Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-05-30
!:n Co a sudden halt as he read the name.
 ,:gar Strong, Attorney-at-law and No


 ,:gar Strong, Attorney-at-law and No l:'.- E;.h!;c."
 ''J,ssl t.le manl" exclaimed the jubi. hnt detective, when he saw the sign.
 But difficulty presented itself at once in the fact that, owing to the latcness of the hour, the young attorney had long since gone home, and could not of course be seen at his office. The same was true of all the lawyers in Grlmsby, and so, after little reflection, Sawyer decided that it would be best to call Edgar Strong who would take a personal interest in the case, and whose home was but a short distance away.
 It did not take long to arouse Edgar Strong and to enlist his services and sym- pathies.
 "I half suspected Eckert from the start, he said.
 In a few quick, nervous sentences the detective told him the stirring story of the pursuit into the mine, the disaster, and the weird discovery which followed, and which brought to light the missing cash-box, bearing the name of Philip Carson, and in which were contained many precious papers.
 All this we found in the possession of Tom Eclert, said the detective, "after he had been rescued more dead than alive from under the avalanche of an. thracite by which he had been over- whelmed."
 II see it all" said Edgar ssStrong in amaZement, land you think Eckert can. if he will, tell us the entire story of Philip Carson's murder. It looks that way"
 And the sooner we get his story the better, added the detective.
 "What relief it will be to Zelda if this man can effectually dispel the cloud that hovers over her cousin, said Strong: "and for her sake hope this Eckert will retain his reason until he has told Us all he knows about the murder and rob- bery."
 When they reached the hospital they were dismayed to ascertain that Tom Eckert was too feeble to make a confes- sion, or undergo surgical operation
 Detective Sawyer was particularly an moved by this information. He feared the wounded man might not. rally suf- cciently to be able to make any state ment, and so he called aside the physi-
  that Eckert was the custodian of a great secret, which he had promised to tell be- fore he died. But you don't want to hasten the mans death by urging him to tell this ter. rible story" said the doctor. "Other lives will be imperiled if this mans black secret dies with him." con. tepded the detective. "I believe, doc- tor, that he can tell us who killed Philip | Carson. The doctor was interested at once.
 'It is an important case," he said, " and we might be able to do something to stimulate this man into a temporary | condition of mental activity, sufficient to | enable him to relate the circumstances: but he ought not to be prompted" "I am opposed to anything of that kind myself,' said the detective. q would only ask him if he has any state ment to make before he dies. He has all | ready intimated that he has, and we want to take it, because we feel that it | some precious lives and the honor of a family"
 q will see what can be done, said the doctor, leaving the little ereception-room, in which this conversation had taken place, and going to the couch on which Tom Eckert lay.
 The wounded man opened his eyes wide on seeing the physician approach, and cried out:
 "Doctor, where is the man that's going to take my statement? Ifeel that can not live much longer. This pain is kill ing me, and must relieve my mind of the great burden that expresses me, be- fore die.
 "Do you feel able to make such a state. ment ?" asked the doctor.
 "Yes, was the reply; but cannot stand this pain much longer. Unless the lawyer comes soon to take down my statement, I will not be able to make it. "Very well, said the doctor "Pre- pare yourself. The lawyer and his as. sistant are close by, and will be here at ,nce." Saying this, he gave Eckert a mild stimulant, which Guickened his fac Ilties, and he immediately afterward introduced Attorney Edgar Strong and he detective.
 The eyes of the wounded man were lhaded from the light, so that he paid but title heed to those who were about to 'ake his statement. Nor did he care much. In that solemn moment he felt hat life was about to slip away from Jim, and that the one duty he owed to ociety, against which he had sinned, fn fos hn