Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-03-19
her white face full Of despair.

that he did not hear the preliminary
proceedings of the court. He came to
himself only when DIR. Sloan had be-
gun speaking The physician was
saying that, owing to the critical con-
dition of patient, he hoped that 1t
would be admissible for him to testify
without delay. After little discus
sion his request was granted, and the
doctor took the stand and kissed the
edge of worn Testament. 1t was his
opinion, he said, briefly, that Harris
death had resulted from a wound in
the lungs made by the ball for which
he had probed and which he held in
his hand.
Here the solicitor rose.
as that the ball you found in the
wound, doctor?" he asked.
ut is, SIR" responded the witness.
DIR. Strong" pursued the solicitor,
state to the court If it is a fact that
you found the dead man with revolver
tightly clutched in the fingers Of his
right hand"
THAT Is quite true. sir" said DR..
Sloan. "Thsd Williams said that he
died holding it, and that he
Your honor broke in Redding, on
his feet in an instant. 1--WE object to
what Thad Williams said"
The judge nodded as he admitted the
justice Of the objection. The solicitor
stepped TO the table of the magistrate
and took UP sgd Harris revolver, which
lay beside Ronalds, in view Of the en-
tire room.
us this the revolver TO which you
refer?" he questioned, casting a calm
look Of satisfaction round the circle
of lawyers within the railing.
at IS, sir
''There is one more question: said
the solicitor. with a smile, land then
we are through with you, DR.. Sloan.
You are satisfied in your mind that
Svd Harris death was brought about
by the ball you found in his body, and
that the ball came from that other pistol
lying on the table--the pistol we shall
prove was carried by the prisoner
Yes, l am quite satisfed"-here the
witness paused II am able TO swear
that the ball | found in him was the
cause Of his death. but l cannot, OF
course. swear that the ball came from
that other revolver
well, that will do" said the solicitor
and he turned to Redding "Ihe wit
ness is with you" he added, with an
easy smile, full OF confidence.
Redding got TO his feet slowly.
II don't know, Your honor" he said
that can think of anything just now
to ask the witness" and he stood nerv-
ously pinching his nose as he leaned
against his chair and rocked back and
forth, a defeated look spreading over
his face. However, he soon pulled him
self together.
"You say, DOCTOR" he asked, "that
you are not ready TO swear that bal
came from the revolver of the pris
oner?"
Before answering, the witness. who
still fingered the bullet, took up Harris
revolver and fitted the ball into tho
end OF the barrel. Then Ronald. who's
eyes were on his face, saw him star
and turn pale, as he hastily put dowI
Harris revolver and picked up the other
He was nervously trying TO place th'
bit Of lead into its end when, with al
exclamation OF establishment. Reddinl
strobe to his side and stood watching
him with widening eyes. Ronald saw
n broad smile spread over Redding'
face, and then he came back to his plac
flushed with triumph. Ronald was non
plused. Rcdding teemed electrified a
he bent down and put his lips to his ear
Thank God, my boy" he whispered
I'm goin' to wipe up the ground wit,
EN-. Damn 'em, | won't leave a Who'll
rag on EN-"
TO the prisoners surprise, he re
sumed his nonchalant attitude on III
back Of his chair, which he hitche
about until ne had secured his bal
ance. The magistrate looked bored, a
he smiled over at Wrinkle. The solicito
was engaged in conversation with Tha
Williams and did not seem to note tn
bewildered attitude of the witness OF
the stand.
You are sure that the bullet in you
hand was the one that caused Sydne,
Harris death?" questioned Redding.
Hes already sworn that" put in thu
squire, sharply; 1--WE must not go owe
the same ground twice. 1t will TAX
all day TO get through
ITS important enough for i'm Il
swear it twice, your honor" said Red
ding, calmly, and then, as he contin
ued, his eyes began to fash and hi
voice rang out so clear and loud tina
the solicitor looked up in astonishmen,
"Dr. Sloan, is it not your opinion tina
the ball in your hand could not possibl
have come from the revolver belonging
10 my chent?"
, There was profound stiffness in tn
big room. II was broken by an mpu
sive guffaw from the solicitor. VIII
shot an amused glance at Redding, a
II he thought that lawyer had take
, leave of his senses. And then the Sc
licitor noted the white, rigid EXPIRE.
, sion on the face OF the witness and hi
, smile died away.
I'VE are waiting on you, DR., Sloan,
said Redding, calmly.
ut is my opinion" answered III
! physician, that this ball could nc
, have been fired from Mr.. Fnnshaw
, revolver. 1t Is clear to me now ths
. Sydney Hart accidentally shot himse
/ with his own pistol. 1t carries 3s-cal
Der ball; the other only 81