The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1900-12-20


ward, caught a glimpse of Jackson
lying on the floor in pool of blood,
and then fell down senseless, TO awake
some time later and find myself ac-
cused by you gentlemen as his muir
derer. But | am innocent, | swear it."
He made this declaration so ear
nestly as to call forth sarcastic COM
ments from Smithson.
Have you anything more to say"
questioned Phillips. Can you account
for the fact that your knife caused
Jackson's death?"
me as the one used, | had not seen it
for a week. responded Vernon, with
emphasis.
THAT will do. Now, Mr.. Desmond,
you have heard the main facts. Cir
cumstantial evidence of the strongest
kind is brought against Vernon. His
story is simple one. Can you prove
his guilt more conclusively, or estab-
lish his innocence? You may ask any
questions you please"
Had Vernon any motive? Had
jackson ever quarreled with him,
Smithson or Walters?" said Desmond,
after a moments thought.
He had quarreled both with me
and with the accused" put in Smith
son, rather sullenly.
Did you see Jackson last night|
said the detective, turning and look
ing at him.
"Me? Yes, but 1 left MIN well and
hearty at about ten minutes TO nine,
and proceeded downstairs to my lab
oratory. Jackson looked at his
watch and gave me the time"
"Walters can be left out of it,
thought Desmond. at rests between
Smithson and Vernon"
"Have you any more questions to
ask here? If not, you shall see the
position in which we found the two
men" said Phillips.
81 have no more questions at pres
emit" was the reply.
All right Vernon, you and Lovely
70 upstairs and get reauy for the
Parts you have to play. You under
tand what to do. Knock when
eady."
The men addressed rose and LETT the
room. Vernon giving a backward glance
hat puzzled the detective.
- think they viii be ready for us
shortly" said Phillips. "This sort of
hing is rather nerve-shakng. Smith
son looks really ILL"
DO you mean to accuse me Of be-
gan SmithSon.
"Of poor nerves. put in Phillips.
with a warning glance at the other.
Oh. no! You look white ard troubled.
fhat is ALI"
lie wants some Of his own drugs"
said Walters. with forced laugh.
Come. come. don't get to words,
Listen. Vernon is knocking. He is
awaiting us"
Phillips put down his cigar and led
the way upstairs, the others following,
I'll = is the room. = he said to DCs mOnC.
."Lovely is in the position in which we
supposedly found Jackson. Enter
please.
The detective did so. He cOulC not
suppress a start Of surprise. There. ~
ing upon the carpet, was Lovely, at
Tired in a brown check suit His arms
were outstretChca; his face fixed as if
n 6Cath, \ small. bIood-stained knife
and a heavy knobbed stick were by
bis side. The affair seemed too grim
10 be mere play.
vernon will show us how he entered
in;o the ROOM" said Phillips. This
may seem unnecessary, but il is his
own wish, Perhaps he wants to 90 a
bit of realistic acting. ReacY' Yer
non"
Il ami The man, having first turned
he gas low proceeded to the Goor and
r.osea 1t behind hlm. After a moment 5
wait he opened II again, and, stepping
inside spoke as II 10 him@e't: EVl-
'en''N jackson cut Il en Gown
stars ana await ms return. ne ousi-
ness
lie stopped suoGenly ane mace as II
to turn 10 the watchers 1t was as II
some lhNlSloie person mao struck MN
an unseen blow. lie uttered an eX-
10 4 n n n - n "