The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-02-10

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We'll. where's your mysterious wit.
nessf demanded the captain sarcas.
tically.
He looked curiously at Alicia.
This is Mrs. Howard Jeffries, Sr.,~ =
said Annie. my husbands step
mother"
The captain made q deferential %.
lutte. Bully a. he was, he knew how
to be courteous when II suited his
purpose. He had heard enough of the
wealthy bankers aristocratic wife to
treat her with respect.
Beg pardon. MN; I wanted to tell
the judge was going"
y The servant entered.
Tell Judge Brewster that Capt.
Clinton 10 going" said Annie.
Alicia. meantime, was once more
on the verge OF collapse. The long
threatened expose was now at hand.
In another moment the Judge and per.
haps her husband would come In, and
Annie would hand them the letter
which exculpated her husband. There
uag q moment of terrible suspense.
Annie stood aloof, her eyes fixed on
the soor. Suddenly. without uttering
. word. she drew Underwood's letter
from her bosom, and quickly approach
ing Alicia. placed II unnoticed in her
hand The bankers wife flushed and
then t'irned pale. She understood.
Annie would spare her Her lips
parted 70 protest. Even she was taken
bsek y, such an exhibition of unself.
n
ishnsss as this She began to STAN
mer thanks.
mo. no." whispered Annie quickly.
don't thank me; keep it,"
Capt. Clinton turned round with Q
Ser. Insolently. he said to Annie:
"You might a. well own up-you've
Dlayed trick on us ALL"
mo. Capt Clinton" she replied
with quiet dignity: Il told you the
simple truth. Naturally you don't be-
Msvs e."
The simple truth may do for Judge
Brewster" grinned the policeman,
but IL won't do for me. I never ex-
Dected this mysterious witness, who
vas going to prove that Underwood
committed suicide, to make an ap-
Dsarance. did I. Maloney. why notf
because. begging your pardon for
aoubting your word. there's no such
psrson."
"Begging your pardon for disputing
your word. captain" she retorted,
0iScicking him. there II such a per-
son."
Then where Is shef" he demanded
angrily. Annie made no answer, but
looked for advice to Judge Brewster.
Who ut that instant entered the room.
The captain glared at her viciously.
and unable to longer contain his
wrath. he beloved:
I'll tell you where she is! She's
right here In this room!" Pointing
his nnger at Annie In theatrical fash
I'm. he went on furiously: Annie JefY.
rscs. you're the woman who visited
Underwood the night of his death! I
Nont hesitate to say so. I've said so
al along. haven't I. Maioney~
Yes. you told the newspapers So"
rotorted Annie dryly.
Taking no notice of her remark, the
captain clustered:
I've got your record, young WON.
n! 1 know all about you and your
-solns. You knew the two men when
they were at college. You knew Un-
eerwood before you made the ac-
euaintance Of young JefYries. It was
Underwood who introduced You to
your husband. II was Underwood who
aroused your husbands jealousy.
You went to his rooms that night.
Your husband followed you there. and
ehe shooting took place!" Turning to
Judge Brewster, he added. with a sar-
castle grin: False confession. eh?
Hypnotism. eh? guess It's interna-
uoual and constitutional law for ours
after this"
You don't say so?" exclaimed An
NE. irritated at the mans intolerable
ansolence.
Judge Brewster held up a restrain
m8 nand.
Please say nothing" he said with
dignity.
NO. i guess I'll let him talk. Go
q. captain" she said with a smile,
- " thoroughly enjoying the situa.
tton.
Alicia came forward. her face pale
But on II look of determination, as
~ she had quite made up her mind as
so what course to pursue. In her
hand was Underwood's letter. Ad.
dressing Annie. she said. with emo
zion:
The truth must come out sooner or
later"
Seeing what she was about to do.
Annie quickly put out her hand to