Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-06-06
But this writing on the wall was not


strong purpose would come quick deter
mination and the power to act, even at
that moment You must bear in mind
that Mr.. North's death was caused by
the filling of his lungs with blood in
stead of air. 1t was painless death,
and Mr.. North's will power would have
enabled him to prolong his life 60 sec
onds-perha:s even $50 seconds-ample
time for the writing of this name on the
wall, as you can see. Take the name
Paul North; trace it slowly, as if you
had to dip your finger in the writing
fluid four times. There. Now time
yourself. How long did 1t take you?"
4 Just 20 seconds said Mr.. Thomas.
Exactly. Now you understand tie
possibilities in this matter of the writ
ing; and l tell you, Thomas, this talk
with you only confirms and emphasizes
my belief that here you have great
case-one of the most extraordinary in
my experience. If you can put what I've
told you to good use, l shall be glad;
but mind, l shall not look to see it IN
the morning papers"
The surgeon had arisen and was &C
companying the reporter to the door.
Thomas stopped him oy restraining
gesture
( by the way, doctor, stand just as you
are. Now will you put your finger on
that part of your body corresponding
to that where Paul North was shot?''
The surgeon obliged him. Thomas,
standing behind him, made several
rapid measurements and calculations
with his eye and hama.
There is something decidedly curious
here, DOCTOR" he said. Stand behind
me, please. Suppose me your intended
victim, if it's not too great a strain on
your Imagination. Now see where you
must hold your pistol to comply with
all conditions-within three feet, point
ed upward at an angle of 20 degrees!"
The surgeon, who fastened to attempt
the experiment, uttered an exclamation
Of surprise.
Curious how much a man may miss
when he thinks he has observed the
whole sometimes" he said. why, l
never thought of this before
What, doctor?"
1.-THE man who fired that ball must
have been upon his knees
Precisely! PRECISELY" exclaimed
Thomas. Just my thoughts exactly.
What sane person would fire pistol at
man in any such direction in an erect
attitude? 1t would be almost equally
absurd if the assassin had been seated"
You are right" returned the surgeon,
thoughtfully. HE might have been
crouching behind some article of fur
niture-"
"Or been previously knocked down."
Thomas interposed, turning very
meaning look upon the surgeons face.
so, indeed! That would indicate,
then, struggle to your mind!"
1T would indicate that the murderer
fred in self-defense, or from momentary
Of him."
When Thomas found himself in the
cool air of the June night again, he
FASTENED at a round pace in the direc-
ton of Newspaper Row He was near
the door of his own Office when a man
Jumped from horse car and tapped
him upon the shoulder. 1t was Detec-
tive John Lamm, direct from Swamp
scott.
What's your hurry, Kingman?" he
| Inquired, with the easy assurance of a
familiar acquaintance. Come up into
my Office few minutes. l want to talk
with you"
! Reporter Thomas consulted his watch.
'The fact is, old man. he said, with a
frank SMILE I'm rather driven tonight.
It's that North mystery, you under
stand"
How do you know that isn't the very
matter | wanted to talk with you
about?" returned Mr.. Lamm. taking the
reporters arm with good-humored in
sistence, and escorting him, half-re-
luctantly, to his own private den, as he
called it.
"Kingman, know you, and you know
me" said the detective, after they were
fairly settled in their chairs. 1T came
20 me when / saw you just now that we
might work this case together. 1t
wouldn't be the first case we have han
died together, eh?"
You're right" said Thomas.
Nov, I'm interested in this North
mystery very particularly, you under
stand" pursued Mr. Lamm, quite warm
ing to his subject, now that he was
closeted with tried friend, and at an
hour when he was reasonably secure
from interruption. Not for the gov
eminent, of course Private parties.
And my opinion, gathered from all
have been able to ascertain about the
case, is that it is very mysterious, very
complicated. and may battle even the
most thorough investigation"
Thomas pursed up his lips, and re-
garded the gas jet doubtfully.
You don't think SO, eh?"
When l hear what Thornton Stack
houses alibi is, can answer you bet
ter"
"Alibi, Ell? So you have the medical
examiners report? Good! Just what l