The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1888-12-27


Toward the close of the day, for the
first time Cunliffe opened his eyes and
attempted to speak, but could not utter
a word.
For several DAYS the unfortunate in.
yentnr fingered between life and death.
Thanks TO the doctors skill and gentle
nursing of his con, he gradually recOv-
cred and regained his speech. The ply
sicisn declared that unless unforeseen
complication arose he would answer for
his life.
The inspector then asked him to re-
late the particulars of the assault, but
Cunl fife hesltated and was "isably dis
tressed. He finally promised that he
would endeavor to do 50, but, in order
to set his mind "a. ease, requested that
certain box, which he described and
W which would be found in his ! lboratory,
first be brought to him.
The Inspector, after complying with
his wish and telling Reginald to with
draw to another room, then said !:
do you know your assailant ??
Cunlffe looked embarrassed, then, af-
ter pause, answered
No"
"Who was with you when you were
attacked p
IL was alone"
Where was your son 7"
HE had gone for the doctor"
did you not see the face of the man
who struck you p
Another pause, followed by NJ"
The inspector then called detec i've,
who handed him a cane.
"D, Won recognize this ?n
Cunl ffe shuddered, but did not an
sHer. "-
"This must have been the weap n
with which you we're struck" continued
The inspector, pointing to several lnden-
tations covered with blood stains. at
is your duty, painful as it may be, to
answer my questions truthfully. Who
is the owner of this cane 2
"I-l--do not know"
1t belongs to your son Reginald. The
servant Watkins recognized 1t.
My God murmured the old man.
At that moment the detective re en-
tered and handed dispatch 10 the in
spector. After reading it he whispered
few words to a subord nate, who re-
tired. Then turning toward Cunliffe
Il have ascertained that, excepting a
difference of opinion on religious mat
iers, your intercourse with your brother
Laurence has always been harmonious.
| His wealth and unblemishHd reputation
are eou.l TO your own. Although your
religious disagreement has somew hat
estranged you, he did not hesitate to
come and see YOU when he learned from
Watkins that your health was impaired.
Since that visit he has not been heard
from. Now, tell me, was he witness
to the assault p
"a witness p gasped the old man.
"Do not attempt to thwart the ends oil
justice by shielding the guilty, however
closely related"
~ do not understand you"
Learn, then, that your assallant not
only attempted to murder you, but
actually killed your brother"
Laurence murdered Can it be pos
sible r.
"His body has been discovered in g
well on the high road, near Randolph
house. According to tie inquest, his
death occurred about the same time
either before or after you were attacked
Your brother had no enemies or finan
cial troubles, and was too pious mar
to commit suicide. Near the spot where
the crime was committed the murderer
dropped glove. We have traced th'
identity OF the owner. Will you tell me
now the name of your assailant"
II cannot tell y
"Your reluctance to name the cuprit
added to the evidence which | possess
only confirms my suspicious. 1t is
therefore, my duty to place your sol
under arrest.P
"Arrest Reginald No no Yo!
, will not do that My son is innocent.
The inspector then exhibited glove
"This is the glove the detectives fount
near Randolph's house. 1t also belong
TO your son. found its mate in one o
his pockets. Whether he threw you
brother into the well before he attacked
you will be asc certained before long.
The Inspector bowed and moved towart
, the door
"For heavens sake" cried the wretch
, ed old man, "wait Do not leave me
: You shall know the truth; but com
nearer. I'll whisper his name-GOd !
, my witness thai | would willingly hav
carried this secr' to The grave; but
cannot allow my son to be wrongful.
@ accused. The man who struck me wa
not responsible; he was insane. know
/ IL; could see 1t in his face, by ever.
p word he uttered. Oh, Laurence, m.
. poor brother
. The inspector looked surpris ed, You
. brother You accuse Laurence Gun
life of the deed 2 What was his me
a tive y
q "He had none. | tell you he mus
a have been insane. He entered my lab
= oratory a few minutes after my sor ha
y left il in search of the doctor, The poo
;, boy must have dropped his gloves on tn
: road, unfortunately, near the well l
which my brother undoubtedly plunge
I after striking me into insensibillty wit
Reginald's loaded cane. Oh had h
only taken it away with him, all thl
=, trouble might perhaps, have bee
q averted "
A queer expression came over the II
specttlls face. He evidently doubte
d the truthfulness of Cunlfe's assertio
4 and believed that he accused his mul
= dered brother in order to shi'ld his sor
= After a few memenls thought he II
quired
Il 80 you believe that your brolhe
committed suicide IN fit Of insanity
Il 'Iam sure Of it Oh. II you coul
Is only have heard him Hi1 wild, inct
y herent threats, while struggling to g
this box away from me =
II As the old man pointed toward th'
object his face suddenly frightened uI
II then, as ir suddenly struck with an ideI
il he exclalmt :
el "Quick place it here-rieht near me