The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1908-05-22
CHAPTER v.

| IneOuOre, AFTER pledQlng innocent
before all the first witnesses of the
finding of the body. was led away
by his lifelong friend Chief Thorn
as, charged with the murder of one
of his own blood.
Jane Malley followed her lover
walking side by side with him--the
chief and her brother with her.
The crowd, grown to great proper
tons, surged around them, orderly,
but awestruck, and filled with silent
sympathy for the girl
But Jane had not collapsed, physi-
cally or mentally. The training Of
years Of early hardship now came
to her aid. AS she neared the Jail
her strong reason rallied as from
afar, and her mind responded to
the urgent call upon it. She realized
fully that Theodore was well nigh
hOpelessly involved, but she could
not believe in his guilt She knew
that he was ruined financially-that
the money of years was gone. He
needed help Immediately, help
greater than he would ever need
again; and h needed the aid of a
strong, fearless champion, one who
would face public opinion, ignominy
perhaps, for lost cause, one who
had the great essential factor to
produce defense and to fight
money.
She walked beside her lover and
spoke not. But never was a great
err champion born, never was a
nobler resolution made than at that
moment. For the money, the all
important factor, the devilish neces-
sity, was at her bidding-in meas
ure at least,
Arriving at the police station,
Jane Malley threw her arms about
her lovers neck and nesting her
cheek close beside him, whispered
the single word "courage" and
kissing him unhesitatingly before
the crowd, withdrew, with only a
slight nod toward her brother
Roger. AS she passed through the
mass of people, it hushed and re-
specially made room for her.
There was that In her manner that
made every heart go out to her in
sympathy. Many fastened to her
side with gentle words, but Jane
firmly but politely brushed them
aside, drying her tears as she pass
ed on to her home.
Meanwhile Roger was in a nearly
hopeless mood regarding Theodore.
AS he was witness to the finding of
the dead man, to Theodore's prox-
unity to the body and to the awful
words of anguish from Jane-the
words which, taken in conjunction
with her pointing gestures. seemed
to seal the doom of Theodore-he
could see but faint hope for the
unfortunate man.
But somehow. the carriage of the
prisoner and his manner, gave the
younger man some vague, undetin-
able hope.
When the time for parting came,
Theodore turned to his former Of
fee boy and said, in a voice of
deep emotion, but with absolute
self control, and in the hearing of
the chief:
go, Roger. am lawyer;
will not talk Go see the body, If
you can, before it is disturbed;
learn what you can. The man was
dead when l entered the room. -
when you entered the room?''
Eyes, I had mill row with
Montgomery Stone, and disguised,
went down the front office stairs.
heard a fall before I reached the
street. | retraced my steps, and
found him dead, and then Jane ap-
peared and found Inc there"
And the dagger, yours?"
Theodore Stone glanced quickly
at Roger, but only bowed his head
in silence for an answer.
The chief, who heard the state
ment, returned Immediately with
Roger to the scene of the murder.
There was nothing in his manner
to denote elation; on the contrary,
he was evidently affected by hav-
ing been obliged to arrest Theodore.
Then began careful search for
clews by the chief and his assist
ants. Rogers once or twice called
the chiefs attention to some de-
tails that might prove valuable.
None of those present were great
sleuths, but they learned some
things that later were put to good
use by Roger.
Then, after closing the doors, a
guard was placed about the room
which, dimly lighted, contained the
body of the dead man, awaiting
further action of the authorities.
After learning all he could, Roger
fastened to his home and found
Jane in earnest conversation with a
tall, dignified old gentleman, whom
he recognized as the most highly
respected ex-JuIge Pickering. He
soon learned more. At the Judge
suggestion, telegram was already
ON the way to Boston for certain
cousin of Theodores, middle-aged
active man of law, a Mr.. Stanley
Troop, noted as great criminal
lawyer.
The chief of police called soon to
see Jane Malley. and to hear her
story, but, acting under advice. she
remained silent until the arrival OF
Mr.. Troop. There could be no In
timidating of a witness such as
Jane Malley; no undue pressure
The people would not have sane
tionad n AMI II was case where