Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1933-11-09

gave You this informationT he in.
quired. Mrs Fletcher"
Indirectly, yes, but not until my
chauffeur. Max. told me what he wit
messed last night. From the servants
quarters. he noticed 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 1
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. MI. Fletch-
sr!" 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
~ to conceal the truth from me, l
must resort to more radical means to
reach It Neither her interest In the
Coy. 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 aboutf
One would almost suppose you be-
lieved l had committed the crime,
Rankin"
THAT Is exactly what / do think
that you murdered Stuart Jordanl"
The detectives startling announce
ment failed to alarm Mr.. Fletcher.
But such was his confusion that his
anger evaporated; for an instant he
was at a loss for words.
Good Cd, Rankin" he calculated
at length, "are you mad? On what
grounds do you make this accusatiOni
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 it fell into my
hands, that she came to the university
post office. She expresses her belief
In 1t 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 &C.
casions on which the lawyer caught
her and Jordan together.
AS he listened, Mr.. Fletcher's wrath
fiared again, but somewhat subdued by
dismay.
"Are you daring to suggest" he de-
manded, "that killed Jordan because
suspected my wife of being unfaith-
full and having relations with him?"
1T won't help you to lose your tenn
per-" the detective warned him smooth
ly, "nor to pretend you weren't per-
suaded of their guilty intrigue.
didn't intend acquainting you with this
evidence until | was ready to arrest
| you but as that was just a matter of
hours, you can realize your position"
The lawyers features grew slightly
pale. but he replied scornfully. "That
doesn't brighten me, Rankin. What
| you mistakenly consider an adequate
motive gives you no case in court.
You couldn't even get a warrant on
such f1imsy conjecture"
Perhaps not" Rankin admitted,
but have more proof of your guilt
than that. Don't forget you had the
opportunity to commit the crime.
Throughout the initiation, your hands
were free to administer the poison:
you stood close to the boy and marched
around the chapter room Just behind
him. And YOU will find this diff
cult to explain, Mr. Fletcher"
Suddenly he place on the desk be-
fore the lawyer, the hypodermic needle
discovered In the roadster. which the
city chemist had returned that morn
ing.
But Mr.. Fletcher only looked at II
In wonder; II he was acting, his self
control was remarkable.
Explain" he queried, puzzled.
why, it's hypodermicl What has
it got to do with me? 1t isn't by any
chance the needle that j. that :"
Exactly, Mr.. Fletcher. expected
you to recognize it," the detective in.
terrupted grimly. THAT is the weapon
which injected the poison into Jor.
dams wrist. And | found II while
searching your roadster last night; il
was hidden in your dashboard pouch :"
I'm my carr What are you saying
Rankin? / never saw 1t before in my
lifei"
Abruptly. the lawyers curiosity had
changed to panic. His pallor deepened
and he aOnndad Sfran0alv daanorota 20