Evening star., 1899-03-25

did few minutes later he was evidently
unable to answer questions, even If John
was In a condition to ask them. But the
fallen dagger told it's own story, for James
picked 1t up and put it back on the table,
and it was at this minute he saw, what
John had not, the $50 bill lying there with
its promise of life and comfort. Hope re-
wives; he catches up this bill, flies down to
Lotion S. procures a loaf of bread and comes
frantically back, gnawing 1t as he runs; for
his own hunger is more than he can en-
dure. Re-entering his brothers presence.
he rushes forward with the bread. But the
relief has come too late; John has died in
mis- absence; and James, dizzy with the
shock reels back and succumbs to his own
misery. Gentlemen, have you anything to
say in contradiction of these various sup
poSitions?"
For moment DR.. Talbot. Mr. Fenton and
even Knapp stood silent; then the latter
said, with pardonable dryness:
"All this is ingenious but, unfortunately,
1t is upset by little fact which you your
self have overlooked. Have you examined
attentively the dagger of which you have
so often spoken. Mr.. Sweetwater?"
Not as l would like to. but l noticed 1t
had blood on its edge, and was of the shape
and size necessary to infiict the wound from
which Mrs. Webb died.
Very good; but there is something else
Of interest to be observed on it. Fetch it,
Abel
Abel. hurrying from the room, soon
brought back the weapon in question.
| Sweetwater with a vague sense of disap-
pontment disturbing him, took it eagerly
and studied it very closely. But he only
| shook his head.
Bring it nearer to the light" suggested
| Knapp, land examine the little scroll near
| the top of the handle
Sweetwater did so and at once changed
color. In the midst of the scroll were two
very small yet perfectly distinct letters.
They were J. u.
How did Amabel Page come by a dagger
| marked with the label in!tials?" questioned
Knapp. DO you think her foresight went
Gn far 40 ,.;+l,
ostensibly belonging to one of these broth
ers? And then have you forgotten that
when Mr. Crane met the Old man at Mrs.
Webb's gateway he saw in his hand some
thing that glistened? Now. what was that,
if not this dagger?'
Sweetwater was more disturbed than he
cared to acknowledge.
THAT just shows my lack of experience"
he grumbled. Il thought I had turned this
subject so thoroughly over in my mind that
no one could bring an objection against it
Knapp shook his head and smiled.
Young enthusiasts like yourself are great
at forming theories. which well-seasoned
men like myself must regard as fantastical.
However, he went on, there is no doubt
has not prohted by, the murder have
been considering. But with this palpable
proof of the labels direct connection with
the affair, I would not recommend her ar
rest as yeti
She should be under surveillance,
though" intimated the coroner.
Most certainly, acquieSced Knapp.
As for Sweetwater. he remained silent un-
til the opportunity came for him to whisper
apart to DR.. Talbot, when he said:
For all the palpable proof of which Mr.
Knapp speaks-the J. u. on the dagger and
the possibility Of this being the object he
was seen carrying out of Philemon Webb's
gate-1 maintain that this old man in his
moribund condition never struck the blow
that killed Agatha Webb. He hadn't
strength enough, even if his lifelong love
for her had not been sufficient to prevent
him.
The coroner looked thoughtful.
You are right" said he; "he hadn't
strength enough But don't expend too much
energy in talk Wait and see what few
direct questions will elicit from Miss Page"
CTo be continued.)