Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1905-12-19

tender, David Atchison and Walter
Couch in the murder and also in long
series of burglaries, etc., that have
been committed during the past sever
al months. All the parties were ar
rested and put in jail, only to be ex-
onerated and released this morning.
Examination Of Sherman.
In the investigation that was car
ried on after the two suit cases con-
tanning the Studzinski loot were taken
from under the Argus building by I'm
der Sheriff Ed. Martin early Monday
morning, Dec. II, a few circumstances
developed that seemed to indicate that
Sherman might possibly know some
thing about the matter. It was learn
ed that some months ago ne arranged
with Albert H. Klein. timer at the
Montana Hardware company, to have
key made to one Of the doors on
the ground floor Of the Argus. Mr..
Klein made this key on a Sunday,
right in front Of the door, and when
1t was finished gave it to a light COM
plected man who was with Sherman.
This incident was not necessarily i'm
portant but when Mr.. Klein
OoAAO OOWA uCoudy dShCU 0lCI"
man about it, and who the man was
that took the key, he absolutely de-
MED the whole transaction. Halsey
r. Watson, in looking up various mat
ters, found that Sherman had paid
out and lost at gambling more money
than he thought the young man could
possibly have obtained in the ordinary
way, and he also recalled that short
time before. Sherman had raffled off
a hair bride. Further inquiry show
ed that Studzinski hAa,a hair bride in
his place shortly before the murder,
and Mr.. Watson called the attention
of the officers to this circumstance.
Il was also noticed Friday morning
that Sherman was exceedingly ner-
vOus, and he told Mr.. Martin that he
thought the time was opportune for
examining the youth. Mr.. Watson
therefore went to the county Jail and
joined County Attorney Ayers, Sher-
iff Slater, Under Sheriff Martin, Dep
uty Sheriff Silvertnorne and Stenog-
rapher Hal. Gibson. A message was
sent to the Argus Office for 100 blanks
to be delivered at the sheriff's office,
this move being made because it was
known that Sherman would have to de-
liver them. At about 1870 he enter
ed the room, and paled visibly when
he saw those seated and apparently
awaiting him. He was asked to take
seat and did so, and Mr.. Watson
started the conversation by referring
to the finding of the suit cases, stat
ing that number of circumstances
seemed to indicate that Sherman could
throw some light on the subject, and
urging him to reveal anything he
knew. Sherman denied any knowl-
edge regarding the matter, and Mr..
Watson then questioned him regarding
the several incidents. AS to the hair
bridleA Sherman stated that he receiv-
ed 1t from friend, Paul Lewis, now
in wyoming. The conversation went
on for some time, and finally Sherman
voluntarily reverted to the bride and
said that he had lied when he said the
bride was sent to him from Wyoming.
It was given to him to sell by Alex
Mccoy, the colored ajnitor, who also
gave him a watch to dispose of, and
he mad sold that to Hugh Wagner.
Mr.. Ayers at once went to Mr.. Wag-
ner's store and returned with the
watch. In regard to the key, which
Sherman had denied having had mare,
he now admitted that Mr.. Klein's state
ment was true and said he had had it
made at McCoy's request for an alleged
friend of the colored man. Further
than this he refused to say anything
that would connect him with the at
fair. but the bride was soon identified
as one having been taken from Stud
zinski's. A carriage was sent for Nc
Coy, who was at his home suffering
from rheumatism, and when he was
brought in, he was informed Of Sher-
mans statements. He at once firmly
denied them. Sherman was then
brought in and confronted him. Again
Sherman said that the bride and
watch were given him by the colored
man, and Mccoy positively denied 1t.
There the matter rested for the time.
The officers resumed their work,
and have been on the case night and
day ever since. Ed. Martin, who secur-
ed the first clews, has scarcely slept
and Sheriff Slater. and Deputies Sill
| verthOrne and Tullock have likewise
been indefatigable. All the informa.
tion secured subsequently continued to
point toward Sherman. and without
committing themselves. the officers
felt absolutely sure that they had In
custody the man who could at last
clear up the mystery. The boys faith
er and mother visited him Friday night
and the scene was a most painful one,
the mother especially being well nigh
prostrated over the affair. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Sherman urged their son
to tell the whole truth. but he stead.
ily insisted that he nad done SO in
implicating Mccoy, and no headway
was made with him at that time.
; Developments Come Rapidly.
The real developments commenced
SATURDAY morning, and they followed
each other with startling rapidity
! from that time on. Saturday morning
Jeff sherman. the prisoners father
was allowed to go in the cell with him
for rae purpose of inducing Sherman
to tell the whole truth. II possible
: Whom the father came out shortly at