Mexico Missouri message., 1906-02-01
coPyIight. BIZ % casselI PublshinE -
CHAPTER vI.-CovrIyUrD.

CHAPTER VI.-CoNTINUED.
%Allbi, Ell? So you have the medical
examiners report? Good! Just what
was after. When did North die?"
The reporter laughingly parted this
query with motherJ
do you suppose have the doctors
report on the autopsy in my coat pock-
et2"
Mr.. Lamm ventured to express q
shrewd suspicion that his friend did pos
Bess, by some fortunate chance or other,
the essential facts of that report, and
Mr., Thomas quite justified that suspi-
cion by letting him know, in strict con-
fidence,. the outcome of his interview
with the surgeon.
The detective uttered a long. low
whistle.
Curious! Mighty curious!" he COM
nented.
IF you'll be so good as to give me an
opportunity" suggested Thomas, "pn
be pleased to calculate with YOU"
"Um-hal You said a moment ago,
Thomas, that your opinion of the case
Z would depend upon the alibi Of Thorn
ton Stackhouse. What would you say
II told you that the said gentleman's
elsewhere has one weak spot in it, in
volving the precise period Of time that
4 you have mentioned?"
II should say nothing, but remain in
hourly expectation of Thornton Stack
houses arrest"
VERY we'll. See that you do say moth
Ing. for the secret is yours and mine at
present. And so you have already con-
Yicted the poor fellow?"
John Lamm took one of the cigars
which stood upright in the upper pocket
of his vest and drew a match against
the under side of his chair, which was
tipped back against the wall.
81 must confess" Thomas replied,
''that it looks to me something that
way"
ooh, indeed, yes. The evidence is
strong -evSt stronger, probably, than
you know ~eainsC him But then"
In lieu "a continuing, Lamm lighted
his cigar
Thomas, what is your definition of
good theory OF mystery?" he sud
Z denly inquired, aS he threw the match
from, him.
y don't know that ever thought of
defnlng it,"
Well, Ill tell you what mine is A
good theory is one which thoroughly
explains al the facts in the case"
Short and comprehensive" said
Thomas.
Il subscribe to it. That's my idea.
Now, is there any fact in the case, so
far known, inconsistent with Thornton
Stackhouse being the mann"
None at ALL"
All! And yet can see plainly enough
that you don't subscribe to my opinion.
Is there, any fact which the supposition
Of his guilt leaves unexplained?"
There is one fact which the suppo-
sition Of his guilt does not explain"
Well. low we are coming to the
point. What is it?''
1t DOESN'T explain to my mind why a
certain Individual of my acquaintance
should be SO anxious to convict him"
Name the man"
at would be a breach of professional
etiquette. But as you and 4 are old
friends Thomas, and never betray each
others condolences, don't mind saying
TO you that, if you can get hold of any
facts tending to explain Mr.. Richard
Fetridges strong interest in this case
] shall be exceedingly Obliged If you
will bring them TO me-
"Jupitar" exclaimed Thomas, open.
ing his eyes; there is more in this case
then, than l thought"
And when he left the room after 4
half-hour's further conversation, it was
with the conviction that, unless some
unexpected thing happened to deter-
mine otherwise the North mystery
would turn out to be complication
worthypf his best thought and his most
Skiliful treatment.