Cheyenne record., 1920-12-30
CHAPTER Ix-continued.

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AS pondered over 1t I decided that
my chance meeting with Barbara Brad
ford In the park had upset the plans
of blackmaillng band, and that they
were avenging themselves on me for
my unwilling part. l was certain that
Wick and Lefty Moore's wife we're in
connivance with them. and that the
gang possibly included Claire Brad
ford's ex-husband. Wick had pass
key that enabled him to enter the Lu-
tan apartment. Undoubtedly he could
also enter mine as we'll. But Wick
could have nothing to do with the
planting Of the revolver In my rooms.
was positive about that. He had
not been out Of my sight for single
moment from the time that we had dis
covered the body. The only way that
1t seemed possible to involve him in
that was on the theory Of prear-
ranged plot to make me appear the
murderer. Was 1t possible that Claire
Bradford had participated in this? l
knew she had been in my rooms after
the murder. It must have been she
Who put the revolver there.
Ono Of tho detectives who had ar
rested me appeared at my cell door.
"Come along" he commanded
sruffiy.
As I came out was again shackled
aud led to the patrol wagon that was
waiting. l had supposed that was
FOL IN rf tn ha q a
but such was not the case. I found
myself at police headquarters, where
both my photograph and my finger
prints were taken. I refrained from
giving any Information about myself.
beyond giving my name and age. be-
ing careful to have my name recorded
as John S. Nelson. Out In my home
town everybody for years had known
me by my middle name "Spaulding," !"
and l was hopeful that they might
fall to identify me If they read any
thing about me.
When everything that might serve to
identify me had been recorded, l was
taken into large room where perhaps
half a hundred men were assembled.
most of them wearing masks. looked
about with curiosity. I had read of
this ceremony. was being "lined up
before the members Of the city's detec-
tive force to see II any Of them could
Identify me and to give them an oppor.
tunity to familiarize themselves with
my features In case It should ever be
necessary to arrest me again.
"Never saw him BEFORE" l heard
one Of them say. 'Guess he must be
q western crook"
"I1e's no amateur" said another
''That job up at the Granddeck was
done by a professional"
Many sighting comments were
made, too on my personal appearance
learned for the first time that l had
a bad ear" and that my eyes were
shifty. The only emotion these com
ments aroused in me was a feeling OF
pity, not for myself but for all pool
unfortunates who fall afoul of the
law. Even though a man Is presumed
to be innocent until he has been con
victed ! had observed that since tn.
first moment OF my arrest everybod!
had taken 1t for granted that I mus
be guilty and had treated me will
little respect or consideration.
From headquarters l was taken tt
the police court and without further
delay brought before a magistrate.
"John S. Nelson. arrested for the
murder Of Daisy Lutan." said the de
tective.
Have you counsel3" asked the mag
istrate.
mo" replied.
II will assign Mr.. Myers as the pris
oner's counsel" he announced.
A young chap. evidently just out o.
law school, stepped forward. and drew
me little to one side.
"Plead Not guilty" he directed
"and be careful to say nothing more.
"Of course" I replied. I'm no
guilty. had nothing to do with it."
could see by his face that he dit
not believe me and as I turned agail
to the court I made up my mind tina
even IL the court had assigned hin
as my counsel would tell him moth
Ing.
"How do you plead1" asked th'
court.
.Net guilty." I replied.
"Remanded without ball for furthe
examination until Thursday morning.
sna .,ped the court, and was led bacl
into an ant room. Mr.. Myers and tn
detective accompanying me. The lat
ter there surrendered me to some ON
~ial. presumably q prison keeper.
Looks pretty bad for you." SALE
Myers, As we were left alone for con
sultRiOn.
II suppose II does look that way"
laughed.
"No chance to make It seif-defense.
he swent on. plainly amazed at my
manner. "No jury'd ever stand for
A..-p., .hoo<go- Sp solf-dofonaa~