The Washington times., 1911-10-10
By CAROLYN WELLS


regard for Irene, and, while I could wish
her q little softer and more sympathetic
toward the prisoner. yet couldn't help
admiring her splendid appreciation OF
law and justice.
As for the MaxweIls, Miss Mirandy was
50 completely crushed already that an
other unexpected blow could make but
little difference in her demeanor. She
said she could not believe Gilbert
guilty, but that it was not for her to
Judge.
Dudley Maxwell showed a like philo-
sophical spirit After the first shock Of
surprise, he admitted that justice must
have its way, wherever that way might
lead: but he again begged US not to be
misled by false or incomplete clues. and
TO prove beyond all doubt whatever we
accepted as fact.
/ fully shared the old gentleman's
spirit Of caution, and kept a vig1lant
watch on Mr.. Hunts proceedings. But
pointed one way, and my only hope lay
In the fact that 1t was purely circum-
stantial evidence.
Resolved, IL possible, to find some
weak spot in Hunts diagnosis Of the
case, I obtained permission to visit Gill
bert Crane in his cell.
I felt a certain embarrassment as l
entered, for expected to see a despair
But found I did not yet know Gilbert
Crane. Instead Of appearing detected,
he rose to greet me with an expectant
look, and held out his hand.
"Win you take t?, he said impulsive-
tate. 1t is the hand of an honest man.
I am no more guilty OF Philips death
than is Philip himself"
Quite aside from his words, there was
honor and truth in the sound of his
voice and the look Of his eye. I am
very sensitive to deceit, and in every
fiber Of my Being 1 felt at that moment
that an honest man stood before me.
Acting in accordance with this con-
viction 1 grasped his hand heartily, and
said:
'T am sure of it! / admit, and you
must admit yourself that the circum-
stantial evidence against you Is pretty
bad. But even before your denial 1
could not think you guilty, and now
you have removed any lurking doubt 1
"Thank you" said Crane simply.
And now I wonder IL you can help
me-"
ITS what I want to do" said. but
1 fear I can do little. l have tried TO
get at some counter evidence of refuta-
! ton of Hunts theories, out so far I
have been unable to do so."
That's just the point" said Gilbert.
in a practical way that seemed to show
me a new side in this man. 81 don't
know myself what to tell you to do
The whole situation is so absurd. To
me # is like lightning out Of clear
sky.
Here 1 am. arrested for the murder
of a man who was one Of my best
friends. didn't murder him, and yet
circumstances are such that 1 cannot
prove that 1 did not
"Since\ we are speaking frankly"
said, will you tell me II you touched
the pistol that Miss Leslie held?"
Gilbert looked at me gravely. II
will" he said "I ought to have been
more straightforward about that. but
I didn't mention 1t, because ! thought
1t OF absolutely no importance.
When 1 saw the bodies, thought
that Philip was dead, but that Miss
Leslie was still living. I went nearer to
look, and on an impulse l started to
take the pistol from her hand. But I
at once realized that it would be better
to call DR.. Sheldon before l touched
anything, and 1 did So"
You didn't pause to pick up the
bronze horse?'' I asked.
Certainly not" was the surprised re-
"That horse and inkstand play a most
mysterious part in the matter. But
there must be some explanation for
them. and we must find it"
1T will be made clear" said Gill
bert. eff you do what / ask
Il am more than willing to do your
Then send for Stone. He is New
York detective, and, though do not
know him personally. l know enough
about him to feel sure he can unravel
this tangle as no one else can
How shall find him.
'T don't know his address. You will
have to go or write to Jack Heming-
way: he can tell you. Stone will be ex-
pensive, but this is no time for econ
omy. Will you get him."
Il certainly WILL" I replied, land do
I'll in my power to help him.
Fleming Stone won't need much
help" said Gilbert. not uDgratefully.
but decidedly; he is a wizard. He can
see right through anybody or anything
Then he Is the man for us, and I'll
go for him myself
Perhaps" said Crane, after a mo-
ment's thought, "it would be wiser not
TO let 1t be generally known that he Is
a celebrated detective"
IAN right" 1 replied; but the Max
wells will have to know 1t, because l
want to put him up at the Hall. They'll
be willing, I know. Indeed, Mr.. Max
well has himself suggested that we
should get a city detective down.
81 know It," said Gilbert: but ] wish
you'd act as IL he were Just friend
work"
VERY well, I'll fix It that way, then.
But have to have you staying here,
even for a few days."
THAT can't be helped" said Gilbert,
"and mustn't be considered. If you
can only get Fleming Stone to come
down here l am as good as released
Glad that he could view the situation
in this cheerful manner, 1 went away,
prepared to go at once on Gilberts
Mise MaxuaII bosnita hly auraad +o r,v