The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-08-23

s. Stamps IncloSed for Reply. s. s.
SS BY HOWARD FIELDING .ASG
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BY HOWARD FIELDING.

the door. and there was whispered con-
ference at the close OF which the coroner
came forward and said:
81 must request all of you except DIR.
Bell and Mr.. Brand TO step int the inner
Office for a moment "
Two of the gentlemen present protested
against detention, but on being assured
that the tine would be very brlef they
yielded, and walked toward the room
designated by the coroner. Meanwhile l
had made my way to Preble's side, ana
had hurrriedly begged him TO save mo
from the loss of 80 interesting a spectacle
as the preliminary investigation OF TINS
remarkable case was sure TO be.
Certainly, he said, in voice audible
to the coroner; "there is no objection 10
your remaining"
Turning TO Howard Brand, he asked
for further details OF the brokers' death:
"He had just called to Walter" said
Brand, referring TO the boy who had run
out into the hall of the hotel, as l have
described "fie told him to mail let
ter. Suddenly he half rose from his
chair, and then fell back. He did not
cry out, but only uttered faint sound
like a sigh. but rather OF contentment
than pain.
"who was il that screamed?"
"Did yeu hear anyone?"
"Yes; 1 was Just passing the door"
~ think you must have heard the boy"
'He was frightened, of course.
"No; ii was some one else. Was 1t
your
"Perhaps did. You see, ran to his
side and lifted his hand. IL fell back
lifeless. Then think l cried out In ter
ror. But / had forgotten. This terrible
affair has nearly driven me out OF my
senses. For instance, have not even
you question me?'
81 am a detective, at present in charge
of the case, replied Preble. Now about
that letter. II isn't stamped, perceive.
"That's strange; j saw the stamp in
his hand. / remember that ne took II
cst of letter on the desk.
"You were watching him?"
81 was waiting until he finished with
his letter. j had something TO say TO
him.
"And this was the letter which he took
| the stamp from?" said Preble, taking one
| from the desk.
IT was addressed, in feminine hand,
| TO Holman Brand.
"Yes, - responded Harold.
"Do you know its contents"
"Noh
"Perhaps we would better read it."
"Why? What bearing can it have on
| the case?'
correct, ii plays considerable part in
this tragedy"
He put his arm about the neck of the
| dead, ana, with his hands, very gently
| forced the jaws TO open.
"Lookl'' he cried.
We all pressed forward, and we saw,
upon the tip OF the dead mans tongue,
| one OF the large postage stamps OF the
! Columbian pattern.
| "poisoned!' exclaimed the coroner.
"That should make the case clear.
! The writer of that letter is the murder
ess.
He took the letter from the envelope,
| and read aloud, as follows:
"Holman Brand: Why do you not
answer my letters? / have written three,
and you have not noticed them. We are
destitute. l care nothing for myself, but
my mother-whom your brother married
i'm affiuence and has left in heggary-i is
dying for want OF proper noirishment
and the medicines which her illness de-
mands. Whatever you may have believed
at the time OF that marriage, surely you
wifi not let her die in this way, when so
small part of your vast wealth would
save her.. ~
At this point the coroner paused.
"The remainder of the letter was evil
IDENTIFY added at a later period said he,
showing II to the detective. "The writ
ing at this point changes. 1t is hurried,
and nervous
"'I will force you at least to answer
this, - he continued reading. "'l In
close stamp for a reply. Can you believe
me that this stamp costs me more than
can afford? Do you know what such
poverty as that means? You dare not,
for shame's sake, refuse TO answer me,
though il be TO tell me that we can ex.
pect nothing from you Ii is signed
Margaret Brand.
"Can it be possible, I" the coroner con
tinued, "that so good man as l know
your uncle to have been allowed his
brothers. widow and her child to suffer
like this?''
~ know nothing about it, said Har
old. He never mentioned them TO me. ,
"That letter." said Preble, pointing Il
the one which the broker lad written
"wlll probably enlighten us on that point
/ would suggest that you open il.
81 hesitate to do that. ~ responded th'
young man. "lt is addressed TO her. Ye
in such case 1t Is necessary, | suppose. ,
- He tore open the envelope, and reaC
as follows:
"My poor child: Before you receiv
this you Will have had such help a
money can give. Your letter, four day
delayed, came to me this morning.
instantly telegraphed TO Mr.. Edward