New Britain herald., 1924-01-11
THE SHOT IN THE NIGHT
 RaFin Here Today

London from Woolwich. He stops to rest in front of long. low house of interesting architecture with front covered with white stucco, Tall French windows lead into the garden In one of the French win do2s there burned a light.
 A revolver shot is heard. The writer lifts the latch of the gate and tiptoes up the walk to peer into the lighted window He sees a man seated in a desk cnslr. He steps into the room and finds the man dead, A door opening into d dressing room is ajar and from that room comes the sound of sohbing.
 NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY
 There was big armchair covered with cracking chints heavily flow cred in blue. Upon if, or rather upon her knees on the floor and thrown face down upon the arm chair. lay a woman. whose shoulders conVulsively heaved ss she wept. Evidently she had just risen from her bed, for over her dressing gown of green silk. unbound curly red hair flowed in heavy waves. I watched her for moment, for. there was something ahiect in her attitude. Her arms were outstretched across the chair; she made no attempt to wipe her tears. had a queer feel ing that she wept as if she were bleeding to death, Her plump, pretty white arms came out of the green SIX sleeves, I was just about to go to her when I perceived In one of her hands revolver firmly grasped , |.
 She'd killed himl That woman! It was she who had fired the shot. Obviously 1t was her husband whom
 Swiftly, the domestic tragedy took form. A maddened woman, killing, one didn't know why. the man who had spent a lonely night in the room beyond. But the tears interfered with the logical continuity of my thoughts Murderess or not, she was crying, and crying SO that my heart went soft with sympathy. went up to her, laid comforting hand upon shoulder that heaved
 l expected her 10 start up with a scream, but I had forgotten how much she must need the comfort of human contact. for. instead, she sud- denly raised her head, gripping my hand. Looking up at me with a stained. blotched face, she nurmured. For Gods sake, don't leave me-" She rested her cheek against my hand. Her sobs were louder now.
 "of course 1 won't leave you" said. in comforting tone.
 "oh. don't leave me-" she said again.
 "Now, try and pun yourself to- gether." 1 remarked. Its no use crying" At this her sobs increased so as to become almost screams: I realized what foolish thing I had said, I did not know what to do. I couldn't stay indefinitely to be dis covered by the servants perhaps. So used heroic remedy. Freeing my hand by violent effort, l seized her by the shoulders and forced her 10 her feet, shaking her vigorously two or three times. She gave me a moan. a gasp, and suddenly her tears stopped. She was staring at me with open eyes, her mouth still convulsed, but silent
 Now" I said. quick. You've no time to waste. What happened?"
 She seemed to find speech difficult. but she tried. T can't tell you :"
 ''oh, nonsense!" I spoke harshly on purpose "Its no use trying to hide. I've just been through that room and I found your husband at least l suppose it's your husband. Don't begin crying again." I said angrily as her mouth opened. Its your only chance. Tell me what happened. You shot him, didn't you?"
 "Yes." I caught the whisper.
 Well now. what's to be dune?"
 She was rapidly becoming com posed: There's nothing to be done except send for the police"
 T suppose I ought to-" I said. "But don't want to if I can help it. Oh. whatever made you do this?"
 She was not listening 10 me. for she replied: "1s he dead ?''
 "Yes, he's dead" I told her 'T looked. But. by the way, you haven't asked me what I'm doing here" She shrugged her shoulders. "Yes. I agree with you: 1t doesn't matter. was passing outside; heard 2 shot, and I came in"
 Well. you'd better send for the police"
 "why should F" looked at her more carefully. Instinctivcly. she had wiped her face; no doubt it was her beauty which inclined me to mercy realized that when all was well with her. this woman would show most beautiful features. The rough. ruddy hair hung iu tangled locks. as if it had been raveled out of its piaits, for green bow hung al the end of a strand Of hair. ItI grew low upon Inc white brow,