“The testimony of the principal witness was doubted.  Last night I remained at the house of Smith.  Owing to the great excitement I did not retire to rest, and sat in a room adjoining that in which Smith lodged.  About midnight I heard a voice in that room.  I went to the door, and, fearing he was sick and desired aid, I entered.  He was asleep, and did not awake upon my entering, but continued talking.  I thought it strange, and thinking I might be amused, and having nothing else to do, I sat and listened.  He spoke in somewhat this manner, and you may judge of my surprise while I listened: 

“’I’m rich; too bad Pedro should die; but I’m rich; no matter, I’m rich.  Kings kill their millions for a little money.  I only kill one man; in six months ’t will be forgotten; then I’ll go to the bank of earth back of the red mill and get the gold; I placed it there safe, and safe it is.  Ha, ha!  I made that story in nine days-so I did, and might have made it in less; let him die.  But supposing I should be detected; then it may be that I shall find that Pedro is right when he says there is something better than gold.  But I am in no danger.  The secret is in my own heart, locked up, and no one has the key but myself; so cheer thee, my soul, I’m safe!-and yet I don’t feel right.  I shall feel, when Pedro dies; that I kill him; but why should I care?  I who have killed one, may kill another!’

“After waiting some time, and hearing no more, I hastened to the spot he had alluded to, for the purpose of satisfying myself whether what he had ramblingly spoken of was truth or fancy.  After searching the hill for over an hour, I found a stone, or rather stumbled against it; I threw it aside, so that others might not stumble over it as I had, when to my astonishment I found it to be a large flat one, beneath which I found a collection of bags and boxes, which upon opening I found filled with gold and silver coin, and in each box a small paper,—­one of which I hold in my hand; all are alike, and written upon each are these words: 

“’This gold and silver is the property of Pedan, who enjoyed it but little himself; he leaves it to posterity, and hopes that they may find more pleasure and more satisfaction in its use than he ever did.’

“Not content with this, I pushed my researches still further, and, having taken out all the bags and boxes, I found this knife, all bloody as you see it, and this hatchet in nearly the same condition.  Now I ask if it is not the course of justice to delay the execution of this young man until more examinations can be made?”

The executioner obeyed the mandate of the sheriff, and stayed his avenging hand.

“Better than gold!” shouted the prisoner, and sank helpless upon the platform.

That day John Smith was arrested, and, being bluntly charged with the murder, confessed all.  Castello was immediately released, and went forth a free man.

In four weeks Smith was no more of earth; he had paid the penalty of his crimes, and died not only a murderer but a perjured man.