New Britain herald., 1927-10-13
NOW BEGIN THE STORY
CH AFTER XNNI

"Take a seat, Captain" said Mark ham, with a formal bow. T have asked you here, as you probably know, to put a few questions 10 YOU concerning MT. Alvin Benson. There are several points regarding your relationship with him, l want you to explain
 Am I suspected of colnplicity in the crime ." Leacock spoke with a slight southern accent.
 That remains to be seen" Mark ham told him coldly. Tt is to de termine that point that I wish to question you"
 The other sat rigidly in his chair and waited,
 Markham fixed him with a direct gaze.
 You recently made a threat on Mr Alvin Bensons life, l believe" "
 Leacock started, and his fingers tlghtenod over his knees. But be- fore he could answer, Markham continued'
 q can tell you the occasion on which the threat was made,-it was at a party given by Mr. Leander Pfyfe."
 Leacock hcsitatcd; then thrust forward his jaw.
 "Vcry well. sir; I admit I made the threat. Benson was cad--he deserved shooting. ..... That night he had become more obnoxious than usual. He'd been drinking too much-and so had I. I reckon"
 He gave d twisted smile, and looked ncrvously past the district attorney out of the window.
 "Rut l didn't shoot him, sir. l didn't even know he'd been shot until l read the paper next day.
 He was shot with an army Colt the kind you fellows carried in the war," said Markham, keeping his cyca on the man.
 "I know it." Lcacock replied "The papers said so.' You have such a gun, haven't you. Captain"' Again the other hcsitated,
 "No, sir" His voic" was barely audible.
 "Whot became of ito"
 The man glanced at Markham and then quickly shifted his eyes "I-I lost it,. in France i Markham smiled taintly. { Then how do you account fo the fact that Mr. Pfyfe saw the gun the night you mad" the threat"
 Saw tn" gum" He looked blank ly at the district attorney.
 "Yos, saw it, and recognized as an army gun" persisted Mark ham, in q level voice. Also, Majo r Benson saw you make a motion a if 10 draw gun"
 Ieacock drew deep breath, an set his mouth dosgcdly
 ."I tell you, sir. l haven't a gur .......F lost 1t in France.' 'Icrhaps you didn't lose if, Cal
 tain. Perhaps you lent ii 10 somt onc.'
 "J didn't sir" the words bur'
 from his lips. Think a minute, taDiain...... Didn't you lend if to someone?' "No-I did not,' "You paid a visit-ycstorday-t | Riverside Drive. Perhaps yo
 took it there with you.' Vance had heon listening closet
 "Oh-doucrd cleycr," he no
 mmmurc1 in my ear
 Captain Leacocll moved moasil
 His face, even with its deep coz of tan, sccmrd to pale, and sought 10 avoid the implacahlc gai of his W"stionor by roncentrati1
 his attention upon some object ( [. the table. When he spoke his voice, her 1 tofore trucu'cnt, WAS colorcd | = anxiety,
 |. "G didn't have if with nc, -.
 Aud ! didn't lend It lo anyon".' Markham sal leaning torwar C oyrr inc desk, his chin on his ham | like a minatory gr1yrn image. | "1t may he you lent it 10 som' ! one prior 10 that morning. , "Pror !' l.eacoCk locke . r,p quickly and raIsed, as if analy7 ing th" others remark. - Markham took advantage Of h per"IeNuN, ., Have you I"nt your gun to any onc since you returned fror France?"
 No, I've never lent it." h i began. but suddenly halted an