The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1907-01-12
CHAPTER XXI.

his return, was IN the sitting room.
Wondering who this visitor might be-
the inspector hastrned to that apartment
entering which he Immediately recog
nized Richasd Efcadwick as one OF those
present at the scene Of George Bostocks
confession
An expression of interest became per
ceptible in the inspectors broad face.
and bowling, he said:
q think we have met, sir, but 4 few
hours ago"
We have" Headwick answered, ad-
vancinr few stens Il am Mr. RoS-
tock's friend. and il was TO me he ex
pressed his wish that George Cors
might be sent for 70 take down his dy-
ing deposition As YOU saw. | was pres
ent when the confession was made, and
il is regarding that have come here to
consult YOU"
Has any new light been thrown on
the sublect?' Nackworth asked, his in
terest increasing.
AN idea for which l have scarcely
sufficient basis has occurred to me, fill
ing me with fear and uneasiness," an
swered Headwick
Pray sit down, sir, and let me hear
what you have to say said the inspec-
tor, as he drew his own chair near the
fire. which he stirred until ruddy blaze
lighted the snug little room
You must first know Headwick be-
gan. in slow and serious voice, that
Mr.. Bostock and I have been brought
into daily intercourse for wears. | am
his business manager. and likewise his
| friend, and in this double capacity have
seen more of him than perhaps any other
man"
Indeed" said Mackworth. drily.
and my experience has shown him
TO be a man Of deep feelings and of a
| sensitive nature, over which he has ex-
| crcised strong control I have gradu-
ally come to understand, to respect, and
to ike him. and my high opinion con-
| cerning his honor being slowly formed,
| is, therefore. ! trust, more to be relied
| on"
Human nature, sir. is riddle-a
strange. pulling riddle" answered the
| inspector. with an air of self-cor1plac-
ence. q have known criminals before
now who for years were regarded as
| models of all the domestic virtues, as
| shining lights of the chapels they at
| tended"
THAT is not quite my point" Head
| wick remarked
Mo- Then what is it, sir7'
Before ! come to that the young
man said with a touch of hesitation
in his voice, '1 must tell you that Mr.
| Bostock greatly esteemed Mrs DUN
| barton; he appreciated her talents, he
admired her character, he synpathized
with her wrongs: in fact. they became
close friends"
"I was perfectly aware of that" an
swered Mackworth, sagely nodding his
head
We'll. by bearing in mind these two
| facts-the sense of honor with which he
| impressed one brought into close and
continued contact with him, and his
| friendship for woman he believed un-
justly accused concerning a crime of
which she was una,le to prove herself
innocent, you will be better prepared
for what I have to say
"And again l must ask you, sir, what
that is'" the inspector said testify.
THAT I believe Mr. Bostock innocent
of the crime of which he accused him
self; that his confession was made upon
his deathbed in the hope and belief that
| it would clear her OF the guilt laid to
her charge"
"To my mind, SIR" he said. you have
| no ground whatever for this strange
surmise. II was very natural thing
that man should feel relief at freeing
| by his confession an innocent woman
| from such a charge, and that ne should
say, over and over again: 7 have saved
her-1 have saved her." which was
merely the truth
But consider what I have said Of
his character and of his friendship for
the accused" pleaded Headwick, ear
nestly
"As for his character" answered
Mackworth, speaking with deliberation,
well, no man can say for himself. much
less for another, when he may yield to
strong temptation; and as to his friend
ship for Mrs. Dumbarton, that, in my
opinion, affords the. strongest argument
that he committed the murder
never believe"
"The best way to prove his innocence
would be to show where and how he,
Bostock, was occupied when David
Dumbarton lost his life"
That might be difficult task in a
great capital like London, where man
might walk for hours unknown and un-
noticed, or might visit a theater, con-
cert room or music hail. where he would
be surrounded by strangers whom he
could not afterward call up to identify
him and bear witness to where he had
been"
But, supposing," said Mackworth,
with knowing smile, "that l could
bring witness to prove that he was
in the Hexton road on the night and
near the hour when Dumbarton was
killed-what would you say then?"
Headwick rose from his chair, pale
and startled by what he heard.
Gould you produce such witnessF
he asked breathlessly.
"That could" answered the inspec-
tor determinedly. What do you think
now, sir?"
"1 don't know. Your statement be-