Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1905-01-26

the fact that Mack worth had been un.
ments from his leaving Mrs. Dunn.
barton's presence until his return to
Herschel Mansions early in the morn
ing, and with the further discovery
that it was his habit, and probably had
been for some time before the Tragedy,
to spend portion of every night
watching the authoress's house, led the
inspector to believe his suspicious OF
Bostock were just. And with the hope
of Furthermore confirming his opinion
from observation of Bostock's manner,
and perhaps from the drift OF his con-
NerSation, MackWorth hau resolVeo W
call upon him.
The news of Mezza's death gave the
inspector the opportunity he sought
and for the purpose he had in view no
decided that he might best use tnat OPP
portunity by assuming hopeless view
of Mrs. Dumbarton's case, even lavor
ing, if necessary, the idea OF her eullt.
With his stout figure encased IN
tightly buttoned frock coat, his cream
shaven. mobile face full of intelligence
his swift moving eyes observing M! ms
surroundings, Mackworth awaited the
publisher. When the latter entered
with his distracted manner ana gloomy
air, the little man arose and bowed.
Il have ventured TO disturb you, SIT,
he began. that might tell you OF
discovery-a disappointing discovery
have made in the case which interests
us both"
You have not disturbed me-" an
swered George Bostock But think
l have already heard your news. Slt
down..
after ALL said the inspector, his
eyes watching the publishers face, the
Italian was not the man who killed
David Dumbarton.
I. L. VOC
ilritably.
You know" exclaimed Mackworth,
with emphasis on the last word.
LAS l told you. have already heard
the news.
From Mrs. Dumbarton?"
Yes Bostock replied, seating him
self with an alr of WEAKNESS.
when l brought her the news this
morning she WAS i'm Il desperate state,
for she sees how black her case Is,
and has little hope left" remarked the
Inspector shaking his head with
melancholy air.
But surely, surely, sir. you have
some clewo" exclaimed Bostock, rous-
ing himself.
II may say, sir between us, that |
have none. replied Mackworih with
mpressiveness.
None. repeated Bostock, his face
ghastIS. There must be some clew'
Why" the nspecto. asked eagerly.
because there was a man stabbed,
in the open roadway, outside the house,
in which he took refuge; stabbed byl
some one he had quarrelled wit
wronged on insulted. and---@ "
And" said Mackworth, as the pubh
/, Usher suddenly paused.
And there must be some clew forth-v
coming
Are you sure Dumbartons death
| happened as you describe it, sr?"
Certain? No, how can be certaln?
Bostocll said, controlling his excite
| ment. but in what other way can
! you account for the murder?
| Mackworth hesitated a second before
\ deciding on the course he would pur-
sue. then leaning forward he said, low
ering his voice to an impressive key,
What | say must remain quite Sc
| cret.'
"A secret" replied Bostock. his face
! full of anxiety You may trust me-.
Well | shouldn't be surprised if the
| lady who is accused of the crime was
i'm reality guilty"
NO, no." exclaimed the publisher in
hot Indignation, II know she is not
You do?" said Mackworth quickly,
| and with searching glance at the face
| before him. it's eyes full of horror, its
| lips twitching from suppressed emo
II will stake my life that she is in
nocent.'
Your life??"
Yes answered Bostock, sudden
change from excitement to calmness
coming over him, my life"
but you have not heard my explain
| ation.
| Nor do | want to hear it,
1T may be reasonable. for all that
persisted the inspector. Doctors tell
as there are persons of highly wrought
influences of drugs or mesmerism, are
guilty of acts that they would be in
capable of in ordinary circumstances,
and of which they retain no memory
on recovering their proper state OF
consciousness. Now Mrs Dunn
balton-----
Your theory is impossible in this
case" interrupted Bostock i'm decisive
tone.
But for weeks before the tragedy
she had been in the habit of taking q
drug against which her doctor had re-
peatedly warned her That's a fact
that cant be denied
and | tell you that such thing as
her guilt is incredible impossible.
And yet. sir. it's the only feasible
explanation of this mystery
do you really mean that?"
Judge of the circumstances yourself.
She is found one night with the knife
]
the man at her feet-the man she had
every reason TO detest and fear Inves-
tigation shows he had but one enemy,
who died some hours in advance OF
HIM.
surely you haven't exhausted your
innuiries?'
II fear | have
But there may--nay, there must be
Others who desired Dumbarton's
leath others whom YOU don't sus-
pect" said Bcstock, his excitement
threatening to overcome his enforced
ca.lnncss.
DO You think So
Surely you will agree with me. for
Mrs. Dunibacton is innocent. J know
she is innocent
But can you prove it, sir?'
I'ostock locked up quickly, as if this
question startled him. then hurriedly
tising from his chair he walked to the
ether end of the room. Mackworti
watched his every movement closely
putting his own construction on The
agitation the publisher endeavored III
vain to conceal.
because, if you can't said the in.
spector in Il cold. severe, far-reachint
voice, lit Will go hard with her; / can.
not see now the jury can fail to fine
her guilty"
No comment was made upon THU
plain statement; he who heard 1
turned his back upon the speaker ant
h for some seconds there was silence ii
the room.
j, Presently Bostock, with Il determines
> expression in his dark face advance.
to the inspector and said, She must b.
saved. Don't spare expense or energy