Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1911-12-21

one important wIth5DA the M sterT
a few minutes before the shoot
ing and who was in possession of g
letter in which Underwood declared
his intention of shooting himself.
doubt was no longer possible. ASquit
tai was a foregone conclusion. So
pleased was the Judge at Annie's find
that ne did nor insist on knowing the
woman's name. He saw that Annas
preferred, for some reason, not to give
it-even to her legal adviser-and he
let her have her way, exacting only
that the woman should be produced
the instant he needed her. The young
woman readily assented. OF course,
there remained the confession" but
that had been obtained unfairly, IL
legally, fraudulently. The next impor
tant step was to arrange a meeting at
the judges house at which DR.. Bern
stein, the hypnotic expert, would be
present and to which should be invi
ted both Capt. Clinton and Towards
father. In front of all these witnesses
the judge would accuse the police cap
tain OF ~broWbeating his prisoner into
making an untrue confession. Per-
haps the captain could be argued into
admitting the possibility of a mistake
having been made. If, further, he could
be convinced of the existence Of doc
umentary evidence showing that Un.
derwood really committed suicide he
might be willing to recede from biz
position in order to protect himself.
At any rate 1t was worth trying. The
Judge insisted, also. that to this meet
ing the mysterious witness
should also come, to be produced at
such a moment as the lawyer might
consider opportune. Annie merely de-
manded a few hours time so she could
make the appointment and soon re-
turned with a solemn promise that
the woman would attend the meet
ing and come forward at whatever
moment called upon.
Three evenings later there was an
impressive gathering ct Judge Brew
ster's residence. In the handsomely
appointed library on the second floor
were seated DR.. Bernstein, Mr.. JEFF
fries and the Judge. Each was abb
sorbed in his own thoughts. DR.. Bern
stein was putting at a big black cigar;
the banker stared vacantly into space.
The Judge, at his desk, examined some
legal apers Not q word was spo-
i. ken. They seemed to be waiting fol
d fourth mar who had not yet ar
rived. Presently Judge Brewster
looked up and said:
Gentlemen, expect Capt, Clinton
In a few minutes, and the matter will
be placed before YOU"
Mr.. Jeffries frowned. 1t was great
ly against his wish that he had beer
dragged to this conference. Peevish
ly, he said:
i've no wish to be present at thu
meeting. You know that and ye
= you sent for me"
Judge Brewster looked up at hin
quickly and said quietly yet de
cisively:
Mr.. Jeffries, It is absolutely nee
essary that you be present when
tell Capt. Clinton that he has eithe
willfully or ignorantly forced your sol
to confess to having committed
crime of which 1 am persuaded he !
absolutely innocent"
The banker shrugged his shoulders
IF l can be of service, of course
, IL am only too glad-but what ca
l say-what can | do?"
Nothing" replied the Judge curtlI
But the moral effect of your presenc
is invaluable" More amiably he wen
on: Believe me, Jeffries, | wouldn
have taken this step unless l was al
\ solutely sure of my position. l hav
been informed that Underwood con
mitted suicide, and tonight evidenC
confirming this statement Is to b
VI placed In my hands. The woman VIII
i paid him that mysterious visit jus
before his death has promised to com
here and tell us what she knows. Nov
If Capt. Clinton can be got to adm
the possibility of his being mistake
!. 1t means that your son will be FIRE
in a few days"
who has given you this inform
tion?" demanded the banker skepti
ally.
"Howard's wife," answered Ii
judge quietly. The banker started an
the lawyer went on: "She knows WI
the woman is, and has promised
bring her here tonight with doc
mentary proof of Underwood's 81
eide"
You are depending on herT" !
sneered.
why not?" demanded the judg
"She has more at stake than any
=. us. She has worked day and nigl
U on this case. 1t was she who arous
DR.. Bernstein's interest and persua
ed him to collect the evidence again
Capt. Clinton"
The banker frowned.
"She is the cause of the whole mi
cradle business" he growled.
~. The door opened and the butler, e
-. tering, handed his master a card.
N. "Ah!" calculated the Judge. Here
our man! Show him up"
When the servant had Disappear
- Mr. ~Ieffries turned to his host, Wi