The Sun

THE PEMBROKE TRAGEDY.

A Man in Custody who was Suspected of a Similar Murder in 1874.

Suncook, N. H., Oct. 14.—The Pembroke tragedy took on a new phase yesterday, an arrest having been made that promises to clear up this dark and mysterious affair. Early yesterday afternoon a Frenchman named Lapage was arrested and taken to the jail in Concord. On Friday last a letter was received by the authorities here asking whether a man named Lapage, who was arrested in St. Albans for the murder of Miss Ball at the latter place on the 24th of July, 1874, had been seen in this neighborhood, and suggesting that it would be well to look after him. Suspicion had fallen upon this man, who, as it proved, was or had been working in Suncook. A search of the premises where he lived was made, and he was watched. On being examined by the detective yesterday he acknowledged that he was arrested at St. Albans for the murder mentioned, but was discharged. Except by his own statement he could not account for himself on the morning of the Langmaid murder. He said that he travelled in the woods after a job of work from 7 o'clock to 12. At 2 P. M. he was seen in Dodge's woods, some six miles from the scene of the murder, and it is reported that in the morning he was seen at a grist mill about a mile and a half beyond. He speaks no English, is about 5 feet 9 inches high, has dark hair and beard, and a piercing black eye. He is of rather slight build, though muscular. The officers are confident that he is the man wanted. When arrested he appeared considerably disturbed. A reward of two thousand dollars has been offered by the town of Pembroke.