Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1910-04-21
CHAPTER XXI.


rested on the Doubt charge Of murder
and theft of a dead body. Major Jen
worked hard to procure evidence
against the prisoner, and David Saroy
worked just as hard to obtain material
for the defence. The attitude taken
up by the young barrister astontshed
everyone, and was universally con-
demned.
After that memorable interview in
the library when Etwald was accused
and arrested ArkeI took away his pris-
oner In custody by virtue Of the war
rant and left Major Jen alone with the
counsel for the defence. When the
sound Of Etwald's carriage had died
away in the distance, Jen, who had
hitherto kept silence, raised his head
and looked at David.
Well, sir" he said, in an icy tone
to his adopted son. Il am waiting for
conduct"
Major Jen, I have no explanation
to give you"
What" cried his guardian, rising.
DO you dare to sit there and tell me
that you are a traitor, a coward, an
ungrateful man? What will every one
say, when they learn that you intend
to defend Etwald?"
They will say almost as cruel things
as you have said" returned David, still
composed. But I do not care for the
opinion Of the public. I act according
to the dictates of my own conscience.
/ have an excellent excuse"
What is it, If 1 may be so bold as
to asl1?"
I refuse to tell you at present"
Indeed: and am I ever to learn the
reason of your extraordinary beha-
vior?'
yes, Major. You shall learn my
reason at-the trial 1 shall explain
It when l make my speech for the de-
fence"
David, there is something very ex-
traordinary in your gehavior, and you
refuse to give me your reasons there
for. If l wait until the trial, will you
explain? ?"
Yes. I have already told you 50.
In my speech for the defence you will
be fully satisfied that I have good cause
to act as I am doing"
Very good" replied Jen, calmly.
Then I shall say nothing to anyone
about your very curious behavior.
shall work hard to secure the condem-
nation of this scoUndreL You can do
your best to save him. But against
you, or for you. 1 shall not open my
mouth. At the trial I shall expect an
explanation"
You shall have it."
But" added Jen, 'as until that ex-
PLANTATION we are enemies-although not
openly sol shall require you to leave
my house"
Il expected that you would do so,'
rejoined David, bowling his head. In
deed. you can act in no other way. To-
day I shall take lodgings In Deanmin-
ster and wait for the trial. I shall de-
fend Etwald to the best of my abil-
ity; and then you can decide whether
am fit to re-enter this house.
Arl1el had sought out as witnesses
against Etwald seven persons. Firstly,
Mrs. Dallas, who was to prove that she
was hypnotized frequently by Dido.
Secondly, Isabella, who was to depose
that before the murder her mother had
been sent by Dido to "Ashantee" to
steal the devil-Atick, which under the
influence of hypnotism. Thirdly, Bat
tersea, who was to give evidence that
he had found the devil-stick within the
grounds of Mrs Dallas. Fourthly, Meg,
who was TO prove the offer of Batter
sea to sell her the stick. Filthy, Major
Jen, who could explain the engagement
of the dead man to Miss Dallas, and
the rivalry of his assassin. Sixthly,
Jaggard, whose evidence would tend 70
show that Dido had drugged him for
the purpose of stealing the body. And
seventhly, the most important witness
of all, Dido, who was to depose to the
manufacture of the poison, the refill
ing of the devil-stick, and the giving
of it to DR.. Etwald, so that he might
perpetrate the crime. With these seven
witnesses Jen did not see how Etwald
could escape the gallows.
Are you sure that all these people
will speak out?" asked the Major of
kakeI when the list was submitted to
tlim.
Il am certain of all save one" re-
piled Arkel, in a dissatisfied tone. and
the worst of it is that Dido is the one"
Does she refuse to give evidence
against Etwald?"
L should think so. Simply because
he is the holder of the Voodoo Stone.
The only change of getting the negress
TO confess the whole truth is for either
you or I to gain possession of that
stone"
Where is it?"
"Etwald carries it on his watch
chain l saw him the other day in
prison. and he showed it to me- A
common little black stone it is. but
Dido would kill him with pleasure 10
get it."
XIII Etwald," calculated Jen. Then.
ba q
are right, Arkel for it is not the man
himself she cares about, but the stone
However, I'll see Isabella and make her
persuade Dido to speak against Eft
valid"
The Major went at once to THE
Wigwam" but. Notwithstanding all mis-
eloquence. in spite OF the tears and im-
plorings of Isabella, the negress posi-
lively declined to say word against
the Great Master.
while dat big man hab de Voodoo
Stone, do nothin'-nothin'," she said.
And from this obstinate position they
all failed to move her
why don't YOU get the voodoo
stone yourelf, if You adore it so
much?" cried Mrs. Dallas, exasperated
by this obstinacy.
"Ah. If l hab dat Voodoo Stone. I be
great; great-de queen oh the debbles
But he no let it go."
GO and see DR.. Etwald, and tell him
you viii give evidence against him IN
less he gives you the stone"
This suggestion came from Isabella,
but of it Dido took no notice. Without
word TO mother or daughter, who
were both in tears. she left the room.
In the afterDo she was nowhere to
be found, and both Mrs. Dallas and Isa-
bella came to the conclusion that she
had fed to avoid being forced into CIV
ing discriminating evidence. They fell
into one another'S arms, and were be-
side themselves with terror. All the
evil done by Dido and Etwald seemed
likely 10 fall upon their innocent heads.
Still, there is hope" said Isabella.
We viii speak to Major Jen, and ask
him TO send the police after this
Wreached woman"
This opinion was at once acted upon,