Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1900-12-11

ompanies liable to you and your sister
for over 800, 900, which, owing to GER
tain clauses in the policies. would not
be collectible except in case OF death in
an ordinary manner.
~ never dreamed Of such a thingW
ensped Ralph. Il knew nothing Of the
policies or the clauses
II only mentioned it, Of course. "
said Hendricks. "but it would have
been better for your case II you had put
IL that way. You see. jury would re-
gard il an more plausible than-well,
than the reasons you have stated. Such
q motive. just that surt Of considera-
tion for your aunt Is too fine, too
psychic, for the mind Of the ordinary
juryman.
Ralph's startled eyes were fixed on
the face of the detective.
"Do you mean to say. Hendricks,
that you do not now believe that my IA
! ther killed himself;"
II do not. said Hendricks.
Lampkin stared at his friend. He
was unable 10 understand the detective.
my GodW exclaimed Ralph. Then
pr su,lc shall have 10 60 10 Jail and
stand trial to prove my innocence:"
Hendricks looked at his watch, then
called out:
"Kola."
"Yes. SIR"
"Is the cab at the door?"
at is, sir. "
Ralph rose, leaned ON the table ani
bent forward.
Look here, Hendricks. he said des-
perately. ''you are no fool. You are a
Judge Of men and Of mems hearts
don't believe you can look me in the
face and say you think killed my IA
ther.
II have not said so yet" said Hen
dricks; "but, Judging from past expert
ences in such matters, must say tina,
IL the facts as they now stand go be-
fore jurr you will get a quick verdict
Of guilty.
"You really think so:"
''Id stake my reputation on H. "
''Whui am TO do:''
"The simplest thing IN tho world. y
A. the detective spoke ha cRrGL; Lar2Y-
kil's wondering eye and held i, for q
moment. Produce the rotc yon claim
to have found pinned to your father
lapel"
~ burned il the day you were in my
room. washed the remains away IN
the running water Of my basin.
Hendricks stood up. looked again n
his watch and went TO the door leading
into the passage.
II that is true, young man. and you
cant produce the murderer. You have
signed your own death warrant Every
Circumstances points % your guilt
never saw a more perfect chain of con-
victing circumstances The note, how
ever. would have saved you. II IL q pity
you destroyed IT, "
Ralph hung his head for a minute,
then raised IL and smiled dogsedly.
II presume innocent men have been
condemned before. | really fear have
got uyse!i into an awful pickle. l was
q feel. hut | meant well l am ready 10
&c with you "
ErnGTi, - took a key from his pocket.
insert, q u into the lock of the handouts
and cfew them from the young man q
wrists
"As remarked just now" he said.
81 klCw ths; your father did not COM
n..i s.iciGe, but did not say you kill
cd hiuI.
- you don't accuse me;" stammered
r. n IN astonlshment.
No. / have no charge to make
agniust you except that you have been
constantly hindering my investigations
by concealing some Of the facts. In or
der 70 proceed further in the case
was obliged TO wiring your secret from
you. Some one shot your father, and
you have almost defeated justice by the
stupid role you were playing. II my
method was severe, you deserved It.
You have caused me to lose . good deal
Of time"
"But the letter father wrote" in
sisted Ralph incredulously, land the
fact that found it pinned on him and
the revolver at his side-why, surely
That's too long q story, and its
late," answered the detective. Now.
20 home and let that sweetheart OF
yours know you are not in 'durance
vile. The doctor and ! are going up
town in q cab"
That's what you ordered the cat
for. then?" said Ralph.
Hendricks laughed
"By the way" he said, "shall you
be at home tomorrow night about 10
O'Clock? l shall want your assistance in
some experiments, il you don't object. "
81 shall be delighted to be Of any as
sistance, replied the young man. III
you can prove that my father did NOT
commit suicide, it will take big load
from my mind"
''That will be easy enough" Hen
bricks assured him. "but IL it Ii all
the same to you I'd little rather you
did not mention to your sister or any Of
the folks out there what has passed be.
tween MS since they left
"very we'll; WON'T mention it,"
promised Ralph.
EVEN if they question you, went
ON Hendricks, lyon can make up some
excuse. I can trust to the inventive
genius Of man who can faint as ar
tistically as you did on certain coca.
sion."
Ralph flushed.
''It struck me all at once" said he,
''that was to be the next witness and
that I'd have to own mp to the whole
| Of my scheme or swear lie"
ut certainly worked" smiled Hen.
bricks. II thought you were gomez
and turned two somersaults to get water
for you. By the way, how's that hand
getting along that you bruised In tht
gymnasium at the club where they
haven't one?"
Ralph grinned.
"He That Any Good
| Wofr1d VIM