Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1893-02-25
aWeil, Mr. rcrguson,s she said. ris-

sWeil, Mr.. Ferguson she said, ris-
Ing and preparing TO accompany me,
@you will lind everything as it was
when first discovered. The officer de-
cided not to disturb anything until
after the inquest, which takes place
tomorrow forenoon"
Wrapping myself up in my great
coat. we set out, and, after a brisk
walk OF ten minutes, reached the hand
some residence of my companion.
was at once shown 10 the room of the
murdered man, and then began maxi
ing such an examination as only de-
tective knows how TO make. Circum-
stancesof the most trivial character.
which would be overlooked by an ig-
norant person, are often seized upon
by skillful detective. and sometimes
constitute the most damaging evidence
of guilt. In this case. however, every
thing had been done in the most skill
full manner, and l could not succeed in
making any discovery.
was about to leave the room in
despair when, glancing toward the
bed, noticed what appeared TO be a
slight scratch OH the neck Of the mur-
dered man, just above the gaping
wound which had so cruelty let out
his life's blood. On examination I
found it to be nothing more than a
hair, which had in some manner prob
ably become loosened from the head
OF the assassin and had settled on the
neck Of the victim, where il now lay,
silent yet truthful witness, pointis 2
out the guilty wretch to the eve of JUS
tice. The hair was Of deep red color,
which was totally unlike that of any
Of the household. II was, indeed, the
same color and shade as that OF Con-
rad Smithers.
placed it carefully in my pocket.
book. and saying nothing to any one
OF my discovery started for the resi-.
dence of Smithers. intent on doing a
little acting. i found him, as his at
tendant said, i'll In bed and on no &C.
count must be disturbed.
This sickness is but stratagem,"
thought "to divert. suspicion"
Telling the woman that wanted to
see him but for n moment on the most
urgent business. she finally reluctantly
consented to my entrance. / found
him lying upon bed. apparently in
great pain. In my youth had studied
medicine, aud was consequently vel
informed in such matters. and saw
at once, with quick glance, that he
was only fcigning sickness He started
up somewhat angrily as | entered, bu
silenced him with motion OF my
head.
Conrad Smithers, this Is desper
ate game you are playing, but it will
avail you nothing"
what do you mean?" he exclaimed
springing TO his feet, his illness al
gone.
IL mean that the game is up, anC
the murderer of John Randolph is dis
covered"
Thrown completely of his guard, a
anticipated. he sank into a chair ant
burying his face in his hands sobbeC
out:
Lost, lost"
"Do you confess the murder, then?
Il do" he answered, NOW that con
ceaimeut 10 no .o.gc 6. rec"
took him ut once into custody ant
soon had the satisfaction OF seeing hin
change places with Edgar Morton.
Conrad Smithers was tried for th
murder, and knowing that any de
fense would be useless after his con
fession to me, he pleaded guilty ant
threw himself upon the mercy OF tn
court, which sentenced him to impris
onment for life.
Ii needs scarcely to be explainet
that the villain Smithers had found al
opportunity of visiting Edgar Morton
room in his absence, and possessed
himself of the razor and the articles o
clothing. After the commission of th
murder he had returned to the apart
ment, and deposited the blood staine,
evidences of his crime, thus incrimiu
8uoMtTyedr arrer-r-rccervru-s m
vitation to the wedding of Cecilia Ran
dolph and Edgar Morton. who liv
most happily together and never ceas
thanking me that Edgar was saved b
hair.