Tombstone epitaph., 1916-01-23


 early found the apparently plain trail of Henry Paradis' slayer to be split ting up into a number Of confusing and misleading by-paths. For example. Blackburn had been rooming opposite the car barns, fin the direction of which Curtis Paradis had been seen going on the fatal
 night, tearing in small pieces two playing cards: but the barkeeper
 thought Blackburn had given up his
 room. having found employment on
 some lake boat
 Hazard was shown the room, where
 the landlady was still keeping its re- | cent occupants effects pending his | calling for them, and by the simple | strategy Of sending her to fetch some
 matches he contrived to pocket a
 pack of playing cards which lay on a
 small shelf.
 Subsequent examination proved
 them to be a pinochle deck from
 which one knave of diamonds and
 one queen Of spades were missing!
 To round out the days work, Haz-
 ard resolved to call at the Paradis
 residence. hoping that he might be
 able to see and interview the negro
 servant, Sam Webb.
 The scene of the tragedy concealed
 more than one surprise for him, the
 first of which happened as he was
 ascending the front steps. He saw
 a negro, whom he took to be Webb.
 coming round from the rear.
 Are you Sam Webb?" he paused
 on the steps to inquire.
 The effect of this simple question
 was extraordinary. At the first sound
 of Hazards voice the negro started
 and. all atremble. stood staring at
 him. The mans face and attitude
 were expressive of utmost terror and
 consternation.
 Without the least warning. he wheeled and ran at top speed back
 though the narrow passageway be- tween the two buildings. The detective was too astonished by this singular conduct to think or act for . second, and when he did , recover himself and in turn wens plunging down the narrow passage, ' way to the back yard. Sam-if 1t were Sam-had disappeared
 ! With something of the feeling of , an explorer into unknown wilds. Fe- lix Hazard. instead Of returning to the front of the house, mounted the rear steps; perhaps somebody was in l charge.
 The screen door stood wide open, , and under the impact of his fist the
 inner door proved itself to be un. , latched by swinging inward slightly. ' Without the least preInonition, Haz'
 ard was blinded by a flash and 7 stunned by a deafening report as a ? revolver was fired almost pointblank :, i in his face. So close was the weap' ton's muzzle that his cheek felt the
 hot blast Of the explosion and the f stinging touch of two or three powder a grains.
 At once the door was jerked cleal i, l open, and an excited young mar rushed out at him. yelling: , Good God,. Did I hit you? , thought"
 a Whatever he might have beer
 thinking was not immediately re q vealed. for Hazards fist caught him |. squarely upon the point Of the chir f with a blow that had all his weight V behind it. The fellow went down a as if every bone and sinew of hi: C body had turned suddenly to jelly. 4, A minute passed, then. weak and t dazed. the young fellow rose slowl, . to his feet. When Hazard realized e how frightened and unstrung his an V tagonist was he regretted the i'm d petuous blow. He pocketed the pisto O and sternly demanded: r. Who are yoo?"
 q My names Paradis-" chattere' Q the ether. Curtis Paradis." |. Curtis, eh? I'd like to have ; n word with you. Come inside"
 As they entered what proved to b n the kitchen, Paradis protested witt Is nervous volubility that he had fire r. on a soiden impulse.
 1t T thought it was that crazy his ], ger coming back" he ampiihed. H d nearly frightened my sister to death.
 At this juncture a pale-faced. tel a. rified woman appeared in a doorwa R. opening into the houses farther rt le cesses.
 D. Don't hurt Curtis" she pleade S tremuiously. Hes innocent. AT it you an ofhcer? Oh. I'm glad-s
 glad, Let us tell you all we have r. tell about this terrible affair."" lg As this proffer exactly met the visi m prs desire. he was soon listening D. both of them excitedly talking . of once: but fer the purposes of brevit
 and clearness their recitals shall ! !" disentangled here.
 6. The woman declared her identity 1 - Mrs. Pell. the dead mans niece. an 's confirmed Helen Berters assertio ut that Henry Paradis had been ,s, gambler in his younger days--"a car l's sharp" she expressed it. Her fath' ly Land Curtis'-Henry's brother, hs
 owned considerable property ar " money: in an unhappy moment D? had appointed Henry his administr as tor, without bonds, and then died. ir, We only want our rights. Curt