Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-28

- Not of knowledge
We'll, find out the curt instruction. That
isn't of the things that be at all uncertain
about"
Hatch opened his ewes again Here were two
lines of investigation laid by the scientist either
one of which might, if pursued to a logical con-
clusion convict a person of wealth and position of
terrible crime
And Miss Farrars family continued The
Thinking Machine mercilessly Where were her
father and brother that night?
Surely can't believe that,
Il never believe anything, Mr.. Hatch, until 1
know it. l merely wanted to know where they
were; for that side too it possible to conceive
motive for Miss Farrar's death
There has been inquiry in that direction at
all" explained the bewildered reporter. I'll begin
one"
Then for time The Thinking Machine sat with
fngertips pressed idly together, squirting blankly
at the ceiling
While motive is never absolutely essential to
the solution of any criminal problem, he observed
after awhile it will frequently indicate line of
investigation Now, in the usual case when motive
appears the solution is inevitable. But this case
differs from the usual case in that We have too many
motves-three excellent ones that we know-a
Jealous woman sutton discarded on the eve of his
wedding, and perhaps vengefu father or brother.
And beyond those there other possibilities.
Hatch went about his business with turbulent,
troubled thoughts-a vague sense of treading on
dangerous ground-whe The Thinking Machine
turned to the telephone. Five minutes later he
picked up his hat and went to the Hotel Beevor.
Did DR.. Curtis telephone YOU: he inquired of
the clerk.
The Thinking Machine bobbed his head and was
ushered into Miss Langhams apartments.
Pald as the sheets resstlessly inert the girl lay
staring upward if fascinated by the brilliant,
scintillating point which foated backward and
forward rhythmlcally before her eyes as The Think
ing Machine slowly waved his arm. 1t was like some
weird exorcism, some uncanny incarnation, but it
compelled attention
Watch it closely, please
The scientists tone low. almost whisper,
yet it carried command The swing of his arm
shortened gradually, almost imperceptibly, and
slowly the bright spot passed upward in little
circles until it was directly before her eyes And
there it stopped for a moment. After awhile it
moved on again still farther upward in a straight
line, until the girl of a queerly strained
feeling in her eyes 1t paused again. then very, very
slowly began to move round and round.
After awhile the fascination in the girls eyes gave
way to a vacant staring and the pupils distended,
as mist crept over them. Slowly, slowly, the swing
of the bright spot decreased until at last it hung
motionless, suspended in air, between the slim
fingers of the scientist Thus for time and the
vacant staring became glassy-dead. Then the
bright spot withdrawn, Undertaking. as the
lower part of the bowl of silver spoon which
The Thinking Machine laid on the table beside him.
One hand passed over the girls white face
The long fingers fingered caressingy the lids and
pressed them together.
The Thinking Machine passed round from the
head of the couch where the girl lay and took
with his hand on her wrist. The pulse 1uttered
little but he nodded his head as if satisfied.
. You are on tram in private compartment,
he said, still in voice that was almost whisper
Yes" breathed the girl 1t nearly naudbe.
"A young woman is sleeping there.
Yes" came the sigh again.
You hate her
"No"
1t was flat unequvocal denial and the dreamy,
signing tone hardened suddenly. Again The Think
ing Machine pressed his fingers down her eyelids,
and sat silent for time.
80 You dislike her, he suggested.
No the girl denied once more dreamily. She
and we're and the phrase drifted off into intan-
gible ncoherency.
Won have ri,,1 Iocr