New Britain herald., 1927-10-31

Heath. I've had my eye on him from the first
 Major Benson did not reply at once: he seemed to be framing his next words.
 Tt might be--that is, there's the bare possibility-that Leacock had an ulterior motive in confessing."
 We all. think. recognized the thought which his words strove to conceal.
 "I'il admit" acccded Markham that at first I believed Miss St Clair guilty, and I intimated as much to Leacock. But later I was persuaded that she was not directly involved"
 Does Leacock know this?" the Major asked quickly. Markham thought a moment.
 "No. I can't say that he does. In fact, it's more than likely he still thinks l suspect her"
 "Ah" The Majors exclamation was almost involuntary
 But what's that got to do with it. 2" 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 movies, but no mans that crazy in real lfe.'
 I'm not so sure, Sergeant" ven- tured Vance lazily. 'Women are too sane and practical 10 make such foolish gestures; but men, y know, have an illimtable capacity for idiocy."
 He turned an inquiring gaze on Major Benson.
 "Won't you tell us why you think Leacock is playing Sir Galahad?'
 But the Major took refuge in gen. eralities, and was disinclined even 10 follow up his original intimation as to the cause of the Captains action.
 Vance questioned him for some time. but was unable to penetrate his reticence.
 Heath, becoming restless, finally spoke up.
 You cant argue Leacock's guilt away, MT. 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 goes out with her. he's found shot,
 Then Leacock hides his gun at her house. and when things begin to get hot, he takes it away and dtches it in the river. He bribes tho hall-boy to alibi him; and he's seen at Benson's house at 12:3G that night. When he's questioned he can't explain anything. If that ain't an open-and-shut case, I'm a mock-turtle."
 The circumstances are convinc- ing admitted Major Benson. "But couldn't they be accounted for on other grouads?"
 Heath did hot deign to answer tho question.
 "The way I see it." he continued. lis like this: Leacock gets sus- pcious along about midnight takes his gun and goes out. He catches Benson with the girl, goes in, and shoot him like he threatened.
 "They're both mixed up in it. if you ask me: but Leacock did the shooting. And now we got his con- fession. There isn't a jury in the country that wouldn't convict him.
 Swacker appeared at the door. "Tbe reporters are clamoring for attention" he announced with a wry face.
 Do they know about the confcs- sion"" Markham asked Heath.
 Not yet. I haven't told 'em any thing so far--that's why they're clamoring, I guess. But I'll give 'em an oarful now, if you say the , word"
 Markham nodded, and Heath quickly planted himself in the way. "Could you keep this thing quiet till tomorrow, Markham?" he asked.
 Markham was annoyed.
 "I could if I wanted to-yes. But why should I?" "For your own sake, If for no other reason. You've got your prize safely locked up. Control your vanity for 24 hours. The Major , and I both know that Leacock's in nocent, and by this time tomorrow the whole country'll know it." Again an argument ensued: but the outcome. like that of the former argument, was a foregonc conclu- sion. Mark ham had realized for some time that Vance had reason 10 be convinced of something which as yet he was unwilling 10 divulge. His opposition to Vance's re- quests were. had suspected, large ly the result of an effort 10 ascer- tain this information: and ] was positive of it now as he leaned for word and gravely debated the ad- visibility of making public the Captains confession.
 gro BE CONTINUED