Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1896-07-02

II hope. your honor stammereu ths
doctor. as he edged his way TO the
witness chair. that / am not In con-
tempt. = meant TO be in time.
You escape by a narrow margin,
DOCTOR" replied Squire Taylor, smiling,
as he glanced at the clock. I'VE are
all ready. / think, Mr.. Levyf"
The lawyer stood up. There was a
hush all over the room, every person
present being acutely anxious TO hear
his questions and anticipate the re-
velations that would surely follow
from a rigid cross-examination. de
waited q ~moment-to be more impress
sive, the doctor thought bitterly-and
then In a manner that seemed en-
barra ssed, asked:
"Is there anything In the circum-
stances as you know them. DR.. Will
Jams, to preclude the theory OF suicide
as an explanation of this matter?'
The magistrates face expressed sur
prise at the question, but before he
could interpose a word the doctor had
answered in a low but distinct voice.:
Nothing, sir"
Lawyer Levy fingered his watch
guard relectiysly a moment, then nod
ded his head, remarked c~omposedly:
That IL all, your honor" and sat
Gown.
The establishment in the court room
.Aa loo intansS at first to find exprss-
Sion In even a rustic. After hn In
slant OF profound silence, however,
there was a murmor of excited com
ments that the squire promptly sub
dued by pounding on his table with a
gayel. Then he cleared his throat and
1Qnkad uory much norplaxad
II am disappointed" he said pres
emily, lin the turn the examination
has taken. 1t Is hardly proper for me
to ask for opinions on this matter, and
yet, doctor, as you are the only witness
available
A commotion Just outside the door
caused him to stop speaking. A wo-
mans voice was heard saying, 81 must
get In, I'm wanted there, and Louise
grasping Amelia's arm, whispered,
"Betseyr'
The crowd made way, and Betsey
Hubbard, flushed and nervous, came
forward. The doctor hardly knew
whether to fear or Etjoice at her COM
Ing. His amaZemeht at Lawyer Levy's
course was followed by q hope that
the inquest would speedily be ended.
Now, although Betsey might say much
to clear away the mystery, he could
not but dread lest her revelation should
condemn the professor utterly.
Il heard / was wanted" painted
Betsey.
You may step down, DOCTOR" said
the squire.
Betsey was sworn.
Now, Mrs. Hubbard began the
squire, "how long have you been en-
ployed by Prof. Drummond?"
What's that got to do with it," she
snapped in reply. Il was hired by
him TO take charge Of Fairview if you
want to know"
The spectators Uttered, and Squire
Taylor again had TO his gavel.
Il must remind you, Mrs. Hubbard"
he said, that you are in a court now,
and your remarks must be wholly con-
fined to the questions put TO YOU"
Well" she remarked humbly /,
to tell what l knew about the death OF
Harry Starkweather. I'm here to do
it."
who told your"
Mrs. Appleton. I Just got back, |
and / saw her outside"
Il suggest, your honor" said Lawyer
Levy, that the witness be asked to
tell her story without questions"
II was about to do So" responded
the squire stifsy.
II was coming down stairs" said
Betsey, promptly, when l heard a
sound as II somebody had fallen. 1
at the top Of the first flight and
stopped there, frightened. I saw Prof.
run In through the dining
from the piazza. He went into
the back hall, as l could tell from his
steps. Pretty soon be came back with
Mr.. Starkweather In his arms. I got
out OF his way. He spoke to me and
told me to stay. l was nervous and
started down stairs. / saw him take
Mr.. Starkweather INTO the little cham
Der near the head Of the stairs. Then
l ran out Of the house, for sudden
death always upsets me, and that's all
there is to it,"
Were you certain ut the time that
Mr.. Starkweather was dead?" asked
the squire.
"He looked It." said Betsey.
What did Prof. Drummond do after
he had taken Mr.. Starkweather into
the chamber
at don't know. I heard him calling
after I'd got out Of the house, but /
QlQu I iOOk EcuUU. |
The squire glanced at Lawyer Levy.
who turned to Charles Starkweather
and whispered to him. Mr.. Philbrick
leaned forward and said something.
MI. Starkweathsr nodded. Then the
stood up.
Mrs. Hubbard" he said. ''as far as
you know, were the relations OF Prof.
Drummond and Mr.. Starkweather
friendly"
Decidedly" she answered. 81 never
saw the faintest sign Of falling out
between them"
did you know the deceased well?'
"Mr. Stark weather. Pretty we'll,
considering. He was always very
pleasant. | did his mending for him.
and he told me a good deal about him
self"
"Ah! Did he ever tell you anything
that led you to think that he was very
unhappy
Betsey turned her fingers together
~nervously and answered yes"
"Tell the court about 1t, Mrs. Hub
bard"
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