Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-07-22

of the inquest and summoned 1t all
up by saying that the testimony
threw no light on the crime. This
was rather a surprise. till it dawned
on me that Kent's great wealth was
enough to throw ali suspicion away
from him in the eyes Of a local re-
porter. The New York papers went
great deal further. They told
frankly the evidence, saying that it
seemed a case in which the guilt
could point to one Of two parties.
Strangest of all. there was not one
word in the local paper regarding
the arrest of Kent. ! remarked
about this as / tossed the paper
over to BARLEY. He read the article
before he spoke. then in an amused
tone replied
/ 1T looks to me, Pelt, that Kent's
wealth has started TO work. l have
no doubt that he has some good
lawyer on the case now. They
would threaten the paper with libel
suits IL they mentioned his name
overmuch. That's why you don't
see much about it."
Just at that moment. q tall sis-
tinguished man stopped by our sides
and slapped Barley on the shoulder.
He looked up, saying but q word,
Billings"
The bookdealer was known the
country over, perhaps it's better to
say the world. He was a buyer for
a few rich men. men whose money
enabled them to purchase what they
wished. A tall man with a humor-
Gus face that was always smiling.
He dropped into chair by our side.
BARLEY turned to him. saying.
Billings, wanted to see you and
ask you a few questions"
The bookdealer, lighting a cigar
cite, only said Shoot"
When Rice took you men UP to
his library, what were you talking
about?''
why, that Aretino. He went
to his library, what were you talk
ing about?"
why, that Aretino. He went
right into his small room and
brought 1t out. / remember he said
It's a pretty small book to be worth
$4,000 We were talking about
that till he opened It, and showed it
to us. The butler came in just then
for a moment and Rice went over
to speak to two men. But they
went right out and all of our con-
versation came back to the book.
We only stayed a few moments"
Did Kent express himself regard
ing the book ?"
Billings laughed, HE sure did.
Said it was a fake. that if he had
seen the engravings he would not
have taken it even If it was the
only copy in the world"
There came into his voice the tone
of an expert. That was. of course,
foolish, for the book is worth $780,
0O0.'
BARLEY glanced at him. You
know it's gomez"
The bookdealer studied his hands
for a few moments, replying in a
| dry voice; so l hear. It's rather
| foolish to think Of. The book can
not be sold and the only thing one
! could do would be to place it in
| some collection. Even then it would
| not be sold or even shown, for that
| matter"
! The conversation went back and
| forth, being mostly about books.
| listened but did not speak, the talk
| being a bit too technical for me. In
about an hour. Billings excused him
! self and left. Just as he went
| around the corner bellboy came
up to BARLEY and told him he was
wanted on the phone.
I l spent the time TIL he returned.
! watching several torpedo boats
| speeding down the sound. bound for
Newport. Next l listened to the
rather inane talk of two women
! near me who did not try to lower
! their voices. ! was reused by Bart
! ley's hand on my shoulder.
I glanced up. The expression on
| his face was one of amusement and
! vet surprise. as he stood looking
down at me. "Pelt." he said. we
| must go to Westerly" Seeing that
! he had not finished, 1 waited for his
next words. They came in a low
tone. after a glance to see that no
one could hear.
! That telephone call was from the
! chief. He is up in the air now for
fair. He just got an unsigned let
! ter
! He smiled and asked, can I'M
| signed letter."
He nodded. then half laughed
| Yes. an unsigned Letter, In it
some one confesses that he killed
Rice"
(Contjnued Topoorrn,.l