Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1908-09-23

AiC, eohiuS me us Il cNDcCtcu I'D,
for NY cop" said nothing but jerked
his thumb expressively in the direction
of the depths beyond.
Just as l was about to enter the
swinging doors an awful hubbub arose
from within. the sound OF chairs hurled
violently to the floor, the crash OF
breaking glass and overturning tables,
curses. and the deep breathing of men
in deadly battle. The one customer.
who had pricked up his ears at tho
mention OF the inspector. fed incon.
tinently. I pushed the doors aside
and rushed In
The scene that met my eyes was
over in less than the time necessary
to describe 1t. but 1t was thrilling while
1t lasted. Two men were locked Ia
deadly embrace. Keeling about the
room, overturning tables and chairs,
while a third circled around them
watching for a chance to administer
the quietus with the butt OF n pistol.
The man In tho embrace OF the stran-
ger was Clarke. The one with the
pistol the inspector. The stranger had
long knife In his right hand which
Clarke's anatomy. but was pleased to
note that the wrist OF the hand that
held the blade was encircled with four
fingers and a thumb that l knew pos
sessed a grip like q pipe-wrench.
The affair could have but one end
Ing, and / did not see that could be
or any use. With one powerful effort
Clarke brought his opponents head
within range of the butt of the in
spector's revolver. there was quick
thud. and limp form slipped out of
his arms to the floor.
What deviJ's trick Is this you're
playing on me, Mr.. Clarke?" roared
the inspector. I'VE left this man at the
station not half an hour ago. How
comes 1t that you lead me here on a
false scent and then drag my own
prisoner out of that room and force
me to slug him."
Il didn't lead you on false scent.
inspector" returned Clarke, with a
grim smile. Il gave you my word Of
honor that II you would come with me
would give you the privilege Of ar.
resting the real murderer of Harrison
Garner. There he Is. and all you have
to do IL to handcuff him. He'll be
coming around In a minute, though |
don't think there's much fight left in
him. The police certainly deserve
great credit for this. / imagine the
morning papers will have a good deal
to say about the wonderful piece of
work accomplished by Inspector Ship.
1t isn't too late for an extra, even"
That's all very well, Mr.. Clarke. but
what does II mean?"
'I'll tell you-ah, he's coming back
to earth. That was a scientific crack
you gave him. just hard enough but
not likely to interfere with the later
duties of the hangman. Inspector and
Mr.. Sexton, have the pleasure OF in
Producing to you Mr.. Arnold Edger-
ton. the twin Brother OF most es-
Unable man, who has risked his own
neck to save one that Is absolutely
worthless. Now, inspector, you may
take the case and Mr.. Sexton and /
will retire again to private life"
IL was many months after these
events that first heard the connected
story from Arthur Edgerton's own
as Arnold was induced to plead guilty
and accept a term of life imprison.
ment, there being little doubt that he
was insane. Edgerton, the virtuous,
li7-sd in retirement until he could wind
up his business affairs, when he and
Miss Morrison were quietly married
and departed to make their residence
In Europe. The evening before they
left they called at our apartments TO |
express again their gratitude to
Clarke for making their great happl. |
ness possible.
Il was born in Rio Janeiro," began |
Edgerton after, with some reluctance
he had consented 10 tell his story
My brother followed me into the |
world few hours later and our moth. |
er died at his birth. My father was |
the younger son OF a titled English |
line and had settled in Brazil to make |
his fortune. which he did most sue. |
cesFfully, acquiring, In tho course o. I
tine, an extensive rancn and large |
holdings of city property.
Il have performed this duty TO the |
best OF my ability. I closed up my !
fathers affairs, sold of everything |
and came here, thinking IT might save
Arnold to get him away from his evil |
associations. hut wherever he Is he /
consorts only with the lowest.
"One of his choice methods OF wor.
rying me has btcn TO impersonate me
and call upen my friends, usually do |