The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-11-01
CHAPTER XIII

Vance. as heretofore, was careful
to reveal nothing; but in the end Of
his sheer determination carried his
point; and Markham requested
Heath to keep his own council until
the next day.
The Major, by slight nod, indi-
Gated his appreciation of the de-
cision.
"You might tell the newspaper
lads, though" suggested Vance,
that you'll have a rippin' sensation
for 'sn tomorrow"
Heath went out, crestfallen and
glowering.
"A rash fella, the Sergeant--so
impetuous!"
Vance again picked up the con-
fession, and perused it.
Nov, Markham, want you to
bring your prisoner forth-habeas
corpus and that sort Of thing.
Put him in that chair facing the
window, give him one of the good
cigars you keep for influential poll
ticians, and then listen attentively
while politely chat with him.
The Major, I trust, will re-
main for the interlocut'ry proceed
ings.'
"That request, at least, Ill grant
without objections" smiled Mark
ham. II had already decided to have
4 talk with Leacock."
He pressed a buzzer, and q brisk,
ruddy-faced clerk entered.
"a requisition for Captain Philip
Leacock," he ordered.
When it was brought to him he
initiated it.
"Take it to Ben, and tell him to
hurry"
The clerk disappeared through the
door leading to the outer corridor.
Ten minutes later deputy sheriff
from the Tombs entered with the
prisoner.
"wednesday. June 10; $3.50 p. m.)
Captain Leacock walked into the
room with a hopeless indifference Of
bearing. His shoulders dropped; his
arms hung listlessly. His eyes were
haggard like those of man who
had not slept for days.
On seeing Major Benson, he
Strengthened little and, stepping
toward him, extended his hand. 1t
was plain that, however much he
may have disliked Alvin Benson, he
regarded the Major as :: friend. But
suddenly, realizing the situation, he
turned away, embarrassed.
The Major went quickly to him
and touched him on the arm.
"It's all right, Leacock," he said
softly. II can't think that you real
" shot Alvin"
The Captain turned apprehensive
eyes upon him.
"Of course, l shot him." His voice
was flat. II told him I was going
to-"
Vance came forward, and indi.
Gated chair.
"Sit down, Captain. The district
attorney wants to hear your story
of the shooting. The law, you un-
derstand, does not accept murder
confessions without corroborat'ry
evidence. And since, in the present
case, there are suspicious against
others than yourself, we want you
to answer some questions in order
| to substantiate your guilt. Other
wise, it ,yill be necessity for US to
follow up our suspicious"
Taking a seat facing Leacock, he
picked up the confession.
"You say here you were satisfied
that Mr.. Benson had wronged YOU.
and you went to his house at about
half past twelve on the night Of the
thirteenth. When you speak
of lis wronging you, do you refer to
his attentions to Miss st. Clair"
Leacock's face betrayed q sulky
belligerence.
ut doesn't matter why ! shot him.
..ou leave Miss st. Clair
out Of it,"
Certainly" agreed Vance. n
promise you she shall not be brought
into it. But we must understand
your motive thoroughly"
After > brief silence Leacock
said:
every well, then. That was what
/ referred to-"
"How did you know Miss st. Clail
went to dinner with Mr.. Benson
that night"
II followed them to the Mar
seilles."
"And then you went home?