48 



Murder in the Seventeenth Century. 



in vain by the magistrate) when he was set at liberty. He had said 

 to some folks whilst thus confined that Mr. Harrison had been murdered 

 by a tinker ; to others that a gentleman's servant who lived near had 

 robbed and murdered him; to other third parties again that he was 

 murdered and concealed in a bean rick. None of these stories were 

 found to be correct. On his release he was immediately, no doubt 

 pressed much by his intelligent and inquisitive neighbours. At 

 length, that same day, he said, " If he were taken once more before 

 the magistrate he would confess to him."" This was done at once. 

 On being questioned he said his master was murdered, but not by 

 him. Then said the magistrate " If you know he was murdered, you 

 must know the murderer." Perry said, " So I do.-''' The magistrate 

 then asked him further. He declared it was his mother and 

 brother who had done it. The magistrate warned him. He might 

 be guilty of his master's death, but he should pause ere he drew 

 innocent lives into peril. But Perry declared it was true and that if 

 he died at once he would justify his affirmation. He was next ex- 

 amined as to how it happened. He said his mother and brother had, 

 ever since he entered Mr. Harrison's service, urged him to let them 

 know when his master was going to collect " My Lady's " rent, that 

 they might waylay and rob him. That during the morning of the 

 16th of August he met his brother in Campden Street, and told him 

 of his master's intended visit to Charringworth that day, and that if 

 he met him he might get some money. Accordingly in the evening, 

 when he was sent to meet his master, he found his brother before the 

 gate, on the quest. They then went together towards Charringworth 

 until they came to an enclosure belonging to Lady Campden's, 

 called the Conigre, across which is the nearest way to that village 

 from Mr. Harrison's. But the gate of it could only be opened by those 

 who had a key. John Perry went on to say that he then told his 

 brother Richard he thought his master had just gone in there (for 

 he had seen some one go in with a key), and that if he followed 

 him he might rob him, whilst he would take a turn in the fields. 

 This he did. Alter a time returning, he found in the middle of the 

 Conigre his master on the ground, his brother upon him, and his 

 mother standing by. Mr, Harrison was not then dead, for he cried 



