Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-10
THE ACCOMPLICE
FREDERICK TREVOR HILL.
othe
eserd.
Copyright, 1905, by Harper & Brothe
All rights reserved.

mistrust their own ears and eyes nova
days and rely on the newspa pers to set
EN- right. By the way, did you notice the
head lines of the sheet one of those boys
| shook my head.
We'll, 1 couldn't help seeing It," he con-
tinued; and If it wasn't against the rules
for US to read about the trial I'd like to
know what else they had to say about
you"
I glanced out Of the corner of my eye
at my companion and caught him looking
slyly at me.
IRA admit I'm human, and you've reused
my curiosity, II that's what you mean,''
ans wered. laughingly, ''but I think I can
wsit'
1 did not have long to wait, however for
we had no sooner reached the Melton
Eouse than somebody pushed paper at
Iae, asking If recognized myself, and be-
fore 1 could avoid 1t. 1 had seen a blurred
photograph labeled with my name and had
read the faring head lines which proclaim
ed that the foreman Of the Emory jury
had delivered staggering blow to the de-
complete it's case
Although I instantly thrust the sheet
aside and disposed of Its officious owner
with some remarks more pointed than po-
lite, l could not rid my mind of the un-
pleasant impression 1t had received, and
retired to my room with increased anxiety
and misgiying The head lines confirmed
my worst fears. and made me realize the
full effect Of my irresponsible meddling.
Gilbert had taken advantage of my open
ing to score his heaviest blow. He had
shown motive for the murder, and l
was at a loss to how the defendant
could meet explain away the facts
which the testimony had Unexpectedly de-
veloped.
Certainly Barstow's furious attack upon
Miss Mapes-whch was exactly what /
had hoped for and expected earlier in the
day-had not counteracted the effect OF
her involuntary admissions against the ac-
cused. In fact 1t had done more harm
than good. No one who had watched the
woman during her fearful ordeal could be-
Heve that she was treacherously endeavor
ing to shield herself at Alice Emory's ex-
pense. She was obviously the defendants
friend-ill-advised, meddlesome and blum
dering, but unquestionably well-intentioned
Up to the moment of recalling her to the
witness stand l was confident that She
was the guilty party, but as l listened to
her damaging testimony all my suspicious
faded.
If she had been Intriguing to implicate
Miss Emory and cover her own tracks she
would have welcomed the prosecutors in
quiries and subtly assisted him. Instead
OF this she had begun by opposing him.
and ended by completely losing her head
as she realized the serious injury she was
infiicting upon the defendants cause. 1t
was evident that she had not anticipated
the questions which had been put to her
and in her efforts to undo the mischief she
had completed the disaster. Had she risen
to the occasion and met the prosecutor
with complete frankness, she might have
retrieved the situation, but her lame shifts
and eVasionS, and obvious mental reserya-
tons, emphasized every damaging word
she had uttered.
It WAS then too late for Barstow to con-
vince the jury that she was capable not
only OF killing an enemy, but also of sacri-
ficing a friend. The character did not
fit her In the least. Her appearance on the
stand, every tone and gesture she employed,
denied 1t. His brutal onslaught had ELECTED
testimony which might serve as the basis
of an argument, but / could not believe
that any one who had seen and heard the
woman would credit the denuncia ton which
the lawyer was evidently preparing. The
attack was too yirulent and rancorous to
divert attention from the defendant. It
smacked of desperate spite and malice. and
In my opinion it had originated In revenge
The witness had not only f1outed Barstow' 3
advfce-she had forced his hand with dis
astrous results. and he had turned upon
her In frenzy of evaporation She might
be Miss Emerys accomplishment there was
much to support such a possibility - but
that she was attempting to convict the de-
fendant to save herself seemed to me Moth
Ing less than preposterous I found sew
erHl or the jurors only too anxious to
discuss the case when we assembled at the
supper table. but they received no en-
couragement. and after some vain Inquiries
as to the probable duration of the night
session they subsidized. Indeed, 1t was the
qutetest repast had yet experienced In the
company of the chain gang Even Rayne
was subdued and thoughtful. and 1t was
evident that my associates were beginning
to realize the solemnity OF the duty which
lay before them. Was this the direct re-