Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1903-07-14

statement, Wnlcn the inspector had taken
down, and then we left him to the doc
tor"
How long ago did this occurf' 1
asked, drawing a deep breath of relief,
feeling that l was now safe from sus-
picion.
Two hours by my watch as left the
station to come to you"
did the unhappy man send for me?'
No, sir; it was my own idea. You
see, there's that reward you offered
He paused.
1T shall be paid" / said, although
the criminal gave himself up of his own
free will instead of being apprehended I"
Spoken like a gentleman-begging
your pardon, SIR"
When l saw you this morning with
Mr.. Mortlock," l said-and then / also
paused in the middle of speech; the
question l was about to ask was injudi-
cious.
We'll, sir" said the detective, taking
up the cue, Il don't mind admitting
that l was then on another track"
Prompted by Mr.. Mortlock?'
IN a manner of speaking, sir. He
first put the idea into my head. You
would never guess it, and / mustn't say
what it was"
But l had guessed it. Mr. Mortlock,
hating me and mine, would have incrim-
mated me; it was he whose malignant
whisperings had caused me to be receiv-
ed as | had been on that morning. But
| the danger was now removed. In the
| light of Samuel Fleetwood's admission,
he was powerless to work out his wicked
spite against me.
How was Fleetwood" / asked, when
you left the station? Better?"
Worse, sir. Sinking fast. Very lit
tie time to live, the doctor said. A cler-
gyman was called in, and was with him
when l left
And you thought might like to see
him?
Il thought as much, sir, though l
don't know whether the inspector will
allow it,"
Il am obliged 70 YOU. l should wish
to see the unhappy man; he might con.
fess to me the motive for his crime"
! Its my opinion, sir, he's confessing
to the clergyman. Thank you, sir"
| had slipno1 a couple of sovereigns into
his han There's something that ought
to be got at, if the man is really dying.
The money, sir, the five thousand pounds
that was taken out of the box. He was
asked about it, and all the answer he
gave was a strange smile. He could
| hardly have spent it in the time"
WAS there none found on him?''
'There wasn't a brass farthing found
on him; and, what is more, his clothes
were in rags, and the doctor said that he
must have been without food for more
than two DAYS"
1T is indeed stranger remarked. II
win 20 with you to the station"
l saw ny wife before l left the house.
l told her what l had learned from the
detective of the condition of Samuel
| Fleetwood and she whispered that il
would be merciful if he were to die be-
fore his trial, and that she hoped and
prayed he would die repentant
| did not share her hope that Fleet
wood would die in prison. 1t was my
wish that he should be brought to trial
and found guilty; after that | should
be content that he should die before the
| just sentence of the law was carried out
But at the prison my memorable wish
melted into thin air; it was destroyed by
higher than a human judge-Samuel
| Fleetwood was deadl
He died quite peacefully, sir" said
the inspector, with smile upon his
| lips. He must have been in a queer
state of mind after what he did, to say
almost with his last breath, L go to join
my beloved wifep"
did he make no further confession r
| asked, COMPOUNDED by the news.
Il believe he did. SIR" replied the in
| spector; "the clergyman will produce II
at the inquest, which must, of course
be held on him. When he left the pris.
on l understand he was going to your
house."
''We did not meet him." l said, looking
helplessly around; I'VE came straight
here"
It's no use worrying, SIR" said the
! inspector. with Fleetwood's confession
and death there is an end of the affair. .
| Nodding, l retraced my steps, and on
the lawn in front of my house | was
accosted by Mile. Resale.
| ITO ha continued