The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1909-07-08
Tragedy of the Brook
80 BY D,: George n BuIer and He1berf HIey -



event which alone was calculated TO
enlist his sympathies. Second. the
crime was one which. lacking all ap-
parent motive, once Fickett and his
supposItltious 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
terious trouble which she would not
name! 1t certainly was a beautiful
combination of possibilities. Yes, he
would straighten the affair out II only
for the joy of the hunt. But he must
start right with his present visitor.
Madam" he said, II will not ask
who you are--it does not concern me.
But | 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 | warn you now
that II there is any step which, taken
by you beforehand, would save you,
you would better take it at once"
He arose with business-like air as
II 10 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 a
strained voice. "Is 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 1t 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 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
Fickett'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
a 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 you?"
But you took off your glasses, and
| know what that means" he an
swered. 81 never saw you without them
before, and / never expected to.
don't want to be pumped--I can't be-"
The doctor hesitated 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 II.
Let the mysterious lady keep her Sc
cret, whatever II is" Then he re-
garded Fickett, 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. 81 haven I
| the least idea who could do It,"
Were you engaged to marry the
girl?"
"Yes, sir"
WAS the engagement ever broken?'
mo, sir. but she asked me to say
that 1t was the other night, just for
the fun OF It. But we were going tc
get married just the same, some
time
WAS there any other lover in the
case?"
NO"
Did you know that she was about
TO change her place."
Yes, but she told me not TO tel
anyone
Did she give YOU any reasons fol
Wishing the change kept secret2"
she said she wanted to surpris,
her friends; that's an
How long have you known her?"
About year"
where was she employed when yo,
FIRST became acquainted with here"
AT Mrs. Bufelds, on Hite street.
Did you know that she feared some
body, and wished to go away in orde
TO escape this somebody"
"No."
Well that Is sufficient" Dr. Furnl
vail said, Two things he had learned
That this lover was not in the girl,
confidence, and that therefore il wal
some former lover that she was afrai,
Of Anything else she would connd,
in him. The next step was TO find on
who this lover was He hurried I,
. Mrs. Runeld's. but that lady was sur,
the girl never had any men callers o.
Intimate friends. Whenever she wen
| anvwhera she alWays told her whom