Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1889-11-15

= thought mere curiosity
had made her thoughtlessly summon him
to her.
Thus she answered his leading question.
YES, | wanted to see you badly. |
read an account of that shocking murder
in Union square last night and | also
read that YOU were one Of those who saw
the frightful deed"
"Nes," he replied shortly, and though
annoyed and astonished he did not fail
TO appreciate that she was greatly agi-
tated and seemed to make efforts at self
repression.
Il knew the murdered man, she con-
tinued "Indeed lie was somewhat Of
relative; | was much shocked"
Every naturally.'
"NhO committed the murder"
"Oh, that is wrapped in mystery. The
authorities are at complete standstill;
they have not q single clew of any value"
But you saw the man, according to
the newspaper account
YES, at a distance. Indeed, saw him
closely, but did not then observe him
with attention. l was looking from my
window. and was dimly conscious of a
man standing on the pavement beneath,
and Of his stepping off the curbstone to
walk across the street. | was awakened
to full consciousness Of his existence by
seeing him seize the man he met by the
arm, and then striking him down; the
next moment he fled through the park.
/ was not aware murder was done until
l heard the cry from third
"Was the third man connected with
the attack? ! saw he was arrested"
81 think not. lie gave a clear account
of himself, and his statements have been
verified by the police; he was released
this morning."
a shade Of veXation passed over the
face oi his charming companion, and
Holbrook's establishment was further in
creased by the fact.
"Were not the authorities foolish in
letting him go?" she asked, after brief
moment of silence. He may have been
the murderer"
'Impossible," said Holbrook. 81 saw
the man strike his victim and then run
into the park, and saw the other twenty
feet away crying murder
''Iou will be a witness, then, in his
favor"
An angry flush spread over Flora's
face, and her gray eyes glittered
Certainly, if he be accused" replied
Holbrook, amazed at the question. but
there is little fear of that"
If an accuser be needed, he may find
one in me-"
Holbrook was utterly COMPOUNDED.
"Do you know the man? Do you
know anything of this MURDER"
The lady showed that she felt she had
discovered more emotion than the situa-
ton warranted, and, by an effort, re-
sumed control of herself.
you ask two questions. l do not
know the man. / never heard of him
before. What is his name?'
"Wessing.'
Eyes, Messing, Do know anything
about this murder? Nothing except
what ] have read and what you have
told me. But how happens it that he
was there at that hour in the morning
so opportnely to cry Murder and mis-
lead others by attracting attention to
himself; Were you not mistaken,
awakened, as you confess, from a sort
of stupor, and did you not imagine you
saw man running away
She had again lost control of herself,
and she was speaking with great earnest
ness ard with heightened color. Hol-
brook wondered at it all, but he replied
coldly:
"No, Miss Ashgrove, l was not mis-
taken. If you were to accuse this young
gentleman you would be doing a griev-
GUS wrong, and, as well, placing your
self IN false position. You forget that
] saw the man run away after the blow.
throwing oil his coat as he ran. Suisse
quently the coat and other articles used
for this disguise were found
Flora tossed her head increduously.
Holbrook continued:
"The bitterness you manifest surprises
me"
The lady shot an angry glance at him.
at is you who forget now. told Won
that Mr., IemDletOn was n friond enI .