The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-07-31

theory OF the guilt Of Kredge. But
Paxton was not yet ready to admit that
Kredge was not the assassin or his ac-
complice, and he thought
"Kredge may have been concerned in
the crime, and Judith be ignorant Of the
fact"
One point, however, seemed estab-
lished. Judith Kredge was sincere In
believing she could produce enough to
procure the conviction Of some one, who
was not Stuart Harland.
The perplexing complications and
mysteries with which the case abounded
would have confused non-professional,
but Paxton saw his way clear. His next
step was indicated by the intelligence
he had just received.
Judith Kredge must be compelled to
reveal the knowledge Of the crime which
she was concealing.
To accomplish this, Paxton resolved
to arrest Levi Kredge and charge him
with John Oakburn's murder.
He meant to thoroughly frighten
Kredge, and lead them to believe that
the danger Of conviction, as Oakburn's
assassin, was imminent, and he counted
on Judith keeping her promise and re-
vealing what she claimed to know,
thinking only by such course could
Levi be saved.
But meanwhile, during the time occu-
pied by Paxton in making the investga-
tions recorded, the Grand Jury had held
q session. Stuart Harland's case had
been considered, and true bill was re-
turned against him.
n I'D Id fro-
prisonment bravely.
Edna Garrison was an almost con-
slant visitor to his cell, and the imper-
lied young man was cheered and sus-
tanned by her unfailing devotion.
Harland's attorney wac shrewd and
successful criminal lawyer, and when
Stuart had positively answered him
that the real truth regarding the motive
for his visit to Albany on the night OF
the crime could not be told under any
circumstances, he said:
II will not question your motive, but
We must invent some plausible defense
-ar von ara lost"
What, resort to ialsehood?" demand
ed Stuart.
a story must be told to account for
your midnight journey. Listen to me.
I have made O study OF the case, and
here Is what you must say when you are
BROUGHT to trial
Your aunt, whose prospective heir
you are said to be, resides In Albany.
Very good. You made your midnight
journey 10 visit her.
"Somo one had informed you that the
first train in the morning would take
Weeks to Albany to see your aunt, to
whom he meant to reveal that you had
become involved in stock gambling, to
the extent OF ten thousand dollars.
You had obtained sight Of your note
for one thousand dollars, which you had
given the scoundrel, and when you saw
it had been raised 10 ten, you knew
Pratt and Weeks meant to swindle your
aunt.
"You secretly took the midnight train
in order to see your aunt and explain
matters before Weeks came.
You did not tell The truth ut the Coro-
ner's inquest, because to do so would
have been to lead to the betrayal OF the
person who had warned you Of Weeks
Intention OF visiting Albany, on the
morning following the night OF tho muir
der. That person was O young clerk,
John Sand by name. employed BY Pratt
/ Weeks, and the sole support Of o
widowed mother and invalid sister.
You knew that II it came out that he
had warned you, he would be discharged
BY Pratt S Weeks. In that event, you
thought the helpless ones dependentupon
his salary for support might sIter.
I'll Is consideration prevented your risk
ins the betrayal Of your friend by tell.
ing the ruth. Besides you will add thai
you did not at the time Of your exam
ination fully realize how great you
peril was"
fro BE CONTINUED.