The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-12-08

companion. I was at once shown 10 the
room of the murdered man. and then began
making such an examination as only a de-
tectipe knows how TO make. Circumstances
of the most trivial character, which would
be overlooked by an ignorant person, are
often seized upon by O skillful detective and
sometimes constitute the most damaging
evidence of guilt. In this case, however,
everything had been done in the most skill
full manner, and | could not succeed in
making any discovery.
was about TO leave the room In despair
when. glancing toward the bed, l noticed
what appeared to be a slight scratch on the
neck of the murdered man just above the
gaping wound which had so cruelty let out
his LIES blood. On examination l found 1t
to be nothing more than q hair, which had
in some manner probably become loosened
from the head of the assassin and had
settled on the neck of the victim, where it
now lay, silent yet truthful witness,
pointing out the guilty wretch 10 the eye Of
justice. The hair was Of deep red color,
which was totally unlike that of any of the
household. 1t was. indeed, the same color
and shade as that of Conrad Smithers.
placed it carefully in my pocket book,
and saying nothing TO any one Of my dis
covery, started fer the residence OF Smith
ers, intent on doing little acting. Hound
him, as his attendant said, i'll in bed, and on
no account must he be disturbed.
This sickness is but stratagen," /
thought, ito divert suspicion"
Telling the woman that wanted 10 see
him but for moment on the most urgent
business, she finally reluctantly consented
to MY entrance. found him lying upon a
bed. apparently In great pain. 1n my
youth had studied medicine, and was con-
seQuently well Informed IN such matters.
and L saw at once, with quick glance, that
he was only feignlng sickness. lie started
up somewhat angrily as l entered, but
ella rad a,x,fth ~ -,
Conrad Smithers, this is a desperate
game you are playing, but it will avail you
nothing"
what do you mean ?" he exclaimed,
springing TO his feet. his illness all gone.
Il mean that the game is up, and the
murderer OF John Randolph is discovered"
Thrown completely of his guard as l an
tlcipated, he sank into chair aud burying
his face IN his hands sobbei out
Lost lostP
'Do you confess the murder. then?"
Il do" be answered, now that conceal.
ment is no longer of use"
took him at once into custody and soon
had the satisfaction of seeing him change
places with Edgar Morton.
Conrad Smithers was tried for the murder,
and knowing that any defense would be
useless after his confession to Inc. he
pleaded guilty and threw himself upon the
mercy of the court. which sentenced him to
impTiSon ment for life.
1t needs scarcely to be explained that the
villain Smithers had found an opportunity
Of visiting Edgar Morton's room in his alb
sence. and possessed himself of the razor
and the articles Of clothing. After the COM
mission OF the murder he had returned 10
the apartment and deposited the blood
stained evidences of his crime, thus incrimi-
mating Edgar.
About year after l received an invita-
ton 10 the wedding of Cecilia Randolph and
Edgar Morton b.n In
gether and never cease thanking me that
Edgar was saved bv a hair