This is Peace’s own account of the encounter.
After he had fired wide at the ill-fated young man, Cock, the latter seized hold of his staff, and was evidently bent on capturing the ruffian. He rushed at Peace, whom he was about to strike.
The burglar now saw that he had no time to lose. He was determined not to be captured, and was bent on effecting his escape at all hazards, even if it was at the sacrifice of human life.
He discharged another barrel of his revolver, in the hopes of disabling the arm of the officer, who held the staff.
The ball entered the unfortunate man’s breast, and the poor fellow, with a deep groan, fell to the earth.
Peace managed to make his escape.
Policeman Cock had received his death wound, the bleeding from which was chiefly internal.
His comrades came to his assistance and raised him up, but he was in such acute agony that he begged of them to leave him alone.
He was, however, removed, and very shortly afterwards breathed his last.
Peace got clear off, and no one for a moment suspected that he had any hand in the murder.