaf gold in one hand and the pad in the other, went on with his work. The detective cleared his throat, and then said, carelessly — “I understand that you have visited a number of towns—of course you naturally would do so—in the exercise of your vocation. Am I right?” “Yes; I’ve been about a goodish bit.” “Oh, yes, so I hear. Wel

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THE HOME OF THE WORKING MAN—THE ARRIVAL OF A STRANGER.

THE HOME OF THE WORKING MAN—THE ARRIVAL OF A STRANGER.

One might have wondered how she—living in a cottage, the wife of a man who worked hard for his daily bread—came by this dainty beauty, this delicate loveliness which would have been fit dowry for a duchess. The young wife’s gaze was directed down the road which led to the station; the rays of the setting sun cast long shadows across this from the trees which skirted its sides. Presently her countenance was irradiated with a smile. She heard the sounds of approaching footsteps, she hastened onw

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THE RETURN TO BROXBRIDGE.—A MIDNIGHT ALARM AT THE “CARVED LION.”—A CHASE, AND AN ESCAPE.

THE RETURN TO BROXBRIDGE.—A MIDNIGHT ALARM AT THE “CARVED LION.”—A CHASE, AND AN ESCAPE.

A noise and clatter as of many voices were heard proceeding from the public room, as the detective arrived at the front entrance of the house. “You are unusually busy, it would seem,” said he addressing the landlord, and glancing significantly the carts and other vehicles in front of the habitation. “Yes, I have had a regular rush of it all day,” returned the landlord, “but I’m glad to see ’ee back, sir, and hope as how ye’ve brought good news.” “Pretty well for that. Where is Mr. Peace?” “He be

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THE MORNING AFTER—A VISIT TO LORD ETHALWOOD—THIEVES AND “THIEF CATCHING.”

THE MORNING AFTER—A VISIT TO LORD ETHALWOOD—THIEVES AND “THIEF CATCHING.”

The whole household had been so disturbed that there was but little rest for them during the remainder of the night. The detective and our hero met in the morning, in the club-room, where they had their morning meal together. “This has been a planned thing,” said Mr. Wrench to his companion; “that rascal would not have entered my room—opened the drawer of the bureau in which the case was deposited, and stolen the same, had he not been fully aware of both its importance and value. I do much regr

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LORD ETHALWOOD AND HIS SOLICITOR.

LORD ETHALWOOD AND HIS SOLICITOR.

The lawyer smiled. “I am a better judge, my lord, of the merits of a law case than of a lady’s affection,” he returned; “but from what I am given to understand the union between the two was what is termed a love match.” “Bah! a love match!” exclaimed the earl, with something like disgust. “A love match, indeed!” A silence of some minutes’ duration succeeded this last speech. The earl glanced at a portrait of one of his ancestors which hung on the wall of his room. He sighed, and said, sadly — “I

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THE LOVERS—PEACE BECOMES FURIOUS—VIOLENT ALTERCATION—PHILIP JAMBLIN TO THE RESCUE.

THE LOVERS—PEACE BECOMES FURIOUS—VIOLENT ALTERCATION—PHILIP JAMBLIN TO THE RESCUE.

“And I never knew a girl so uncertain and capricious as you are,” returned he; “so now we are even. But I say, Nell, darling——” he was about to make an amorous speech, when the voice of the owner of the establishment was heard, and Nell said, quickly — “There’s aunt calling me; I must indoors.” “But I want to speak to you—have something to say of the greatest importance.” “Some other time will do as well,” she returned, with a laugh. “Will you meet me to-morrow evening at the corner of Dennett’

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A YOUNG POACHER—THE INDIGNANT AGRICULTURIST.

A YOUNG POACHER—THE INDIGNANT AGRICULTURIST.

He was a kindly-disposed man enough, and was greatly esteemed by his workpeople, but he did not like anything under-handed. His youngest daughter Patty was leaning against the table, and trying to pacify him as best she could. “Don’t lose your temper, father,” she murmured, in a soft low voice. “After all it’s only one, and surely that’s no great matter.” “Only one!” cried the indignant agriculturist. “That be true enough, lass; but how are we to know if he aint killed twenty—the young warmint?

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ALF’S RESOLVE—HIS MEETING WITH THE WHITECHAPEL BIRDCATCHER.

ALF’S RESOLVE—HIS MEETING WITH THE WHITECHAPEL BIRDCATCHER.

Seven o’clock came, and Mr. Jamblin, the elder, returned to the farmhouse again. “So that impudent young scamp aint returned yet, it seems,” cried the farmer. “He be making a long stop on it.” “I hope he will come back,” said his daughter, in a tone of sadness. “You hope! What do you hope for? If he does come back he shan’t stop, I tell ’ee that. I’ll see the squire, and get shot of un.” “Have a little more patience with him. He won’t be so wilful after a bit.” “Patience, gell! I dunno what thee

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PEACE IS INTRODUCED TO A GAMBLING CLUB.

PEACE IS INTRODUCED TO A GAMBLING CLUB.

London (with all its suburbs) covers within the fifteen miles radius of Charing-cross nearly seven hundred square miles. It numbers within its boundaries four million inhabitants. It contains more country-bred persons than the counties of Devon and Gloucester combined, or 37 per cent. of its entire population. Every four minutes a birth takes place in the metropolis and every six minutes a death. Within the circle named there are added to the population two hundred and five persons every day and

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THE TWO PERILS—LONDON BY NIGHT.

THE TWO PERILS—LONDON BY NIGHT.

Places disappear in an equal degree—the old landmarks are passing rapidly away from London. Holborn-hill has gone, Temple-bar has vanished—or the last remains of it will in a few days—Vauxhall-gardens, Cremorne, are things of the past, and the once famous Argyll-rooms have received a knock-down blow. It is to this last-named place that Peace and his friend are about to pay a visit. After leaving the “Tumblers” Mr. Kempshead, who was what is called a late bird, proposed that they should drop i

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PEACE PAYS A VISIT TO THE HOUSE OF AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE—THE BOY BIRDS-NEST SELLER.

PEACE PAYS A VISIT TO THE HOUSE OF AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE—THE BOY BIRDS-NEST SELLER.

“Yes, I will show you where I live, and you will then be able to give me a call when you have an hour or two to spare.” The girl put her arm in his, and the two walked on together till they reached a street in close proximity to Regent Circus. She stopped at one of the houses in the street, and gave a gentle rap at the door, which was opened by a neat, modest-looking, maid servant. Laura Stanbridge conducted her visitor upstairs, when the two entered a large and elegantly furnished apartment on

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THE LODGING-HOUSE IN WESTMINSTER.

THE LODGING-HOUSE IN WESTMINSTER.

Alf Purvis wended his way down Parliament-street towards Westminster. He was ravenously hungry, and upon his reaching Tothill-street his attention was directed to an eating-house on the opposite side of the way. In the window of this the savoury steam from the joints proved to be too much for him; he crossed over and gazed wistfully at the dainties displayed so temptingly in the shop. He entered and ordered a plate of meat and vegetables; these he devoured, as may be imagined, with infinite reli

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AT BROXBRIDGE HALL—THE TEMPTER AND THE TEMPTED.

AT BROXBRIDGE HALL—THE TEMPTER AND THE TEMPTED.

While these few remarks were being made the earl had been gazing intently on the young woman, and he nearly lost his self-possession as his eyes fell upon her beautiful face. Aveline, who did not know very well what to say or do, observed, quietly, to the earl — “I am sure you will love me for my dear mother’s sake.” She had all the Ethalwood grace of manner and movement. The earl was touched, for she had crept up to him and laid her hand gently on his arm. He kissed her on the forehead; he look

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THE THIEF AND THE THIEF CATCHER.

THE THIEF AND THE THIEF CATCHER.

Of late Mr. Wrench had paid such frequent visits to the establishment that many others besides Peace and his friend were under the impression that the detective was paying court to the amiable and comely widow. In this, however, they were mistaken, as will very shortly be demonstrated. Mr. Wrench only attended professionally, if we may make use of such a term. For a period of many months’ duration—for more than a year—a systematic course of robbery had been carried on at the hotel. Money was m

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PEACE PURSUES HIS LAWLESS CAREER—THE BURGLARY AT HIGHGATE.

PEACE PURSUES HIS LAWLESS CAREER—THE BURGLARY AT HIGHGATE.

Others have leapt up at one bound into daring and accomplished law breakers. Under the stress of some urgent necessity, or powerful temptation, they have done a deed fit to make men’s blood curdle in their veins. Peace does not, however, come into either of these two classes. Practical he was to a certain extent, but his habituation to crime was voluntary and wilful. He chose his walk in life, and determined not to stop short of the most distinguished excellence. His daring dexterity and self-po

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A VISIT TO THE CRYSTAL PALACE—THE UNEXPECTED MEETING.

A VISIT TO THE CRYSTAL PALACE—THE UNEXPECTED MEETING.

Peace did not stir out from his workshop, save in its own immediate neighbourhood, for some days; and no one for a moment suspected that the quiet, mild-spoken, industrious artisan of Leather-lane was the real culprit. A week or two passed over, and the burglary at Highgate became a thing of the past; at the expiration of which time, Peace committed some more burglaries in a different neighbourhood. These were on a minor scale, but he contrived to escape detection. By these, together with the Hi

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ALF PURVIS IN HIS NEW HOME—A FRESH LINE OF BUSINESS—PEACE AND LAURA STANBRIDGE.

ALF PURVIS IN HIS NEW HOME—A FRESH LINE OF BUSINESS—PEACE AND LAURA STANBRIDGE.

“Yes,” answered Alf. The girl left the room, and the boy had his bath and put on his new things. Although he had been accustomed to work at Stoke Ferry Farm he did not resemble in any way the rough country lads one is accustomed to see in the agricultural districts. He had a well-knit figure, a white glossy skin, a fine and almost feminine cast of features, and hair, after it had been cleaned and combed, which shone like virgin gold. When his ablutions and toilette had been completed, he was cal

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THE ATTEMPTED BURGLARY AT THE JEWELLER’S—PEACE HAS ANOTHER NARROW ESCAPE.

THE ATTEMPTED BURGLARY AT THE JEWELLER’S—PEACE HAS ANOTHER NARROW ESCAPE.

Between the hours of one and two o’clock in the morning he let himself into Laura Stanbridge’s house, and closing the street door noiselessly he proceeded upstairs, and reached the attic without disturbing any of the inmates. Here he remained for some little time before carrying out his plan of operation. He then ruminated for a brief period, and quietly opened the lattice window. He peered forth—the noise of distant wheels of some passing vehicle was the only sound which broke the stillness of

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JANE RYAN—THE CLOSE OF A TROUBLED LIFE.

JANE RYAN—THE CLOSE OF A TROUBLED LIFE.

All this was not particularly complimentary to the substantial and honest yeoman, who began to suspect that there was some other rival in the field. He could not for a moment understand that she could be so true and constant to the dead carpenter. He was as honest as the day, would not wrong man or woman, or indeed any living creature, but his powers of perception were but limited, and Jane was a puzzle to him. Poor man, his was by no means a solitary case; hundreds and thousands of women, both

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LAURA STANBRIDGE AND HER PUPIL.

LAURA STANBRIDGE AND HER PUPIL.

“Yes, marm,” answered Alf, in a cheerful tone, “I’ll do my best.” In the morning of the following day she brought down from the lumber-room a large tray filled with quantities of “edgings,” viz. , the kinds of lace used for the bordering of caps, &amp;c. ; some braid and gimp, some lace articles—such as worked collars and undersleeves—and some lace of a superior quality, which, however, was English. This latter kind, she told him, was called “driz” by the street sellers, and that he should

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A VISIT TO THE BLACK MUSEUM—PEACE AND BANDY-LEGGED BILL—THE BURGLARY AT DENMARK-HILL.

A VISIT TO THE BLACK MUSEUM—PEACE AND BANDY-LEGGED BILL—THE BURGLARY AT DENMARK-HILL.

Peace’s coat and hat, which had been left behind at the jeweller’s, were for some time in charge of the police. When all hope of finding its owner had been given up the garments in question were conveyed to what is termed the “Black Museum” in Scotland-yard. This place is one of the sights of London, but it is rare indeed that any stranger is admitted into its sacred precincts. The uninitiated may possibly feel some interest in a description of this receptacle for criminal curiosities. We subjoi

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MISS STANBRIDGE AND HER PROTEGE—A VISIT TO A THIEVES’ HAUNT.

MISS STANBRIDGE AND HER PROTEGE—A VISIT TO A THIEVES’ HAUNT.

“Now, then, jump in,” cried his mistress; he obeyed, and was followed by Miss Stanbridge. The driver of the vehicle, without waiting for the usual instructions as to where he was to drive to, set off at a brisk pace towards Trafalgar-square. The cab rattled along down the Strand, which was full of noise and light, and through the ponderous arch of Temple Bar into the City, grave, dark, and silent as it is by night alone. In a short time the vehicle passed along Leadenhall-street, Aldgate, lighte

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THE EARL AND HIS GRAND-DAUGHTER.

THE EARL AND HIS GRAND-DAUGHTER.

Day by day Aveline loved her new life more and more; it was so pleasant to wander in those splendid grounds, under the shade of the ancestral trees; it was so pleasant to live in those delightful rooms, with their thick, soft carpets, their superb furniture, those rare pictures and the profusion of flowers—to have carriages, horses, jewels, dresses, every luxury that imagination could devise. It was so pleasant always to have a purse full of money, to know that she had never to trouble about wa

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THE ALLUREMENTS OF WEALTH AND RANK—THE DESPAIRING HUSBAND.

THE ALLUREMENTS OF WEALTH AND RANK—THE DESPAIRING HUSBAND.

“Don’t be unreasonable, Tom,” cried Mrs. Maitland. “The earl is now stricken in years, and in the common course of nature he cannot be long here. If only for your boy’s sake, you ought to give way. A grand future is before him, if the earl chooses to make him his heir, which he has promised to do.” “What have I done that I should be cast adrift? Why am I not permitted to enter the house of which my wife is supposed to be mistress? Tell me that.” “You have not done anything, but the earl has a pr

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PEACE’S LIFE AT SHEFFIELD—THE ROBBERY AT CROOKES-MOOR HOUSE—TRIAL AND CONVICTION.

PEACE’S LIFE AT SHEFFIELD—THE ROBBERY AT CROOKES-MOOR HOUSE—TRIAL AND CONVICTION.

“Don’t go away like that, Charlie,” cried she, as our hero was about to leave the house. “It isn’t often we meet.” “Well, Emma lass, how goes it with you?” returned Peace, shaking her by the hand and chucking her under the chin. “What are you doing now?” “Nothing at all at present; business is bad and it’s a struggle with most of us—leastways, I know it is with me; but we won’t talk in front of a public bar.” The two passed out into the street. “You’ve been having a fine time of it lately, I he

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AFTER CONVICTION—A GLIMPSE AT PRISON LIFE.

AFTER CONVICTION—A GLIMPSE AT PRISON LIFE.

After the sessions had come to a conclusion, he was taken in the prison van with a batch of convicts to the gaol where they were to undergo the first probationary term of their sentences. With a heavy heart, Peace once more entered the “Black Maria,” which was to convey him to a convict establishment, with which he had never had any previous acquaintance. When the prison van arrived at its destination the convicts were told to alight. The first thing on entering the prison, each man was released

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THE LOVERS—A WARNING VOICE—THE MURDER OF MR. PHILIP JAMBLIN.

THE LOVERS—A WARNING VOICE—THE MURDER OF MR. PHILIP JAMBLIN.

But Nell was infatuated with the handsome young farmer, who had been her valiant champion when persecuted so persistently by our hero. The man Giles, who had been worsted in a conflict with Peace, was also a devoted admirer of Nell’s. He was a moody, morose, vindictive fellow, whom nobody liked, and had left the neighbourhood long before Peace. Whither he had gone no one appeared to know, and, indeed, to say the truth, nobody seemed to care. Thus matters stood when, at the close of one market da

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THE RIDERLESS HORSE—CONSTERNATION AT STOKE FERRY FARMHOUSE—DISCOVERY OF THE BODY OF THE MURDERED MAN.

THE RIDERLESS HORSE—CONSTERNATION AT STOKE FERRY FARMHOUSE—DISCOVERY OF THE BODY OF THE MURDERED MAN.

Her brother had not returned. She watched and waited—waited anxiously. Something whispered to her what was to happen next. There are times when a quick succession of “next” is found merely soothing; but there are times of reactionary languor when there is not left force enough to watch when that which we attend to is the rhythm only. Thus we may find the ticking of a clock nothing—indeed, to mention this is commonplace. But what a dreadful effect may be produced upon the mind by the sudden ces

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AFTER THE MURDER—THE INQUEST.

AFTER THE MURDER—THE INQUEST.

“It must ha’ bin some stranger as did it—a tramp, perhaps,” cried another. “There’s no saying for sartin.” Many of the young farmers were not content with lamenting Phil, but they scoured the country upon their hunters, examining every strange face with suspicion, and asking questions of all the publicans in the neighbouring villages and towns. Throngs of persons of almost every denomination flocked to the “Carved Lion.” It had been “noised abroad” that Brickett saw the murderer washing his han

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MYSTERIOUS MURDERS.

MYSTERIOUS MURDERS.

Men who are employed from dawn to dusk in such a solitary occupation as ploughing or spreading manure, without perhaps hearing the sound of a human voice all the time, are not likely to be voluble or ready speakers. They contract silent and ruminating habits, and taciturnity is one of their most marked characteristics. There is no analogy between the “men of the plough” and the British workmen in manufacturing towns. A group of agricultural labourers will sometimes sit together smoking and drink

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THE EARL AND THE FARMER—MR. WRENCH ENGAGED.

THE EARL AND THE FARMER—MR. WRENCH ENGAGED.

“I have deemed it a matter on duty to wait upon you for the purpose of offering what poor consolation I can in the hour of your affliction,” said the earl, in his usual measured accents. “You have sustained a loss, Mr. Jamblin, which we all of us know to be irreparable, and no one is more sensibly impressed with this painful fact than myself; but you must strive, my worthy friend, to bear up against this severe trial as best you can.” “Ah, my lord, I ha’ striven, and be a-strivin’ now,” exclaime

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ANOTHER GLANCE AT PRISON LIFE. PEACE’S NEW OCCUPATION.

ANOTHER GLANCE AT PRISON LIFE. PEACE’S NEW OCCUPATION.

This gentleman gave him the very best advice it was possible to offer under the circumstances. Peace took the first opportunity afforded him of asking the chaplain what he had best do to get transferred into one of the working wards of the prison. “It is out of my province to interfere in such matters,” said the chaplain; “but your best plan will be to speak to M‘Pherson.” “Oh! not the governor?” “No; it’s left to M‘Pherson. He is a privileged warder, and does pretty much as he likes in respect

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MR. WRENCH’S WANDERINGS—THE SEARCH AFTER A MURDERER.

MR. WRENCH’S WANDERINGS—THE SEARCH AFTER A MURDERER.

From information received at Scotland-yard there was reason to suppose that a man answering in many points to the description given of Chudley had been seen tramping along one of the roads leading to Liverpool. When Mr. Wrench was put in possession of this fact, it at once occurred to him that the murderer of Mr. Philip Jamblin was journeying to that town for the purpose of shipping himself for one of the colonies. He at once determined on paying a visit to Liverpool without further delay. But h

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MR. WRENCH AND JOE DOUGHTY—A VAGRANT’S LODGING HOUSE.

MR. WRENCH AND JOE DOUGHTY—A VAGRANT’S LODGING HOUSE.

Like fairs, these convivial gatherings are fast becoming obsolete. In the year referring more especially to this history, the hiring fair to which Mr. Wrench was about to pay a visit happened to fall on quarter-day; so all the farmers of the neighbourhood paid their rents early, and rode on to the place to engage their carters, shepherds, and farm maids for the ensuing year. Mr. Wrench was not a man to be a day behind the fair. He came to a halt at a small village within an easy walk of it the d

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THE HIRING FAIR.

THE HIRING FAIR.

“All right, Doughty, I don’t think you have spent a night in the lodging-house in vain; but you must be hungry. We’ll have breakfast, and then make the best of our way to the fair.” Breakfast was ordered and served. Nell Fulford joined her two companions, and did the honours of the table. While partaking of their morning’s meal the detective and his two companions observed throngs of persons passing the window, rushing even at that early hour to the fair. “They are taking time by the forelock, M

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THE BENCH OF MAGISTRATES—EXAMINATION OF THE PRISONER.

THE BENCH OF MAGISTRATES—EXAMINATION OF THE PRISONER.

Everything is full. The inns fill the farmers as the farmers fill the inns—the yards are full of carts, the stables full of horses, heads are full of business, hands full of wares, hearts full of hope or joy or discontent. The streets are filled with ragged idlers indigenous to the town and its vicinity, with market women who erect temporary barricades with donkey carts, and hen coops, and fruit baskets, towering towards the sky. With clumsy cubs of peasant farmers, with felt hats, fustian froc

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THE COMPANY AT THE “SHOULDER OF MUTTON” INN.

THE COMPANY AT THE “SHOULDER OF MUTTON” INN.

Mr. Slapperton seated himself, sipped his port wine, and lighted his cigar. He felt that he was the “observed of all observers,” and this flattered the legal gentleman’s vanity. There was a sort of running fire of observations on the all-absorbing topic. One farmer, more pertinacious than the rest, turned towards the attorney, and said — “An’ do ye think as how they’ll bring it hoame to the murdering scoundrel, zur.” “I don’t give an opinion without the usual fee,” observed Slapperton. This reto

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REMOVAL OF A BATCH OF CONVICTS—PEACE TAKEN TO DARTMOOR.

REMOVAL OF A BATCH OF CONVICTS—PEACE TAKEN TO DARTMOOR.

The murderer, cheerful and complacent over the verdict of manslaughter; the professional garotter, in whose estimation human life is of no value, troubled only at being so foolish as to be caught; the professional thief, the pickpocket, the skilled housebreaker—every one of them sound in wind and limb, intent only on their schemes and “dodges,” to extract the sting from their punishment—all longing for the time when they and society would cry “quits,” and they be at liberty to pursue their car

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GILES CHUDLEY IN PRISON.

GILES CHUDLEY IN PRISON.

Purvis detested the Jamblins, and he, as well as Laura Stanbridge, thought Chudley had done a meritorious act by ridding the world of young Mr. Philip; anyway, they befriended his assassin, and supplied him with funds, both before and after his capture. Mr. Slapperton, after having received the necessary instructions for the wretched man’s defence, spoke most confidently of the result of the trial. He told his client that the chances were clearly in his favour, and that in all probability the ju

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AT BROXBRIDGE HALL—THE EARL AND HIS LAWYER.

AT BROXBRIDGE HALL—THE EARL AND HIS LAWYER.

“Yes, it is pretty clear for the matter of that; but one never knows what may take place—juries sometimes take such singular freaks in their heads. From what I have been able to gather, Mr. Slapperton is going to offer evidence to prove an alibi.” “Which he will fail in doing. Take my word for it, Mr. Wrench, this as well as other rumours we have heard have not truth for their basis. The man is guilty enough. My brother magistrates agree with me in that opinion. As to Slapperton, he is not wort

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THE TRIAL AND CONVICTION OF THE LARCHGROVE-LANE MURDERER—THE PLEA OF WITCHCRAFT.

THE TRIAL AND CONVICTION OF THE LARCHGROVE-LANE MURDERER—THE PLEA OF WITCHCRAFT.

Two men were brought from London as witnesses for the defence. They swore positively that the prisoner was in their company in the metropolis on the night the murder was committed. They were two unprincipled scoundrels who had been produced by Alf Purvis and Laura Stanbridge to perjure themselves, in the hope that they might save the prisoner from the dreadful fate that awaited him. Nobody in court believed one word they said, and their testimony was rather prejudicial than otherwise; but Mr. Sl

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THE LAST HOURS OF THE CONDEMNED.

THE LAST HOURS OF THE CONDEMNED.

The superstition and bigotry of the man was one of his most remarkable characteristics. There were a number of persons who sympathised with the unfortunate misguided man, and a petition was prepared by the industrious Mr. Slapperton, praying for a respite of the culprit. As is usual in cases of this description a goodly array of signatures was attached to the document in question. It was not, however, deemed advisable to make Chudley acquainted with the efforts which were being made on his behal

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CHARLES PEACE LEAVES DARTMOOR.

CHARLES PEACE LEAVES DARTMOOR.

It is true the clothes men leave Dartmoor in are cut well, made well, and in most instances are tolerably good fits, but the material is of the very worst quality, being a shoddy imitation of tweed, with a twill or pattern printed on it, and any one would be at no loss to know where it came from, for there is nothing like it made outside the walls of a prison, and such stuff is hardly worth making up into garments, for it is rotten, and will bear no time. A good serviceable material might be obt

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LAURA STANBRIDGE AT HOME—A CONFERENCE AND A SCENE.

LAURA STANBRIDGE AT HOME—A CONFERENCE AND A SCENE.

Let us pay a visit to the house at the back of Regent-street. It was one of those hours of the night in which honest folk are asleep, and fools revel, and thieves work. The vermin of society, like the vermin of the woods and fields, shun the light of Heaven, in which they see the effulgence of an Omnipotent power. A man, with his face muffled by a cloak, was walking quickly through the courts and alleys which join Regent-street to Piccadilly. The last of these passages ended in a mews, which we

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PEACE RETURNS TO HIS NATIVE TOWN, SHEFFIELD—HE TAKES UNTO HIMSELF A WIFE.

PEACE RETURNS TO HIS NATIVE TOWN, SHEFFIELD—HE TAKES UNTO HIMSELF A WIFE.

It was during his peregrinations that he first met Hannah Ward, whom he is said to have married in July, 1858. This, however, is a little doubtful, for according to the prison statistics he was not discharged from gaol till the October of that year. This is a matter which we shall find it difficult to determine, and we therefore give Mrs. Thompson’s version. He went long distances sometimes (observes that charming lady). It was on one of these excursions that he first met Hannah Peace—not Hanna

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PEACE AND THE TRAVELLING SHOWMAN—THE COMPANY AT THE “BLUE DOLPHIN”—THE SHOWMAN’S LEGEND.

PEACE AND THE TRAVELLING SHOWMAN—THE COMPANY AT THE “BLUE DOLPHIN”—THE SHOWMAN’S LEGEND.

“Och! Sure now, I aint the man to refuse a favour o’ that sort. Which way are you going?” “Anyway, as long as I can get a lodging for the night.” “You seem a quiet, dacent, sort of man, and, as the saying is, any company is better than none, so jump up—you can ride by the side of me.” “I am sure, you are very kind,” cried Peace. The caravan driver brought his vehicle to a halt, and Peace was but too thankful to avail himself of the offer. When he had taken his seat the lumbering wooden house wa

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THE ROBBERY AT MESSRS. ARNISON AND CO.’S.

THE ROBBERY AT MESSRS. ARNISON AND CO.’S.

“Well, this is a surprise. Why, what on earth brought you to Sheffield?” “What do you suppose? To see an old chum, to be sure.” “I am glad to have met you, Bill. And how goes it with you?” “Hardly enough. Have to scratch for a living—like the hens—and don’t always get much when I do scratch. And how goes it with you?” “Nothing much to boast of—got pinched four years ago.” “Ah! so I heard, but you are all right now. Where do you hang out?” “I’m married, and have settled here in my native town.

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THE DESIGNING WOMAN AND HER VICTIM.

THE DESIGNING WOMAN AND HER VICTIM.

One evening, when a grand concert was given at St. James’s Hall, Laura Stanbridge sallied forth, paid the price of admission, and entered the Hall. Every seat was occupied. She found out that she was a little too late to obtain a place—so she stood and listened to the music. A young man who sat close to where she was standing rose from his seat, which he begged her to occupy. She was thickly veiled at this time, but her eyes gleamed through the veil. Raising it, she disclosed a face which was p

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HUNTING UP EVIDENCE FOR A DIVORCE—MR. SLINGSBY SET TO WORK.

HUNTING UP EVIDENCE FOR A DIVORCE—MR. SLINGSBY SET TO WORK.

Attached to the staff of gentlemen of which he (Wrench) was a distinguished ornament was a man who was a sort of supplementary or occasional detective—his name was Slingsby. His services had been frequently called into requisition to hunt up evidence for his superiors. Mr. Slingsby had no objection to push his inquiries in channels where his superiors did not choose to venture. He was a sort of sleuth hound, who would stoop to any mean artifices to obtain the desired information. Mr. Wrench, up

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THE EARL AND HIS LEGAL ADVISER—A WIFE’S TREPIDATION.

THE EARL AND HIS LEGAL ADVISER—A WIFE’S TREPIDATION.

His pride was wounded. Although he affected and, indeed, did treat the very name of Gatliffe with unmitigated disgust and contempt, he did not like the idea of his being so faithless to even the memory of his wife. To take up with a woman of Laura Stanbridge’s class was most reprehensible. “He’s a low-bred hound, and in saying this I have said all,” cried the earl. “I always told you so, Chicknell, and we have had many wrangles—if I may so term them—upon this subject. However, the worst is ove

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HOME LIFE OF CHARLES PEACE—A MUSICAL EVENING—THE DETECTIVE’S STORY.

HOME LIFE OF CHARLES PEACE—A MUSICAL EVENING—THE DETECTIVE’S STORY.

He further declared that if he had to kill his meat he should have to go without it all his life. Whether from curiosity or interest, he had studied carefully the major portions of the Scriptural writings, had read opinions on them, and manifested much skill in controversy on theological questions. One afternoon when Peace lived in the Brocco he had a long conversation with the Rev. Dr. Potter on religious topics, and astonished that gentleman by the knowledge of the subject. Even the most preju

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THE RETURN TO BROXBRIDGE HALL—THE FARMER AND HIS DAUGHTER.

THE RETURN TO BROXBRIDGE HALL—THE FARMER AND HIS DAUGHTER.

“You know, my dear girl, that whatever you choose to say will always be taken in good part as far as I am individually concerned—so leave off pouting. Sit down and lend me your attentive ear, or rather ears.” “Well, what more have you to say?” returned Aveline, dropping into the nearest chair. “The earl your grandfather, the head of the house and master of Broxbridge,” said Lady Marvlynn, emphasising her words with more than her usual care, “has thought fit in his wisdom to take upon himself th

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THE NOTTINGHAM SILK ROBBERY—HOW PEACE DID IT.

THE NOTTINGHAM SILK ROBBERY—HOW PEACE DID IT.

The manager came forward and asked our hero what he could do for him. “Ah, you see, I have but indifferent health,” observed Peace, “and a change of scene is absolutely necessary, so my doctor says. I think of having a week’s fishing.” “Yes, sir, and I have no doubt you will benefit by the change,” returned the manager. “Do you require a waterman?” “No, I can manage very well by myself; all I need is a boat. My tackle I have with me at a house in the neighbourhood. I want a good-sized boat, for,

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STOKE FERRY FARM HOUSE—THE LOVERS—A CONFIDENTIAL TETE-A-TETE.

STOKE FERRY FARM HOUSE—THE LOVERS—A CONFIDENTIAL TETE-A-TETE.

“Ah,” say the free traders, “Bobby Peel was going to kill three farmers a week, but there is one or two of them left alive yet.” Yes, for when that law was passed the English yeomen, whom fools call idle grumblers struck their broad breasts with their hands, and resolved to struggle hard against their foreign foes. It was a hard battle for them, this fight with farmers whose land cost them little, and who had few taxes to pay. And as they were growing fagged and faint, and were forced to fall ba

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PEACE’S LAWLESS CAREER—CAPTURE, TRIAL, AND CONVICTION—HIS ATTEMPTED ESCAPE FROM WAKEFIELD.

PEACE’S LAWLESS CAREER—CAPTURE, TRIAL, AND CONVICTION—HIS ATTEMPTED ESCAPE FROM WAKEFIELD.

The more inquiries that are made into the past history of Peace, the more does it appear that he was a head and shoulders above the ordinary criminal. He appears to have had ingrained in his nature a cruelty of mind and firmness of purpose which nothing could baffle. He always objected to poverty, and as he did not seem to be over fond of hard work—though at times he certainly did follow his business of a picture-frame maker with something like assiduity—he chose a career of crime as the most

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PEACE BECOMES ACQUAINTED WITH THE INTERIOR OF MILLBANK PENITENTIARY—A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRISON.

PEACE BECOMES ACQUAINTED WITH THE INTERIOR OF MILLBANK PENITENTIARY—A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRISON.

The place was not to be a prison, but a penitentiary, and the convicts were not so much to be prisoners as penitents. Men who knew trades were to work at them and teach others. Captain Griffiths, the present Deputy-Governor, in his “Memorials of Millbank,” just published, describes it as at this time “a huge plaything; a toy for a parcel of philanthropic gentlemen, to keep them busy during their spare hours.” Visitors were taken to it as a show-place, where the prisoners read and went through re

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LORD ETHALWOOD AND HIS ADVISERS—MR. CHICKNELL MAKES A PAINFUL REVELATION.

LORD ETHALWOOD AND HIS ADVISERS—MR. CHICKNELL MAKES A PAINFUL REVELATION.

“Ah, she has said enough in all conscience. I think her pride is wounded—her feelings are so easily worked upon, she is so very impressionable, so sensitive.” “All this I know perfectly well,” interrupted the earl, “have known it for a long time past, but what of it? You surely don’t mean to tell me, Lady Marvlynn, that my grand-daughter is so unjust, so unreasonable, so undutiful, as to persist in offering an impediment to what she knows and believes to be essential to my peace of mind?” Lady

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PEACE’S DISCHARGE FROM PRISON—THE RETURN HOME.

PEACE’S DISCHARGE FROM PRISON—THE RETURN HOME.

But a certain ceremony had to be gone through. Peace was drafted off with a batch of other permissive men to the photographers’ room, where the whole party had their cartes de visite taken. On the Saturday morning preceding the day of liberation, another ceremony had to be gone through. The prisoner is taken to the store-room, called the tailors’ cutting-room; here he has to change his clothes, his prison garb is taken off, and, in its stead, a suit of clothes is furnished him, in which he is to

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PEACE’S LATER CAREER—THE WHALLEY RANGE MURDER.

PEACE’S LATER CAREER—THE WHALLEY RANGE MURDER.

Mrs. Dyson, herself, at the Leeds Assizes, spoke to Peace having lived next door but one to her and her husband when they resided in Britannia-road, Darnall, in the earlier part of 1876. She knew him as a picture-frame maker, and he used to visit the Dysons, and had been, if he was not actually then, on terms of undisputed intimacy with the woman whose husband he afterwards murdered. Before following the clue to this murder, we must give a brief record of another crime of a similar nature, which

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CHARLES PEACE AND THE DYSONS.

CHARLES PEACE AND THE DYSONS.

He cut a singular figure when engaged in his occasional duties as a draughtsman at the table which was general to the rest of the staff, and to mitigate the inconvenience which must have attended his tallness in the performance of this part of his duties, some special arrangements were made by which he might be able to keep a more upright position. Despite his great height, he is described as being as “straight as a poplar.” The general bearing of Mr. Dyson was that of a gentleman, and whether i

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THE BANNERCROSS MURDER—PEACE’S ADVENTURES AFTER THE DEATH OF MR. DYSON.

THE BANNERCROSS MURDER—PEACE’S ADVENTURES AFTER THE DEATH OF MR. DYSON.

Peace only laughed derisively at this, and said, “he was not to be shaken off, that he would follow her if it was to the end of the world.” Just one month after this he went to Bannercross at eight o’clock in the evening, and perpetrated the murder for which he afterwards suffered death. Peace proceeded to Sheffield the night after the trial of the unfortunate young man, William Habron, and he went to Bannercross in the evening. At the back of the house where the Dysons lived, which was in one o

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PEACE’S DOINGS IN LONDON AND THE SUBURBS—HIS HOME LIFE AT EVELINA-ROAD, PECKHAM.

PEACE’S DOINGS IN LONDON AND THE SUBURBS—HIS HOME LIFE AT EVELINA-ROAD, PECKHAM.

The neighbours in the course of a few weeks made acquaintance with the newcomer, but none of them divined the being he was, although most of them seemed to have thought him singular. He was a man of independent means, yet he had no servant. He was able to maintain a pony, and ride behind it in a gig. Yet in the small house of two parlours and a kitchen and three bedrooms he had two women living, one of whom is conjectured to have been his wife, and who certainly had borne him a son, and the othe

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AN OUTCAST IN LONDON—THE GIPSY’S TRIALS AND TROUBLES.

AN OUTCAST IN LONDON—THE GIPSY’S TRIALS AND TROUBLES.

“He deserved no better fate!” the reader may exclaim. Possibly so, but it is hard for a fellow-creature to be in the most opulent city in the world without being able to obtain the common necessaries of life. Nevertheless, this is of almost daily occurrence. The reports of similar cases in our public newspapers furnish us with proofs of this. We have no desire to enlist anybody’s sympathy for wretches like Charles Peace, or Bill Rawton, or others who figure in this work; but starvation in a land

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THE UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY—HUSBAND AND WIFE.

THE UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY—HUSBAND AND WIFE.

She had passed through various phases of life—had been the pet and idol of some of England’s proudest aristocracy. Then when the sunny days of her youth had passed away she was left to the tender mercies of one who ruled her with a rod of iron. As far as Bandy-legged Bill was concerned he had altogether forgotten the young and attractive girl whom he imprudently chose to marry. The only wonder was how such an ill-assorted match could ever have taken place, or how any well-educated young woman c

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BILL AND THE DOCTOR’S WIFE—A TALE OF SORROW AND MISERY.

BILL AND THE DOCTOR’S WIFE—A TALE OF SORROW AND MISERY.

“I don’t know as I shall go there any more,” he exclaimed with sudden warmth. “It isn’t the cheese for me to do so. I shall only disgust her. Let things take their chance. I can but call when I am better off, if that ever comes to pass.” He drank the lodging-house coffee—or a decoction of horse-beans would, perhaps, be the better term—and sallied forth. He had no particular place to go to, no business to transact, and was certainly not a pleasure-seeker, but, like the rest of the idlers in the

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MR. WILLIAM RAWTON’S CUNNING DEVICE—THE MISSING PAGE.

MR. WILLIAM RAWTON’S CUNNING DEVICE—THE MISSING PAGE.

It was not a very creditable course of procedure; nevertheless it is one which has been frequently adopted. Bourne had no very nice sense of honour, and not much self-respect, or he never would have acted as he had done throughout the greatest portion of his selfish life. He now thought he saw his way out of the difficulty. He believed if he could obtain the certificate of the marriage of the two persons named, William Rawton and Hester Teige, his own marriage contract would be rendered thereby

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THE GIPSY AMD MRS. BOURNE—THE SURPRISE.

THE GIPSY AMD MRS. BOURNE—THE SURPRISE.

“I don’t know.” “Is your mistress alone?” “If she is I’m sure she won’t see you.” “Well, you’re a nice-looking girl, but a little sharp, but that don’t matter. Now listen.” “I am listening. Go on, and be as quick as possible.” “I’ve got a letter for your mistress,” said Cooney, in a strange whisper, “which must be delivered into her own hands.” “A begging letter I suppose.” “No, it aint no begging letter, nuffin of the sort. You were never more mistaken in your life, but it’s a letter from a fri

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WATCHING AND WAITING—A TETE-A-TETE BETWEEN TWO DETECTIVES.

WATCHING AND WAITING—A TETE-A-TETE BETWEEN TWO DETECTIVES.

“Indeed!” exclaimed Shearman. “The attack was not made for the purpose of robbery, then?” “Dear me, no. There was a dispute—a wrangle—and words were used, and the doctor struck him first.” “Oh, oh!” cried Shearman, glancing at Wrench. “It does not matter,” returned the latter. “He is wanted—is charged with horse-stealing; this assault is only a secondary sort of affair, but of course it will have to be inquired into when we get our man. Did you see which way he went, madam, after he got out o

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THE WOUNDED MAN AND HIS BETTER HALF.

THE WOUNDED MAN AND HIS BETTER HALF.

“You had five thousand pounds settled on you on the day I became your wife. Resign that, or a portion of it, and the tie which binds us can be dissolved. You are then a free man, and will be at liberty to marry the rich lady upon whom you have an eye. Upon that condition I will resign all claim to you.” “I am much obliged, very much obliged, I am sure; No. 52. but does it not occur to you that I can obtain a release without acceding to any such condition?” “MR. BOURNE—DOCTOR!” EJACULATED WRENCH

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MR. DETECTIVE SHEARMAN IS OUTSPOKEN—A STORY OF WOMAN’S WRONGS AND MAN’S BASENESS.

MR. DETECTIVE SHEARMAN IS OUTSPOKEN—A STORY OF WOMAN’S WRONGS AND MAN’S BASENESS.

Bourne was from home the greater part of the following day. He came in shortly before seven o’clock in the evening, and betook himself to his surgery. At twenty minutes after eight he heard a loud rap at the front door. He started, and listened. He heard the well-known voice of Shearman, who was speaking to the servant. There was no mistaking it for the voice of the detective, who had an American twang, and was altogether dissimilar to any of the other visitors to the doctor’s residence. “Show t

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THE INQUIRY—THE END OF A MURDERER.

THE INQUIRY—THE END OF A MURDERER.

The body of the ill-fated woman was interred, and her husband, after a short period of mourning, plunged, so it was alleged, into a vortex of dissipation. The theory that the young woman came by her death from natural causes, which were beyond the control of man, was very generally accepted. Some few, however, at the time of her decease, were a little mistrustful. One in particular, the black girl, Tilda, shook her head, and said she was not at all satisfied with the manner of her mistress’s dea

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AFTER THE DEED—THE SALE BY AUCTION—MRS. BOURNE PAYS A VISIT TO MR. THOMPSON.

AFTER THE DEED—THE SALE BY AUCTION—MRS. BOURNE PAYS A VISIT TO MR. THOMPSON.

As may readily be imagined she was not permitted to have it all her own way—the doctor’s relatives stepped forward to have a wrangle over the effects. He died worth a great deal more than was supposed, and the widow’s share of the property was quite sufficient to maintain her handsomely; so that after all the American plotters, as they were termed by some, had really done her a very great service. She was released from a thraldom which had daily become more and more painful, and she was rendere

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DOMESTIC SQUABBLES—BILL RAWTON PAYS A VISIT TO THE EVELINA-ROAD.

DOMESTIC SQUABBLES—BILL RAWTON PAYS A VISIT TO THE EVELINA-ROAD.

“Ah,” replied Peace, “I know my own business best; money’s no object to me, for I like things well done, whatever it costs.” He had a peculiar light which enabled him to show varying colours in rapid succession, and the effect was to dazzle and bewilder the person in whose face it was flashed. He guarded the lamp very carefully. Mr. Knight, the neighbour who served him with milk, said they were a remarkable lot for playing early in the morning. Frequently when he went out with the milk in the mo

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BURGLARS AT BLACKHEATH—THE SURPRISE—THE STRANGE MEETING.

BURGLARS AT BLACKHEATH—THE SURPRISE—THE STRANGE MEETING.

His cunning, finesse, his hypocrisy and assumption of the character of a well-to-do respectable member of the community when in his house in the Evelina-road, seems to be altogether outside the barriers which hedge in the lawless class to which he most unquestionably belonged. The neighbours, as they saw him drive his pony trap along the Evelina-road, said, “The old gentleman has gone out for his evening drive.” They saw him go out, but none of them saw him come back. Whither he went nobody seem

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CHARLES PEACE IS CHECKMATED.

CHARLES PEACE IS CHECKMATED.

Peace was aghast. What could it all mean? Was he awake or dreaming? “She must be well backed,” he said to himself, “to assume such a position as this, and she looked so firm and resolute.” Nevertheless, instinctively, rather than of intention, he mattered hoarsely — “Drop it, let’s have no more of this. One word out loud and I’ll shoot you as you stand there.” “Fire away,” she answered, with perfect composure. “You will save me the trouble of giving an alarm. They expect it, and are waiting for

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THE TWO DETECTIVES—CAPTURE OF A SMASHER—PASSAGES IN THE LIFE OF A DETECTIVE.

THE TWO DETECTIVES—CAPTURE OF A SMASHER—PASSAGES IN THE LIFE OF A DETECTIVE.

“She’s done the trick, the saucy jade—done it to rights,” he ejaculated. “How she has managed it is another question. Well, I’m regularly queered, but I suppose I shall never know the rights of it—never.” He was of course in a terrible bad humour when he returned to his habitation in the Evelina-road, and half regretted not having returned with Bandy-legged Bill, for he would have given almost anything rather than have encountered Mrs. Metcalf. It was gall and wormwood to him to see her under

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AT “SANDERSON’S HOTEL”—RECOLLECTIONS OF AN AMERICAN DETECTIVE.

AT “SANDERSON’S HOTEL”—RECOLLECTIONS OF AN AMERICAN DETECTIVE.

“If I am to speak the truth I am of the same opinion. It was nothing but spite, revenge, or whatever you may please to term it, that made Bourne so bitter with the gipsy.” “’Twas a nice article to give himself airs and graces, and do the virtuous.” “Yes, particularly so—wasn’t he?” “I had one scrimmage with a horse thief which I shan’t easily forget,” said Shearman. “He was a resolute rascal, surely. I’ll tell you all about it. Light up another cigar before I begin.” Mr. Wrench did as he was bi

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A GLANCE AT BROXBRIDGE—THE ROBBERY AT NETTLETHORP—A VISIT TO MOTHER BAGLEY—A STRANGER AT THE FARM HOUSE.

A GLANCE AT BROXBRIDGE—THE ROBBERY AT NETTLETHORP—A VISIT TO MOTHER BAGLEY—A STRANGER AT THE FARM HOUSE.

Mr. Jakyl, like his master, was falling into the “sear and yellow leaf,” but he had the same soft, unobtrusive, respectful manner as of yore. As to the radiant footman, Henry Adolphus, he got sick of service, and yearned to be his own master. He jilted the young female he was engaged to, and paid marked and persistent attention to Nell Fulford, whom Peace had been smitten with in an earlier day, and who afterwards became the mistress of Philip Jamblin. These circumstances, however, did not appea

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THE STRANGER IS COMMUNICATIVE—BREAKERS AHEAD.

THE STRANGER IS COMMUNICATIVE—BREAKERS AHEAD.

He hastened to assure his host and hostess that he was ignorant upon many subjects in which they were well versed, by asking them about farming and housewifery, and listened attentively to their explanations. In an incredibly short time he became on excellent terms with the master and mistress of Stoke Ferry, and they would not hear of his leaving on that day or the next. Joe Doughty was sent round to the “Carved Lion” for the gentleman’s horse, and it was stalled at the farmhouse, carefully gro

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KITTY’S SUSPICIONS—HER RENCONTRE WITH FORTESCUE.

KITTY’S SUSPICIONS—HER RENCONTRE WITH FORTESCUE.

“Ah, so I thought. Lord bless us, what a funny world it is, to be sure. She says that she’s quite sure from his face that he’s no good, and that he must ha’ given us a false name, because the initials on his linen aint E. F., or anything like it.” “Indeed!” “Yes, that’s what the gell sez, and she aint often mistaken. When Kitty meks up her mind to do a thing I’ll back she’ll stick to it, but I don’t think it at all likely that he would give us a false name.” “Neither do I. I’m glad to hear ’ee s

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A YOUNG WIFE’S DANGER—THE DENOUEMENT.

A YOUNG WIFE’S DANGER—THE DENOUEMENT.

“It is not Mrs. Ashbrook,” she repeated. He shrugged his shoulders, but beneath this apparent non-challenge he prepared himself for a duel. He saw that the crisis was come, and that his opponent was not to be despised. “I’m glad we’ve met,” said the girl. “Very glad.” “Indeed, and why, pray?” “Because I’ve a serious word to say to you, sir, and the time’s come to say it.” “A serious word, my girl. Well, I’m all attention. Say it, then, without further ado. Something strictly confidential, I supp

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MR. ERIC FORTESCUE AND HIS RESPECTABLE ASSOCIATES—THE CHALLENGE, AND THE RESULT.

MR. ERIC FORTESCUE AND HIS RESPECTABLE ASSOCIATES—THE CHALLENGE, AND THE RESULT.

“Confound it, Lorry, you appear to be most indifferent about the cruel treatment your old friend has met with.” “I know not what advice to give you. The whole affair I look upon as a piece of folly. This is the second time you have been thrust forth with cuffs and hard words from Stoke Ferry house. The first time you were not so much to blame, but the last time you were much to blame. I don’t know that you deserve much pity,” she added, scornfully. “Hang your pity!—I want none of it. But you’ve

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THE SURPRISE AND ESCAPE—A DRIVE FOR LIFE.

THE SURPRISE AND ESCAPE—A DRIVE FOR LIFE.

He was possessed of seven or eight guitars, and almost as many violins. When he came outside the gate in the afternoon and took a look at the weather he was communicative and critical to whoever was passing that knew him, and he especially delighted in a chat about crime and criminals with the unsuspicious policeman of his district. In conversation he had an odd habit of digging his hands deep into his pockets and twisting himself round in the pantomimic contortions of a clown. Social visits he

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A PAINFUL SCENE—THE DEATH OF TOMMY—PEACE’S GRIEF.

A PAINFUL SCENE—THE DEATH OF TOMMY—PEACE’S GRIEF.

The two females listened to the music complacently enough, but they, of course, had had quite enough of it, and, first of all, Mrs. Peace went into the kitchen on some excuse or another; in a short time she was followed by Mrs. Thompson. Then a discussion ensued as to the cause of Peace’s moody manner, and both agreed that something or someone had put him out. However, after putting his goat through some tricks and amusing himself with one or two more of his pets, his ruffled temper became a lit

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MISS LAURA STANBRIDGE MAKES A MISTAKE—CAUGHT IN THE ACT.

MISS LAURA STANBRIDGE MAKES A MISTAKE—CAUGHT IN THE ACT.

This is, perhaps, not a very flattering description of the place, but it is one which a journalist gave in one of the London newspapers. We do not, of course, vouch for its accuracy, for journalists are prone at times to sacrifice truth to effect. That it was clean and apparently dull is beyond all question. Suddenly, however, the principal street was thrown into a state of the greatest excitement. Windows were flung open, and a crowd of faces protruded. Beggars basking in the sunshine returned

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THE PRISON CHAPLAIN.

THE PRISON CHAPLAIN.

She would have preferred Oxford as the arena of his struggles and trials, because her father and brother had both belonged to one of the colleges there. But then it was more expensive, add every sovereign had to be looked at. Young Leverall was persevering and studious; he was therefore successful. He returned in triumph, while his mother stifled him with embraces. Bertha, who was sternly classical, crowned him with a wreath of laurels. Then she gazed at his black and silvery hair, from which th

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LAURA STANBRIDGE HAS CONFEDERATES—A VISIT TO THE PRISON.

LAURA STANBRIDGE HAS CONFEDERATES—A VISIT TO THE PRISON.

“Well, I’m blessed, that’s the last thing I should ha’ thought of. Why, I thought she was all over money.” “So she is—leastways I’ve always understood so. She wants to see me to arrange about her affairs—don’t care about anybody knowing that she’s in quod, and all that sort of thing. That’s not to be so much wondered at. It is hard, but you see, Bill, it won’t do for me to trust myself inside a gaol—’taint likely.” “But you won’t desert her?” “I’ll do what I can—bound to do that—but as to p

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THE YOUNG ENTHUSIAST—A WOMAN’S WILES.

THE YOUNG ENTHUSIAST—A WOMAN’S WILES.

When he came to visit her at the accustomed hour, he found her upon her knees cleaning the floor of her cell. Her snowy arms were white and naked, her brown hair fell with dishevelled art upon her shoulders, and over that voluptuous bosom which her dress did not entirely conceal. As he entered, she seemed confused and attempted to rise, looking at him with eyes which appeared to languish, but which were really piercing into the depths of his soul. He glanced at her for a moment or so, and then t

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THE ATTEMPTED ESCAPE—MURDOCK, THE SMUGGLER.

THE ATTEMPTED ESCAPE—MURDOCK, THE SMUGGLER.

“Ugh,” groaned the man, “I wish I’d escaped or else have been killed outright. Oh—oh,” here he writhed with pain. “You must bear up against this new misfortune, and have the grace of patience,” said the chaplain. “I aint got any patience left. It’s all gone long ago, and I don’t want any of your palaver.” “You must not talk like that. Let me read a little to you.” “No, I won’t be read to—I don’t like it. Leave me to myself.” “But I must beg of you to listen to my discourse. It is useless your

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THE INJURED MAN AND HIS ATTENDANT—A PIRATE’S YARN.

THE INJURED MAN AND HIS ATTENDANT—A PIRATE’S YARN.

“No, I won’t be read to. I don’t want any long-worded sermons. I won’t listen. Leave me alone.” “But I cannot and must not leave you in your present distress. Remember you have a soul to be saved, and you must listen to the words of One who came into the world to save us all.” “You have me at an advantage,” cried the smuggler. “I am powerless, and cannot get away.” “I hope you do not want to get away?” “Yes, I do.” “He’s very self-willed, and won’t bear being spoken to,” said Knoulton, addressin

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LAURA STANBRIDGE AND THE CHAPLAIN—AN IRRESISTIBLE APPEAL—THE ESCAPE.

LAURA STANBRIDGE AND THE CHAPLAIN—AN IRRESISTIBLE APPEAL—THE ESCAPE.

It was strange—indeed marvellous—but his was not a solitary case, either with churchmen, heroes, or sages, who are one and all open to the wiles and blandishments of an artful and designing beauty. While the miserable and ill-fated pirate was tossing uneasily on his pallet, his mind filled with visions of the liberty he was never destined to realise, Mr. Leverall was giving more of his time to the prisoner in cell No. 43 than the exigencies of the case would seem to warrant, but nobody took he

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DEATH OF MAT MURDOCK—THE LAST BEQUEST.

DEATH OF MAT MURDOCK—THE LAST BEQUEST.

He fell to the floor, exhausted and senseless, and it was not possible to say how long he had remained in that condition. An alarm was given by his attendant when the discovery was made, and Murdock was placed again in bed, but his ultimate death may be attributable to this accident. But he appeared to have but one dominant idea, this being the desire of escape. Walter Knoulton returned to his duty, and after this he never left the pirate till the end came. He found Murdock by this time quite an

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MISS STANBRIDGE’S PEREGRINATIONS—HER VISIT TO CHARLES PEACE.

MISS STANBRIDGE’S PEREGRINATIONS—HER VISIT TO CHARLES PEACE.

She had sufficient money on her person for her immediate wants; this had been given her by her friend, Mr. Leverall. As the milkmaid came along with her pail she wished her a good morning. She was a good-looking buxom wench, with red cheeks and mottled arms—the very personification of rude health and good-nature. “An’ good morning to you, ma’am,” said the girl, staring with wonder, “but ye be up wi’ the lark, missus.” “Yes,” said Miss Stanbridge; “I lost my way last night and took shelter in th

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THE TRIAL OF THE DETECTIVES—PEACE’S VISIT TO BOW-STREET.

THE TRIAL OF THE DETECTIVES—PEACE’S VISIT TO BOW-STREET.

“Mind your own business, you fool,” answered Peace sharply. “Leave me to be the best judge of my own actions.” “Oh, well, I’ve done. You know best, I suppose. I only made the remark for your own good. I shouldn’t have thought you had any desire to be seen in Bow-street Police-court.” “I have a desire, and that’s sufficient. I’m as safe there as I am here. More so, perhaps.” It may, and doubtless it does, appear singular that Peace should have had any desire to disport himself in the court referr

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MISTAKEN IDENTITY.

MISTAKEN IDENTITY.

“It was the early part of the afternoon, but the business of the court that day not being very heavy, the magistrate had finished his work and gone home; so that Mr. Halliday would have to remain a prisoner until the next day, even if he were able to prove his innocence in an incontestable manner. “We were accustomed to see respectable men—that is, externally respectable—brought into the station on charges of skittle-sharping; and so Mr. Halliday’s decent exterior did not impress me in his fav

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STOLEN LETTERS—AN AMERICAN DETECTIVE’S STORY.

STOLEN LETTERS—AN AMERICAN DETECTIVE’S STORY.

“This man maintained, for his own credit sake, that the robberies were perpetrated at some other place and not in the General Post-office, but I did not agree with him. It required something more searching than the sleepy vision of a hired spy to detect the skilful thieves who were making a large income out of his carelessness and inefficient efforts. “The quickness with which experienced men perform their duties is inconceivable to those who have not witnessed their exertions. I found it very d

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THE YOUNG EARL OF ETHALWOOD.

THE YOUNG EARL OF ETHALWOOD.

The latter came into the title and estates at too early an age, perhaps, but there was no help for it; the earl was full of years at the time of his decease—between eighty and ninety, which is a respectable old age. After the few months of mourning for his noble ancestor Lord Reginald Ethalwood soon began to have his own views of youth and freedom in the new life which was so suddenly opened to him. The temple of pleasure was before him, and he soon found his way into its innermost penetralia.

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FURTHER ENTANGLEMENTS.

FURTHER ENTANGLEMENTS.

No doubt she had discovered that a fatal attachment had been growing from hour to hour in the young girl’s heart, and like a prudent mother she was solicitous of seeing her daughter married, feeling perfectly well that no good could come of her encouragement of the English nobleman’s attentions, seeing that it was not at all probable a gentleman in his position would form what everyone must consider a mesalliance . Towards the middle of the day Lord Ethalwood set out for his own residence. He wa

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THE RIVAL LOVERS.

THE RIVAL LOVERS.

“This letter.” As he spoke he drew from his pocket a large-sized letter, which he handed to the earl. It was carefully folded and sealed, and addressed in a firm, bold handwriting. “And who may this be from?” inquired Ethalwood. “Please read it, sir; then you will see who sends it.” The earl broke the seal, and read the contents of the missive, which ran as follows: — “Milor,—Although far beneath you in station, I claim as a right some explanation for the great wrong you have done me. I have al

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THE HOSTILE MEETING—A DUEL TO THE DEATH.

THE HOSTILE MEETING—A DUEL TO THE DEATH.

“I do not refuse—I am at your disposal. I have brought this upon myself—that I freely admit.” The young earl bitterly regretted his rash act. Not that he was indisposed to any hostile meeting, but he felt both shame and remorse at the action which rage had driven him to commit. An action which he recognised as being one of odious and unjustifiable brutality. But pride, which was at the bottom of the nature of every member of the race to which he belonged, forbade him from temporising with his

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AFTER THE TRAGEDY.

AFTER THE TRAGEDY.

“She is out—gone to attend upon a neighbour who is dangerously ill. She will not return till the morning.” The earl was thankful for this piece of information. “Well, it is very good of her,” said he, entering the parlour. “And you——” cried the maid, glancing at him with a look of wonderment. “I am right enough. Where is Mademoiselle Theresa?” “She has retired to rest—has been watching and waiting for you till she is fairly worn out.” “It is not so very late, Agatha.” “I don’t say it is, but—”

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CHARLES PEACE AND HIS UNLAWFUL GAINS—A VISIT TO MR. SIMMONDS—A SURPRISE AND ESCAPE.

CHARLES PEACE AND HIS UNLAWFUL GAINS—A VISIT TO MR. SIMMONDS—A SURPRISE AND ESCAPE.

This upon the face of it appears to be altogether incredible, but it is perhaps just as well to give them the benefit of the doubt. They might have suspected, but possibly they were discreet enough to close their eyes to actual facts. The house in the Evalina-road was at this time so crammed full of stolen goods that its occupant deemed it expedient to get rid of the greater portion of the articles. If by any chance the place underwent an inspection by the police, there would be no possibility o

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THIEVES AND RECEIVERS.

THIEVES AND RECEIVERS.

When the name of Charles Peace was in every human mouth public interest was awakened by the spoils of a receiver of stolen property falling into the hands of the police. The following paragraph, from a newspaper of the period, will, perhaps, interest the curious and inquisitive reader. It runs as follows: — “There is at present, at the Bethnal-green Police-station, under the charge of Inspector Wildey, of the Criminal Investigation Department, attached to the K division, and Detective-sergeants

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PEACE HAS A FEW FRIENDS—A MUSICAL AND ANECDOTAL EVENING.

PEACE HAS A FEW FRIENDS—A MUSICAL AND ANECDOTAL EVENING.

He came to the conclusion that the party in question was on friendly terms with our hero, for there was a degree of cordiality between the two which caused him to be assured of this. Peace withdrew to an adjoining room, where the gipsy handed him over the proceeds. “You have done well, Bill. Indeed, I don’t know what I should do without you,” cried Peace. “Nothing could be better. We’ve made a regular clearance, and I am greatly relieved.” “Who is your friend?” said the gipsy, nodding significan

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TIED TO THE TRACK—A STATION MASTER’S STORY.

TIED TO THE TRACK—A STATION MASTER’S STORY.

“Those last words of Parker’s I turned over in my mind a good many times during the next two years—somehow or other they stuck by me:—‘We’ve invented a new kind of sleeper to throw a train off the track.’ “I kind of felt as though he meant something unusual by that, although I could not make out what. It seemed that I was to find out, though, before many months. “The house, where my wife and the babies lived was just about three-quarters of a mile below the station, and quite near the track. I

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LORD ETHALWOOD’S RETURN HOME—REGRETS FOR THE PAST—NEWS FROM ABROAD.

LORD ETHALWOOD’S RETURN HOME—REGRETS FOR THE PAST—NEWS FROM ABROAD.

“My dear Reginald,” exclaimed Aveline, embracing her son with maternal fondness, “it is indeed a source of happiness for me to see you again in your native land, and I hope and trust you will not again leave the country—certainly not for some time to come—for, oh, my darling boy, you do not know how anxious I have been about you. Consider, Reginald, the position you hold as the representative of an honoured line—the only representative—and consider also how needful it is for you to uphold th

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SOME PASSAGES IN THE LIFE OF A LONDON THIEF.

SOME PASSAGES IN THE LIFE OF A LONDON THIEF.

Mr. Sutherland had an extensive circle of acquaintances, and, strange as it may appear, he did, by some means or another, contrive to push himself into certain coteries of respectable society, one reason for this being attributable to the fact that he belonged to one or more gambling clubs in the metropolis. At these he picked up all sorts of acquaintances, good, bad, and indifferent. He picked up also a vast amount of information at these establishments which he made serve his purpose in many w

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THE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE AND THE PRISONER.

THE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE AND THE PRISONER.

They had not very far to go, for the magistrate’s house was within three-quarters of a mile from the spot where the affray and capture had taken place. The magistrate and his wife were at this time seated together in the old oak dining-room of their habitation. He was reading the pages of a book on heraldry, watching from the window the broods of rooks who were cawing as they flew from bough to bough. These two persons lived in that which their tenants believed to be a palace, but which was in r

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MR. SUTHERLAND IS TRIUMPHANT—THE AMICABLE ARRANGEMENT.

MR. SUTHERLAND IS TRIUMPHANT—THE AMICABLE ARRANGEMENT.

“Yes, that is so.” The magistrate began to feel a vague fear, and shuddered in spite of himself. Mr. Sutherland continued — “The child was taken to the union, where it remained for some three or four years; then it was taken charge of by Mr. Searle, your wife’s brother. I believe he elected to be its natural protector, and placed it in charge of an old woman, whose name I do not at the present moment remember, but she was, so I have been told, a most worthy person, and did her duty, was mindful

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THE FASHIONABLE GATHERING AT LADY MARVLYNN’S.

THE FASHIONABLE GATHERING AT LADY MARVLYNN’S.

She did not lose sight of her old friend and instructress, Lady Marvlynn, whom she regarded in the light of her nearest and dearest associate. The latter had always on hand one or two protégees whom she was preparing to “bring out,” as she termed it. It was not possible for her ladyship to remain long idle, some sort of employment was a necessity to her. She had at this time a young lady under her charge, a Miss Arabella Lovejoyce. She had become greatly attached to this young girl, who was poss

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SIR WILLIAM’S TALE—A MUSICAL MELANGE.

SIR WILLIAM’S TALE—A MUSICAL MELANGE.

“When the train moved from the station, whose night-clerk slept in his dimly-lighted office, the unknown passenger quietly drew a brass key from his pocket, and unlocked the door of the coach. When he closed it again, himself inside, it was locked as before. “He found the car lighted by three lamps, and seemingly deserted. Not a head protruded above the seats, and the air of desolation filled the place. He heard the rain now falling in earnest, beating against the windows, beyond whose panes the

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THE SURPRISE—CHARLES PEACE’S NEW PANTOMIME TRICK. HIS UNEXPECTED APPEARANCE ON THE SCENE.

THE SURPRISE—CHARLES PEACE’S NEW PANTOMIME TRICK. HIS UNEXPECTED APPEARANCE ON THE SCENE.

But, despite all these little drawbacks, his lordship was a thoroughly good-natured man, and good-hearted as well, and this is saying a great deal just now, seeing how few possess either of these qualifications. When the young people had gained the conservatory Lord Fitzbogleton, after passing his remarks on the plants before him and discoursing on their various properties, and which country they were indigenous to, he looked into the face of his companion. He intended to convey by the look unut

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THE VALIANT FOOTMAN AND THE DESPERATE BURGLAR—THE PRISONER IN THE STABLE—UNEXPECTED RELEASE.

THE VALIANT FOOTMAN AND THE DESPERATE BURGLAR—THE PRISONER IN THE STABLE—UNEXPECTED RELEASE.

“We’ll devil him,” returned the stableman. “The best way to serve a chap of this sort is to prevent him from doing further mischief. He’s a kicker, you see, and wants the kicking-strap put on.” And with these words the man fastened Peace’s legs together with a strap, after which he pinioned his arms with a rope. When this had been done, he said — “Now, Jem, we’ll carry him into the stable, and lock him in till we get a bobby or two to look arter him.” “You cowardly scoundrels!” exclaimed Peace,

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CHARLES PEACE RETURNS HOME—THE BARRISTER’S STORY.

CHARLES PEACE RETURNS HOME—THE BARRISTER’S STORY.

He was, however, not much injured by the broken glass, as his antagonist, the stalwart footman, was the first to fall through the roof of the conservatory, nevertheless he was in a most dilapidated condition, and felt dispirited and sick of heart. When he had got out of the neighbourhood he betook himself to a small coffee-shop. Here he had some refreshment, and begged permission to go into one of the bedrooms to wash himself, alleging as an excuse that he had been engaged in a fight with some o

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A VISIT TO A PRISON—SOLITARY CONFINEMENT.

A VISIT TO A PRISON—SOLITARY CONFINEMENT.

“I had visited a large number of prisoners, when the warder of the Penitentiary said to me, just as we reached the door of a cell whose outward appearance was even more gloomy than those we had visited: — “‘This is the cell of the prisoner I was speaking about—Dick Malden. I have no time to wait at present, but, if you would like to converse with him, I will lock you in the cell, and call for you, say in half an hour.’ “The warden, in his practical way, was accustomed to allude to his prisoners

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A GLANCE AT STOKE FERRY FARM HARVEST HOME.

A GLANCE AT STOKE FERRY FARM HARVEST HOME.

Many months had passed over since the capture, and fresh examination of Sutherland took place, and the affair had by this time been nearly if not quite forgotten. It was autumn, and the harvest time was over, the fields were no longer forests of waving corn, but bare and yellow stubble; the yards of the farmers were filled with portly and imposing sacks of corn, warm and sweet beneath thin roofs of pale clean thatch. Harvest time is the holiday of country labourers—one of hard work and high wag

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PEACE’S LAST BURGLARY—A BRAVE POLICEMAN—PEACE’S CAPTURE BY ROBINSON—A VISIT TO NEWGATE.

PEACE’S LAST BURGLARY—A BRAVE POLICEMAN—PEACE’S CAPTURE BY ROBINSON—A VISIT TO NEWGATE.

The last burglary committed by this lawless man, whose remarkable career we have endeavoured to shadow forth, proved fatal to him. At Blackheath, on the night of 10th of October, 1878, a burglary was committed of a most daring character. On that evening Peace had repaired to the house of Mr. James Alexander Burness, in St. James’s-park, Blackheath, and whilst endeavouring to add to his own riches was observed by a constable on duty, named Robinson, but Peace was not a man to be taken easily. Upo

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PEACE’S EXPERIENCE OF THE INTERIOR OF NEWGATE.

PEACE’S EXPERIENCE OF THE INTERIOR OF NEWGATE.

All this information was conveyed to him in the set phraseology invariably adopted by wardens when addressing prisoners in similar cases. Peace was never at any time in his life a gourmand, and paid but little attention to the pleasures of the table. Nevertheless, he directed to have his meals furnished by the proprietor of the elegant restaurant outside the walls of the prison. But this only lasted a few days. From what he could see of the prison fare it was sufficiently good for his purpose, b

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VISITING DAY AT NEWGATE.

VISITING DAY AT NEWGATE.

The object of their journey is nearly accomplished now, for they are about to be allowed to see and converse with husbands, or lovers, with their brothers, or their sons. These last are taking their prescribed amount of exercise in the prison yards, and it is from behind one of the gratings looking on these that they are permitted to gaze from a given distance upon and exchange words with their visitors. Between the prisoners and their friends runs a passage of about a yard wide, with another se

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THE TRIAL OF CHARLES PEACE FOR BURGLARY.

THE TRIAL OF CHARLES PEACE FOR BURGLARY.

Books are allowed him, and writing materials, as before observed. Whatever a man writes is inspected and read by the governor, and every sheet of paper is counted, and has to be accounted for. This course is adopted so that prisoners may be prevented from writing letters to their friends outside without undergoing the inspection of the governor. The rule is an arbitrary one, and it does not seem to be altogether just. They have no right to be placed under such rigid surveillance before they are

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THE TROUBLES OF MRS. PEACE.

THE TROUBLES OF MRS. PEACE.

Prisoner seems a fairly respectable, well-dressed woman, and appeared to feel her position acutely, looking very nervous and uneasy, and occasionally sobbing. She was accommodated with a seat in the dock. The property includes several parcels of jewellery, a silk dress, two watches, and a patent clock. Mrs. Peace was charged with stealing the property, or of having received it knowing it to have been stolen. A number of persons crowded into the court during the few minutes the case was being hea

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A VISIT TO NEWGATE—IDENTIFICATION OF PEACE—MRS. THOMPSON’S PERSONAL HISTORY—RECEIVERS OF STOLEN GOODS.

A VISIT TO NEWGATE—IDENTIFICATION OF PEACE—MRS. THOMPSON’S PERSONAL HISTORY—RECEIVERS OF STOLEN GOODS.

“But for me,” he said, “Peace’s connection with the murder would never have been discovered. It was I who gave the police the information that put them on the track. Those police would never have discovered anything themselves had not everything been told them and every step they took indicated. How did I become connected with Peace? “You will know all about that in my testimony at Bow-street, when Mrs. Peace was under examination. I am an inventor, a geographical engineer. I make maps. You know

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A VISIT TO WHITECHAPEL—THE STREET OF WOMEN—A MOTHER SEEKING HER SON.

A VISIT TO WHITECHAPEL—THE STREET OF WOMEN—A MOTHER SEEKING HER SON.

When he had come to the end of the lane he dived into a dark alley, which brought him out close to a railway arch. Hollowed in the side of this arch was a hole like the mouth of a cavern, and running under the railway supported by black pillars was a street. This was “the street of women,” described in the early portion of this work; it was the place where Laura Stanbridge led the boy, Alf Purvis, on a dark night. Our pedestrian walked along the street, and the women who stood at their doors bra

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A POPULAR WATERING PLACE—THE RENCONTRE, AND FEARFUL DENOUEMENT.

A POPULAR WATERING PLACE—THE RENCONTRE, AND FEARFUL DENOUEMENT.

“It has been well said,” observed Laura Stanbridge, “that one has only to go to the sea-side to renew old acquaintanceships. Such appears to be the case with us. My dear Tom, of late you have not thought it worth while to call upon me as of yore. Have had other matters to engage your attention, I suppose.” “Well, to say the truth, I have,” returned her companion. “I judged so. Do not for a moment imagine I am saying this as a reproach. On the contrary I believe, and always have believed, you to

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THE STOKE FERRYMAN.

THE STOKE FERRYMAN.

The road which passed the cottage consisted of two huge ruts, with grass growing in the space between; it ended at the river bank. To this bank were chained two boats—the one a kind of barge adapted for the carrying of vehicles and large burdens; the other one of those small flat-bottomed boats which may be propelled either by oar or pole and which are called punts. It was Stoke Ferry, the most desolate of all spots on the river as it passes on its course to the sea. The cottage was the residen

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THE UNEXPECTED MEETING—LAURA AND MRS. GROVER.

THE UNEXPECTED MEETING—LAURA AND MRS. GROVER.

“That is likely enough. Time has altered both of us, but me more especially.” “I don’t see that it has. But do you want anything of me?” “Yes, I do, or I should not have troubled to make myself known to you. I desire to have a little conversation with you.” Laura Stanbridge hesitated. “Humph! Something to say, eh?” “Yes.” “Perhaps I may learn something from her,” she muttered to herself, “better keep in with her.” Then aloud she said — “You are the last person in the world I should have expected

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IDENTIFICATION OF PEACE—CHARGED WITH THE MURDER OF MR. DYSON.

IDENTIFICATION OF PEACE—CHARGED WITH THE MURDER OF MR. DYSON.

As to where he had gone was a question, but the police were almost as rapid in their movements as was Peace, though for the time being he appeared the most successful in the accomplishing of his purpose—the effecting of his escape. Within five hours after Mr. Dyson’s death the whole of the large towns within a radius of two hundred miles of here had been warned of the crime which had been committed, and the railway stations of Hull, Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester, Bradford, Liverpool, and Hali

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OUTSIDE THE POLICE-COURT—EXTRAORDINARY SCENES.

OUTSIDE THE POLICE-COURT—EXTRAORDINARY SCENES.

Some of the people who were there had, it is said, taken up their positions as early as five o’clock, and verily they looked it. The cold, raw air had exercised to the full its nipping influence upon them. Their faces were pallid, with just a dash of blue in the lips, and a dab of carnation on the tip of the nose. Their shoulders were raised almost to their ears, and their coats drawn carefully round their throats. They shivered occasionally in a most complete and uncompromising manner, but ther

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THE EXAMINATION OF CHARLES PEACE UPON THE CHARGE OF MURDERING MR. DYSON—SCENES IN COURT.

THE EXAMINATION OF CHARLES PEACE UPON THE CHARGE OF MURDERING MR. DYSON—SCENES IN COURT.

Of course it was kept yet more secret from the prisoner. This helped him to sleep last night, and, though he showed himself much more querulous than has been his wont, he took in the morning a plentifully early breakfast. The surgeon, having seen him, decided that he was fit to be brought up. Soon after ten o’clock the prisoner was accordingly helped out of his cell, but apparently had no idea of where he was being taken. The warders presently placed him in a large armchair in the corridor, and

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PRISONERS AND THEIR CUSTODIANS.

PRISONERS AND THEIR CUSTODIANS.

“I have not got any powder,” he added; but here are some caps and bullets.” It seemed needless to remark that this was before the days of revolvers and patent cartridges; we had then to load in the old fashion, and had merely got as far as the introduction of the percussion cap. I had never before carried anything more deadly by way of protection than a life-preserver, but as my friend seemed to mean a kindness, I made no ado about accepting his offer; and having “capped” it there and then, I co

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SCENE AT STOKE FERRY—LAURA STANBRIDGE LED INTO AN AMBUSCADE—A LOVE STORY TO UNWILLING EARS.

SCENE AT STOKE FERRY—LAURA STANBRIDGE LED INTO AN AMBUSCADE—A LOVE STORY TO UNWILLING EARS.

As she stepped into the carriage, she glanced anxiously towards the western sky, where a few rays of light showed that the sun had lately set. These rays resembled streaks of blood, and cast a lurid glow upon the purple and copper-hued clouds around them. She drew down the blinds, and, throwing herself back at full length in the vehicle, gave herself up to the meditation of her schemes. She was roused by the stopping of the carriage. She draw up the blinds and opened the windows. It was now near

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THE ACCUSATIONS MADE AGAINST LAURA STANBRIDGE.

THE ACCUSATIONS MADE AGAINST LAURA STANBRIDGE.

It was a public footpath. Then she remembered that there was a young man present. He might be corrupted with a look—with a whisper. She stole a glance towards him; he remained motionless as a statue of black marble, his face hidden by his cloak. “Who can this man be?” she reflected, “whom she calls her son, and whom I cannot recognise? It must be some one whom she has hired to help her. If so, I may be saved.” She darted another look piercing as a flame upon the mysterious individual. At this l

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PEACE’S LAST NIGHT IN SHEFFIELD—HIS REMOVAL TO WAKEFIELD—INCIDENTS BEFORE THE TRIAL—A TRUE BILL FOUND.

PEACE’S LAST NIGHT IN SHEFFIELD—HIS REMOVAL TO WAKEFIELD—INCIDENTS BEFORE THE TRIAL—A TRUE BILL FOUND.

On the Saturday succeeding his committal Peace was removed to the county prison at Wakefield. He was seen in the morning by Mr. Hallam, the police sergeant, for the purpose of ascertaining whether he was in a condition to be removed, and on his certifying that he could safely undergo the short journey from Sheffield to Wakefield, it was decided that he should be taken there in the afternoon. This intention was observed with the utmost secresy. But, somehow or other, a rumour got abroad that Peac

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THE TRIAL AND CONVICTION OF CHARLES PEACE.

THE TRIAL AND CONVICTION OF CHARLES PEACE.

The scene is one of much interest. As early as nine o’clock the small portion of the court allotted to the public had begun to fill with eager spectators. The press enters in force, considerable portions of the court, and also of the gallery above the jury, being reserved for its representatives. Barristers drop in, eager as the people who are unfamiliar with the courts, and quickly filling their seats, there accumulates a standing group, which remains about the door all day. The occupants of th

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AFTER CONVICTION—PEACE AT ARMLEY GAOL—INTERVIEW WITH HIS RELATIVES—PEACIANA.

AFTER CONVICTION—PEACE AT ARMLEY GAOL—INTERVIEW WITH HIS RELATIVES—PEACIANA.

Seated a little to the left, and looking him stedfastly in the face, was one warder; and behind him, a little to his right, was a second official—not lolling back in their chairs with folded arms, and endeavouring to make their irksome task as pleasant as possible. Nothing of the kind. They were all attention, ready to spring forward to the convict in an instant. Willie asked his father how he was, and he replied, “I am a little better, but very weak.” Dropping his head and breathing apparently

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MRS. DYSONS DEPARTURE—AUTOBIOGRAPHIC SKETCH AND SELF-VINDICATION.

MRS. DYSONS DEPARTURE—AUTOBIOGRAPHIC SKETCH AND SELF-VINDICATION.

I liked the excitement of driving him to and from his work, and especially when we were in new country, and he was out surveying. I have driven him through forests where there were bears, and over creeks—they call rivers creeks in America—that were swollen by the floods. The horses have often had to swim. I remember on one occasion sending the horses and the buggy across a river, and then coming over myself on a piece of timber. Of course such a life has some drawbacks, but I was young and str

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PEACE CONFESSES HIMSELF TO BE THE MURDERER OF A POLICEMAN NEAR MANCHESTER—THE CONVICT AND MRS. THOMPSON.

PEACE CONFESSES HIMSELF TO BE THE MURDERER OF A POLICEMAN NEAR MANCHESTER—THE CONVICT AND MRS. THOMPSON.

He appeared to have had no compunctions of conscience whatever at the terrible position in which he had placed the youth. Had the sentence been carried out there is no reason whatever to suppose that Peace would have come forward and confessed to the crime. It would almost seem that his escape from the remotest suspicion at Manchester only made him more reckless, as the night after the trial he went to Bannercross and shot Mr. Dyson. Since he was himself sentenced to death at Leeds, and he had o

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THE CONDEMNED MAN VISITED AGAIN BY HIS RELATIVES—PEACE CONFIRMS HIS CONFESSION.

THE CONDEMNED MAN VISITED AGAIN BY HIS RELATIVES—PEACE CONFIRMS HIS CONFESSION.

He was assured that he was labouring under a misapprehension, and that the relatives who had any claim to see him should be admitted. He thereupon became calm and expresssd regret that he had been so hasty. Peace then conversed for some time about his “deed of gift,” and the disposition of his property. He told them that on the previous day Mr. Brion came to see him and spent nearly three hours with him. He obtained from Mr. Brion a list of the articles retained by him, and which belonged to Pea

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THE CONVICT’S CONFESSION.

THE CONVICT’S CONFESSION.

“I wanted to see you,” said Peace after a few moments, to unburden my mind to you. I know I am about to die, and I want to take from my conscience some things which weigh heavy upon it, but before I begin I want to ask you—do you believe I am anxious to speak the truth, and nothing but the truth?” He paused for a minute, and Mr. Littlewood also waited. Peace then resumed: “I know, sir, I am about to meet my God. I know that He will hear all that I now say in my cell, and that He will require me

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AFFECTING FAREWELL LETTERS &C., FROM PEACE TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY.

AFFECTING FAREWELL LETTERS &C., FROM PEACE TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY.

“O My Dear Wife how can I say good bye to thee for ever but I must say it so. “Good bye Good bye and may my God bless and bring thee to heaven at the last. Good bye for I am gone there.” Later on Peace wrote a second letter to his wife, as follows: — “From Charles Peace “H. M. Prison Leeds Tuesday Febe 25, 1879 to My Dear Wife “I think that this is a true view of how I stand in this world in the first Place my sentence was Life and with me having ben three in Penerservitue I could not having got

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SKETCH OF THE CONVICT’S CAREER.

SKETCH OF THE CONVICT’S CAREER.

“Caught again, he was tried and sentenced to four years’ penal servitude. Having served that term, he resumed his old life of fiddling and thieving, and in the course of his strolling met Hannah Ward, whom he is alleged to have married. “Soon after his marriage he went to Manchester, and whilst committing a burglary at Rusholme, on the 11th of August, 1859, was captured, after a desperate resistance, and again sentenced to penal servitude, this time to six years. “In the summer of 1864, however,

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PEACE’S EXTRAORDINARY CAREER.

PEACE’S EXTRAORDINARY CAREER.

“Three-fourths of the thefts which he has committed in this way have been between six and eight o’clock in the evening, and but very few of them after midnight. “Now that he has been found out to have been the sole perpetrator of some of the robberies, reference to the police books proves the statement as to the hours when these were done to be correct. “One night Peace repaired to a house in Greenwich, his object being to ‘borrow’ some jewellery which he knew to be in one of the bedrooms. It wa

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EVENTS BEFORE THE EXECUTION—LETTER FROM THE HABRONS.

EVENTS BEFORE THE EXECUTION—LETTER FROM THE HABRONS.

He then informed them that Messrs. Ford and Warren, solicitors, had been instructed to prepare another will and deed of gift, and that everything necessary had now been done to ensure their obtaining possession of whatever property he had. They would now have no difficulty in claiming all he had possessed wherever they found it. He next told them that Mr. Brion had been to see him, and had acknowledged to having in his custody their drawing-room suite, the model boat and case, cockatoo and cage,

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THE EXECUTION OF CHARLES PEACE.

THE EXECUTION OF CHARLES PEACE.

About five minutes to eight o’clock a procession emerged into the yard, taking a winding course to the prison wall to the scaffold. First came the Under-Sheriff, Mr. Gray, and the governor of the gaol, Mr. Keene, bearing rods of office, then followed the chaplain in his canonicals, reading the Burial Service, but he selected passages from the Scriptures which form the usual service at the gaol on such occasions. Immediately behind Mr. Cookson came the prisoner. He was supported by two warders, a

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THE EXECUTIONER’S STORY—A QUIET CHAT WITH MARWOOD.

THE EXECUTIONER’S STORY—A QUIET CHAT WITH MARWOOD.

A kind-hearted man enough, despite his profession, the executioner had promised me a private interview, and as soon as we were alone again he referred to the great skill he had attained in the science of hanging, and told me how Peace met his death. “A firmer step never walked to the scaffold,” he said. “I admired his bravery; he met his fate like a man; he acknowledged his guilt, and his hope in God with regard to his future was very good.” “But,” I asked, “don’t you think he feared death?” “No

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CAPITAL PUNISHMENT—MERCIFUL AND MERCILESS MODES IN DIFFERENT AGES.

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT—MERCIFUL AND MERCILESS MODES IN DIFFERENT AGES.

The use of fire is a prominent feature in their social circles, complicated with the facetious tomahawk and the insinuating scalping-knife. But we know the Modocs, the Sioux, and others like them, only too well. The Assyrians, Medes and Persians, ancient Egyptians, and other Orientals seemed to have employed similar agencies to their Israelitish neighbours for lopping off the rotten branches of their family trees. The processes are faithfully depicted and chiselled on the walls of Thebes, Persep

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CONCLUSION.

CONCLUSION.

They informed us that his sleep was troubled and his supper hearty; they dwelt on the poor wretch’s feeble endeavour to emulate his betters in a silly and sickly “improving of the occasion”—which apparently is achieved by an abundant use of the second person singular, and frequent references to the Gospel of St. Chadband; they hovered about his last sleep, and peered into the cups and egg-shells of his last breakfast. And the occasion was one of such surpassing interest, the opportunity for dis

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