Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-12-06
SYNOPSIS.


cHAPTER. .1-scene Of story is. in New
Of year. Cable train collides with cab,
throwing to ground cabman and passen-
then, inside the cab, body of man shot
dead Is discovered. Stuigis, reporter, ex-
amines cab and surroundings.
CHAPTER II-Later that evening, at
discussion, maintains RELIABILITY Of cir
cumstantial evidence DR.. Murdoch, fa-
nous chemist. wagers in reply S. 900 to 500
unaoivabIe Riddle stapg i taxes s bet sete'e an
CHAPTER III-Case selected is of two
mysterious shots fired that afternoon in
or near Kniekerbocker bank Man had
and arrested Man said he stole valise
from bank steps and was shot at. Valise
contained nothing of interest.
CHAPTER IV:-Sturgis. secures appoint
visit scene of shooting early next morning,
then induces his friend DR.. Thurston to
come TO his rooms while he arrangcs data
of the two strange cases.
CHAPTER V-From observations made
thus far and inductiVe reasoning thereon
reporter has concluded: a. dead man in
cab was bookkeeper about 90 years old re-
ceiying good salary; ~ wound caused by
have shot himself; az shooting had not
occurred in cab; (6) right arm broken by
heavy instrument; and (0 eabman was
drugged, and young man who escaped in
roiycd in some way in crime. Cab mys-
terry also noted as possible sequel to bank
mystery.
CHAPTER vI-Sturgis calls for Spraeue.
artist friend, to get his company during in
yestigation at bank but artist has appoint
ment with some fair sitter whose portrait
he Is making.
CHAPTER VII = Agnes Murdoch Tin
charge of her fathers household since her
mothers DEATH finds her father in his
study. She. in reply to question concern
shows her dislike Of the persistent sutton.
Her father intimates she shall not be fur
Their bothered.
CHAPTER vIII-Miss Murdock's final
privilege of calling, at her home. which She
readily grants. Bellboy brings note for
Agnes. This is read with evident annoy
ance, and she drops it. It remains forgot
ten when she leaves studio.
CHAPTER IX-Promptly at time agreed
Dunlap meets Sturgis. Reporter begins
long and careful examination in bank. Re-
empty cartridges
CHAPTER determination completed,
Sturgis questions banker regarding fela-
announces Arbogast to be a defaulter with
Chatham. accountant who has frequently
examined condition of hooks. as accom-
plice. Message Arbogast sent Chatham
deciphered from marks on a blotter.
CHAPTER XI-Reporter has now com
pleted diagram showing movements OF
Arbogast and Chatham and one other
whose identity is as yet completely.veiled
Arbogast at last moment had found note
which caused him to suspect his accom-
rlice. He fired wounding him In hand and
was about to fire again when unknown con-
ssIirator. rushed in and struck his arm.
This action resulted in turning weapon and
making Arbogast shoot himself. Dunlap
Is incredulous, but verifies story In part by
later identifying body of Arbogast at
morgue.
CHAPTER XII-Banker calls upon Mrs.
Arbogast. While with her she receives let
ter written by her husband telling of de-
falcation and expected flight. He has by
mistake allowed depositor to oyerdra W
account. Chatham has discovered mis-
take, and for fear of losing position Arbo-
CAST allows himself to be used by Chatham
and a Mr.. Seymour. BY false entries Sey-
mour has drawn $250000. Change in method
of book keeping was about to expose the
matter. Arbogast tells his wife to give
Dunlap confession as soon as he has es-
capped.
CHAPTER XIII-The afternoon of crime
Chatham had had occasion to use teIe-
phone. Sturgis learns he had been con-
nected with the Manhattan Chemical COM
pany. mysterious concern not known to
commercial agencies. AT Office of chemical
concern Sturgis places detectives.
CHAPTER XIV-Sprague next morning
finds letter Miss Murdoch had dropped in
his studio. and decides to return 1t in per-
son.