The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-03-26

death. If you killed him we've got to know it, beca use the whole line of de fense has got to be based on absolute knowledge of the truth of whether or not it was you that shot and killed Stan Tucker last night Dig down in your mind, Tom My God, boy, you've got to remember verything you did every minute of the time you say you was out Ioodn' for Stam Tucker?'
 Tom Strickland drew a deep breath ''1t must have been me that killed him. he said 'I was on my way to do it And who else wanted to kill him? But can't remember anything about it, Colonel Todhunter. I'd be glad if could"
 Colonel Todhunter sat helpless for a moment. Finally, Did you go home after the hotel bar was closed?'' he asked
 ''No, sir. slept at the hotel last night"
 What time were you arrested?"
 "About o'clock
 Yesterday afternoon, when you had been to Nick BIedsoe's barroom for the first time, did you then go out to see Lotde-Nay Doggett, as you told Nick you was a-goin' to do?"
 "Yes, sir.'
 ''Did you see her?''
 ''Yes. sir. asked her to tell the truth and acknowledge that I had nothing to do with her disgrace. 1 told her if she didn't I was going to see Stam Tucker and make him do it or else kill him.''
 ''What did she say to that7"
 ''She laughed at me. That girls a she devil, Colonel Todhunter. She ar1 +o 10 she had lied in telling Mrs. Todhunter what she did. She just laughed
 ''You also hinted to Nick Bledsoe that there was some serious trouble brewin' between you and Stam about Lottie- May, didn't your"
 '1 believe did, sir.''
 And you told him you were bound for Stam Fuckers when you left his bar1pom last night?''
 '1 seem to remember saying some thing of the sort, Colonel Todhunter. I reckon gave him pretty good ink ling of the whole affair."
 '"The man you sent to tell me of your arrest says that Stam Fuckers mother and sister says that Stam left his home about the same time, accordin' to Nick Bledsoe's story, that you left Nick's place to go out there"
 ''1t's likely, sir, that he was coming in to meet me in answer to my letter.
 From, that would have brought you and Stam Tucker together about half way between his home and the town"
 F'Yes, sir.''
 'And Stam's body was found beside the road just about halfway between his home and the town-''
 -1 know 1t, colonel. The evidence against me is about as complete as it could be, unless somebody saw me kill Stam- I wish they did, if killed him. It wouldn't look so much like cold blooded murder in the dark then"
 Colonel Todhunter went direct from the jail to the home of Lottie-May Dog gett This time he found the girl there. She met him with a defiant look in her eyes, but it seemed to Colonel Tod hunter that there was something of dread as well. and her manner. despite certain bravado, suggested 8 haunt ing fear.
 'eIf it's grandfather you want to see, Colonel Todhunter." she said. her voice not quite steady, ''he ain't at home right now. He got some work helpin' Lute Burroughs with his hosses, and 1t keeps him over there most O the daytime"
 ''It ain't your grandfather, Lottie- May" replied Colonel Todhunter; tits you I come to see. But I wish he was here, because reckon I've got to have a right plain talk with you, and I'd rather Rafe was present while we're a-havln' it-''
 The girl shrank back suddenly. f'Then maybe you better call again." she quickly suggested, uneasiness and the hope of delay expressed in her face. "It'1l keep till some time when he's home surely. Colonel Todhunter." "No, Lottie-May. it won't That's why I've come straight out to see you after leavin' Tom Strickland prison CT in the Nineveh jail. Stam Fuckers been shot and killed. and Tom's accus- ed of murderin' him. Lotde-May." The girl gave little cry, whitening to the lips. She stood facing the colo. nel with horror stricken eyes.
 'fLottie-May,'' continued Colonel Todhunter, 'ttf1e time has come when you must tell the truth about Tom Strickland. His life is in danger, not to speak of his bein' disgraced through what you said about hinn-and your story caused him to be loolzin' for trouble with Stam Tucker-and we've got to know the truth as to whether it was him or Stam Tucker that you had the right to accuse before every body at the party that night
 A sudden light of fiery venom leap ed into LotHe-May Doggett's passion ate eyes
 Gro be Continued.)