Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1906-02-02


looked at him attentively. trying to
fathom his thoughts, to read behind his
eyes; but, look as 1 might, could see
nothing in his face save concern and
grief. He had grown gray in Holidays
Office, he had proved himself hundred
times a man to be relied ON, he had
every reason to feel affection and graf
itude toward his employer, and was
certain that he felt both. He received
liberal salary, knew, and was COM
fortably well to do.
That he himself could have commit
ted the crime or been concerned in it
in any way was absolutely unthinka-
BILE. Yet why should he lie? Above
all, why should he seek to implicate
his employers daughter? 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 us?
In the moment that followed saw
that Mr.. Royce was studying him, too;
was straining to find ray Of light for
guidance. If we failed now
I read the note through again ia
gown of dark green" And suddenly,
by kind Of clairvoyance, the solution
of the mystery leaped forth from it. 1
leaned over to my chief, trembling with
eagerness.
"Mr. Royce" I whispered hoarsely,
II believe I've solved the puzzle. Hold
Rogers on the stand few moments
until get back"
He looked up at me astonished, then
nodded as I seized my hat and pushed
my way through the crowd. Once out
side the building, ran to the nearest
dry goods house-three blocks away it
was, and what fearfully long blocks
they seemed-then back again to the
courtroom. Rogers was still on the
stand, but a glance at Mr.. Royce told
me that he had elected nothing new
"You take him, Lester he said as I
sat down beside him. "I'm worn OUT"
Quivering with apprehension, arose.
1t was the first time had been given
the center of the stage in so important
a case. Here was my opportunity!
Suppose my theory should break down,
after all!
"Mr. Rogers" I began, you've been
having some trouble with your eyes.
haven't your
He looked at me in surprise.
'Why, yes, a little" he said. ''Noth-
ing to amount to anything. How did
you know?''
My confidence had come back again.
was on the right track then!
81 did not know said, smiling for
the first time since I had entered the
room, ''but I suspected. 1 have here
| a number Of pieces Of cloth Of different
colors. should like you to pick out
the one that most nearly approximates
he color of the gown your visitor wore
yesterday afternoon"
1 handed him the bundle Of samples,
and as I did so I saw the district at
+orney lean forward over his desk with
attentive face The witness looked
through the samples slowly, while
watched him with feverish eagerness.
Mr. Royce had caught an inkling of
my meaning and was watching him
! too. ....
There's nothing here" said Rogers
at last, (which seems quite the shade
but this is very near it,
He held up one of the pieces. With
leaping heart, 1 heard the gasp Of as
| tonishment which ran around the room.
| The jurymen We're leaning forward in
| their chairs.
"And what is the color of that piece"
! I asked.
"Why, dark red. I've stated that al
ready"
I glanced triumphantly at the coro-
ner.
"Your honor" said as calmly as 1
| could, 'I think we've found the flaw in
| the chain. Mr.. Rogers is evidently col
| or blind. AS you see, the piece he has
| selected is dark green"
/, The whole audience seemed to draw
| a deep breath and a little clatter Of ap-
| plause ran around the room. L could
hear the scratch, scratch Of the report
| ers' pencils. Here was situation aft
er their hearts desire! Mr.. Royce had
! me by the hand and was whispering
brokenly in my ear.
! 'My dear fellow, you're the best Of
us all. I'll never forget itl''
! But Rogers was staring in amaze
ment from me to the cloth in his hand
and back again.
| 'Green!' he stammered. "Color blind!
Why, that's nonsense! I've never sus-
pected itv'
| 'That's probable enough" assented.
1.-THE failing is no doubt a recent one.
Most color blind persons don't know it
until their sight is tested. OF course
we shall have an oculist examine you,
but think this evidence is pretty con-
elusive"
| Coroner Goldberg nodded, and the
district attorney settled back in his
| chair.
We've no further questions to ask
! this witness at present" 1 continued.
"Only I'd like you to preserve this
piece of cloth, SIR" and handed it to
Goldberg He placed it with the other