The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1900-05-25
BY RODRiGUES OTTOLENGUI,
Author Of IAN Artist In Crime" "a Conflict CT Evdcr
Modern Wizard" "Final Proof" Etc

"Iou?" gaspcd Mr.. Barnes, utterly
taken abac!i as he saw his supposedly
strong evidence against this man about
to be swept aside. You say that you
threw the suit into the riverp
"Do YOU doubt it? Did you not see
me-you-you spy"
The last words came forth with a
Kissing sound, and the young man as
I, sumed'a threatening attitude, which
tempted Mr.. Mitchell to speak for the
Grst time.
"COmc! No violenccv he exclaimed,
rising quickly and grasping Mora's up
raised arm. The younger man wrench
ed himself loose by a quick movement
and turned to confront Mr.. Mitchell.
"And who are you!" he cried. You
have been sitting by in silence while
thls-this thief takcr has been trying to
twist something out of my mouth which
lie could use to place rope around my
neck. nice business you both are in"
"YOu do not know me- Mr.. Mora, or
you would not spca!; so harshly. In my
conversations with Mr.. Barnes have
argued that you arc innocent"
u presume YOU expect me to be
grateful to you for that. Well. am
not. ] am not guilty, and l defy all
such detectives as this Mr.. Barnes
here"
"You may defy me as much as you
like" said Mr.. Barnes holly, exasper-
atcd by the contemptuous words which
had been used. "but you have admit.
ted that since the murder you had the
plaid suit In your possession and that
YOU attempted to dispose Of 1t. That
you will find very difficult to explain"
r.. II should never hope that any ex
planation Of mine would penetrate
your thick SKULL" said Mora, "and l
would not attempt it except that per-
haps your friend here is more reason
able than yourself and might persuade
you Of the stupidity Of having me ar
rested, which, presume, is the next
step which you contemplate"
mo other course would be open to
me unless you can account for your
very suspicious action" replied Mr..
Barnes.
"All things are suspicious to those
who suspect" said Mora. Then, turn
Ing to Mr.. Mitchell. he continues: "This
man admits that if the murderer wore
my clothing 1t was because he wished
me to be suspected. Very well. Upon
my release yesterday hastened to the
Essex street house, because / had an
idea which was quickly confirmed.
The man stole my tlothes, and after
killing my father lie returned them to
the closet from which ne had taken
them. Imagine my position IL my con-
pection with the house had been learn
cd and the clothes found In my closet,
with the blood OH them. On finding
them I was terrified, and lost my
head. made the great mistake Of
~hurrying with them to the river. see
now that I should have acted other
WISE
.'"What should you have done?" asked
Ar. Mitchell
II should have gone to the police sta
tion and told the truth. The truth will
always prevail. only In this instance"-,
He hcsitated. seemed confused and
stopped. leaving the sentence incom-
plcte.
"On;y In this instance the truth was so
Improbable that the police might have
pisconstrred your action into bold
game Of bluff" said Mr.. Mitchell, 1nish-
Ing Ii for him. ''ls that your ideaY'
"ies; wen let II 20 ut that" He
looked ct Mr. Mitchell kecny for n few
moments. then suddenly added, 81
wish ron gentlemen very GOOD narn.