New Britain herald., 1927-10-20
NOW BEGIN THE STORY
CHAPTER NNNI
(Tuesday, June IS; g a. mD

(Tuesday, June IS; a. m.)
 The next day-the fourth of the nyoStigation-Was an important and in some ways, momentous one in the solution of the problem posed by Alvin Benson'S murder.
 Nothing of q definite nature came 10 light. but new element was in njectcd into the case; and this new element eventually led to the guilty person.
 Before we parted from Markham after our dinner with Major Ben that he be permitted to call at the district attorneys office the next morning.
 Markham, both disconcerted and impressed by his mwonted car nestness, had compiled; although I think, he would rather have made his arranremonts for Captain Lea cok's arrest without the disturbing influence of the others protesting presence.
 It was evident that, after Higgin- hotham's report. Markham had de cidod 10 place the captain in GUS tody. and 10 proceed with his preparation of data for the grand jury.
 Although Vance and l arrived at the office at o'clock Markham was already there. As We entered the room, he picked up the telephone receiver, and asked 10 be put through to Sergeant Heath.
 At that moment Vance did an amazing thing. He walked swiftly to the district attorneys desk and snatching the receiver out of Mark hams hand, clamped it down on the hook.
 Then he placed the telephone to one side, and laid both hands on the others shoulders. Markham was tco astonishod and bewildered 10 protest; and before he could re- cover himself, Vance said in q low, firm voice. which was all the more impeding because of its softncss:
 I'm not going to let you jail Leacock, ,-that' what l came here for this morning You're not going ! to order his arrest as long as I'm in this office and can prevent it by any means whatever. ! There's only one way you can accomplish this act of unmitigated folly, and that's by summoning your policemen and having me forcibly ciectcd. And l advise you to call a goodly number of 'em, be- cause I'll give 'em the battle ot ! their bcllicose lives" 1 The incredible part Of this ] threat was that Vance meant il literally And Markham knew he meant it.
 If you do call your hcnchmen,' , he went on. "you'll be the laughing | stock of this city inside Of a week for. by that time it'll be knoWr who really did shoot Benson, Ant . I'll be popular hero and a martyr Cod save the mark,-for dcfyine the district attorney and offerint up my sweet freedom on the alta, of truth and justice and that sor of thing. :.
 The telephone rang, and Vanc, answered it.
 Not wanted" he said. closing of immediately. Then he stepped bacl and folded his arms.
 Al the end of q brief silence Markham spoke, lis voice quaver ing with rage.
 If you don't go at once, Vance and let me run this office myself I'll have no choice but to call il those polcomon.'
 Vance smiled. He knew Mark ham would take no such eXtrem measures After all, the issue be tween these two friends was an in t,ncctual one; and though Vance actions had placed it for a momen on physical basis, there was n
 danger of it's so continuing.
 Narkham's belligercnt gaze slow ly turned 10 one of profound per plcXity.
 "Why are you so damned inter
 cst"d in Lcacock?" he asked gruffly
 "Why this irrational insistcnce tha
 he remain at large"
 "You priceless, inexprcssible asst!
 Vance strove to keep all hint 0 affection out of his voice. DO vol think l care particularly what hap