The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1907-12-12

Delroy, looking about at the disorder
Drysdale closed h door and turned
toward him rather sheepishly.
Fact is, I was packing, Dickie," ne
York today, to look after some invest
ments. I'd like to stay. old man, but
/ really can't"
Something In the faces of his audi
tors stopped him, n he changed
color.
way?P he demanded holly.
"Sit down, Mr.. Drysdale." said the
coroner solemnly, himself taking a
chair. "Our business may TAX some
little time. You a revolver. 1 be-
lieve."
Eyes" said Jack, "a Smith & wes-
SON. l was Just looking for It, When
t.. opened my trunk Just now l missed
How long has 1t been since you saw
it?"
II can't say-two or three days. per-
haps." ,
You kept it in your trunkT"
"And the trunk was locked?"
"Yes-that is, generally"
WAS IT locked last night?"
"Yes-that Is. 1 don't know-Pm not
certain. Why?"
Did you have your revolver last
" on"
mo. ! haven't seen it for a day or
"Iss tbs your revolver" asked the
coroner, producing the weapon.
lDrysdale took 1t and looked at 1t
with an air Of establishment.
why. yes" he said. Where did
you get it?"
And ISIS tbs your raincoat?"
"Yes-but what"
"You wore n when Won went out
last night?"
"Yes-but I insist"
"Mr. Drysdale," asked the coroner
sternly, "for what purpose did you go
out last night, and where did you go?'
Drysdale sprang to his feet. his face
red with anger.
Why. o Internal busy-body!" he
cried. ITS none of your business"
Ten you refuse to answer"
I most certainly do, n / think you'd
better go back to Babylon"
Il shall go back in due time, Mr..
Drysdale," retorted the coroner In q
cool voice; holding up his hand. Per
haps you have, as yet, not heard OF tie
murder committed here last night and
Of tie robbery which accompanied it?"
Drysdale paled suddenly, his hands
were trembling -.
"Murder!" he repeated blanisly. Rob
bery!"
Precisely. Graham tie gardener was
murdered last night and Mrs. Delroy's
pearl necklace stolen. You were tie
only person who left tie house. Your
revolver was found beside him. T'is
button, torn from your coat, was found
In his hand. 1 hope you will now per-
ceive tie wisdom of giving us a tetailed
account Of your movements while you
were away from tie house" .
Drysdale had listened with a grow
ing pallor. When the coroner finished,
he was fairly livtd, and he passed his
hand helplessIy before his eyes. But
he did not speak.
"weIl?" asked Hefrelbower impa-
tiently. after a moment.
Drysdale took down his hand and
steadied himself against the back of
his chair.
Il have nothing to say" he muir
mured hoarsely.
The ron stared in astonish-
ment.
you don't mean"
II mean that I have nothing to say"
repeated Drysdale, this time in a firm
er tone.
"Oh, come, Jack" burst out Delroy,
don't be so obstinate. Tell us where
you were. OF course I know you didn't
murder Graham"
Thank you, Dickie," and DrysdaIe
looked at hin gratefully. IT didn't do
1t; I'm ready to swear that by any oath
you please. But I can't tell you or any
body where I was"
Don't let any little secret stand In
the way" protested Delroy. This isn't
81 can't te'," repeated DrysdaIe
firmly.
DO you persist in tat decision ?'
asked the coroner sharply.
II certainly do"
Ten" said Heffelbower, rising in
his turn. sin tie name OF tie law, I
shall hat to arrest you. Please finish
your dressing"
Very WE'LL" returned Drysdale COM
posedly, and set about his toilet. while
Delroy watched him in a kind OF dazed
perplexity. 1t took but a few moments.
I'm ready" he said.
Jack" cried Delroy again, but the
other stopped him with a gesture.
Don't worry, Dickie," he said. IT
didn't do 1t. They can't convict me.
I'm not in the least afraid"
Heffelbower took the key from the
door and transferred 1t to the outside.
I'll haf to lock up It's room" he said.
1T will hat to be searched" d
Delroy nodded his consent and the
little procession passed u into the
hall.
Suddenly from the farther end came
the swish OF skirts and Grace Croydon
appeared. radiant as the new day. She
paused in establishment as she saw the
group, then she came forward. Her
eyes went anxiously from face to face.
What Is It, Richard?" she asked.
What has ~happened?"
Delroy laughed a mirthless laugh.
Enough and TO spare" he answered.
They're arresting Jack, here. for MUIR
der"
For murder!" she breathed, and
caught at the balustrade. "Oh. surely,
you're Jodng!"
Jack seems to think it's a joke" he
retorted bitterly.
"Oh, why did you kill him?" h cried.
turning upon her lover. why did you
not wait"
Kill him." echoed Delroy. But he
didn't Grace! How can you think such
a thing? He could clear himself by tell
ing where he was last night. n he
refuses to do 1t. Maybe he'll tell you
She turned her searching eyes to her
lovers face.
Where were you last night, Jack?"
she asked. You'll tell me, won't your
Tell your" he sneered, his eyes
blazing with savage anger. Wher