Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-17

quest Fame had been gaining in health and
spirits even in the face of the fact that
the tolls of suspicion were tightening about
him and the surveillance of his every word
and act was closer. He had been allowed to
see his counsel and his kindred, but denied
to all others. He had killed his case If not
himself. said most of the wise men of
Groveton, yet he looked younger. blither,
stronger than he had looked since the even
ing OF that brutal assault in the west
grove.
And he looked to the full as brave and
confident and well, even on the morning
When, In presence of the sheriff, the dis
tr1ct attorney and certain of the police.
Stetson, the elder. appeared in person,
repeated his accusation and told his tale.
Inc deceased, said he, was in Groveton
on important personal business. He pre-
ierred not to. go into details as to that
business until..o unless it should be nee
selves They had been reared together
IN the same village way down east and,
though widely separated for many years,
had been brought together through bust
ness and family matters. Piggott had
told him of the young officers misbe-
havior in face of the enemy in Arizona.
the fathers account had whitewashed the
son, but the stain still showed; the young
man had vowed vengeance, and Piggott
why the majors movements had been
clrcumscribed, He lived by day over on
the island, and was to come to the main
gould be finished and he could return to
chicago, get his belongings and go on
about his leave. But. despite stetsons
was instant. There had been furious
words on both sides. probably, and the
major told him. Stetson. that Fame then
and shoot him on sight; that he would
follow noe,w MIN to the island If need be, but
sh nail him I'm. somewhere he certainly
out Of his funk" but the major was
really in dread Of his life. That night,
late, Piggott must have pulled himself
have encountered Fame, who was seen as
Iate as midnight in the neighborhood;
then had followed the furious quarrel
Ing; Now there could be no other theory
Inc conference If such it might be
called had taken place in the sheriffs
companied by his reinstated physician
and familiar. DR.. Gilhooley, had been con-
veyed thither in closed carriage: was
met there by his legal friend and adviser.
another Of the gifted though sometimes
erratic Hibernian type, and these gentle
men mad insisted on their rights as well
there had been some demur on part of
the sheriff, who seemed in semi-dazed
condition at times ever since Fane's de-
Hberate refusal to escape at the expense
of another. Moreover, the sheriff had been
thrown in contact more Or less with Haz-
lett and his unobtrusive civilian asso-
S,oNS .AOiiI SAiCdSO, d uSlGCIlVe. as the
sherin had sense enough to know. The
sheriff had been severe in the discharge
or his duties as custodian-in-chief of the
accused officer, and now was wishing he
had been less aggressive Hazlett and his
friend had evidently eminent and power
a aud o aos h PIG LAWYERS in consultation
interested in the case" His theory that
Fame was the culprit had been staggered
a pit. and he greedily welcomed the an
nouncement that Stetson was coming to
IdSIGn the crime where II balnn
But Stetson failed to fasten things quite
as firmly as the sheriff had been led to ex-
pect. Moreover, to the chagrin of the dis
trict attorney and the sheriff both, there
had come this same Hazlett, this we'll
CARRIED and groomed man of middle age,
with letter from the governor himself. a
his mission that he vouchsafed no other
explanation to either of the officials than
that he was there 'in the interests Of the
defense He sat watching Stetson, and
Stetson's announcement that there could
be no other theory. Then at last he spoke:
In your opinion, then. Mr.. Stetson.
there could have been no other-motive?"
Stetson turned weakly and surveyed him,
not without uneasiness What stronger
motive should there be-" he said. Didn't
he want revengeT
WAS there no one whom Piggott had
Capt. Fame" And Hazlett sat toying with
his pointed pencil and even fitting back in
his chair. yet cycling his man with calm,
implacable scrutiny.
How should l know?' demanded Stet-
son, something of his old turbulence for the
moment appearing.
For instance" continued Hazlett "Pig-
gott would have robbed Fame of his repu-
tation. but he failed ignominiously. He
robbed another man OF his good name. of
his home, Of his wife. all three Pray
don't rise, Mr.. Stetson."
IT'S -. damnable lie!" burst
n hut fn onyhi ,ry
fearful to see.
IT'S what your own son says" continued
Hazlett, with cold-blooded insistence, land
l have brought him here to repeat 1t.
Would you mind inviting them in, Mr..
Sheriff? They are In that carriage"
Stetsons chair went back with crash az,
with starting, staring eyes, with the sweat
bursting from his forehead and tricklng
down his face, he staggered to his feet and
started for the door. I'm choking" he
cried. an officer restrained him. I'm
choking!" and indeed he looked it, but Haz-
lett coolly lowered the sash and the officer
led the stricken man to a seat beside him.
Sit, however, he would not. Staring from
the window and shaking in every limb, the
wretched father looked forth upon
wretched son being led Imply up the stone
tagging from the gate, and followed by
woman in deep mourning. A moment more
and they were at the doorway, and then,
even Hazletts calm left him at sight of the
agony in the face Of the cornered victim.
Turning once more toward the interior of
the room, the policemans arm barely sus-
tanning him, the father gazed dumbly for
one moment upon the abject and miserable
form that faltered at the threshold. Then
up went both clnched fists in mid-air.
shaking In impotent, intolerable wrath.
amaze and dreadful grief and despair. Then
down, straight forward. he went, plungtng
headlong to the floor. and the blood was
gurgling from his mouth as they sprang
and raised him, and woman, in funereai
black, threw herself upon her knees before
them all and was sobbing loudly, wildly:
my God! My God! Have killed you, too?'
CTo be continued tomorrow.)