Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1901-02-13

Mr.. Fenton. not understanding the
young mans eagerness, but willing
enough to enllghten 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 starry.
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, row 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 n meal any
time to feed a wandering tramp. How
much more to supply the necessities
OF two Of her Oldest and dearest
friends"
"Yes," 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 II,
yes, or striking a blow for II, so that
the blow forever shut the eyes that
saw him do IT,"
you don't believe your own words,
Mr.. Fonton. How can your" 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 twinkllng with a curious
light. that all wisdom comes from
Boston. We in Sutherlandtown have
some sparks Of 1t 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 a child had ask
ed him this question; but he answered
him good humoredly enough.
"Iou see the dagger lying here with
which the deed was done, and you see
the bread that was bought from Lotion
with . $50 bill OF Agatha Webb's
money. In these you can read my
answer"
Good evidence" acknowledged
Swcetwater; Every good evidence when
we remember Mr.. Cranes story of the
old man he met rushing from the gate.
way with something Glltterlng In his
hand. ! never was so beat In my life,
and yet-ond yet-if | could have q
] fnNv Minimize nf nptat ft1tYaIt oil hp
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
ill ! have conquered the difficulties
presented by these men having had
that $50 bill"
"What fellow is thisg" suddenly
broke In Knapp.
~ fiddler, a nobody" quietly whis-
pored Mr.. Fenton in his ear.
Swectwatcr heard him and changed
in n %twinkling from the uncertain.
half baillcd, wholly humble person
they had just seen to a man with O
purpose strong enough to make him
I HUN ilNn wv VIII lHt utSl.
81 am n musician he admitted, 'and
| play on the violin for money when.
yer 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 an opportunity for con-
sldering this subject and the per-
mission to walk for a few minutes
about this house."
That is my p~rerogatiye,' protested
the detective firmly, but without any
display Of feeling. Il arr the man
employed TO pick up whatever clews
the place may present
'llave you picked up all that are to
be found in this room;" asked Sweet
water calmly.
Knapp shrugged his shoulders. He
was very well satisfied with himself.
Then give me a chance" prayed
Sweetwater. "AIr. Fenton," he urged
earnestly, IL am not the fool you take
me for. | feel. | 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 rs yet sounded. Sirs. where are
the $3.50 In bills which go TO make up
the clean thousand that was taken
from the small drawer at the back of
Agatha Webb's cupboardf"
"They are in some secret hiding
place, no doubt, which we will present.
ly come upon as we go through the
house." answered Knapp.
"Umph! Then l advise you to put
your hand on them as soon as posi-
ble," reported Sweetwater. II will
~conline myself to going over the
ground you have already investigated"
And with n sudden Ignoring Of the
others presence, which could only
have sprung from al intense egotlsm
or from an overwhelming belief in his
own theory he began an investigation
of the room that threw the others
more commonplace efforts entirely In
the shade.
Knapp, with n slight compression OF
bis lips, which was the sole expression
of anger he ever allowed himself. took
up his hat and made his bow to Mr.
Fenton.
81 see," said he, "that the sympathy
OF those present is with the locaI
talent. Let local talent work, then
sir. and when you want me send to
the tavern on the docks. where | will
he found till | am notified that my
services are no longer required"
NO, no." protested Mr.. Fenton
aLHi.L- I-u,-- Ii