White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1932-09-08
CHAPTER XI-Continued

LOU SOI u hCA We W eAoAA
me that, you id murderer" he got
out at last.
Not for an instant did Wilson re-
lease his fear-illed eyes.
"Wore you with Gitner between ten
o'clock an eleven the morning yore
father was shot?' he repeated steadily.
81 don't remember right now whether
was Why?"
"Where were you at that timer"
Jasper, sweating blood, appealed to
the judge. do I have to stand for his
insults, Mr.. Fletcher?"
''Not unless they have bearing on
this case. You'll have to show the
connection, Wills"
The defending attorney smiled. He
had got all the effect he wanted, all he
could reasonably hope for. II reckon
I'll withdraw the question, Mr. Fetch
err Far as I'm concerned the witness
may step down."
Imply Jasper descended. He felt
himself the focus Of battery Of eyes.
AS his glance lodged evasively from
one to another he knew they raked
him with newborn suspicion skill
fully planted in their minds. Beneath
the shock Of it he quailed.
Ann Clifford was the third witness.
Julia stood beside her while she testi-
fed 1t was impossible for her to tell
her story without emotion, especially
that part of it which referred to her
sister Nora.
Once Julia, her arms around the
young woman, interrupted in low
voice. "Does she have to tell this
here Mr.. Fletcher?"
The lawyer answered gently. "a
life is at stake. I think she had better
tell what she knows"
So Ann told the story, from the day
when her sister first met Tom McArdle
to the morning when she shot at him
and left the man for dead. The i'm
preston Of that story upon the tense
crowd packing the square was re-
markable. She told the facts in the
simplest possible way. but many Of
those listening were convicted of guilt.
The tragedy that had filled the lives
of these girls had been made possible
because the men and women who lived
near had ostracised them. She told
how Stone had tried to be her friend
and how in the bitterness of her de-
spair she had pushed him from her
with the others.
did you see Jasper Stark after Tom
McArdle was shot?" Wilson asked.
Eyes. He came to the ranch. He
had been there several times to see
my sister Ethel, but did not know II
till one day found him with her. He
was bullying her to marry him with
the threat that If she didn't he would
send me TO the penitentiary for killing
Tom McArdle."
what did you tell him?'
"Told him would't buy his silence
at the price of my little sisters unhap
piness, and If he wanted to tell what
he knew he could.'
''What did he say?"
Gle started toward her in his bully
him off the place."
There was a murmur of approva
that passed through the crowd like &
breeze.
"Had he offered to keep still abou
you if yore sister would marry him!'
"Yes."
From Jasper Stark, at the outskir
of the crowd, came hoarse denial
"Thas a lie.'
Wilson whirled on him instantly
"Then why didn't you tell before
What made you wait two months be
fore you went to the sheriff with wha
you knew?"
II hated to get her into trouble
Jasper retorted. can this is tn
thanks I get for It,"
''What thanks did you expect-tha
Miss Clifford would let you marry he
sister for you keepin' quiet?"
Jasper growled, "None O. yore d
business" and retired from the fielt
II don't reckon I've got any NOR
questions to ask you, Miss Clifford,
Wilson said after low-voiced consults
obliged for all the trouble you took t
come to town"
There was little movement c
those near the edge Of the Grove
Presently it was seen that girl wa
being brought forward as quickly 8
way could be made for her. The gil
was Ethel Clifford.
II had to come" she told her siste
piteously. Il couldn't stay at tn
ranch after l read your note. SO
made Tony bring me-"
I'm going to use her as wltnes
now she's here" Wilson said, his ey'
shining with the certainty that h
most effective argument would be tn
shy-eyed girl.
The girl was so young and sweet h
innocent manner so engaging az
childllke, that before she had give
two sentences OF her testimony 81
had won her way .lto the hearts
the hard rough men who crowded II
courthouse yard. 1t was fortunate II
Jasper Stark that he had vanished fro
A. ,oopo OthoruiSo ho might ha'