Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-11-30
6be
Holiday
Case
CHAPTER ".
STARED at the lines in dun


Besides, as I looked ut him ON the
stand, I would have sworn that he was
telling the truth and very much
against his will. had always prided
myself upon my judgment Of human
nature. Had erred so egrcgiously in
this Instance? 1.-The woman who was
with Holiday wore gown Of dark
green Who was the writer of the
note? How did he know the color Of
eible way he could know--hc knew
the woman. Plainly, too. he must
have been present ut the morning hear
ing. But, If he knew SO much, why
did he not himself come forward! To
this, too, there was but one answer
he must he an accomplice. But then.
again, II he We're an accomplish. why
should he imperil himself by writing
this note. for 1t could very probably
be traced? I found myself deeper in
the mire. farther from the light, at
every step
do you wish to summon any wit
nesses. Mr.. Royce" asked the coroner
again. II shall he glad to adjourn the
hearing until tomorrow If you do"
Mr.. Royce reused himself with an ef.
fort.
"1hank you. sir" he said 81 may ask
you TO do that later on. Just nj 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 attentively, trying to
fathom his thoughts. to read behind his
eyes; but. look as might. could see
nothing in his face save concern and
grief. He had grown gray in Holladay's
Office. he had proved himself IA hundred
times man to be relied on. he had
every reason to feel affection and graf
itude toward his employer. ana I was
certain that he felt both He received
q liberal salary, | knew, and was com
fortably well to do.
That he himself could have commit.
ted the crime or been concerned in II
in any way was absolutely unthinka-
BILE Yet why should he lie? Above
all. why should he seek to implicate
his employers daughter? Even il ne
wished to implicate her. how could he
have known the color Of her gown:
What dark, intricate problem was this
that confronted us?
In the moment that followed l saw
that Mr.. Royce was studying him, too
was straining to find ray Of light for
guidance. If we failed now
read the note through again - "a
-
by kind Of clairvoyance. the solution
of the mystery leaped forth from it.
leaned over to my chief trembling with
eagerness.
mfr. Royce" I whispered hOarsely
81 believe I've solved the puzzle. Hold
Rogers on the stand few moments
until I get back"
He looked up at me astonished, ther
nodded AZ seized my hat and pushed
my way through the crowd Once out
side the building ! ran TO the neares
dry goods house-three blocks away j.
was. and what fearfully long blocks
they seemed.--then back again to tn,
courtroom. Rogers was still on III,
stand, but glance at Mr.. Royce tolC
ule tiut uc uhu cIltlttU uOuiluk u0W.
You take him. Lester" he said as
sat down beside him. I'm worn out
Quivering with apprehension, ! arose
1t was the first time l had been givel
the center Of the stage In SO importan
case. Here was my opportunity
Suppose my theory should break down
after all.
"Mr. Rogers began. you've bee
having some trouble with your eyes
haven't you?"
He looked at me In surprise.
"Why. yes, a little" he said. "Nott
ing to amount to anything. How di
you know
Ny confidence had come back agar
was on the right track them
II did not know" said, smiling ia
the frst time since ! had entered th
room. but l suspected. have her
number Of pieces Of cloth of differer
colors. should like you to pick on
the one that most nearly approximate
the color of the gown your visitor wor
yesterday afternoon"
handed him the bundle of sample.
and as did 80 l saw the district a
torney lean forward over bis desk wit
attentive face. The witness locke
through the samples slowly, while
watched him with feverish eagernes
Mr.. Royce had caught an inkling G
my meaning and was watching hii
too.
There's nothing here said Roger
at last, which seems quite the shad
but this is very near it,"
He held up one of the pieces. Wit
leaping heart, heard the gasp Of a
constituent which ran around the room
The jurymen were leaning forward
their chairs.
"And what is the color Of that piece
] asked.
"Why. dark red. I've stated that a
ready"
glanced triumphantly at the cor
per.
"Your honor" said rs calmly M
could, II think we've found the tiaw
the chain. Mr.. Rogers is evidently ca
or blind. As you see, the piece he hi
selected 10 q dark green"
The whole audience seemed to dra
. deep breath and Q little clatter Of ~
plause ran around the room. I cou
hear the scratch, scratch Of the rspor
a.. eta.