The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-12-08
CHAPTER Nv.

"AASA laShs' Aho hhuh ksOk0Eo
II lying" But what conceivable
motive could he have for lylngP
Besides, az I looked at him on the
stand. would have sworn that he was
telling tho truth, and very much
against his will. had always prided
myself upon my judgment Of human
nature. Had erred SO egregiously in
this instancef "The woman who was
with Holiday woro a gown Of dark
greeH-" Who was the writer Of the
motor How did he know the color Of
her gown7 There was only ono pos
sihls way no could know-hs knew
ne woman Plainly. too. he must
have been present at the morning hear
hE. But, II he knew 80 much, why
did hs not himself come forwardf To
this. tso. there was but one answer
he must be an accomplice. But then,
again. II he were an accomplice, why
should be impsril himself by writing
thts nots. for It could very probably
- tracedf found myself deeper In
the miro. farther from the Light, at
evsry step.
"Do you wish to summon any wit
Hessss, Mr.. Roger asked the coroner
again. II shall be glad to adjourn the
hearing until tomorrow II you do"
Mr.. Royce reused himself with an ef-
hs1s.
THANK you, sir" he said. ''I may ask
yeu to do that later on. Just at present
wish to recall Mr.. Rogers"
VERY we'll" said the coroner. And
Rogers was summoned from the wit
ness room.
I looked at him nttentvely. trying to
fathoEn his thoughts, to read behind his
eyes: but, look az I might. I could see
nothing In his face save concern and
grief. he had grown gray in Holidays
ofnce. ho had proved himself hundred
times n man to be relied ON, he had
every reason to feel affection and graf
ftude toward his employer, and was
certain that he folt both. He received
a liberal salary. I knew, and was com
fertably well to do.
That he himself could have commit
ted the crime or been concerned In It
In any way YVES absolutely unthinka-
bio. Yet why should be lie? Above
: nll. why should he seek to implicats
h.s employers daughterY Even II he
wished to implicate her. how could he
have known the color Of her gownf
What dark. Intricate problem was this
that confronted US?
In the moC.cnt that followed I saw
that Mr.. Royce was studying him, too;
was stra aiming to find n ray Of light for
guidance. II we failed now
read the note through again - ~
gown OF dark green" And suddenly.
by kind Of cla:rvoyance, the solution
Of the mystery lcaped forth from It. I
lcaEcd over to my chief, trembling with
eagcrness.
"Mr. Royce" / whispered hoarsely,
II believe I've solved the puzzle. Hold
Rogers OH tie stand few moments
until get back"
lie looked UP at me astouished, then
nodded as seized my hat and pushed
my way through the crowd. Once out
side tho lIi.d!ng, ran to tic nearest
Cry goods house-.hree blocks away Il
was, and what fearfully long blocks
they scemed!-t!len back again to the
courtroom. Rogers was still on the
stand. but glance Mt Mr. Royce toll
ME that he had clcital nothing new.
You take him, Lester he said rs
sat down beside him. I'm worn out"
Qu!Terirg with apprehension. arose
1t was the first time I had been given
the center or the stage In so important
case. Here was my opportunity!
Suppose my theory should break down,
after all!
''Mr. Rogers" / began, you've been
having some trouble with your eyes,
haven't you?'
He looked Mt me IN surprise.
''Why, yes, "A little" he said. Moth
ing to amount 20 anything. How did
you knowY'
My confidence had come back again
] was on the right track then!
IT did not know" said, smiling for
the first time since had entered the
room, hut I suspected. ] have bare
a number Of pieces Of cloth Of different
colors. should like you to pick out
the one that most nearly approximates
the color Of the gown your visitor wore
yesterday afternoon"
handed him the bundle Of samples,
and as I did so l saw the district Mt
torney lean forward over his desk with
attentive face. The witness looked
through the samples slowly. while /
watched him with feverish engerness
Mr.. Royce had caught an iEkling Of
my meaning and was watching him
too.
"There's nothing here" said Rogers
ut last, (which seems quite the shade,
but this is very near It,"
He held up one Of the pieces. With
leap!ng heart, heard the gasp Of as
tonishment which ran around the room.
The jurymen were leaning forward in
their chairs.
"And what Is the color Of that piece"
I asked