The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-02-11


He noted her dark red gown. He had never be-
fore driven her to that locality. The maid. re-
called, does not recognize the Handkerchief
which is unmarked, but says her mistress has
ordinary lady's cambria handkerchiefs Of
the same sort. Just as the coroner asks Royce
If he has any witnesses. 4 note Is handed to the
lying. The woman who was with Holiday wore
gown Of dark green.'
CHAPTER ~.
Have an Inspiration. i
I stared at the lines In dumb be-
ng But what c %aa nSaiers motive is
could he have for lying9 Besides, as
I looked at him on the stand, would
have sworn that he was telling, the
truth, and very much against his will.
i had always rather prided myself upon
my Judgment of human nature-had T
erred so egregiously in this instance7
wore a gown of dark green Who
was the writer. of the notea How did
he know the color Of her gowns There
was only one possible way he could
know-he knew the woman. Plainly,
too, he must have been present at the
morning hearing. But if he knew 80
much, why did he not himself come
one answer-he must be an accomplice.
But then, again, if he were anaccomplice,
why should he imperil himself by writ
ing this note, for it could very prob
ably be traced? T found myself deeper
in the mire, farther from tho light, at
every step. .
- "Do you wish to summon any wit
again. ''I shall be glad to adjourn
the hearing until tomorrow if you do. )"
Mr.. Royce reused himself with an
''Thank you, SIR he said. IT may
ask you to do that later on. Just at
present, wish to recall Mr.. Rogers"
Every well,' said the coroner, and
Rogers was summoned from the witness
room.
| looked at him attentively, trying to
fathom his thoughts, to read behind his
eyes; but look as I might, could see
nothing in his face save concern and
grief. He had grown gray in Holla-
days office; he had proved himself, a
hundred times, man to be relied on;
he had every reason to feel affection
and gratitude toward his employer, and
[ was certain that he felt both; he
received liberal salary, knew, and
was comfortably well-to-do.
That he himself could have commit
ted the crime or been concerned in it
In any way was absolutely unthink-
able. Yet why should he 1ie7 Above
al, why should he seek to impl!icate
his employers daughter9 Even if he
wished to implicate her, how could he
have known the color of her gown?
What dark, intricate problem was this
that confronted us9
In the moment that followed, I saw
that Mr.. Royce was studying him too,
was straining to find a ray Of light for
fo;1
I read the note thru again-'a gown
IF dark green ''-and suddenly. by q
kind Of clairvoyance, the solution of
the mystery leaped forth from it. ]
eaned over to my chief, trembling with
HMr. Royce" whispered hoarsely,
Il believe I've solved the puzzle. Hold
Until I get back.'
He looked up at ME astonished; then
nodded, as I seized my hat and pushed
ny way thru the crowd. Once outside
he building ran to the nearest dry
goods house-three blocks away it was
'eemed!-then back again into the
COURTROOM. Rogers was still on the
stand, but glance at Mr.. Royce told
ne that he had elected nothing new.
"You take him, Lester" he said, as
- sat down beside him. "I'm worn
,ut.'
Quivering with apprehension, arose
he center of the stage in so important
case. Here was my. opportunity
Suppose, my theory should break down
fter all!
"Mr. Rogers ! begun, you We
>een having some, trouble with you,
yes, haven't you9'
"Why, Yes, Httle,V he said. ssNoth
ng to amount to anything. How did
,ou know9'. -...
Ny confidence had come back again
was on the right track, then!
IT did not KNOW said, smiling
or the first time since I had entered
- lere a number of pieces Of cloth OF
tifferent colors. I should like you tc
lick out the one that most nearly ap
,roximates the color Of the gown your
'isitor wore yesterday afternoon. !"
! handed him the bundle Of samples
nd as did 80, I saw the district at
orney lean forward over his desk with
.hru the samples slowly, while ]
-. watched him with feverish eagerness
lr. Royce had caught an inkling of
ny meaning and was watching him
FiiThere's nothing here,'' said Rog.
rs, at ldSC, WHICH seems quite the
hade. But this is very near it.'' Z
He held up one Of the pieces. With
Gaping heart, I heard the gasp Of aston
shment which ran around the room
-- he jurymen were leaning forward in
heir chairs.
"And what. is tho color Of that
iece9'' asked.
"Why,. dark red. I've stated tina,
lready.V
glanced triumphantly at the cor.
ner.
"Your HONOR, I said, as calmly as
could, 81 think we've found the flaw
1 the chain. Mr.. Rogers is evidently
olor-blind. AS you see, the piece he
as selected is dark green
The whole audience seemed to draw
deep breath, and a little clatter OF
pplause ran around the room. I could
ear the scratch, scratch Of the re-
orters' pencils was situation
fter their hearts desire! Mr.. Royce
ad me by the hand, and was whisper,
-ilg brokenly in my carr