The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1909-06-05

homicidal possibilities. He felt that
the police had got the wrong man an
event which alone was calculated to
enlist his sympathies. Second. the
crime was one which. lacking all ap-
parent motive, once Pickett and his
supposititious jealousy were elm
mated, promised to tax his detective
ability to the utmost, and this also was
a condition full of attraction for him.
And now this woman with her mys-
ferrous trouble which she would not
name! 1t certainly was a beautiful
combination of possibilities. Yes, he
would straighten the affair out If only
for the joy of the hunt. But he must
start right with his present visitor.
Madam" he said, Il will not ask
who you are-it does not concern me.
But l am obliged to inform you that
In all probability you will become
known. unavoidably, through the very
efforts you wish me to put forth for
young Pickett. And l warn you now
that If there is any step which, taken
by you beforehand, would save you,
you would better take it at once"
He arose with a business-iike air as
II to close the interview. She stood
silent, her eyes ON the floor. AS he
passed to open the door for her she
grasped his arm.
"One moment" she said in
strained voice. rs there any need of
others beside yourself being present
when you question Fickett?"
1T is impossible to say. That is
why warn you. 1t will depend on
whether his evidence is of importance
In the murder case. / may see him
first alone, and need not call In others
unless it should prove necessary. But
at lesast !, If no other, shall hear your
name and learn your secret"
She gazed at him earnestly. He
could not see her face with any dis
tictness through the heavy veil, but he
knew she was sorely frightened. Final
ly she gave him her hand, saying al
most inaudibly:
Very well, sir. You are a gentle
man, and in that case will know how
to act" Then she went out hurriedly.
The next morning the doctor pro-
ceeded to the Jail and was shown to
F1ckett's cell. The prisoner was a |
youth of "a, with fresh cheeks, light, |
honest eyes and naturally mild ex-
preston of countenance, though now
he appeared thoroughly scared and dis
tressed. He frightened somewhat as |
DR.. Furnivall came in, and advanced
step to meet him; but as the doctor
removed his spectacles and looked him
in the eye he grew deathly pale and
retreated
why do you act like that, Fickett?"
the doctor inquired. "You know /
wouldn't hurt You. don't your"
But you took of your glasses, and
/ know what that means he an
swered. Il never saw you without them
before, and 1 never expected to. /
don't want to be pumped can't bel"
The doctor aesitated a moment over
the young fellows evident distress.
Then he replaced his spectacles over
his eyes.
Il won't do it." he soliloquized.
unless there is absolute need of it.
Let the mysterious lady keep her Sc
cret, whatever it is" Then he re-
garded Pickett, who saw the glasses
go on again with lively show OF re-
lief.
Have you any suspicion of anybody
IN connection with the Patrick girls
death?" he asked
The young fellow gulped down the
sob which suddenly rose In his throat.
No." he answered. huskily, Il haven't
he least idea who could do it."
Were you engaged to marry the
yirl?"
Yes, SIR"
Was the engagement ever broken ?"
mo, sir, but she asked me to say ,
hat it was the other night, Just for
he fun of it. But we were going to
yet married just the same, some
ime"
WAS there any other lover in the
ase?"
NO." .
did you know that she was about
o change her placer"
Yes, but she told me not to tell
nyone"
Did she give you any reasons for
FISHING the change kept secret?"
She said she wanted to surprise
er friends; that's ALL"
How long have you known her?"
About year." d
Where was she employed when you b
rst became acquainted with herr" b
AT Mrs. Bufield's. on Hite street." b
Did you know that she feared some b
ody, and wished to go away in order a
escape this somebody" d
NO" =,
We'll, that is sufficient" DR.. Furni-
all said. Two things he had learned: O
hat this lover was not in the girls n
1nfidence, and that therefore it was =,