Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-04-12
CHAPTER XXI.
TO BEECHCROFT.


Thenceforth, as the French say.
events marched. Robert Frazer
faithfully recounted Margaret's
statement 10 the barrister and the
detective The documents" copies
Of which Coma sent to the Inflated
woman whose sudden accession 10
wealth had proved 40 unlucky for
her. we're evidently those stolen
from the drawer in the writing desk
at Beechcroft.
Here. at last. was the motive OF
the murder laid bare.
The Japanese, by some inscrutable
means. became aware that the young
baronet possessed these papers. and
held them in terrorem over his re-
puted sister. In the hands Of third
person. an outsider, they were en-
doved with double powers for mis-
chief lie could threaten the woman
with exposure. the man with the rev.
citation OF a discreditable family &C.
cret
He visited the library In order to
commit the theft, probably acting
with greater daring because he mis-
took the sleeping David for his
cousin. Having successfully wrenched
open the drawer and secured the pa
pers. still holding in his hand the in
strument used for slipping back the
tiny lock. he turned to leave the
room by the open window. and was
suddenly confronted by the real Sir
Alan. who recognized him and
guessed his object in being present
at that hour.
Brett had gone thus far in his
spoken commentary on the affair as
II now presented Itself 10 his mlnd
when Winter asked:
why do you say recognized him.
Mr.. Brett? We have no evidence
| that Sir Alan had ever seen Coma ."
What. none? Search through
your memory Did not the station
master see a third David Hume leave
the station that day when the move
ments OF only two are known to us
What became OF this third parsonage
during the afternoon? Where did
he change into evening dress? why
did Sir Alan leave documents OF such
grave Importance in 80 insecure a
hiding-place?
There Is no use In asking me
questions I can't answer" snapped
the detective.
Perhaps not. I think you said
| that you amused yourself in YOUR
Middle Street lodgings by taking to
/ pieces small electrical machine
fitted together by your companion"
YES. sir; but what Of that"
Let MS Suppose that, instead OF a
complex machine he built small
| arch Of toy bricks. and YOU were we'll
acquainted with the model, whilst
each brick was numbered In rotation
don't YOU think you could manage to
reconstruct the arch after repeated
efforts?'
II expect so"
| well. my dear Winter, we have
now got together every material
stone in our edifice. Mrs. Capella's
yielding to blackmail is the keystone
Of the arch. Every loose block fits at
once into its proper place. The Ja-
panese. Coma, must have met Sir
Alan and discussed this very ques-
! ton with him. The baronet must
have unwittingly revealed the family
secret, and the Jap was clever
enough to perceive its value. Fur
ther, the murder was unpremedita-
ted. the inspiration OF desperate
moment. and the weapon selected
shows sort of f1endish mandate
suggested by family feud. Coma is
undoubtedly"
But Smith entered, apologize,
doubtful.
"Mr. Holden Is here, sir. and saws
he wishes TO see you Immediately.
Holden's news was important. Ca
pella had left Liverpool Street half
an hour ago for Beechcroft, and in
the same train travelled Coma
Are you sure of thiso" demanded
Brett, excitedly springing from his
| chair,
quite certain, sir. Mr. Winters
mate followed him to the station, and
| told me who the Japanese was. Be
sides. no one could mistake him who
had ever seen either of these two
gentlemen.
He indicated Robert and David.
Quick" shouted the barrister.
I'VE must all catch the next train to
Stowmarket. Winter. have you your
handouts? This time they may be
needed. Smith. run and call two
hansoms''
He rushed TO a bureau and pro-
duced couple OF revolvers. He
handed one to Holden,
II can trust you" he said. mot TO
fire without reason. Do not shoot to
kill. n this man threatens the life
OF any person. MAIN him n possible,
but try to avoid hitting him In the
head or body"
To the Frazers he handed the
heaviest sticks he possessed. He
himself pocketed the second re-
volver, and picked up the peculiar
wallsing-stick which Coma dropped
In Northumberland Avenue.