The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-07

He was aware of these facts. Three persons Knew of, and could prove his guilt They were his partner, To- cal detective and a woman. Although he had often scoffed at the law and bluntly stated, owing to his past acts, r.that he could get away with any thing in Bridgeport" he knew he was at the end of his rope, and his ar rest hung threateningly over his head like the sword of DaAocles.
 Yesterday he appeared with three deeds for Romero to sign. The lat ter refused, and admitted he had con- suited the police and a lawyer. HalH- day followed him to police headquar- ters Tuesday ard knew Romero was talking with the police. Alone Tn fhe house yesterday he seized on this opportunity to carry out part of his plan, but Romero fighting as only man facing death, can fight, foiled his plan. .
 By degrees the startling life led by Halliday is coming to light, but his ex- treem cleverness, his knowledge or the law, have so complicated his acts that even real estate experts, and bank officials called in by the police +o straiehten out the evidence admit that thus far Halliday has them com pletely baffled.
 He is under arrest at St. Vincent's s hospital, charged with attempt to murder Romero, and when discharged from the institution will be also charged with causing the incendlary fire which destroyed the home Of Mrs. Minnie Gilbert. purchased by her ana burned to the ground on the same dav Nov. 23. She had bought the house from Halliday, who lives next door.
 The police have in their possession evidence of the culpability Of Haln- dav. In the deeds and papers con nected with the sale, it is stated that Halliday agreed to have the house completely finished by the hrst or Ianuarv. This he knew he could not do. The police claim he had repre- scented the house as being almost mn ished. when as a matter of fact, IL was only the skeleton of a dwelling.
 He obtained from her $1,OOO. IT he failed to have completed the con- struction of the dwelling by the new wear he was to forfeit $65 monthiy of the $6,5O0 purchase price untli It was in a habitable state.
 The police say he figured he haa Q "thousand cold in his pocket. Mrs. Gilbert had obtained the trans For of the insurance of $2,OO0. Hence he would burn it down releasing him from further responsibility and, con- trarv to previous dealings, his client would gain and not lose $l'ooo' through the insurance. ,,
 Romero has told the police all about this affair. Inspector Holorook went to Mrs. Gilbert to look over her napers. He found the agreements nroperly worded but-Mrs. Gllpert had been duped. Halliday's sigma ture was nowhere on the papers. Then an attorney came to the police to complain. A widow hao gwen 'o Halliday $700 to purchase mousse taking a mortgage for the rest or the cost price. She had legal papers ga lore. but found later that Halliday had in no place affixed his signature and she had no receipt to show TOT her $7OO. Halliday gave her the "coId shoulder" when she went Io see him. She then appealed to the attorney, who for three weeks mas been trying to obtain the money.
 Bank officials were buncoed Tn the city by Halliday, notary publics fooleo in a manner which brings a laugh even from the police. Romero, posing as one of three fictitious persons, re- lates how they have often entered the office of notary publics in the city. Halliday would tell Romero, NOW, you make believe to sign this after we get the notary seal on the papers, but don't put any name on il"
 They would enter the office, get the notary to put his seal on the legal pa pers, and while Romero pretented 10 append his signature, Halliday would the notary in conversation, turn suddenly and say to Romero, All signed?" reach over, pick up the papers, put them in his pocket and walk out.
 Just what action Halliday had for this action is not clear. The police state that to fathom his dealings with the banks and his clientele will take experts. The trouble which led to shooting dates back a
 Following the burning of the Gilbert