Oxford Democrat., 1906-12-25

yEsky anytnlnB ulSt!uctly, so Iney
went slowly back to the boathouse. and
Heffelbower turned back to make
more detailed examination of the body.
"Dr. Wise," he asked. after mo-
ment, from which direction should you
say t'ese blows were struck"
"From directly in front" answered
the doctor promptly.
But see lie has Il pistol at his belt.
Why did he not tefend himself? Why
should he allow himself to be beaten
down."
AS he spoke he lifted one Of the mus
cular hands. Then, with little e1-
clamation of surprise, he bent and ex-
amined 1t more closely.
"Come nearer, gentlemen" he said,
his face flushed with excitement II
want you to witness tat he has some
ting between his fingers"
They stopped and looked as he indi-
Gated. They could see that the hand
clasped tightly some small, dark OBJ
Ject.
"I.et us see what 1t is," Heffelbower
continued, and bent back the stiffening
fingers.
The object fell out into his hand. He
held it up in the glare Of the light so
that all might see. 1t was button
with little shred Of cloth attached.
"If we can find tie garment tat tbs
came from," said the coroner trlum.
phantly, turning 1t over and looking at
it, 1--WE shall probably find tie murderer.
1t iss Il good clew."
He placed the button carefully in bis
pocketbook and turned to the window.
81 t'ink it iss light enough" he said.
ito take q look at tie scene Of te
crime. shall ten return to Babylon"
They went together down the
pier to the spot where Graham had
fallen. The rain had washed away
nearly all the blood stains. His rife
lay on the pier beside the chair In
which he had been sitting. The chair
was overturned.
"But tie wind may have done tat"
Laid the coroner when Delroy pointed
out that the overturned chair suggest
ed a struggle, "or maybe he knocked II
over when he fell. Let's have a look
at tat little cage"
He pulled up the rope. The Id OF
the cage was open, but 1t did not seem
to be injured.
.>t,yho 20 woyes DrOke IL ODen,"
suggested HeffelbOwer.
"They couldn't have done that" OBJ
jected Delroy. "See; here's how It
fastened"
He closed the lid and snapped Into
place three small but very strong
hooks, which locked automatically.
Heffelbower opened his lips to say
something more; then changed his
mind, closed them and turned away
with a significant smile. He examined
the knots in the rope. the pier, the wa
ters of the bay. on which, just beyond
the pier. q small boat was riding ut
anchor.
"T'e boat iss yours. suppose, Mr..
DelroyW he asked.
"Yes; It has been there ready for
use since Saturday"
AS he spoke gust Of wind swung
the boat In toward them.
Young Graham, who was standlns
on the extreme edge OF the pier
glanced down into 1t and uttered q
sudden exclamation.
"What's that?" he cried. with arm
outstretched.
The others followed the gesture, but
a second gust swung the boat away.
Without answering, Graham spranG
into the water and with few strokes
reached the boat. He climbed Into II
and united It from the buoy. Then. al
the instant another gust Of wind came
from the ocean, he released his hold
| The boat was swept against the pier
He Tended her of with the boat hook
and made fast. =.
"This Is what l meant" he said
and pointed to pistol lying at his feet
They stared down ut 1t. amazed. II
was the coroner who spoke first.
"Pass 1t up," lie said.
He turned 1t over carefully IN hii
hand. It was fine type Of the smitf
& Wesson. It was fully loaded. None
Of the chambers had been discharged.
"Ah," he said, 'see t'ere," and h'
pointed to clot Of blood on the butt
"And, see, here are some initialsJ
T. D. Whose are t'sy"