Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1911-07-13

moi S"iceis, VylHB WIN the Ol0-tlmerS
IN the forced bravado Of their de-
meanors. Others there were, shame
faced and sad, overcome with remorse
and praying silently for tho termina-
tion of the painful spectacle. Still
others, old men and young men, re-
garding the proceedings with the in
difference Of disintercsted spectators.
And there were women, too. from the
bedizened badger queen" her hair
and complexion as false as the Jewels
shimmering from her fingers and
throat, to the tremulous, weeping res
taurant cashier accused of some petty
defalcation. They represented types
as varied as the emotions struggling
within them, but as they stood side
by side facing the expressionless
masks, they seemed headed toward
the same ultimate destiny. One after
another they stepped forward for IN
spection until the line was exhausted.
When the last Of them had filed out
OF the room, the detectives did not re-
move their masks, as was the custom.
Instead, they stood about In a high
fever of expectancy. Quizzical glances
were cast in the direction of the door
leading to the cells. Suddenly the
men bulked forward, as If inspired by
a common impulse Of curiosity. The
swish Of skirts, accompanied by the
tread of masculine feet, sounded in
the doorway. woman's form, her
head bent to her breast her limbs I'M
able to bear the weight of her frail
body, was being half dragged, half
carried into the room All the life
seemed to have drained out Of her.
Her hair hung disordered over her
shoulders, her hands swung Imply,
like loose pendulums.
"Elinor Holcomb!" cried the lieu
tenant.
Donnelly and Carson, each with an
arm under her shoulder, propped her
sinking form.
Lift your head" commanded the
Chief.
The order fell on deaf ears. She
seemed as one in the last agony of
mortal illness.
Lift 1t for her." came in voice
of mingled sternness and compassion.
Donnellys hand few to her chin.
fitting her face upward. For an in
slant she raised her heavy eyelids;
then recoiled as from a blow. The
crowd of masked spectators floated
before her eyes like hideous specters
of a horrid dream. A low groan, like
the last lament of a tortured soul.
came from her lips. She seemed turn
ed into a mass Of jelly.
Take her away" commanded the
Chief, and the two detectives carried
her out of the room.
Accused of stealing the Missioner
diamonds" was the curt explanation
of her presence. In harsh mono
tone, the Chief read the various Head
quarters orders to the force, and then
the men not engaged on old work re-
ceived their assignments of new
cases. AS abruptly as he had entered.
the head of the Bureau left the room
and retired to his private Office. Then
he summoned Donnelly and Carson.
Takes it pretty bad. eh?" he asked.
Like all the swell ones when
swered Carson.
Had to call the doctor twice dur
ing the night, the matron tells me-"
informed Donnelly.
Did she make any statement on
the way to Headquarters? inquired
the Chief.
Nothing but Mysteries" Carson an
swered.
And she's in no condition to be
questioned now" added Donnelly.
Anyone been inquiring for herr"
the Chief suddenly snapped.
Yes" flashed back Donnelly. His
eyes lit with a crafty glow. Some
guy who says he's a doctor and en-
gagged to marry her has been hang
ing around here all morning. Wants
TO know how he can get her out.
= Looks as If he might be mixed up In
it, so I'm having him shadowed'
Good" commented the Chief. IF
any lawyer calls, tell him she's in no
condition to be seen. We don't want
anyone to SEQ her until we've ques-
toned her"
1t was late In the afternoon before
Miss Holcomb was escorted into the
inquisitorial chamber. She had fallen
into fltfui slumber on the rude iron
bed that projected from the wall OF
her cell, when Donnelly and Carson
/, opened the grated door and called her
out OF her sleep. She gave startled
, gasp when she saw them, q convulsive
shudder racked her frame. sudden
influx OF painful memories overwhelm-
ed her with a pitiful sense of helpless
ness as she dragged herself to the or
flee OF the Chief
; With weak show Of courage, she
eyed Manning resolutely, and then
, sank into a soft leather chair close tc
his desk. Donnelly and Carson oc
/ cupied seats at her elbow.
What did you do with those stones?'
blurted the Chief.
Her lips framed a reply. but 1t dice
without utterance
Come, comet" he cried impatient
ly. I'VE don't want any acting here
| know you're only tool in this mat
ter. We've got the principal unde
arrest and I'm giving you a chance t.
save yourself. You turn States evl
dence against him and I'll see that NJ
harm comes to you. He's the fellow
los.