The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1907-01-15

mare. stared at the figure of James
lying on the floor. and then at the
figure of John seated at the table, as II
his mind had failed to take in the con-
stables words.
"Dead,' he murmured. Dead John
and James label. What will happen
next? Is the town under cursor
And he fell on his knees before the
PROSTATE form of James. only to start
up again as he saw the eyes of Knapp
resting on him.
"Ah," he muttered. 'the detectiveT"
And after giving the man from Boston
a close look he turned toward Mr.. Fen
ton.
"You said something about this good
old man having killed Agatha Webb.
What was it? l was too dazed to take
it ill.,"
Mr. Fenton, not understanding the
young mans eagerness. but willing
enough to enlighten him as to the situa-
ton, told him what reasons there were
for ascribing the crime in the Webb
cottage to the mad deed of these sta-v-
ing men. Sweetwater listened with
open eyes and confused bearing. only
controlling himself when his eyes by
chance fell upon the quiet figure of the
detective. now moving softly to and
fro through the room.
"But why murder when he could
have had his loaf for the asking?" re-
monstrated Sweetwater. Agatha Webb
would have gone without a meal any
time to feed wandering tramp. How
much more to supply the necessities
of two Of her oldest and dearest
friends"
EYES," remarked Fenton. "but you
forget or perhaps never knew that the
master passion of these men was pride.
James label ask for bread! 1 can
much sooner imagine him stealing it.
yes. or striking a blow for it. SO that
the blow forever shut the eyes that
saw him do it,
You don't believe your own words,
Mr.. Fenton. How can you" Sweet
waters hand was on the breast of the
accused man as he spoke and his man.
ner was almost solemn. "You must
not take it for granted" he went on,
his green eyes twinkling with a curious
light, ''tEat all wisdom comes from
Boston. We in Sutherlandtown have
some sparks of it if they have not yet
been recognized. You are satisfied
here he addressed himself to knapp
that the blow which killed Agatha
Webb was struck by this respectable
old man?'
Knapp smiled. as If child had ask
ed him this question; but he answered
him good humoredly enough.
''You see the dagger lying here with
which the deed was done. and you see
the bread that was bought from Lotion
with a $40 bill Of Agatha Webb's
In these you can read my
answer"
Good evidence" acknowledged
very good evidence when
we remember Mr.. Cranes story of the
old man he met rushing from the gate
way with something glittering in his
hand. l never was so beat in my life,
and yet-and yet-if l could have a
few minutes of quiet thought all by
myself l am certain l could show you
that there is more in this matter than
you think. Indeed, know that there
is. but l do not like to give my reasons
till | have conquered the difficulties
presented by these men having had
that $50 BILL
what fellow is this?" suddenly
broke in Knapp.
"a fiddler. a nobody" quietly whis-
pered Mr.. Fenton in his ear.
Sweetwater heard him and changed
in a twinkling from the uncertain,
half baff1ed. wholly humble person
they had just seen to a man with a
purpose strong enough to make him
hold biS hood with tho host
II am a musician" he admitted. land !
play on the violin for money when |
ever the occasion offers. something.
which you will yet congratulate your
self upon if you wish to reach the root /
IF this mysterious and dastardly crime. |
But that ! am nobody, deny. and |
mean that this fellow shall agree with |
ne before this very night is over. |
Only give me an opportunity for con- |
sidering this subject and the per-
mission to walk for a few minutes |
about this house"
That is my prerogative," protested /
he detective firmly, but without any /
display Of feeling. Il am the man /
employed to pick up whatever clews
he place may present
Have you picked up all that are to /
De found in this room p asked Sweet
water calmly.
Knapp shrugged his shoulders. He
vas very well satisfied with himself.
Then give me a chance" prayed
Sweetwater. MIR. Fenton," he urged I
II am not the fool you take
ne for. I feel, 1 know, 1 have genius
or this kind of thing. and though 1
10 play the fiddle, / swear there are
lepths to this affair which none of you
AVE as yet sounded. 9Sirs, where are
he $3.50 in bills which go to make up
he clean thousand that was taken
rom the small drawer at the back Of
agatha Webb's cupboardY'
They are in some secret hiding
lace. no doubt. which we will present
y come upon as we go through the
louse." answered Knapp.
lymph! Then l advise you to put
our hand on them as soon as posi-
,le," reported Sweetwater. 81 will
onfine myself TO going over the
round you have already investigated"
md with a sudden ignoring OF the
Tiers presence. which could only