The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1902-02-14

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successful, however. He diverted tn,
blow SO that 1t cut through the officer.
sleeve and inflicted an ugly cash on thu
tlcshy part Of his arm.
Through It oil the district attorney
remained unlnoyed in his chair. In
deed there was scarcely time for hin
to do aught else, for the whole scene
did not occupy more than half dozen
seconds. After that there was pic.
ture which would have made excellent
material for tableau-tbc three men
handcuffed, one calm and smiling Gym
ically, another pale with fright and
the third furious with baf1ied rage, the
officers beside them, with firm hands
upon their shoulders; on the other
side Of the table the district attorney,
still seated In his armchair and looking
ineffably bored, and beside him. with
one hand on the back Of his chair, the
tall athletic figure Of Craig Wyndham,
looking like the god Of Vengeance sat
isHed.
Escudera was the first to break the
silence that followed the short strug-
gle.
Il suppose, Mr.. Craig Wyndham, l
owe this to you," he said.
Il think you owe it to yourself and
your own treachery," replied Wynd-
ham calmly.
"Do You believe that you can fasten
your crime upon met" continued the
Mexican. But the district attorney in
terruptcd before Wyndham could re-
spond.
Take those two men from the ROOM"
he commanded sternly. "Officer Dunn,
remain here with your prisoner, Ro.
drigucz. We have not done with him
yet"
Juan began Escudera, but again
he was interrupted, this time by the
officer who had him in charge, who
clappcd one hand rudcly over his mouth
and led him out Of the room.
Rodriguez" said the district attor-
ncy softly when the others had gone,
81 do not believe that you are as bad
as the others, and for that reason |
have kept you here to talk with you
alone"
The stenographcr seized his pen again
and resumed work.
ADO You know" continued the Off
cal, "tllat there has not been mo-
ment since Pendleton was murdered |
when you and your friends have not !
been Swallowed by the police: We have |
not had you arrested simply because
We were waiting for additional proof.
And where do yon suppose we expected
to get that? will tell you because you
could not guess-from Mexico
"FrOm Mexico" exclaimed Rodriguez
InvOluntarily. The craftness Of the
district attorney was too much for him.
ayes, from Mexico continued the
official, inventing as he went along
from the tale that Wyndham had told
hin. 1--WE know for example, that
here was conspiracy Matched be-
ween four Of you and that Captain
gnaco Romero, now lying wounded in
he City Of Mexico, is the chief conspir-
ltor. We know that Escudcra, Busta-
nente and You came here for the avow-
d purpose TO aSsassinate Burr pendIe-
on. We know it because Romero has
onfessed"
Rodriguez started back and uttered
panlsh oath that is untrans!atable.
hen, whittier than before, he fixed his
yes again upon the district attorney,
Tho after moments pause continued:
ut is more than likely, Rodriguez,
hat you will all go to the electric
hair. Escudera ana Bustamente Ger.
'inly will, but you may possibly es-
ape it."
"IlOwF' gasped the man, now thor
nghly frightened.
"By cOnfessing freely everything you
now concerning this matter BY do
lg that you will save us time, expense
nd trouble, and in return for that
IN PROMISE you that the judge will be
nicnt. You will not be executed.
on may get off with short term in
'ison. Think it over and answer me,
r this is the last opportunity you will
,ve"
Il am willing to tell all l know, sir.
y life is worth more to me- than their )
iendship." |