Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-11-25

case like North we NUT take into con-
sideration the power OF the human Will
TO prolong life"
"But this writing on the wall was rot
an act OF memory"
NO. But with thought in man OF
strong purpose would come quick deter
mination - the power 10 act. even at
that moment. You must bear in mind
nat Mt North's death was caused by
the filling Of his lungs with blood in
stead of air. IL was a painless death,
and Mr Norths will power would have
enabled him 90 prolong his life 90 sec
onds-perhaps even $50 secOnds-ample
time for the writing Of this name on the
wall, as you can see. Take the name
Paul North. trace il slowly. as II you
had 90 dip your finger in the writing
fluid four times. There. Now time
yourself How long did it take your"
Just 20 seconds said Mr. Thomas.
Exactly. Nowsyou understand the
possibilities ia this matter Of the writ
ing; and / tell YOU. Thomas. this talk
with you only confirms and emphasizes
my belief that here you have a great
csss-one of the most extraordinary in
my experience. II you can put what I've
told you 10 good use, 1 shall be glad:
but mind, I shall not look TO see it in
the morning papers"
The surgeon had arisen and was ac-
compaDying the reporter go the door
Thomas stopped him py a restraining
gesture
BY the way. doctor. stand just as you
are. Now viii you put your finger on
that part of your body corresponding
70 that where Paul North was shot?"
The surgeon obliged him Thomas.
standing behind him. made several
rapid measurements and calculations
with his eye and hanu.
There is something decidedly curious
here doctor" he said. stand behind
me, please. Suppose me your intended
victim. II it's not too great a strain on
your imagination. Now see where you
must hold your pistol 90 comply with
all within three feet. point
cd upward at an angle of 20 degreesi"
The surgeon. who fastened 90 attempt
the experiment. uttered an exclamation
OF surprise.
Curious how much a man may miss
whole sometimes" ne said why.
never thought OF this before"
What doctor?"
The man who fred that ball must
have been upon his knees"
Precisely PRECISELY" exclaimed
Thomas Just my thoughts exactly.
What sane person would FIRE pistol at
a man in any such direction in an erect
attitude? To- would be almost equally
absurd if the assassin had been seated. d"
You are right returned the surgeon.
thoughuully. "He might have been
crouchiug behind some article OF fur
niture-"
cor been previously knocked down."
Thomas interpOsed. turning very
meaning look upon the surgeon s face.
so indeeil That would indicate.
then, struggle 90 your mind"
1T would indicate that the murderer
nred In self-defense. or from momentary
passion induced by North's treatment
OF him"
When Thomas found himself in the
cool air OF the June night again. he
FASTENED al a round pace ia the direc-
the door OF his own Office when a man
jumped from a horse car and tapped
him upon the shoulder II was Detec-
tive John Lamm, direct from swamp
scott
What's your hurry, Kingmau2" he
Inquired. with the easy assurance OF a
familiar acquaintance Come up into
my Office few minutes. want TO talk
with you"
Reporter Thomas consulted his watch
The fact is, old man" he said. with a
frank smile. I'm rather driven tonight.
It's that North mystery. you under
stand"
How Do you know that isn't the very
matter wanted 20 taik with you
about?' returned Mr.. Lamm. taking the
reporters arm with good humored in
sistence, and escorting him. half-re-
luctantly. 10 his own private den. as he
called it.
"Kingman, know you. and you know
me. said the detective. after they were
fairly settled in their chairs. 1T came
10 me when / saw you just now that we
might work this case together. II
wouldn't be the first case we have han
died together, eh?"
You're right" said Thomas.
Now, I'm interested in this North
mystery very particularly. you under
stand" pursued Mr.. Lamm. quite warm
ing 10 his subject, now that he was
closeted with a tried friend, and at an
hour when he was reasonably secure
from interruption. Not for the GOV
ernment, OF course. Private parties.
And my opinion, gathered from all l
have been able 10 ascertain about the
case, is that it is very mysterious. very
complicated. and may bafie even the
most thorough investigation"
Thomas pursed up his lips, and re-
garded the gas jet doubtfuliy.
You don't think so. eh?"
When / hear what Thornton Stack
houses alibi is. can answer you bet
ter"
abb. Ell? So you have the medical
examiners report? Good! Just what
was after. When did North die2"