Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1898-02-03

it that way You see. jury would re-
gard it as more plausible than-well,
than the reasons you have stated. Suoh
a motive, just that sort Of considera-
ton for your aunt Is too fine, too
psychic, for the mind Of the ordinary
turyman.
Ralph's startled eyes were fixed on
the face Of the detective.
do you mean to say, Hendricks.
that you do not now believe that my "a
ther killed himsslfT''
II do not" said HendriokA
Lampkin stared at his friend. BE
was unable to understand the detective.
my God" exclaimed Ralph. "Then
presume shall have to 20 to jail and
stand trial to prove my innooenoep"
Hendricks looked at his watch, then
called ont:
"Kola."
Eyes, sir"
us the cab at the door7'
1T IL, SIR"
Ralph rose. leaned on the table and
bent forward.
Look here. Hendricks. he said des.
perately. you are no fool. You are
Judge Of men and Of mems hearts.
don't believe you can look me In the
face and say you think ! killed my "a
ther."
II have not said so yet" said Hen
bricks; "but, judging from past expert
ences in such matters, must say that
II the facts as they now stand 60 be-
fore jury you will get quick verdict
Of guilty."
"You really think sop"
"I'd stake my reputation on it."
"What am l to do?''
"The simplest thing in the world. I"
As the detective spoke he caught Lamp
Hn's wondering eye and held 1t for
moment Produce the note you claim
to have found pinned to your fathers
lapel"
II burned it the day You were In my
room. Iwashed the remains away in
the running water Of my basin"
Hendricks stood up, looked again at
his watch and went to the door leading
into the passage.
If that is true, young man, and you
can't produce the murderer. you have
signed your own death warrant. Every
circumstance points to your guilt. I
never saw more perfect chain Of con-
voting circums tancea The note, how
ever, would have saved you. 1t Ii = pity
you destroyed it."
Ralph hung his head for a minute.
then raised it and smiled deggedly.
II presume innocent men have been
condemned before. really fear have
got myself into an awful pickle. was
a fool, but l meant we'll am ready to
60 with you"
Hendricks took key from his pocket,
inserted it into the lock Of the handouts
and drew them from the young mans
wrists
"As l remarked just now," he said.
II know that your father did not COM
NIT suicide. but did not soy you kill
ed him."
"Y-you don't accuse mep" stammered
Ralph in establishment.
mo; I have no charge to make
against you except that you have been
constantly hindering my Investigations
by concealing some Of the facts In or
der to proceed further in the case /
was obliged to wiring your secret from
you. Some one shot your father, and
you have almost defeated justice by the
stupid role you were playing. II my
method was severe. you deserved it.
You have caused me to lose a good deal
Of time"
but the letter father wrote" In
sisted Ralph inoredulously. land the
fact that l found it pinned on him and
the revolver at his side-why. surely
THAT'S too long a story, and it's
late," answered the detective. Now.
20 home and let that sweetheart Of
yours know you are not in 'durance
vile. The doctor and I are going up
town in cab.
"Thats what you ordered the cab
for, them" said Ralph.
Hendricks laughed
by the way" he said, shall you
be at home tomorrow night about 10
O'Clock? l shall want your assistance in
some experiments, If you don't object"
II shall be delighted to be Of any as
sistance, " replied the young man. III
you can prove that my father did not
commit suicide, 1t will take big load
from my mind"
"That will be easy enough" Hen
bricks assured him, "but il it Is all