The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-10-29

done the deed without entering. IT so,
it is clear that he must have made use
Of the partly opened window. This
seems SO likely that they will seize
upon it with ayidity. At first they will
suggest that the assassin reached in at
the ,a T b1 and Ths trs Sav his M victim IS
counts for our not finding the weapon,
and they will be SO sure that this is
the correct solution of the problem
that shall probably have to point out
to them it's patent absurdity. This illus
trates the danger Of forming a by
Pothesis from imperfect data. Remind
the window, but eight feet three and
one-half inches from it, in almost the
exact center Of the room, and their
theory falls to the ground, only to be
hastily replaced, as a drowning man
catches at a straw, by slightly variel
theory. If the victim sat that distance
from the window, they will inform US,
must have been thrown or shot at him
"Tndeed,0 said Mr.. Herne. tstho ]
bad not thought of shat theory, it seems
to mo so plausible, now that you mcn-
ton it. that I think the officers will
Vsry prepery S1 may they hoid that soma
prolectile might have been shot thru
tho partly opened window and none Of
us have detected tho act.'
"Ah, yes" rejoined Maitland; "but
when l ask them where this implement
is under this assumption, and remind
them of what shall already have told
them, viz, that Mr.. Darrow sat back
feet from it, and sat in a chair, the solid
back of which extended, like a protect
ing shield, fully six inches above the
top of his head, they will find it difficult
to show how, unless projectiles travel
IN sharp curves or angles, man in this
position could thus receive wound di-
slight as not to penetrate the thyroid
cartilage Immediately under it.
'''The abandonment of this hypoth-
idea that the murder was committed
from without. What then remainss
Only the second alternative. They must
either give up altogether the idea Of
murder, or have recourse to what is
known as the theory of exclusive OPP
"Theory Of exclusive opportunity"
repeated Gwen, as puzzled look over
spread her countenance. "I-I fear
do not, quite understand what you
mean.'
"Pardon me, Miss Darrow, for not
said Maitland with a deferential inclina-
ton Of the head: CO. The theory Of ex-
elusive opportunity, to state it plainly
in this case, means simply this: If Mr..
barrow were murdered, some one Of us
five, we being the only ones having an
assassin. Whether this view be taken
mount Importance to find the weapon.
Do you not now see why objected to
having any one leave the rooms If, as
appears likely from my search, the
weapon is not to be found, and if, as
feel reasonably certain, either the sui
eide or the murder theory be substanti-
ated, then, anyone who left the room
be held to have taken the weapon with
him and disposed Of it, because his
would have been the exclusive oppor-
tunity for SO doing. Some one must
h b disposed Of It. and no one else had
way it would be stated. But, since no
one Of us has left the room, thoro
search both Of it and Of our persons,
must convince the officers that we, at
least, are not responsible for the fact
that the weapon is not Forthcoming. -
Maitland paused and looked at
Browne as if he expected him to speak.
jaws the more firmly together and held
his peace-at least in so far as words
'speak louder than words,O this black,
visage with it's two points of fire made
eloquent DISCOURSE. 1 charged all this
display Of malice to jealousy: It, is not
altogether pleasant to be placed at a
whose good opinion one prizes above all
| things else. That is to say, I have read
that such is the case. do not consider
| my own views upon such matters expert
testimony. In all affairs Of the heart
my fP,niI b eease to have th0t eiens at
ceases to be pump
Even Gwen, think, noticed Brown g
determined silence, for she said to Matt
II am very grateful that your fore
thought prevented me from causing Mr..
Browne even temporary annoyance. by
making him my messenger
She, paused moment and then con-
"You were speaking of the officers
theories. When they have convinced
themselves that no one Of us has re-
moyed the weapon what then Ill.,,
t.they. will ultimately fall back upon
the suicide theory, but they must find the
tate it; for if It be not here Someone
must have taken it away and that some
one could only have been the. one who
used 1.-THE assassin, in SHORTCUT
here are the officers. Let each one of
us insist upon being searched. They can
send to the station for a woman to
search you,' he said in an un:
dertone to Gwen an dthen added: 81
trust will pardon my suggesting a
course which in your case, seems SO ut
terly unnecessary, but, believe me, there
are urgent reasons for it which I can
explain later. If we would hope tc
solve this mystery, everything depends
ure.p
IT SHOULD evinee but, poor apprecia
tion," Gwen replied, cot the ability
you have already shown should I fail
to follow your slightest suggestion. It
is all can offer you by way Of thanks
for the kind interest you have taken. D
The return Of OFFICER Barker. accom-
The tide Of congregation. Maitland ad
3anced and shook hands with one whom
he introduced as Mr.. Osborne, and this
gentleman in turn introduced his broth
er officer, a Mr.. Allen, and M. Godin, g
special detective.
Osborne impressed me as a man OF
only mediocre ability, :thoroly imbu ~
clever. He spoke loudly ana, ! thought
q bit octentatiously, yet withal in 6
manner so frank and hearty that
could not help liking the fellow.
M. Godin, on the contrary, seemed re-
firing almost to the point Of self.abne
cation. He said but little, apparently
lpreferrlng to- keep in the background
where he could record his own observa
,tions in his note book without too fire.