The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1894-10-05

SOHC, odiu L dut DlOEbOu dISE1ly.
"Are you aware of the manner in
which this boy has been treated by
the person to whom you committed
him?"
''Yes, presume so. You perhaps
have credited the boys story, which
probably is wholly unreliable. or
urse | do noG know what he has
told you"
Then, sir. l have to inform you
that it is only by a miracle that the
boy stands here to-day IN health.
This wretch made two distinct at
tempts to murder him." and he
pointed his finger at James Cromwell.
'~sImpossible!" exclaimed Paul Nor
ton, n~ervously.
ut is not only possible, but true.
On the first occasion he attempted to
hurl him over Niagara Falls, but the
boys quick grasp saved him from
the fearful fate"
81 cannot believe this" muttered
Mr.. Morton.
"On the second occasion he seized
him unaWares while both were on a
boat on a pond, and threw him into
the water to drown. Fortunately,
he was rescued by one who witnessed
the attempt"
ssThese are fables" said Paul
Morton. The boy has grossly de-
ceived you"
ave can send for evidence if
necessary" said Major Woodley
an01f, s,l,,f that mill In,Ii- lo
necessary. If you look at that mans
face, you will read upon it that the
story is no invention, and is the
literal truth"
He pointed to Cromwell, who was
livid with terror, and stricken with
the confusion of conscious guilt. He
staggered to his feet and in his
wild terror attempted to rush out of
the apartment.
In this he was unsuccessful.
Woodley coolly stepped in front of
him and said, Not so fast, Mr.. Crom-
well. We cannot dispense with you
yet"
Cromwell glanced at the stalwart
figure of the major, and he saw that
resistance would be useless. Hoping
to make better terms for himself, he
said. Promise not to harm me and
! will tell you all"
Are you mad?" said Paul Morton
sharply, filed with terror lest his
confederate should betray him. "Do
you never plead guilty to this afro
cious charge!"
why should he not, if he is
guiltyH" demanded Major Woodley.
..It appears that you desire to shield
him"
Paul Morton saw his imprudence,
and determined to adopt a different
course.
eff he is guilty I do not wish to
shield him. But | thought you
meant to terrify him into confessing
what was not true"
There is no need of that. We
cal prove the charge on the testi-
mony of the boy, and the man who
witnessed the attempt to drown him.
| will not engage to screen him from
punishment, but if he confesses it,
he will stand a better chance of
mercy"
Then" said Cromwell, clutching
at this promise. II will tell you all.
l did try to drown the boy"
land what could have been your
motive for such a dastardly deed9"
.'Mr. Morton promised me $40, 600
when the boy was dead"
Its a lie!" calculated Paul Nor
ton hoarsely. .'He has told an
atrocious falsehood!!"
But, though he spoke thus, his
face became livid, and the truth was
patent in his look.
Can this be true?" demanded Ma
jor Woodley, shocked and startled.
What motive could Mr.. Morton
have for conniving at such a crime?
How would the boys death benefit
him?"
Read his fathers will, and you
will know" said Cromwell. s.At the
boys death the whole property goes
to Nh. Norton"
els this true, Mr.. Morton:9" said
Major Woodley sternly.
s much is true, out the other is
a base lie" said the merchant.
Il could wish it were SC. What
evidence can you give of the truth
of your statement? Have you the
offer in writing?"
No, he was too careful to write
it, but he limited at it in terms
which only | could understand"
HE is a miserable liar" said the
merchant.
Il a hardly believe him capable
of such an atrocity."
You cannot"' said Cromwell,
glancing at Paul Morton spitefully.
Then l will tell you what he is ca
pable of. l accuse him here Of poi
soning the boys father"
Good heavens! are you mad?" ex-
claimed Major Woodley. starting.
Il am perfectly aware of what [
am saying. and [ can prove it. He
bought the poison of me, at time
when. L vas employed in a drug store
on the Bowery. 1t was a slow poi
son which accomplished its work
without leaving any 'p~erceptible
traces"