Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-01-13

ing 10 the scene, and in an incredibly
short space OF time every occupant or
the building seemed TO be possessed OF
the startling news.
John Lamm quickly regained his ac-
customed cOmpoSure, and barred the
outer door in advance of the rush of
the excited throng which he knew was
coming.
He returned. a moment later, 70 the
little room, paying not the slightest heed
to the crush without, or TO the loud and
reiterated demands: Let US inl Let
us I'M"
In the dead mans clenched hand.
which Mr.. Lamm made no attempt 70
unclasp, was held a 32-czliber revolver.
The other hand held pen.
Written on the blotter OF the desk WAS
this, the last message Of Thornton
Stackhouse:
send for my wife Marion staekhouse
Tell her my death IS ny reparation
Il can forgive her n she can forgive me
But cannot live without her
Mr. Lamm read the words, and gave
q look full OF pity at the motionless fig
ure sitting there-so near him, yet in
an awful sense so far removed.
The stentorisn demand at the outer
door had ceased when he reentered his
main Office, but there was a dun muir
muir. which grew to a very babel Of ex-
cited sounds. when Mr.. Lamm's form
was seen on the threshold.
Two men we're standing close TO the
door, having apparently been given that
post OF distinction by common consent
OF the crowd. who held back a little
wav
Mr.. Lamm knew his men at once.
Gentlemen" ne said. Gravely. you
are outwittedi"
They made a pretense OF misunder-
standing him
What do you mean7" said the older
man.
Il mean" returned the detective.
quietly, that you can inform your In
spector that your services will be no
longer necessary. The inner room. gen
tlemen."
He waved his hand for them 70 enter.
They hurried In. In another minute
one OF them came out, forced his way
through the increasing throng which
blocked the entrance, and hurried after
Inspector Applebee.
Mr.. Lamm turned gravely to his as
slstant
Go TO Richard Fetridge's Office he
SAID, IN low tone. and have him here
al once. Don't explain. Don't listen
70 any excuses for delay"
The man pushed through the crowd
and was on like a shot.
Both messengers were signally sue
cessful.
To the immense satisfaction OF the
breathless officer in citizens clothes. he
met Inspector Applobee coming down
the street holding his course directly In
the line taken by Mr.. Lamm's mes
ssnger.
Two words, and the inspector hur-
ried toward the scene OF death. and
found his way through the press. Mr..
Lamrn, waiting az the door. bowed and
admitted him at once.
With Inspector Applebce and his man.
a great surge OF excited humanity
rushed into Mr.. Lamm's office. Only by
dint OF the most active exertions could
the police keep back the eager crowd
from the little room.
Presently there was a stir at the outer
door. Attention was diverted Cor the
moment from what the little room con-
tained OF animate or inanlmate human
ity, as Mr.. Fetridso. visibly excited. en-
tered the Office under the guidance of
Mr.. Lamms messenger.
Mr. Lamm. counting upon his sneedv
coming, was on the watch, and with the
cooperation OF Inspector Applebee. to
whom the detective deferred as being the
representative in authority, Richard
Fetridge was admitted to the inner
room.
"A horrible sight" he murmured
putting his hands before his face. and
leaning against one OF the officers. Ina
few moments he had recovered. but
avoided, as much as he could, turning
any glance toward the desk.
Do you remember what Daniel Web
ster said once?" Fetridge spoke to Mr..
Lamm under his breath, but not so low
that the listening ear OF Inspector Ap-
plebee did not catch every word: There
is no refuge for the murderer but sui
eide. And suicide is confessional"
Hardly was the sentence uttered. when
Inspector Applebee. as II aroused by
some sudden thought, ordered the off,
GERS to clear the outer room aud to
prevent further blockade upon the
stairway.
Not you, Of course said the inspect
or. addressing generally the little group.
No word was spoken by them while
the orders were carried out, not with
out some difficulty. When the room
was cleared at last, the inspector mo-
TONED 10 one of his men to remain by
the body, and led the way into the larger
room, Mr.. Lamm and Mr.. Fetridge fol-
lowing in turn.
Taking no note OF the detective. In
spector Applebee wheeled upon his COM
panion and clapped firm hand on his
arm.
i am sorry to have TO say it. Mr..
Fetridge. but must take you into Gus
tody."
Richard Fetridge stood aghast, unable
to articulate a syllable.
Self-poised as ever. Mr.. Lamm took