The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1916-02-10
CHAPTER XVI.
MISS vAUGHAN'S STORY

Sylvester was still bending in
ecstasy over those strange finger
prints-the absorbed ecstasy of the COL
lector who has come unexpectedly up
on specimen wonderful and precious
Well" he said, looking up, at last,
I've learned something new today.
These prints shall have the place OF
honor. They might not be a means Of
Identification among the thugs, but III
wager there's no collection in America
has a set like them! They're unique!'
But not in the least like the photo
graphs" put in Goldberger, drily.
NO" and Sylvester flushed a little
as he felt himself jerked from his
hobby. None of the prints we have
taken this afternoon resemble the
photographs in any way"
But those made by Mr.. Swain do
resemble them?"
1T is more than q resemblance. They
are identical with Them
What inference do you draw from
that?"
1T is more than an inference" Syl-
Vester retorted. 1T is a certainty.
ana willing to swear that the finger
prints on the robe worn by the muir
dered man were made by Frederic
Swain"
"You realize the serious nature of
this assertion" asked, the coroner,
slowly.
II realize 1t fully"
And that realization does not cause
you to modify it in any way?"
1T cannot be modified" said Sylves
ter, firmly, however serious 1t may be,
however reluctant 1 may be to make it
it cannot be modified because 1t Is
the truth"
There was q moments silence, then
Goldbergcr turned to me.
Have you any questions to ask the
witness, Mr.. LesterT''
NO" answered; II have none"
Sylvester bent again above his
ecutor held a brief consultation. Then
Goldberger turned back to me-
Have you anything further, Mr..
Lester?" he asked. Our evidence is
all in, l believe"
l was driven to my last entrench-
ment.
Il should like to call Miss Vaughan, "
l said, III DIR. Human thinks she is
strong enough"
SWANS chair creaked as he swung
toward me.
mo, no." he whispered, angrily.
Don't do that! Spare her that"
But ! waved him away, for it was
slider, not Miss Vaughan's convenience.
and turned to DR.. Human, who was
evidently struggling between two du-
ties. One was his duty to his patient:
the other his duty to man cruelty
threatened, whom. his patients testi-
mony might save
well, what do you say, doctor" p
asked the coroner.
Miss Vaughan Is no doubt able 10
testify" said the doctor, slowly, but
I should like to spare her as much as
possible. Couldn't her deposition be
taken privately? I think you men
toned something Of the sort"
Goldberger looked at me.
81 shall be satisfied" I said, Ito
question her in the presence of Mr..
Goldberger, reserving the right to put
her on the stand. should deem 1t
necessary to do So" N"~Ir
Very WELL" agreed the doctor. Il
will, prepare her." and he hurried away
toward the house.
Swain was gripping my arm saw
agely.
"See here, Mr.. Lester" he said in
my ear, his voice shaking with anger,
Pm in deadly earnest about this. Take
Miss Vaughan's deposition II you wish,
but under no circumstances shall she
be hauled before this crowd, in her
present condition. and compelled to
testify"
why not?" | asked, surprised at his
Vchemence.
because. in the first place, her tes-
timony can't help me; and, In the sec