Los Angeles herald., 1908-03-22

he might easily have secured it; so heavy
their sleep from the fatigue of travel, that they
were oblivious to all mundane things
The gravity of the charge against him, was
sufficient to keep Wallace wakefu during the
early hours, and though the handkerchief with
the infntesima drop of blood upon it actually
had no bearing whatever upon it, he realized
that in the inhamed state OF public opinion IL
might serve as an important circumstance linked
with whatever proofs they might succeed in
bringing against him-of political antagonism
Since it was the only tangible evidence which
could be presented before the jury as clue to
the mystery of Steale.s death, connecting him
with it, it might serve to hold him for trial and
detain him from Marguerite's side
After thinking the matter over carefully, he
decided in his own mind-since it had no real
bearing on the case-that for his own preser-
vation there would be nothing wrong in poss
essing himself of this supposed clue in order to
prevent it's being brought into court
1t was a hazardous undertaking, yet success
full so deep was the slumber of the officers
Rising cautiously from the bed he quietly secured
this bit of evidence and throwing it upon the
glowing Goals watched it burn to ashes then
returning to his bed, he was himself soon lost
in the deep sleep of exhausted nature
At daylight he aroused by the deputy and
after a substantial breakfast they again took the
road, Darrall composed and cheerful; no incident
occurring to delay their progress toward the
Capital.
Luckily the handkerchief never missed
until nearing their journeys end, the deputy
its loss.
No suspicion arose in his mind to what had
become of it. He took it for granted that it was
dropped from his pocket, as such things often
are He regarded it himself as of but little value
as evidence, since the origin of the stain had
been so readily accounted for by both Darrall
and his wife, separately and apart from each
other. without the slightest opportunity for
collusion.
"You see," extending his hand to the latter,
"I am likely to have a need for your services
of which neither of thought when we spoke
together.
Eyes No words feel are necessary to assure
you of my willingness to serve you again."
serious disturbance, however, arose when the
loss was reported, and the officer was compelled
to make the journey over the same road the
following day in fruitless search for it,
Upon their arrival in Frankfort Darrall i'm
mediately summoned his friends, Judge Randolph
and Sothern.
By this time Judge Randolph had arrived
Greeting his young friend cordially he expressed
a deep sympathy with him, in the unfortunate
situation which had been developed
Both Randolph and Sothern seemed greatly
impressed with the gravity of the case Knowing
as much as they did of the issue of the challenge
upon which Steales death followed so quickly,
they were keenly apprehensive of the danger to
Darrall if that circumstance should become
known-whether he innocent or guilty OF
the charge particularly just at this time while
the excitement was still so intense over party
issues
"His own words replying to your challenge
an acknowledgment of the justice of your cause
taken in connection with what already knew
of the man. gave me some hint OF course how the
matter stood. l prepared to serve you, trust
ing implicitly in the truth of whatever you may
confde to me-" said Sothern.
"You remember told you the day of his death,
that old story of his youth? When you asked me
his object in using a false name | only hinted
to you of the rumors rife at the time because
I had too deep regard for the young girl. whom