The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1912-04-26

right back. oh. he has left clues
enough to hang dozen men,"
And do you think you will got
them?" asked the girl
LAS sure as you sit there. Plainest
case l ever had. Wednesday night
will see both of them In limbo, and
I'll give 'em the third degree and get
a full confession. Now. then. not a
word from either Of you. You must
be silent as the dead. Not a hint
not a look, l want to take them red
handed"
After repeated and other warnings,
the constable walked away, bearing
the handkerchief and the letter with
him. This was on a Monday after
noon. On Tuesday he called to say
that he had hunted up the Gale fam.
lily, and that there was a Joe Gale
Not much could be learned about him,
and for this very reason he might be
suspected Of almost any crime. He
could not deny the letter, and the let
ter spoke Of bloody affair. When
confronted with It he must break
down and confess everything.
Wednesday afternoon the constable
called to say that his plans were all
laid, and that there was no possible
escape for the wretches. He had an
other constable to assist in the arrest,
and If there was any resistance some
one would be killed. He hoped to
make the arrests before nine o'clock,
but might not find time to return and
give the particulars before next morn
ing.
1t was II o'clock Thursday fore
noon when the constable drove up
again. With him there was young
man, the same who had been upset
In the snow. The constable did not
seem to be in bounding spirits. and
the young man hung back a little.
though there was a grin on his face.
Ladies. both." said the officer.
when the house had been entered,
this young gent Is Mr.. Joe Gale. l
am sorry to say that l can't arrest
him for murder. because he didn't kill
old Shep He never meant to kill
him. He stands here an innocent
young man-just as innocent as-as
that fireplace over there"
Joe Gale blushed and bowed and
f~lt his position an embarrassing one.
while mother and daughter looked at
the constable In wonder.
Yes. ladies ALL" continued the con-
stable, he did get a letter from the
postoftlce, and he did lose it in front
of this house. That letter spoke Of q
bloody affair to come OF last night
Miss Nelly. who found it and gaze
justice her first clue IL entitled to
and shall receive all due credit. If
she has photo to spare. 1 will see
that 1t is published in the papers"
But is Mr.. Gale under arrest?'
asked the puzzled girl.
Being he Is as innocent as that
that fireplace, he can't be, can he?"
Then what is all this about?"
viii you please let me explain?"
asked the young man.
Some one ought to-"
Il own bulldog. I-I-"
You own bulldog" repeated Hiss
Nellie.
He Is year old, and his ears
SHOULD have been clipped and his
tail cut off months ago. 1t was done
last night. l had friend come
from the city to help. It was q
bloody affair. The constable here
walked In on US in the midst Of It.
It's all very simple when you l-now
about It,"
But had they murdered the old
miser!" began the officer. when he
was taken by the arm and led to ne
door.
There is always a way Of getting
around situation. Joe Gale found
that way in this case. He had t.
call to beg pardon. and to call the
constable an ass, and to report on
how the bulldog got along, and by
and by he had the cheek to call
without any excuse whatever. And
later still he did not have to call. be-