The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-07

week. e' home, and an investigation of that fire by Detective Holprook, fsomero began to fear for his life and liberty He went to the police and related to De- tective Holbrook his relations with Halliday. He stated lis partner was a clever man, schooled in the law. one who would stop at nothing to gain his ends, while he was but an illiterate Spaniard, a fgurehead in the busi- ness. t
 Romero told the police he knew Hal- liday was heavily in debt, and that creditors were pressing him on all sides. They were involved in real es- tate deals involving about 50,000. Hal- liday unfolded a plan to Romero whereby they could beat the creditors in manner which heSsx .Dlained as perfectly within the 'lAv''s
 He had Romero pose as John Mar tinez" "J, K. White," and "J.- J. Cal. beral," on hundred different occa- sions. Halliday would obtain deeds to properties or acquire real estate. He would then transfer the property to Fictitious person, under one of these three names, Romero always appear Ing before the attorneys or whoever transferred the deed as White" "Calberal, or Martinez"
 If the creditors attempted to find the person supposed to own the prop- .erty .or to ascertain if Halliday had an equity that was being concealed, they naturally hunted in vain.
 Tuesday Romero had an appoint- ment with Detective Holbrook at po- lice headquarters. He called Hol- hy.0 H. IL ,-A
 Halliday was following him, and he did not dare meet the detective. Hol- brook stated he would wait all after noon for him and Romero, thinking he had evaded Halliday, arrived at police headquarters about 4 o'clock. Halliday, however, unknown to Ro- nero had followed him to the very door of the police station.
 Holbrook told Romero not to sign another paper for Halliday. The latter tremblingly replied, Hell get me alone and make me do as he wants. He has me in his power. I'm afraid of him." Romero. how ever, promised he would do as bidden by Lieut. B. O. Cronan and Hol- brook.
 AS he turned to leave the building his face blanched and he hesitated. Finally hee remarked, 1T was going to say something, but I better not"
 eff you have anything further to say, why tell it to me now, it will be the best thing you can do," advised Cronan.
 Well" replied Romero, Halliday asked me if you people knew r., set a nd I him I didn't know. Then he told me if I went to the police he would kill me. He finished his talk with me by saying I guess the only way I can get out of this is to kin you, the wo- man, and that damn detective"
 The police say in view of yesterdays happening Halliday's threat was no idle one. When Romero returned home Tuesday night, Halliday with whom he lived walked into his room, and remarked, "So you've been to the police. followed you" Without saying more Halliday left the house. :
 While Mrs. Halliday was attending theatre yesterday afternoon and came to the heart of the city to ar range some legal matters, Halliday with three deeds one signed John Martinez entered the klCcnen ana said, Here Joe, I've some papers here for you to sign
 "I'm all done signing papers for you," replied Romero.
 ''By God you'll sign these or I'll kill you where you sit," threatened Hall!- day.
 But Romero remained obdurate He would not sign the papers and that's all there was to it."
 Halliday swung a stove cover, split ting his partners head. Romero, a slight person of 30 years, while Halli- day weighs over 200 pounds, clenched his teeth and determined the moment had come for him to fight for his life. Halliday made another swing with a blunt instrument of some kind which Romero ducked. ------..4s 4s---..
 The great. brute physical strength of Halliday was matched by the grim tenacity of purpose display by Ro- nero. They clinched, swayed and fell to the floor. Romero was weak. ening as they rolled from kitchen te
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