The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-01-27
CHAPTER TX.

Flteen minutes passed W. AOut a
word being spoken. There was deep
silence In the room. 1t was SO quiet
that once could have heard a pin drop
Had disinterested spectator been
there to witness it, he would have
been at once impressed by the dra-
matte tableau presented-the dead
nan on the floor, his white shirt front
ipattered with blood, the cringing,
frightened boy crouching in the chair,
the towering figure of the police cap
.ain sitting sternly cycling his hapless
prisoner, and at the far end of the
room Detective Sergeant Maloney
busy serIing hurried messages
through the telephone.
What did you do it for?" tbundered
the captain suddenly.
Howard's tongue Glove to his palate.
He could scarcely articulate. He was
innocent, Of course, but there was
something in this mans manner which
made him fear that he might, after all,
have had something to do with the
tragedy. Yet he was positive that he
was asleep on the bed all the time.
The question Is, would anybody believe
him? He shook his head pathetically.
II didn't do 1t. Really, didn't"
Shut your mouth! You're lying,
and you know you're lying Wait till
the coroner comes. Well fix you"
Again there was silence, and now be-
gan long. tedious wait. both men re.
tanning the same positions, the cap.
tain watching his prisoner as a cat
watches a mouse.
Howard's mental anguish was al.
most uncomfortable. He thought of his
poor wife who must be waiting I'D for
him all this time, wondering what had
become OF him. She would imagine
the worst. and there was no telling
what she might do. If only he could
get word to her. Perhaps she would
De able 10 explain things. Then he
toouSht OF his father. They had quar-.
relied, 1t was true, but after all it was
MS own flesh and blood. At such
critical situation as this, one forgets.
Ills father could hardly refuse to come
70 his assistance. He must get a
lawyer, too, TO protect his interests.
rnis police captain had no right to de-
t"in him like this. He must get word
TO Annie without delay. Summoning
up all his courage, he said boldly:
You are OBTAINING me here without
warrant IN law. | know my rights. |
an the son OF one of the most in
huential men In the city"
What's your name?" growled the
captain
Howard Josfries."
Son of Howard Jeffries, the bank
err"
Howard nodded.
Yes"
Tho captain turned to his sergeant
Na'oney, this feller says he's the
son oi Howard Jcffries, the banker"
Maloney leaned over and WHISPERED
something In the captains ear The
captain smiled grimly.
so you're bad character. eh? Ia.
ther turned you out of doors. eb?
Where's that girl you ran away with?"
Sharply he added: "You see I know
your record"
I've done nothing I'm ashamed Of"
replied Howard calmly. 81 married
the girl. She's waiting my return now
won't you please let me send her a
message?"
The captain eyed Howard sus.
piciously for moment, then he turned
to his sergeant
"Maloney. telephone this mans wife
What's the NUMBER"
"Eighty-six Morningside."
Maioney again got busy with the
telephone and the wearying wait no.
gan once more. The clock soon struck
two For whole hour he had been
subjected to this gruelling process
and still the lynxeyed captain sat
there watching his quarry.
III Capt. Clinton had begun TO have
any doubts when Howard told him
VINO his father was. Maloney's infor.
nation Immediately put him at his
ease. 1t was all clear to him now
The youth had never been any good
Ills own father bad kicked him ont
lie was In desperate financial straits
lie mad come to this mans rooms in
make demand for money. Under
wood had refused and there was n
quarrel and he shot him There was
plO11bly a dispute over the woman