New Britain herald., 1927-10-04

successfully withstand the most obstinate and heroic assaults of oriin'ry common sense" Markham was piqued,
 still harping on the St Clair Woman's innocence, eh? However, in view Of the complete absence of any tangible evidence pointing else where you must admit l have no choice of courses"
 "I admit nothing of the kind" Vance told him: for, ] assure you, there is an abundance of evidence pointing elsewhere. You simply failed to soc it."
 You think so," Nance's non- chalaut cocksureness had at last oy.rthrown Markham's cquanimity, "Nery well, old man; l hereby pntcr an emphatic denial to all your fine theories; and I challenge you 10 produce q single piece of this evi Gcuce which you say exists"
 He threw his words out with as perity, and gave a curt, aggressive gesture, with his extended fingers. to indicate that. as far as he was concerned the subject was closed.
 Vance, too, I think, vas pricked d little.
 "Y' know, Markham old dear. I'm no avcnger of blood, or yindicator of the honor of society. The role would bore me"
 Markham smiled loftily. but made no reply.
 Vance smoked moditatively for a while. Then, to my amazement he turned calmly and deliberately 10 Markham. and said in a quiet, matter fact voice:
 Tin going 10 accept your chal- lcngc. Ir's q bit alien 10 my tastes; but the problem, V know, rather appeals to me: it presents the same difficulties as the Concert Cham yotra affair, - a question Of dis putod authorship, as if were. ! Mar5ham abruptly suspended the motion of lifting his cigar 10 hls lips. He had scarcely intended his challenge literally: ii had been ut tered more in the nature of verbal defiance: and he scrutinized Vance bit uncertainty.
 Little did he realize that the others casual acceptance of his nn- thinking and but half-serions chal- Ionco. was 10 alter the entire crlm- inal history Of New York.
 "Just how do you intend 10 pro- rrdo"' le asked.
 Vance waved his hand carelessly.
 Like Napoleon. je men gage. et nris ie vols. However. I mus have your word that vou'll give me every possible assistance, and will retrain from all profound legal objections.
 Markham pursed his lips. He was frankly rerpleNad by the un- expected manner in which Vance had met his defiance.
 But immediately he gave good nat,irod laugh. as if, after all the matter was of no serious conse- qucnco.
 "very we'll" he assented. "You have my word, And no" what"
 After a moment Vance lit a fresh cigarette. and ros2 languidly.
 First" he announced, T shall determine th- exact height of the guilty person. Such q fact will, no doubt come under the head Of 'n- dioat'rr evidonco-eh. what"'
 Markham stared at him incredu- louslv.
 How. in Hoaten's name, are you going to Go that2"
 By these primitive deductiVe methods 10 which yon so touchlngly pin your fairh,' ho answered easily "But come; let us repair 10 the scene. of the crime"
 H., moved toward the door, Mark ham reluctantly following in a state of porplcH"d irritation.
 But you know the body was re- moved" the latter protested: and inc place by now has no doubt been straighteno1 up.'
 Thank Heaven for that" mur- hurod Vance. I'm not particularly fond of corpsos; and untidin"ss, y know, arnOys me frightfuly."
 As we emerged into Madison Avenue, h. signalled to the com