The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1908-05-28
CHAPTER VIII 4

the others.
Miss Jane Malley, gentlemen, is
in a most unusual position. If hel
actions meet the facts in the case
she will clear herself; IL her actions
do not meet the facts, she is more
guilty than think her, or she is
not telling all the truth. We will
learn much very soon."
Troop exchanged hurried glance
with the judge, then addressing
Cakes he said:
"Quintus, this woman is a lady
and my client
"Yes," said Cakes breaking in
suddenly, "a lady, but Troop, I have
given the Third Degree many
times to both sexes. You know
me. You do not fear my conduct
where a woman is concerned. dc
lyou? In the interest of justice
Troop, it must be done"
THE Third Degree'-no, Cakes
no." Then seeing the face of the
detective, handsome, strong and
calm, he bounded forward and seiz.
ing Cakes by the hand, cried out:
"Quintus Cakes. Pardon. Yes,
know you-you are gentleman.
Jane Malley could face no more
generous ordeal than at your hands
proceed
Troop was about to say some
thing more, but at that moment
there was a knock at the door and
a gentle rustic of skirts without.
Silence" commanded Cakes.
Here comes the lady"
Troop bounded to the door, and
there was Jane-and Roger, too.
Did the gentlemen, my counsel
and my friends, wish to speak with
me?" There was most curious
pleading accent to the words.
Miss Malley. we have desired
your presence here on most impor'
tant business" began the judge.
Jane looked at him sorrowfully
about the murder, suppose. Have
you any news to help Theodore?''
she asked hesitatingly. Sc
| Quintus Cakes nodded TO "a. the
Judge and answered the question
for him. He was to continue the
interview, that was evident to Jane
and she half smiled as she leaned
forward for her answer.
| Troops heart beat heavily for
her. for he realized that she was
| facing a master mind, and that If
guilty she was doomed No matter
what GOODNESS she possessed what
depth of wit and native intelligence
was hers, she would be unable to
deceive the tall man who stood fac
ing her with one hand on the table
so apparently Indifferent, so su.
premely anxious, but SO absolutely
inscruitable.
miss Malley" began Cakes, in
voice quite different from that
which was his when dealing with
men-quiet, kind and very gentle
was it now, such a voice as much
older brother might use when
speaking to little sister who had
fallen into serious trouble. Miss
Malley, We have much that aids
Theodore Stone, but there is much
that remains as yet in deep OBJ
security"
81 know it, gentlemen, I know it
| went to the prison several times
just now for once, and Theodore
has changed-he suspects me. >
came the unexpected answer in
most thrilling frankness.
| "Why, Miss Malley," said Cakes
as he kept his gaze upon Jane
"Why should he suspect you? Have
you kept us in the dark in any
way?"
The blue eyes blurred with
tears. "Mr. Cakes, have told my
story fully l heard the struggle
looked in, saw the arm and the dag
ger, closed the door, then opened il
again and rushed inland there
was Theodore"
How long was the door closed
Ito second--Or minute? Think
what happened; think, Miss Nal
ley"
The girl sat as in trance, then
spoke slowly, looking meanwhile
intently into distance. "The door
was shut-quite little while;
pulled it to when found 1t would
not open wide. l held it was
afraid the murderer would break
through-he pushed against the
door; he made scraping with his
feet, l thought"
Cakes glanced at Troop sudden
ly: both men knew that the heeI
marks discovered on the door had
in all probability been made then
81 shrieked once or twice, and
then | forgot my fear and !, rushed
In"
What did you hear from within
the room when you shrieked?"
81 heard the body fall-only that
mot even a footstep."
why do you think Theodore sus
poets you, Miss Malley?" ques
toned Cakes, suddenly.
"Well, sir, l don't know: why ex
actly; he is SO cold, so queer
think he believes | had been In the
room and out again and that | was
returning to hide some evidence OF
something. He told me that he
had not been in the room for some
minutes before he heard my
shrieks and he may mistrust thai
III had been there during his alb
isence-that was returning wher
found him there"
| Suddenly Cakes spoke. Miss