Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1900-12-15


"You said something about this good
old man having killed Agatha Webb
What was It? was too dazed to take
1t in"
Mr.. Fenton. not understanding the
young mans eagerness. but willing
enough to enlighten him as to the situa'
ton, told him what reasons there were
for ascribing the crime in the Webb
cottage to the mad deed Of these sta-v'
ing men. Sweetwater listened with
open eyes and confused bearing. only
controlling himself when his eyes by
chance fell upon the quiet figure Of the
detective. now moving softly to and
fro through the room.
"But why murder when he could
have had his loaf for the asking?" re-
monstrated Sweetwater. Agatha Webb
would have gone without meal any
time to feed a wandering tramp. How
much more to supply the necessities
of two Of her oldest and dearest
friends"
EYES," remarked Fenton. ''but you
forget or perhaps never knew that the
master passion Of these men was pride.
James label ask for bread! ] can
much sooner imagine him stealing It,
yes, or striking a blow for it, so that
the blow forever shut the eyes that
saw him do it."
"You don't believe your own words,
Mr.. Fenton. How can you" Sweet
waters hand was on the breast Of the
accused man as he spoke and his man.
ner was almost solemn. You must
not take it for granted" he went on,
his green eyes twinkling with curious
light. that all wisdom comes from
Boston. We in Sutherlandtown have
some sparks of it if they have not yet
been recognized. You are satisfied
here he addressed himself to Knapp
"that the blow which killed Agatha
Webb was struck by this respectable
old man"
Knapp smiled. as If q child had ask
ed him this question; but he answered
him good humoredly enough.
"You see the dagger lying here with
which the deed was done. and you see
the bread that was bought from Lotion
with a $40 bill Of Agatha Webb's
money. In these you can read my
"Good evidence" acknowledged
Sweetwater; very good evidence when
we remember Mr.. Cranes story of the
old man he met rushing from the gate
way with something glittering in his
hand. | never was so beat in my life,
and yet-and yet-if could have a
few minutes Of quiet thought all by
myself | am certain could show you
that there is more in this matter than
you think. Indeed, ] know that there
is, but do not like to give my reasons
till have conquered the difficulties
presented by these men having had
that $50 bill"
"What fellow is this" suddenly
broke in Knapp.
"a fiddler. a nobody" quietly whis-
pered Mr.. Fenton In his ear.
Sweetwater heard him and changed
in a twinkling from the uncertain,
half baft1ed. wholly humble person
they had just seen to man with a
purpose strong enough to make him
hold his head with the best.
81 am a musician" he admitted, land
| play on the violin for money when
ever the occasion offers. something
which you will yet congratulate your
self upon If you wish to reach the root
Of this mysterious and daStardly crime.
But that am nobody. | deny, and
mean that this fellow shall agree with
me before this very night Is over.
Only give me all opportunity for con-
sidering this subject and the per-
mission to walk for few minutes
about this house."
THAT is my prerogative," protested
the detective firmly, but without any
display Of feeling. Il am the man
employed to pick up whatever clews
the place may present.
Have you picked up all that are to
be found in this room?" asked Sweet
water calmly.
Knapp shrugged his shoulders. He
was very we'll satisfied with himself.
"Then give me a chance" prayed
MIR. Fenton," he urged
81 am not the fool you take
me for. feel, l know, have genius
for this kind of thing. and though |
do play the fiddle, | swear there are
depths to this affair which none Of you
have as yet sounded. Sirs, where are
the $3.50 in bills which 60 to make up
the clean thousand that was taken
from the small drawer at the back Of
Agatha Webb's cupboard"
"They are in some secret hiding
place, no doubt, which we will present
ly come upon as we 60 through the
house." answered Knapp.
"Umph! Then l advise you to put
your hand on them as soon as posi-
ble," reported Sweetwater. Il will
confine myself to going over the
ground you have already investigated"
And with q sudden ignoring Of the
others presence. which could only
have sprung from an intense egotism
or from an overwhelming belief in his
OVID theory he began an investigation
of the room that threw the others
more commonplace efforts entirely in
the shade.
Knapp. with slight compression Of
his lips. which was the sole expression
of anger he ever allowed himself. took
I'D his hat and made his bow to Mr..
Fenton.