The Elbert County tribune., 1911-07-21

GUS woman who was In the apart
ment few minutes before the shoot.
ing and who was in possession OF
letter In which Underwood declared
his intention of shooting himself,
doubt was no longer possible. Acquit.
tai was a foregone conclusion. So
pleased was the Judge at Annie's find
that he did not insist on knowing the
woman's name He saw that Annie
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. H.
legally. fraudulently. The next impor-
tant step was to arrange a meeting at
the judges house at which DIR. Bern
stein. the hypnotic expert. would be
present and to which should be invi-
ted both Capt Clinton and Howard's
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 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 his
position In order to protect himself.
At any rate It was worth trying. The
judge insisted, also. that to this meet
ing the mysterious woman witness
should also come, to be produced at
such 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 at 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 papers. Not a word was spo-
ken. They seemed to be waiting for
a fourth man who had not yet ar
rived. Presently Judge Brewster
looked up and said
Gentlemen. expect Capt Clinton
In few minutes. and the matter will
be placed before you
Mr.. Jeffries frowned. 1t was great
ly against his wish that he had been
dragged to this conference. Peevish-
ly. he said:
I've no wish to be present at the
meeting. You know that and yet
you sent for me-"
Judge Brewster looked up at him
quickly and said quietly yet de
cisively:
MIR. Jeffries, It is absolutely nee.
essary that you be present when |
tell Capt. Clinton that he has either
willfully or ignorantly forced your son
to, confess to having committed o
crime Of which am persuaded he is
absolutely innocent"
The banker shrugged his shoulders
IF can be of service. of course
IL am only too glad-but what can
say-what can | dor
Nothing" replied the Judge curtly.
But the moral effect of your presence
is invaluable" More amiably he went
Oh: Believe me, Jeffries. | wouldn't
have taken this step unless was alb
solutely sure Of my position. I have
been Informed that Underwood com
mitted suicide, and tonight evidence
confirming this statement is to be
placed In my hands. The woman who
paid him that mysterious visit Just
before his death has promised to come
here and tell us what she knows. Now
If Capt. Clinton can be got to admit
the possibility of his being mistaken
1t means that your son will be free
in few days
| Who has given you this informa
| tion?" demanded the banker skeptic-
ally.
"Howards wife," answered che
Judge quietly. The banker started and
the lawyer went on: "She knows who
the woman is. and has promised to
bring her here tonight with docu-
mentary proof of Underwood's sui
eide"
You are depending on herr" he
sneered.
Why not?" demanded the Judge.
"She has more at stake than any Of
| US. She has worked day and night
on this case. II was she who aroused
DIR. Bernstein's interest and persuad.
ed him to collect the evidence against
Capt Clinton"
The banker frowned.
She is the cause of the whole mis-
erable business" he growled.
The door opened and the butler. en-
tering. handed his master a card.
"Ahl" calculated the judge. Here's