Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1912-09-14

/ Before a table Strcwn with papers in
I the room We have already mentioned as
given over TO the use Of the police. sat
/ DR.. Heath in a mood too lhoughtful to
I notice the entrance Of Mr. Gryce and
( SWeetwater from the dining room where
| hey had been having dinner
! However as the formers tread was
somewhat numbering the coroner's atten-
/ ton was caught before they had quite
crossed the room. and Sweetwater with
MS quick eve, noted how his arm ana
hand Immediately fell so as to cover up
portion Of the papers lying nearest to him.
/ Wei Gryce. this is a dark case he
/ observed. as at his bidding the two de-
tectivcs TOOK their seats.
Mr.. GrNce nodded; so did Sweetwater
! me darkest that has ever come to my
knowledge pursued the coroner.
air. Gryce again nodded. but not So.
SWeotwater. For some reason this sim
/ pie expression Of opinion seemed to have
given him mental start.
She was not shot. She was not struck
| by any other hand; yet she lies dead from
a mortal wound in the breast Though
there is no tangible proof Of her having
/ inflicted this wound upon herself the jury
VIII nave no alternative, | fear than 10
! pronounce the case one of suicide
I'm sorry tina I've been able to do so
little remarked MI Gryce
The coroner darted him quick look
You are not satisfied? You have some
different idea?' he asked
The detective frowned at his hands
crossed over the top Of his cane, then
shaking his head, replied.
| THE verdict You mention is the only
natural one. Of course | see that you
have been talking with Miss Challoner's
! former maid"
Yes. and she has settled an important
! point for us. There was a possibility
! OF course, that the paper cutter which
you brought to my notice had never gone
with her into the mezzanine That she
or some other person. had dropped il I'm
passing through the lobby. But this girl
| assures me that her mistress did not On
ter the lobby that night That she ac-
companied her down in the elevator, and
saw her step off al the mezzanine She
can also swear that the cutter was in a
! book she carried-the book we found lying
on the desk. The girl remembers dis
tinctly seeing its peculiarly chased handle
| projecting from it's pages Could any
! thing be more satisfactory if was going
to say. if the young lady had been of the
impulsive type and the provocation great
er But Miss Challoner's nature was
calm, and were it not for these letters
here his arm shifted little-'T should
not be so sure of my jury's future verdict.
Love he went on, after a moment of ST.
lent consideration OF letter he had
chosen from those before him isturbs
the most equable natures. When it en-
tors as factor, we can expect anything
as you know. And Miss Challoner evi-
IDENTIFY was much attached to her CORE
spondent, and naturally felt the reproach
conveyed in these lines"
And DR.. Heath read:
Dear Miss Challoner. only a man OF
small spirit could endure what / en-
dured from YOU the other day. Love such
as mine would be respectable in a cIod-
hopper, and | think that even you will
acknowledge that | stand somewhat high
er than that Though / was silent UNI
der your dsap probation YOU shall yet
have your answer. II will not lack point
because of it's necessary delay"
"A threat
The words spranE from Sweetwater
and were evidently Involuntary DR.
| Heath paid no notice but Mr.. Gryce. il
! shifting his hands on his cane top, gave
them a sidelong look which was not with
out a hint of fresh interest in a case con-
corning which he had believed himself tC
have said his last word.
1T is the only letter of-them all which
! conveys anything like a reproach." pro
! ceCded the coroner The rest are arden
enough and, | must acknowledge that 81
far as | have allowed myself to look int
them. sufficiently respectful. Her sur
prise must consequently have been grea
at receiving these lines. and her resent
ment equally 40. IL the two met after
wards But l have not shown you tn,
signature. To the poor father It con
veyed nothing-some facts have been KEEP
from him-but to us" Here he whirleC
the letter about so that Sweetwater. a
least could see the name. at convey!
a hope that we may vet understand Mis-,
Challoner."
"Brotherson" exclaimed the young de
tectiVe in loud surprise, "Brotherson
The man who"
The man who left this building JUS
before or simultaneously with the alarm
caused by Miss Challoners fall. 1t clear,
away some OF the clouds befogeing us
She probably caught sight OF him in tn,
lobby. and in the passion Of the momen
forgot her usual instincts and drove IN,
sharp pointed weapon into her heart "
"BrothersonN' The word came SOFTLY
now, and with a thoughtful intona ton
He saw her die "
.