Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-01-25

The story of the Cunningham myS-
terry, as it was already being called.
| filled the carly editions of the after.
noon papers. The Times had the scoop
of the day. 1t was a story signed
by Chuck Ellis, who had seen the al
legged murderer climb down by n fire.
escape from the window of Cunning
hams bedroom and had actually talked
with the man as he emerged from the
alley. His description of the suspect
tailed fairly closely with that of Mrs.
Hull, but it corrected errors in re-
gard to weight. age and color of clothes
As Kirby walked TO the Equitable
Building TO keep his appointment with
his cousins, it would not have sur
prised him il at any moment an officer
had touched him on the shoulder and
told him he was under arrest
Entering the Office of the oil broker
whore the two brothers were waiting
for him, Kirby had sense Of an in
terrupted conversation. They had been
talking about him. he guessed. The
atmosphere was electric.
james spoke quickly to bridge any
embarrassment. This is a dreadful
thing about Uncle James. I've never
been So shocked before in my life.
The crime was absolutely fCndish."
Kirby nodded. "Or else the deed Of
some insane person. Men in their right
senses don't do such things"
NO" agreed James. Murders one
thing. Such cold blooded dcviltry is
quite another. There may be insanity
connected with il. But one thing is
sure. I'll not rest till the villain 5
run to earth and punished.
His eyes met those of his cousin.
They were cold and bleak.
do you think did it?' asked Kirby
quietly.
The directncss of the question took
James aback.
After the fraction of a seconds hesi-
tation he spoke. "If l did wouldn't
be going to lunch with you"
Jack cut in. Excitement had ban
.ished his usual almost insolcnt indO-
lenCe. His dark eyes burned with y
consuming fire. Lets put our cards
on the table. We think you're the man
the police are looking for-the one de-
scribed in the papers
what makes you think that"
"YOu told us you were going 10 soc
him as soon as he got back from the
Springs. The description fits you TO
r. You cant get away with an
alibi so far as m concerned.
IAN right" said the rough rider, his
low, even voice unrutled by excitement.
IF l can't, l cant. Well say I'm
the man who came down the frees
cape. What them"
James was watching hiI cousin
steadily. The pupils of his eyes mar
rowpd. He took the answer out Of his
brothers mouth. Then we think you
probably know something about this
mystery that you'll want to tell us.
You must have been on the spot very
coon after the murderer escaped. Per.
hapS YOU saw him.
Kirby told the story Of his night =
adventure, omitting any reference what
rNer to wild Rose or to anybody else
IN the apnrtment when he entered
After he had finished James made his
comment. You vc been very frank.
Kirby. I accept your story. A guilty
man would have denied being in the
apartment, or he would have left town
and disappeared,
The range rider smiled snrdonicalIy.
I'm not so suro IT that. You've got
the goods on ne. l cant deny I'm the
man the police are lookIn' for. Mrs.
Hull would Identify me. So would this
reporter Ellis. All you would have
to do would be to hand my name to the