Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 August 1895 — His Hand Betrayed Him. [ARTICLE]

His Hand Betrayed Him.

Sir Ashley Cooper, the eminent English surgeon who flourished fifty years ago, possessed the detective instinct. He was once called upon to perform an most hopeless operation upon a Mr. Blight,, who had jhst been shot by an unknown assassin. The prominence of the man and the mystery surrounding the shooting rendered the case celebrated. ,_± Mr. Blight was unconscious at the time of the operation, and no information could be obtained from him. The moment Sir Ashley examined the wound he turned to his assistant and said: _ “A pistol has been fired at him *with the left hand.” . Then he explained his reasons for his conclusion. While he was still engaged in this explanation, Mr. Blight’s partner, a Mr. Patch, a man esteemed as reputable, entered the house and was shown into the room. Something about his manner and countenance attracted the attention of Sir Astley, and he whispered to his colleague: “If that gentleman were left-handed, I should suspect him of the crime.” The next instant he turned to Patch and said: “Will you kindly hand me fl at Hut?!’ Patch did so, using his left hand. Mr. Blight died. Patch was accused of the murder, and, upon being tried and condemned on circumstantial evidence, confessed his guilt He was duly executed.