New Britain herald., 1927-05-09

GolSom in the water, and had Der haps heard him speak a few word to his companions.
 Others told of seeing him on ,h, beach before he entered the surf but none could tell of any on' who might have attacked him witt ! mlWderous intent.
 "Al right, all right" Jepsol i would Say to the more garrulou: ones, this isn't an inquest. IT take your name and if wanted yot will be called for"
 It really seemed as if many gave their scant evidence from desire 10 get called to the inquest and | by that route reach the desired 1 goal of newspaper publicity.
 As Miss Folsom and her com. panions entered the room, Jepsor was talking to Mir. and Mrs. Tracy who were. as many witnesses as- severated. near Mr. Folsom when he died, though not holding the 1 rope.
 Yes. sir.' Mir. Tracy declared we were within what you might call a stone's throw of him. Yes, sir. a stones throw" "Yes, as close as that" hls wife corroboratcd. We were nearer at first. but a big wave came" That was the wave that took ! him under" Tracy put in. but | Mrs. Tracy said:
 "No. it wasn't wave took him under. He was stabbed. you knov-''
 "Yes.' and Miss Folsom turned her piercing eyes on the Speaker, that's what l want to know. You saw him stabbed?"
 Mercy, no." almost screamed the frightened Mrs. Tracy. "'Course l didn't know he was stabbed then! But he musta been. for that's when he let go the rope and went under. l saw him go under. but at first I thought noth- ing of it. We all go under when a big wave comes. and if we lose hold of the rope we grab for it again. But he didn't seem to grab for it. and then next thing I knew. he was being brought up by the life guards and by some men who stood near"
 'What men? Who?" asked Miss Folsom. sharply. Come, madam, out with it. Was your husband one of the men who assisted?"
 "No. ] wasn't" Tracy spoke up for himself. Il had my wife to look after and there was plenty of help about if the man was in any danger"
 You. Mr. Barron?" Miss Fol som's voice was tense. Did you assist the rescuers?"
 No" replied Ned Barron. II too. had my wife in my charge, and as the surf was very strong. I didn't relax my hold on her arm. I saw the commotion about Mir. Folsom. but I took no part in it. Had my help seemed necessary, l should. of course. have offered 1t. But with two able life guards and several quite evidently helpful by islanders, I saw no reason for mix ing in"
 Where were you. Mir. Sears?" and Miss Folsom looked directly at Croydon Sears.
 Swimming about" he returned in a disinterested voice. "1 was not far away, but not near enough to hear any words that were said. So. though I saw a sort of excite ment there. I had no reason to think of any tragedy until saw them carrying Mir. Folsom out to the beach. And then l assumed that it was case of cramp or something like that"
 You knew my brother?" The words were shot at him almost &C., cusingly.
 T had met him few times in business. l never met MT. Folsom socially"
 No. but I have some letters you have written him."
 "Yes?" The monosyllable was a mere murmur of courtesy and carried no invitation to further disclosures.
 'Ies. You will be so good as 10 appear at the inquest and ex- plain those letters.'
 Certainly" said Croydon Sears.
 Robin had looked up anxiously at the beginning of this conversa- tion. but as he noted his fathers complete indifference to the re- marks of the lady. he breathed freely again and returned his at tention 10 the scene before him.
 Although the detectives gave Miss Folsom precedence in the