The Coolidge examiner., 1933-11-17

didness guaranteed its authenticity.
Viewing the sponsors conduct in
this new light, Rankin understood
the reasonable cause of his distress
after the tragedy. AS in the pres
ent interview, he was chiefly
alarmed lest the intention he had
harbored, now that he could aban-
don ii, would be disclosed. And If
his theft of the toxins was related
to his design OF suicide only, the
detective was satisfied TO overlook
il completely. He could almost
sympathlze with PattersOn's predica-
ment Il was circumstances, he felt |;
and a weak character rather than
any real viciousness. that had driv-
en- him to thieving. Even his de
termination TO take his life rather
than be caught and punished sug
gested an innate sense of decency.
One particular needed explanation.
| however. before Rankin was ready
p, to dismiss the possibility that he
was implicated In the pledgee's
death.
Can you swear. Mr. Patterson" "
he asked sharply, that no use was
made Of either poison you selected?
Either for your own purpose, or by
anyone else In connection with the
murder?"
The student looked up lIstlessly.
mo one except myself touched
! them since ! took them. sir"
"Then what happened TO almost
half OF the conine? Mr.. Hayward
reported the loss of two grains Of
atropine and six drops of conine {;
and all the missing atropine was In
one vial in your dresser. But the
other contained only three drops Of
conine."
| Il spilled a bit In pouring IL out"
Patterson responded unhesltatingly.
Il was nervous anyhow, and hur-
ried for fear Ken might return and
interrupt me-" he spoke earnestly,
studying Rankin intently. I'm tell
ing the truth. sir" he added,
whether you believe me or not"
The detective definitely reached
decision. Il do believe you" he
said more kindly. "In fact, there is
just one more point I'd like settled
before you go; then you can leave
with Mr.. Stanton and Mr.. Crawford
and forget about the thefts. AS
far as | am interested. they are q
closed book"
Patterson's eyes lighted with re
lief and Stanton expressed his ap-
preciation.
That's mighty fine of you, Mr.
Rankin; 1t helps the fraternity out
of a very bad hole. I'm speaking
for all of us in saying how CRATE
full we are"
My question is about student
named Ralph Buckley" Rankin pur
sued, dlsregarding his thanks. "He
I - a anu a SOOu illCliu vi
larry Palmer. You recall him. Pat
terson. I'm sure; during rushing
season, Palmer sponsored him as q
candidate. Only he failed 70 make
the grade and was not pledged"
Ralph Buckley?" The boy nod
ded Yes. / remember him." he sait
bluntly.
Il expected you would. because
understand it was you who voted
against accepting him. That's ex
actly what I'm after-why you didnr
approve of him. Was it some in
formation Jordan had given yor
that resulted in your veto?"
Information from Stuart. sirT" a
puzzled look crept into Patterson's
face, echoed by his query. That:
news 70 me; | didn't even know hC
was acquainted with the fellow. He
never once mentioned his name tC
me-"
Ii was the detectives turn to be
surprised. do you mean be haC
nothing TO do with your rejecting
Buckley? Then why did you object
TO him?"
Because ne happened to know
gambled at the Morton club" the
sponsor returned LAS | told you
wasn't anxious to have my fra
ternity brothers find that out cal
ii guilty conscience. lie had Wis
tied the club several times anC
seen me there. though | didn't learn
who he was until the first smoker
Still. he couldn't help guessing my
business. He paused with a toucf
of bitterness. Besides, If he fire
quented place like that, | figured
he wasn't desirable material for the
chapter"
"And you were correct" Rankir