The Washington times., 1909-04-05

was that Hamilton WIS not tell
~ ing the truth-that he had in
vented this ingenious story about
nIIng Of that shot himself. in order to
save the girl.
But there was something about the
rugged old mans face and bearing
MhIch inspired confidence and seemed
70 compel belief. He did not look like
Inc kind of man who would stoop TO
'5o ne; even to help one whom he loved
Besides, his story vas plausible
enough. Clayton knew that il was
quile usual for men who carried re-
NolVSrs TO keep either an empty shell
or else a blank cartridge in the first
chamber SO that there would be no
9gehser or the weapon going off acct
Mr. Hamilton narrated in detail what
/ happened whe1 he had presented Laura
Win the little pearl-handled revolver
ne described how fearful of the firearm
hef he had hit upon the plan of empty
ing the first chamber, so tlrat il would
be quite safe for her to carry the
weapon IN Ler handbag.
lie told how he had gone ont OF the
pdCk door and fired at a tree some
Instance away. and he took Clayton TO
we very tree and pointed out the little
trated the bark
At length Clayton believed. and the
information made him very joyful. He
ped the old mems horny fist
congratulate you. Mr. HamiItonl''
ne exclaimed. You have made a most
important discovery. Not only have
You cleared Miss Laura of being con-
cerned in this murder but Won have
cieared my friend. Wilbur Leslie. as
Wen Tie only reason<that lie is under
b Isl hn9 charged with the murder is
because they found that pearl-handIed
revolver IN his pocket and ne admitted
having placed IL there, himself
,,a consequently aet emily if crank Darlington
bur-"
Il am glad of that" declared Ham,
t tbot nearby I liked the looks of
mat young man. / ST ould be real glad
70 see him 90 free. 1 wonder II they'll
ever ind out who really did commit
Il think so.' replied CLAYTON ouietl,,
As q matter of fact. ] think I can tell
yo 3!v now the e.. name Of the guilty person.
Yes. | think Frank harrington was
shot by his brother Arthur vas
Old Hamilton nodded.
We mad that idea, tO9" ne said
r. b az 1 didn't like 10 put It into words.
* doesn't seem possible that one brother
could murder another. 1t is too ho--
rible TO be true"
L think it is the truth, neverthe-
less, rejoined Clayton. Il hammer tn
know that Frank and Arthur Rarrine1
Ton were not at all brotherly In thei.
feelings towards each other. They hated
each other like poison, in fact Now
lhdt your daughter has heen eliminated
from the case, u seems only reasonable
70 suspect Arthur Darlington
but what could have been his mo-
tlVFE argued Hamilton. Why should
ne nave murdered his brother In the
contest for the hand of our little sirI
ne had Won and his unfortunate brother
nad lost He was TO have married
AURA lf,luIa ina same night. Why. then.
should he have done thisg''
ihat what puzzles me- CLAYTON
aQIntled. It was the apparent lack
OF motive which prevented me from
suspecting him befOrc-that and the fact
thRt all the evidence in the case seemed
70 point conclusiveiy TO your adopted
daughters guilt / suppose they must
nave had some quarrei-probabiy over
ne GRAND Arthur harrington shot
ms brother dead in the heat of passion. =
Ihats lieH cried hoarse. angry
voice, ana Clayton turned 10 find that
arthur harrington had entered the !
- "a yatd where they, stood in time |
Row dare You say that I killed nv
orother! ? ne went on. advancing angrily
toward Clayton. You're a fine sDeci- |
men Of manhood aren't Won To MAKE
such an accusation behind a mans hack
~ not afraid TO say il to your
race retorted Clayton. quietly. II /
say again that 1 firmly believe you shot /
your brother Frank -
Arthur sprang toward his accuser. his
asts clenched and his eyes flashing fire |
out old man Hamilton hastily INFER, /
posed MS burly figure between them. -
Young men,, he said Won can't
light here; besides, what is the noe NJ i
1ghting7 This isn't a matter that can /
pc settled with fists. Even If Won licked /
ms 5,',t man. Mr. Darlington, It
brother, ana If he licked YOU IL vyouidn't /
prove that YOU did.
IF Mr.: Clayton's suspicious are cor
rect he must prove his accusations IN
4 court OF law. If he has made a mis-
take ] am sure that he viii he nna1
enough 10 acknowledge it and ask your
II shan not nave to acknowledge that
nave made m stake" declared Claw
on confidently. 'sThe r,1rI3e5-s-
! rank harrington stands before MS ana
am going 70 convict him of the crime
before I get through"
harrington shrugged his sbouL5a,.s
md unclenched !,is fists.
ban. You are right. Mr.. Hamilton. !"
le SAID II isn't worth while yvFfin |
ING TINS Fellow l beg your pardon |
or allowing my temper 10 pet the
'est OF me while on your premises LET
nm go ahead ard accuse me n he |
Flbhes. / am hot afraid He can't
'roEe me guilty Of crime I did not
WIN you swear that YOU didn't
ave hand in your brothers death?''
ana Ola Hamilton, looking Arthur
al 4hE ION SleIulN IN the eve
Certainly 1 will" was the ouicly re-
'ly, and the, speaker raised his right
land toward heaven. Nav T dTor,
lead as / stand here II I had anvrbina
o DO with my brothers murder he
aid impressiveiy
Old Hamilton studied his face long
nd earnestly. Then ne said sol
mnly:
I believe you. young man. will
ell you candidly. Mr.. Darlington that
think you are a rascal: but never
heless, I believe that you are telling
he truth this time. I think I am
nough of a judge Of men to know when
hey are lying and when they are sneak
nS the truth. I believe now that YOU
re- innocent Of your brothers n3uf-
er What do you think. Mr.. Clay
7 taink now as did before - re-
orted the lawyer harshly. "The dar-
ng oath this fellow has lust taken
oesnt cause me to change nv mind
on could scarcely expect him 70 ad-
ait that he killed his brother. Won
nov. It's no use wrangling aboUt
ne matter, however. / am going n,
nd proofs to back my suspicious
/