The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-10-31
BENSON M1lVjRDER CASE

bare possibility-that Leacock had
an Interior motive in confessing."
We all, l think, recognized the
thought which his words strove 70
conceal.
"IIl admit" acceded Markham,
chat 1t first I believed Miss st.
Clair guilty, and l intimated a. much
to Leacock. But later ] was per.
suaded that she was not directly in
volved.''
Does Leacock know this?" the
Major asked quickly.
Markham thought . moment.
mo. l can't say that he does. IN
fact, it's more than likely he stu
thinks / suspect her."
"Ahw The Majors exclamation
was almost involuntary.
But what's that got to do with
it," asked Heath irritably. "Do
you think he's going to the chair TO
save her reputation Bunk! That
sort Of things all right in the NOV
les, but no mans that crazy in real
life"
I'm not sure, Sergeant" VEN
tured Vance lazily. "Women are too
sane and practical to make such
foolish gestures; but men, y know,
have an illim'table capacity for
idiocy."
He turned an inquiring gaze on
Major Benson.
wont you tell us why you think
Leacock is playing Sir Galahsd7"
But the Major took refuge In 9eIi.
eralities, and was disinclined even
to follow up his original intimetton
as to the cause Of the Captains
action.
Vance questioned him for some
time, bat was unable to penetrate
his reticence.
Heath, becoming restless, finally
spoke up.
"You can't argue Leacock's guilt
away, Mr.. Vance. Look at the facts.
He threatened Benson that he'd kill
him if he caught him with the girl
again. The next time Benson gees
out with her, he's found shot.
"Then Leacock hides his gun 1t her
house, and when things begin TO get
hot, he takes it away and bitches it
in the river. He brides the hall-bdy
to alibi him; and he's seen ct Benz
sons house at 1880 that night.
When he's questioned he can't ex-
plain anything. Il that amt
an open-and-shut case, I'm . mock
turtle"
1.-THE circumstances are eonvinc-
ing" admitted Major Benson. "But
l~V AhAV~ h~ AnAAoVAtAA 4A~.
other grounds :"
Heath did not deign to answer
the question.
"The way I see it." he continued,
ais like this: Leacock gets sus.
picious along about midnight, takes
his gun and goes out. He catches
Benson with the girl, goes in, and
shoots him like he threatened.
They're both mixed up in Il, II
you ask me; but Leacock did the
shooting. And now we got his con-
fession. There isn't jury
in the country that wouldn't con-
Wet him."
Swacker appeared 1T the door.
"The reporters arc clamoripg for
attention." he announced with . wry
face.
"Do they know about the confess
sion ?" Markham asked Heath.
mot yet. I haven't told 'em any
thing 81 far-that's why they're
clamoring, I guess. But III give
'em an earful now, if you say the
word"
Markham nodded. and Heath
started for the door, But Vance
quickly planted himself in the way.
"Could you keep this thing quiet
till tomorrow, Markham :" be asked.
Markham was annoyed.
II could If ! wanted to-yes. But
why SHOULD II"
For your own sake, # for no
other reason. You've got your prize
safely locked up. Control your van
ity for "a hours. The Major and l
both know that Leacock's innocent,
and by this time tomorrow the whole
country'll know il"
Again an argument ensued; but
the outcome, like that Of the former
argument, was . foregone conclu-
sion. Markham had realized for
some time that Vance had reason
to be convinced Of something which
as vet he was unwilling to divulge.
His opposition to Vance's re-
guests were, l had suspected. large
" the result Of an effort to ascer-
tain this information; and / was
positive Of it now as he leaned for
ward and hravely debated the ad-
visibility Of making public the Cap
tain's confession.
Ito Be Continued)