The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1933-12-22

tShSuCl ElOkSe ~ EtI6G
Guilt?
to answer you by indiscriminate
threats. and trespass on private prem
Uses and search them. This high
handed conduct requires satisfactory
explanation, unless you want the mat
ter carried to your superiors."
Was this assault a bluff, the detec-
tive asked himself, by which Mr..
was his indignation sincere? Unable
to Judge as yet, he met 1t without the
least hint of perturbation.
Il am not aware, Mr.. Fletcher, that
I've overstepped the bounds of my au-
thority," he said evenly.
You haven't?" AS the lawyers
wrath increased, he outwardly became
more subdued. "What right had you
in the first place, to distress my wife
just because she was in the vicinity
of the university? She had been in
terested in Stuart and merely went in
to learn if there were new develop
ments in the case. Not content with
that, you questioned her again last
night, and at my own home, too. And
you intimidated her into letting you
examine my grounds and property.
Oh, I've heard all about your activi-
ties and 1 warn you to watch your
step or you'll surely be in hot water"
Rankin ignored the threat. who
gave you this information?' he in
quired. Mrs. Fletcher"
Indirectly. yes, but not until my
chauffeur, Max. told me what be wit
messed last night. From the servants
quarters, he noticed a light on in the
garage. He got up quietly to investi-
gate and saw you and my wife
together. This he reported to me and
also Mrs. Fletcher's indiscreet trip to
the university yesterday. When
taxed her, she told me why she had
gone there; but she was kind enough
not to want to make you any trouble
over what had happened"
Because she was afraid, Mr.. Fetch
erl" Abruptly, Rankin took the initia-
tive. "And any explanation must come
from you. 1t is my duty to follow up
every trail connected with Jordan's
murder; and you are seriously in
volved." He spoke harshly. "When
you and your wife both try desperate
ly to conceal the truth from me,
must resort TO more radical means to
reach it. Neither her interest In the
boy, nor her real reason for visiting
the college, was as harmless as you'd
have me believe"
The lawyer seemed genuinely per-
picked. what are you talking about?
One would almost suppose you be-
lieved l had committed the crime,
Rankin"
That is exactly what / do think
that you murdered Stuart JordanI"
The detectives startling announce
ment failed to alarm Mr.. Fletcher.
But such was his confusion that his
anger eyaporated; for an instant be
was at loss for words.
Good Cd, Rankin" he calculated
at length. "are you mad? On what
grounds do you make this accusation7
never heard anything more ridiculous
in my life"
For answer, Rankin produced the
letter he took from Mrs. Fletcher. the
basis of his entire case against the
lawyer.
Here is a letter your wife wrote
young Jordan" he stated aggressively.
Whether you know it or not, it was
to recover this before il fell into my
hands, that she came to the university
post Office. She expresses her belief
in it that you are capable of such a
terrible deed. Naturally. she didn't
want you to learn how her imprudence
involved you and first set me on your
trail"
he waited in silence while Mr.
Fletcher read the missive. This time
he was rewarded by signs of apprehen-
sion; the hand holding the letter trem-
bled perceptibly and the lawyers eyes
widened- With increased assurance,
Rankin pointed out. as he had already
done to Mrs. Fletcher, how it supplied
the motive for the crime-the two oc
casions on which the lawyer caught
her and Jordan together.
As he listened. Mr. Flefcher's wrath
fiared again, but somewhat subdued by
disnay.
Are you daring TO suggest" he de-
manded, that | killed Jordan because
suspected my wife of being unfaith-
fui and having relations with himr
GRO BE CONTINUED,