Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1900-11-05
THE GREAT label CASE"


believed in the mans guilt. But it
was impossible to refuse the request
of such noble-minded girl.
Our first and greatest difficulty was
the prisoner himself. He would an
swer no questions and render no as
sistance. All he would say was:
Il don't care. Let them do what
they like"
l felt it was not quite fair to infer
the worst from this obstinacy. 1t
might not arise from n consciousness
of guilt. 1t Is conceivable that a mau'S S
mind might be somewhat unhinged at
the gravity of the charge.
| examined the evidence carefully.
The handwriting on the label certainly
resembled his, but not so exactly as
to be conclusive
The question was who would or
could initiate it? Was it done out Of
malice? Above all, was it possible
that there was n woman in the case? ?
Some one, perhaps, who was jealous
of Miss Doughty.
[ knew many of his friends, and
made careful inquiries, but could find
no reason to suspect any one of con-
spring against him.
One curious fact was elected. Hum
phrey had left west end club at $40
o'clock on August s. He drove to
Hampstead In a cab, and arrived at
the links late. If that was the case,
how could he have posted the pack
age at 3.15?
1t was an odd discrepancy, but not
by any means sufficient to clear him.
\ cunning man might have arranged
things so.
obtained l. Photograph of the label,
and distributed copies among his
friends.
But accident suggested curious
possibility. 4 friend of mine was in
terested in benefit" which was be-
ing organized for an actor. He called
to let me know how it was progress-
ing.
Il have had such bit OF luck" he
said. 81 wrote to Lady Epworth
| When she was on the stage she was
a pal of old Burrows, and thought
perhaps she might fork out d flyer.
However, to my surprise, the old
screw has sent five and twenty pounds.
Here's her letter"
While reading her letter / noticed
that there was, at any rate; some re-
semblance between her writing and
that on the label. 1t seemed to me
that the writing on the label was
about midway between that of Lady
Epworth and Dalton Humphrey. If
he had tried to initiate her handwrit-
ing or she had tried to initiate his.
one could imagine that this would
be the result.
l submitted the three specimens to
an expert
| His report was unfavorable.
In his opinion the address had not
been written by Lardy Epworth He
was satisfied that the label was ad-
dressed by the person-whoever he
was-who had written the third speci-
men. That person was, of course, the
accused.
Messrs. Perott and Menson told me
that they knew Lady Epworth by
sight, but had never seen her in the
shop, and | began to lose what little
confidence had ever had In the case.
But not so with Miss Doughty. She
didn't believe experts" nor, In fact
anybody who had anything to say
against Mr.. Humphrey, and suggested
we should try another interview with
him.
At first he was as obstinately silent
as ever, but mentioned the discrep-
ancy In the time of posting. Instantly
his attention was aroused.
DO you mean to say" he said bit
terly, that you don't take it for
granted that l am guilty?"
Il don't take anything for granted"
| replied sharply. And if you would
only pull yourself together like a man
we might do some good"
What can l do?" he said, coloring.
Answer 4 few questions. Whom
do you suspectY'
Nobody 1t is that which bevil.
ders me-
What about your aunt? Would she
benefit by Lord Epworth's deathY'
indirectly she would" he said.
thoughtfully. when my uncle mar
ried he was wildly In love, and made
eXtravagant settlements
But she has an annual allowance p,
1 said.
Yes; but she doesn't always get it,
he said, with d smile, because Ed
worth's affairs were In such a pickle.
But now that he is dead nobody could
prevent her stepping into a large prop
erty."
What kind of woman Is she?r
| "A thoroughly bad lot" was the
prompt answer.
Does she know your handwriting p
I asked.
Certainly. She has had letters from
me-
This gave US something to work on.
Further conversation brought to light
the fact that there lived with Lady
Epworth q Miss Denton. who saemoa