, and Mr. Sydney
standing over her with the knife in his hand. On seeing this
she screamed for assistance, and her cries had brought the
watchman and citizens into the house, as we have stated.

'Mr. Sydney is a very wealthy young man, and has heretofore
been highly respected. There can be no doubt of his guilt. He
had probably formed a criminal connection with Mrs. Archer,
whose character for chastity did not stand very high; it is
supposed that it was in consequence of this intimacy that Mrs.
Sydney recently separated from her husband. It is also
presumed that a quarrel arose between Sydney and his paramour
in consequence of his refusal to supply her with what money
she demanded. This belief is predicated upon the following
note, in the handwriting of Sydney, which was found upon the
person of his murdered victim:--

'Mrs. Archer.--Madam: I shall this evening call upon you to
confirm the words of my messenger. The unfortunate career
which you have followed, is now nearly ended. Extortion and
oppression shall triumph no longer. F.S.'

'This note, it will be perceived, accuses her of extortion
and contains a threat, &c. Alarmed at this, the poor young
woman determined to leave the house that night--but was
prevented by her paramour who barbarously slew her.

'The prisoner, whose appearance and behavior after his arrest
proved his guilt, was conveyed to the Tombs, to await his trial
for one of the most atrocious murders that has stained our
criminal courts for many years.'

Thus it will be seen that poor, innocent Frank was regarded as the
murderer.

It is needless for us to enter into the particulars of his trial:
suffice it to say, he was convicted of the murder and sentenced to
death. The evidence, though entirely circumstantial, was deemed positive
against him. Mrs. Flint testifying that he was the only person who had
entered the house that evening, and the situation in which she had
discovered him, the murderous weapon in his hand, and his clothes
stained with blood, admitted not a doubt of his guilt in the minds of
the jury, who did not hesitate to bring in their fatal verdict,
conscientiously believing it to be a just one.

A few days previous to his trial, the public were astounded by the
intelligence that Mrs. Stevens, the prisoner's aunt, had committed
suicide by hanging; a