Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-12-26

spare before John brings them III.
lie drew pad of paper toward him
and wrote rapidly. When he finished,
lie passed the sheet to Wyndham, and
this is what he read:
Have warrants issued Immediately for Carlos de
Escudcra Romero, Juan Rodriguez and Emilio
Bustamente, charged by this office with the muir
der Of Burr Pendlcton. One Of them at least is
here now; possibly the others. Send in three ON
GERS to make the arrest. Lose no time.
The district attorneys signature was
appended, and the note was addressed
10 one Of his assistants.
"Now get behind your screen, Craig
he said while he folded the document
and placed 1t in an envelope. "Time's
up"
Wyndham had scarcely taken his seat
when there was a rap at the door and
the clerk entered, as the official had
prophesied, followed by three men, the
foremost of whom was Escudera.
Il have taken the liberty of bringing
these gentlemen with me-" he said,
with the utmost suavity and polite
ness, because they are able to sub
stantiate what l have to say. | have
a very grave charge to make, Mr.. Dis
trict Attorney"
"Be seated, gentlemen" was the re
ply, not less suave than the introduc-
ton. what is the charge. Mr.. Romero,
and whom does it concern"
Pardon me, sir. My name is Escu-
dera. Romero is the family name Of
my mother"
"Ah, yes Well, what is the charge,
and whom does it concernI
THE charge, sir, is murder. 1t con
Germs prominent citizen of this city,
one Craig Wyndham, who, | have
strong reasons to believe, murdered
his friend, Burr Pendleton."
WHAT cried the district attorney,
evidently astonished out of his official
calm. "Thc Pendlcton case? Craig
Wyndham the murderer? Impossible
you will believe it to be more than
probable, sir, when you have heard al
that have to tell you"
The district attorney rang the bell
sharply and when the clerk appeared
said:
Send in my stenographer." Thch 70
Escudera he added: You make grave
accusation, Mr.-er-Escudera. Not %
word of the evidence you have to give
shall be lost"
The stenographer appeared at once,
and then he added, Nov, sir, begin
Il arrived in New York from Mexico
one day in advance of Mr.. Pendletop.
whom | had known in the City of McN-
leo. | performed Il few slight services
for him there, and we became warm
friends. | had announced to him my
intention of visiting New York, and
| he gave me card Of introduction ~
his club, so | presented it at once. ]
| was in the club when he arrived, and I
| saw him meet Wyndham on the steps
outside. They went to quiet corner
together and talked for a long time.
Presently l walked past them, and
| Pendleton, recognizing me, rose at once
We left the club together within few
moments of that time"
why did you so out of the club y
asked the official
AT his request. He wished me to
20 to his rooms with him, for no other
reason think, than that we might tall,
together uninterruptedly."
Had you business togethcr?"
"None whatever. | think that Pen
dleton wished to get away from Wynd-
ham. In fact. he minated as much
"Ah | see"
81 remained in his rooms about or
nearly an hour. He agreed to meet me
at the club again that night. l then
went to my hotel"
What time did you leave the club
to so to Pendleton's roomsT
"A little after o."
What time were you to meet at the
club againY
evening He did not come called al
his rooms the following morning. but,
receiving no answer to my summons
went away. | did not know of his
death until it was announced in the
newspapers"
Then how do you connect Wynd-
ham with the crime"
w SuuIain went 10 IenOletOD
rooms the same evening that was
there, but about Q o'clock. He was
there more than an hour. While he
was there Pen1leton's valet came out
and went away. He was sobbing, and
he appeared greatly frightened. Som,
time after he had gone Wyndham came
out. He paused on the steps and look
ed carefully around him. His face
was very white, and he seemed to feal
to be seen. He soon started up the
street and turned the first corner ht
came to-"
"How do you know all this, Mr. Es
cudera"
Pardon me. I have unconsciously
given the testimony Of these gentle
men who are with me. Personally
do not know it,"
The district attorney wheeled like 6
cash upon the others.
Were you watching Mr.. Wynd
ham," he demanded sharply.
Not watch
"What is your manner" interrupted
the official.
"Juan, or John, Rodriguez"
"And yours" turning to the remain
ing witness.
Emilio Bustamente."
"Now, Mr.. Rodriguez, proceed"
1--WE were not watching him in thu