The Globe-republican., 1892-06-13

"One moment, Mr.. Paxton, I believe
you are too hasty. I, too, have con-
cealed a certain item of knowledge
regarding this crime. because did not
wish to bring suspicion and disgrace
upon one whom believe to be innocent,
despite the evidence Of my own sight,
from my knowledge of her character, "
said Stuart Harland.
This is becoming interesting said
Paxton
DO you confirm this woman's story"
demanded Stanmore.
Listen, SIR" answered Stuart, and
then he went on to relate how on the
night of the murder, as he was leaving
the house just after the crime must have
been committed, he saw Marion step
out of the office with a paper in one
hand, and something from which the
light glinted as though it might have
been reflected from a polished metallic
surface in the other.
He also told how frightened Marion
looked, and how she had fed up the rear
stairs
In conclusion he said:
After all, have so much confidence
in Marion, as 1 have said, that be-
lieve there is some explanation Of her
conducts yet to be made which will
leave US all without doubt Of her inno-
cence."
AS Stanmore listened to Stuart Har-
lands story he uttered a groan and
buried his face in his hands.
Both Stuart and Paxton regarded
hip wonderingly, and they asked them
selves:
What is Marion Oakburn to Mr.. Stan.
more?"
AS Stuart concluded, StanmOre arose
and he looked as though the room was
sitting him, as though he could not
breathe, and he went out Keeling like q
drunken man.
Have done right in telling all this?"
asked Stuart of Paxton.
You have. Justice demands that all
possible light should be cast upon this
case" answered the detective.
Judith Kredge seemed delighted at
Stuart's unexpected confirmation Of her
statement.
Now you will believe mel" she cried.
Yes, we believe your statement that
you saw Marion Oakburn as described,
but we do not yet admit her guilt as
proven" answered Paxton.
If more evidence is wanted, it Is fur
nished by her flight. She ran away be-
cause she became alarmed and feared
she would be arrested" continued Ju-
dith.
And 80 you are guilty of compound
ing felony, Miss Judith" said Paxton
suddenly.
IL don't comprehend.
I m rofrooh
memory. Marion Oakburn bribed you
to keep it a secret that you saw her
leave the Office on the night of the MUIR
der"
NO! MOI"
Il know it is true. You wrung the
last dollar she possessed from that poor
girl, and also suspect you compelled
her to give you her jewelry."
1T is false"
I'VE have a faculty for making discov-
cries. know all about your bank ac-
count, and 1 have seen Marion Oak
burns locket which was pawned by
you"
Il deny it.
1T will do you no good to deny what
We can prove. 1t is criminal Offense
to compound felony, or in other words
to conceal a crime. If you expect any
mercy at my hands, truthfully answer
my questions. Do you know where
Levi was at the time of the MURDER"
No, sir, answered Judith.
do you know where Marion Oak
burn ISL"
NO"
Paxton reflected for a moment in this
wise:
Since she has powerful motive in
seeking to place the crime on some one
besides her brother, were it not that
Stuart Harland has confirmed her story,
should not credit it. And yet il Ma
rion Oakburn is innocent, why did she
bride Judith to keep her secret"
Presently he said to Judith:
We will accompany you home.
want to see the pistol you say is con-
cealed in Marion Oakburn's trunk"
Judith assented.
AS they were leaving the Office, Stan
more re-entered, and being informed Of
their contemplated visit to Oakburn's
apartment, he accompanied them.
Upon their arrival at the house, Judith
led the way directly to Marion's room,
and the others followed her.
Entering Marion's apartment, Judith
said, pointing to trunk:
Search for yourselves"
The trunk was locked, but Paxton
forced the lid, and in a moment he dis
covered a strange looking pistol of large
caliber at the bottom of the trunk
1t was indeed the very weapon that
Marion Oakburn concealed there on the
night of the murder.
Eagerly Paxton examined it.
1t is an air pistol, he said in q mo-
ment.
Then producing the large peculiar
shaped bullet which had caused John
Oakburn's death he added:
Now for the supreme test. II this is
the pistol from which the shot that killed
Oakburn was discharged, this bullet
will fit it,"
Then he tried the bullet in the pistol.
There was no longer a doubt.
The bullet fitted the pistol perfectly.
I'VE have found the weapon with which
Oakburn was killed." said Paxton, now
fully convinced on this point.