The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-10-18
BENSON BENSON M1|fUjlDER CASE
y. S. S. " VAN DINE eau
= OAAD eunumb -

"Why didn't you continue on your
trip?" asked Markham. "That would
have made the discovery of the car
+, even less likely"
Pfyfe adopted an air Of compass.
sionate surprise.
with my dearest friend foully
murdered? How could one have the
heart to seek diversion at such q
sad moment? ! returned
home, and informed Mrs. Pfyfe that
my car had broken down."
"You might have driven home in
your car, it seems to me-" observed
Markham.
Pfyfe offered look Of infinite
forbearance for the others inspec-
ton, and took q deep sigh, which
conveyed the impression that, though
he could not sharpen the worlds
perceptions, he at least could mourn
for its deplorable lack of under
standing.
IF l had been IN the Catskills
away from any source Of informa-
ton, where Mrs. Pfyfe believed m
to be, how would l have heard Of
Alvin's death until, perhaps, days
afterward?
"You see, unfortunately had not
mentioned to Mrs. Pfyfe that was
stopping over in New York. The
truth is, Mr.. Markham, I had rea-
son for not wishing my wife to know
was in the city. Consequently, If
had driven back at once, she would,
] regret to say, have suspected me
Of breaking my journey. l therefore
pursued the course which seemed
simplest"
Markham was becoming annoyed
at the mans fluent hypocrisy. After
a brief silence he asked abruptly:
"Did the presence of your car at
Benson's house that night have any,
thing to do with your apparent de-
sire to implicate Captain Leacock in
the AFFAIR.""
Pfyfe lifted his eyebrows in panied
establishment, and made . gesture
of polite protestation.
my dear sir!" His voice be-
tokened profound resentment Of the
others unjust imputation. If yes
terday you detected in my words an
undercurrent Of suspicion against
Captain Leacock, / can account for
it only by the fact that l actually
saw the Captain in front Of Alvin's
house when drove up that night"
Markham shot a curious look at
Vance; then said to Pfyfe:
you are sure you saw Leacock ?"
II saw him quite distinctly. And
I would have mentioned the fact
yesterday had it not involved the
tacit confession of my own pres
ence there
"What if it had?" demanded
Markham. 1T was vital informa-
ton and I could have used it this
morning. You were placing your
comfort ahead Of the legal demands
Of justice; and your attitude puts q
very questionable aspect on your
own alleged conduct that night
"You are pleased to be severe,
sir" said Pfyfe with self-pity. "But
having placed myself in false posi-
ton, must accept your criticism"
do you realize" Markham went
on, "that many a district attorney
if he knew what l now know about
your movements, and had been
treated the way you've treated nc,
would arrest you on suspicion ?"
"Then / can only say" was tn
suave response, that l am most
fortunate in'my inquisitor."
Markham rose.
"That will be all for today, Mr..
Pfyfe. But you are to remain in
New York until ! give you permis-
sion to return home. Otherwise,
will have you held as a material
Witness
Pfyfe made a shocked gesture in
depreciation Of such acerbities, TT
babe US ceremonious godfather
noon.
When we were alone, Markham
looked seriously at Vance.
.slour prophecy was fulfilled,
though I didn't dare hope for such
luck. Pfyfe's evidence puts the final
link in the chain against the Cap
tain
Vance smoked languidly.
"I'll admit your theory OF the
crime is most satisfyin'. But alas!
the psychological objection remains.
Everything fits, with the one excep-
ton of the Captain; and he doesn't
fit at ALL. Silly idea, ! know.
But he has no more business being
cast as the murderer Of Benson
than the bisonic Tetrazzini had
being cast as the phthisical Mimi."s
obviously reference to Tetraz.
zini's performance in La Boheme 1T
the Manhattan Opera House in 1905.
m n. NoM%s~ssAAN