HUNTING DOWN A DETECTIVE.

Temuka Leader, Volume 2, Issue 139, 23 April 1879, Page 3

HUNTING DOWN A DETECTIVE.

It will be remembered, says a contemporary, that some years ago there were in Dunedin two sergents of police—one named Farrell, and the other Rj T an. Some scandal occurred concerning Farrell’s wife and Ryan. A quarrel ensued, and a shot was fired. Ryan stood his trial for attempting to murder Farrell, but was acquitted by a jury of his own countrymen. Since that time Ryan was tried for murder on the West Coast ; but again he was - acquitted. When Farrell (now a detective) was in Wellington a short time ago, Ryan suddenly appeared on the scene. He followed Farrell wherever that astute officer went. Detective Farrell, from no apparent cause, left for Wanganui. It is said that he asked to he removed in order to escape the presence of his persecutor. But to Wanganui Ryan followed him. There ho limited him like fate. Farrell went up country ; Ryan went too. Farrell came back to Wellington • so did Ryan. Then Farrell went away to Auckland, where he now is ; but Ryan is there too. A friend of Farrell’s interviewed Ryan one day, and asked him why he followed Farrell. Ryan replied “ that he believed Farrell had shot himself at Dunedin years ago in order to get him hanged for murder, and that he would in revenge hunt him to the brink of the grave.” This grim story reminds one of Tom Hood’s “ Dream of Eugene Arm.” Again one sees Eugene starting up with horror, and exclaiming—- “ But still no sleep for the restless clay, Will wave or mould allow, The horrid thing pursues me still ; It stands before me now !”