In Cold Blood.

Free Stephens Shot Down by His Clerk in His House.

The Deadly Use of Pistols.

A terrible tragedy in which a former citizen of Cartersville figures—meager account of the terrible affair.

Tuesday evening the report was current the “Free” Stephens was killed. The report was the outcome of telegram received by the family about a very unfortunate affair. The account when it comes to detail has been exceptionally meager, up to this time, but enough is known to give color to the report as given by a train man on the Rome express yesterday morning.

He says that Stephens, who is a good merchant and solid business man at Livingston, in Floyd county, left his home as usual almost weekly for a number of years, going to Rome, but as it was his custom to return late at night. He went home early, and hitching his horse near his home, entered his own domicile to find F. C. Wilkerson in a compromising position with his wife in his own room. He immediately opened fire on the young man, and Wilkerson being well armed returned the same. The result was Wilkerson received three shots and Stephens two. Wilkerson’s shots were in the arm and side and may or may not prove dangerous. Stephens wounds were, either of them fatal. He lived only two hours. The whole affair is regretted here.

The remains were brought to this city yesterday and will be buried today.