The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1905-02-10
hs said pleasantly. "You gave us quite

] launched into the object of our visit
Byrnes listened attentively while
told him the whole story, emitting
nothing which in the smallest degree
bore upon the mystery of Alice Gravis
court and Nita Barlotti. He listened
attentively, with his eyes fixed stead.
lily upon my face. Then l read the
statements of Antonio Sigmotta and
Dambo and exhibited the pin and
locket with the miniature photograph.
The major and 1horlane were as keen
in listening as If it was the first time
they had heard these things.
When had finished, the superin.
tendent said:
Il do not see that anything is lack
ing except the confession of Charles
Sigmotta. You have now enough to
convict him, but it would be difficult
to connect the man Graviscourt with
the crime. The Identification of Nits
Barlotti as Alice Graviscourt seems to
be pretty well established, and il
Charles Sigmotta was dead, you could
give Graviscourt quite a fight. But
with Sigmotta's own confession you
will overwhelm him SO utterly that he
will have no loophole of escape"
THAT is just the way we look At It"
l replied, "and we came to you to set
your advice as to the best way 10 OBJ
tain Sigmotta's confession"
The superintendent thought a mo.
ment.
There is no doubt, is there, major"
he said, that the druggist Tortoni is
Charles Sigmotta?"
mot the least" replied the major.
Il identified him before Wilberton and
Thorlane went away, and Dambo's
statement verifles mine."
Tortoni the druggist went away on
the same day that Maligni did," said.
II do not know whether he has re.
turned or not"
ut will not take long to learn" said
the superintendent "But first let us
get at what we want to do with him.
Undoubtedly the man deserves the
severest punishment that can be
melted out to him under the law. The
fact that his murderous intention was
frustrated by his brother does not
make his act any the less heinous."
True" said. But the punishment
of Sigmotta is not the end sought. 1t
Is Graviscourt we want. do not think
we need to do much with Sigmotta,
who probably did what he was en-
ployed to do. l would be willing to let
up on him for the sake of getting at
the absolute truth in regard to the
whole matter"
Il see," said the superintendent.
"And armed thus, you will proceed
against Graviscourt?"
with that have nothing to do"
replied. my duty is ended the mo-
ment the truth is established. The
case then goes to Nita Barlotti and
her affianced husband, Henry Thor
lane. I trust them to regain her
rights"
AAoAA 0AC oAA1lCu 6Alulys
"Would it not be a good plan to 60
to Tortoni's drug store and confront
him with the facts we have already
learned and squeeze him until he
squeals?"
Byrnes laughed.
Il see you have the vernacular," he |
said, "but think l can show you a
better squeezing trick than that. Let
me have the papers," He rang bell
and an officer entered. what is the |
address of the drug store?" asked the
superintendent.
l told him.
He wrote something on piece of
paper and handed it to the officer.
go to that address and bring the
nan here at once, If you can find him."
le said.
The officer saluted and went out.
In about fifteen minutes, during
which time l had produced some
,igars and We all sat smoking, he re-
urned with shivering, demoralized,
whisky-rotten wretch,
Who quailed before the steely gaze of
he superintendent. Then his eyes
ell on the major, and he started, for,
Ifter all the years, the fallen physi-
ian recognized the man of the world.
"Sit down." said the superintendent,
nd the quivering wretch fell into a
hair.
At the superintendent command a
now quietly made his ap.
earance and sat near his chief, with
encil ready.
What is your manner" asked the
"Tortoni,' was the reply, with side
ook at the major to see If he nailed
he lie. ~ }sa
en-! What was it before it was
ortoni?" asked the superintendent.
The wretch writhed in his chair.
Speak quick" said Byrnes. 1T will
9 better for YOU"
Il was born Tortoni," said the fel-
w, doggedly.
"Ah! Then how did you come to
dopt the name Sigmotta, under which 8
ou practiced medicine?" asked the
lperintendent, blandly.