Medford mail tribune. (Medford, Or.) 1909-1989, December 27, 1939, Image 6

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Medford mail tribune., December 27, 1939, Page 6, Image 6

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Newspaper Page TextPAGE SIX MEDFORD MATT TRIBUNE, MEDFORD, OREGON, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1939. E (S R hi m M b at R le di by FrancM YESTERDAY. Tin tame rainy night, Gordon Deane is severely bounded, and the Forrtttert pasted. Duncan 1 arretted. Chapter 44 The Case Againat Duncan DY THE ti:.i Michael wai feel IJ ing almost well the doctor wai able to say positively that Gordon would live live, and quite possi bly be himself again within a month or two. By the merest frac tion of a chance .he blow had failed to be fatal. Gordon was not yet conscious, and the doctor would not in any event allow mm to be questioned for many days. Later that day Michael, with his father and the Commissioner, were back at the Forrester house. Tuck and Bunny were still in bed at the JJeanes . The District Attorney was very anerv. There was a spot of bril liant red in either cheek, and his shaggy brows were bent in such a ferocious frown that his eyes never became visible. "The devil!" he was saying over and over to himself. The devil I "Donovan's swearing mad," the Commissioner said. "He didn't seem to mind about you, Michael, and the three women being at the point of death. But he's ready to strangle with his own hands the man who nit a defenseless and in nocent lad." Michael smiled wryly. "Gordon Isn't quite as defenseless and in nocent as he appears." he replied "Apparently our murderer's found It out I tell you Gordon's been keeping watch for me." "Michael," his father broke In brusquely, "the girls are safe at the Deanes 7 "Thev couldn't be safer, dad.' "No. Perhaps not. But I thought ..." he pulled angrily at his pipe. "Michael, I'm all completely raz- fcie-dazzled. You told me that stun about the vivisection and you hinted at a man ... a certain man . . . and I've been suspecting him all along, waiting for you to pile up the evidence. And now he faced his son squarely. "Michael, the worst man in the world would not attack his own son sol It s im possible, lad! And on top of that you have another man arrested that seems as innocent as the dav. Michael twisted the signet ring en his finger in a slow contempla tion. "It's not a man we're dealing With, dad," he said at last. "It's what you called him in the begin ning, I think. A devil. At least, a madman. But I never named him to you, did I?" "No." noau b a u. c. .licit. m out w now. But how in the name of Heaven can I prove it? "You say you're sure now," the Commissioner put in. "I issued a warrant for young Murchlson's arrest, Michael, without knowing upon what grounds you based your certainty. Will you give them to me? "He's In custody?" "Yes. But raving like a Hon. Crazy mad at us. Insists that he's got to be released Immediately . . . and I don't know how to an swer him." "Donovan's not back yet?" Mi chael queried. "Not yet Where Is he?" "I sent him on a little errand. He'll be here any moment He'll have the final proofs for you and I'll give you the rest of the dope. I've said I can't prove my case, remember, but we had to do some thing. We'll prove it later." Unbelievable' H E sat at the big desk and propped his head on one hand. "First he said, "what about that letter from Chicago? We know it was a fake, In this way that it was sent from here by some one, held in Chicago a few days, and then sent back. But the ex pert testified that Murchison him self wrote it. Until Smith came with his frantic story a few days back, that seemed utterly impos sible, although the expert does not make mistakes. I told myself then that the only way in which he could have made a mistake was in the case of two handwritings, be longing to members of the same family, alike in temperament and upbringing. Therefore, I decided that it was quite possible that Duncan could have written the letter. I discovered that their handwritings were very similar by looking up lab reports at the Uni versity. No one there can tell them apart. So that point might be eiuea so. His father looked at him rnrl ously, but Michael went straight on. "Second. Duncan's story about the diamonds sounded remarkably unbelievable. He wanted the dia monds. The very fact that his brother put pebbles where Duncan thought the diamonds were to be points to some misunderstanding I know Duncan said it was to de ceive the wife, but that needn't be true. And. if you remember the speech Duncan made to Marie on the sun porch, about not being able to stand it any longer stand what? And the threat to kill some one it looks as if he wanted more than the diamonds, doesn't it? It seems that they have had a quar rel later, perhaps. It mav be that Duncan knows the truth about Jared Devoe now. But we could Interpret the situation at that time as we have internreted it There we have Duncan's motives Third, he has no proven alibi for the night of the murder. He says he was at the theater, but he can't prove it. We know that Marie Murchison or rather Mr. Deane says so got out of a car beside the men a residence, where Dun csn lives, at midnight Had they oeen somewnere together In a car? "Fourth, what did Miss Lissey Lives Up to Nam Pnlnsvllle, O. (U P.) F. G. Has kins and Charles St. Clair named their 19-foot sailboat, equipped with outboard motor. "Gone With the Wind." The name proved appropriate, for one day the two found their boat gone. Shelley Wees say to Duncan on that Sunday afternoon of the day she waa killed? Was she threatening him with exposure? It seems strange that she should have died and by poison immediately afterward, Particularly when you realize that uncan, as a chemist can buy poisons in any amounts he desires, without creating suspicion. Keep ing that fact in mind, who had a better opportunity to put the poi son in the meat that came here in tended for us? I tell you, gentle men, the whole business is a very carefully planned and carried out bit of villainy." He held up his hand as his father started to inter rupt "Just a minute,'' he said. "You are going to say that I should have traced the strange stuff that killed the dog and cat by now. I have. It is a gaseous poison, which was made by Dr. Murchison and Dr. Murchison only, in the process of some of his experiments, and the remainder of the supply stands at the present moment in a blue glass bottle in his own cabinet." John Forrester broke out "Ara you trying to palm that rigmarole off on to us as reasonable?'' he de manded indignantly. "Dad, do you think It's nice to doubt my word so obviously?" Michael asked. His tone was sor rowful, but his eyes twinkled. "Humpf! Your first seconds and thirds! Your plausible 'could haves' and 'might have beens' Humpt!" He gesticulated angrily with the end of his pipe. "I've a few questions, my son. Maybe you'll answer them, and maybe you won't. First where is Mur chison? Second why didn't Dun can mean he'd kill Jared Devoe if he didn't stop monkeying with the woman? Any decent boy would talk like that, though he shouldn't have talked so loudly. Third, why the devil don't you find out where the woman was the night her husband was killed, instead of hinting that she might have been with Duncan? Fourth, you can't tell me the lad intended to poison the girls, even if he did think you'd be better dead, with his poisoned meat. Indeed! Fifth. why couldn't the Lissey woman have passed on some of her slanderous tales to Duncan the afternoon she died, and told him it was time he did something about his brother's death, for instance? Why? It's what she would have done. And sixth, my son, how did it happen that he had the poison on him to kill her with before he knew that she was going to blow up and threaten him with something? An swer me that?" The Proof "rAD," Michael said critically, "I can see now why you were a good defense lawyer. You are positively eloquent, man. although you do get a bit mixed. However" he paused "well, in case any body happens to ask, you'd at least have a case sufficient to issue the warrant, wouldn't you?" "No," said John Forrester de cidedly. There was a rap at the door. Michael jumped to open it Dono van stood on the threshold with a small package in his hand. He said nothing. Michael took the parcel. "Here's your proof." he said. "Donovan, tell him where you found the contents of this parcel." "In the bottom drawer of Dun can Murchison's dresser, sir." Michael tore oil the paper. He held out a bunch of kevs and a small gray box. "With my compli ments," he said. "Edgar Murchi son's key ring, and . . ." he took the little gray box back, and slid it open. "Ten of the tablets of the poison that killed Miss Lissev. How about that dad?" Donovan at a sign from Michael stepped out onto the sun porch and Drought in Higgins, whose knees were visibly shaking. "Higgins, where were you last nlght?'r Higgins gulped. "S'welp me. Mr. Forrester, I was 'ome in bed." "Can you prove that?" "That I can. sir. I rooms with one of the under-gnrdeners, sir." were you rooming with him on the night of the murder?" Higgins' little eyes darted to his face, and fell. "You mean Miss Lis- sey's murder, Mr. Forrester?" No." 'You means Professor Murchl son's murder, sir?" You ve got it now. Were you? "Yes sir, I was. But it's no use, he ain't got brains enough to re member back that far." There was despair in his tones. "It looks very bad for you, Hig gins." The narrow shoulders drooped. Michael leaned forward. "How did you know the necklace was hidden here on the campus?" he asked. "Didn't know nothink about it." "Oh, pillle. Come clean. You were hunting for it and you ex pected to get several thousand dollars five thousand preferably reward for finding it. And you pinched the key to the study, and gave it to Gordon, who was in cahoots with you." Higgins swallowed. "I "card the Professor nuarrclin' with his wife, and 'e told 'cr as 'ow 'c'd 'idden the necklace where she'd never lay 'and on it. That was that was the day 'e disappeared like. I flggercd as 'ow I might as well 'ave a look for it as anybody else. 'Er and that Mr. Devoe dug up 'alf me flower beds diggin' for it A blind man would 'a' known what was up." "You seem to have overheard a number of important things. Hig- 5 ins. do you know where Professor lurchison's body is?" The question destroyed the little foise the gardener had regained, le stared at Michael with terrified eyes. "No sir, I ain't got no Idea, sir." Higgins went out and Michael laughed lightly. Continued tomorrow Fishermen on Probation. Honolulu, Dec. 27. (.11 Ten fishermen arrested by the U, S. navy recently for trespassing the restricted area at the ent rance to Pearl harbor pleaded guilty In federal court today. They were placed on probation for five years. On the RADIO CHAINS TATION8 Where to Find Them or the Dial: Kei, Portland. 1180; KKI. 040 Los Anfeles; HO A. 1470. Spokanr, KUO. 7 BO, Han Franclwo; HUH 820, fort land; KJ8. 1170, Seattle; KNX, 1030. Los Angeles: KOA. 30. Denver; KOIN, 840. Portland; HOMO. 020. Seattle; KPO. 630. San Franrlico; KM., IIKO, Salt take. Wednesday. 6:00 Prank and Archie, KJR; Warlng's Orch., KPO, ROW. KPI. 8:30 Kelaey's Orch., KPO; We Present, KOO, KJR. 0:00 Beyond Reasonable Doub, KOO, KEX, KJR; Star Theater, KSb, KOIN, KNX; Drama, KOMO. fl:30 Horse and Buggy Days. KOO; Hollywood Playhouse, KPO, KPI, KOW. 7:00 Sketch. KNX. KSL. KOIN; Kyser'a Prgm., KPO, KOW. KPI; Shields' Orch., KOO. KJR, KEX. 7:30 Bums and Allen. KNX, KOIN, KSL; Adventures In Photog raphy, KOO. KJR. 8:00 Warlng's Orch., KPO: John ny Presents, KOO, KJR, KEX; Amoa and Andy, KNX, KOIN, KSL. 8:15 I Low a Mystery. KPO, KOW, KPI; Lum and Abner, KSL, KNX. KOIN. 8:30 Miller's Orch., KNX. KSL, KOIN: Quiz Pgm., KOO, KJR, KEX; THE WORLD AT ITS WORST CHRISTMAS- CARPS THAI VOU REALLY" UHED. VOU mil inni inuiwi nwi nnviiTO ''rcnit-rl (Jrl, VUl otNl IN A LMrf MINUTE EMERGENCY1 lb COUSIN ELLft TAILSPIN TOMMY Heading For a Crackupl ' " By HAL FORRES' mcq'"'.- WEOUGHTA BE? ( HfcY GfcT AWAY FflOMl I I.. I.. DON'T UKe AW.WOTchA I I GREAT CATS 'A 1 N. y 2.Ee? J! 5 V-n ABLE TO pLY THISV I THAT SHIP LET ME ) THIS CHUCK I f SCARED OF? TH6YU RWwl A PTOKYM BTUi!l V.OUT OF HERE.' SOME- N I .MOST CERTAInly) ( CFMON;i?T'5 BE k' llfeflT' 7 W By EDWIN ALGER 4- ;( GOVS, THIS IS A CRISIS! I WAS W 1 1 THAT'S V IT MAV MEAH I WE NEED HELP THAT'S A ... .OH, 60SH, MRS. CRANE , NS- ELECTED MAYOR OF HAPPY JjS ANCIENT 1 ISNT, THE EHO OF IN THIS FISHT, hi SWELL IDEA, ) WHEN DID JIM DO THAT'? - A VALLEV TO DRIVE THE OIL ff HISTORY! J RUSTY! MY POLITICAL SOYS -SET JIM 4. MAYOR A NO, NEVER MlNO DONtI 25XWELL DRILLERS FROM OUR J V AT , CAREER, BUT CRANE ON THE jV 8ALLlN6ERlj THE NEBBS It's Just TooBad By SOL HES" rNR.KIESB.MV NP.KIEI3 STR-FT0RD " l'lF 1 SUBMIT AM "V y- 1500,000 BUCKS i AMD HALF YtT, AMD VVE esEEM INFORMED OF ThE Vom.mO, A- ff OFFER OF SO 000 I - 7 'rui S IS SO if OF IT WOULD BE MINE i - DAME S 5VEREOM, PRACTICAL DEMON STRATlOM OF THE j MR. M wQULD THAT BE SUDDEN! JSOUYL, V ' FORTUNE JUST STAYS LONG ENOUGH S WHERE CAM SEAHALF INTERESTInPiTvND AIm"nS" L,MTEREST& AK "S,?E TO U ME IM THE RIBS, THAT IMPORT- O j jpj SCRAP OF Avalon Time, KPO, KPI, KOW. 0:00 Pearcea Gang. KNX. KSL, KOIN; Fred Allen. KPO, KOW, XFI; Marriage Club, KOO. 0:30 Noble's Orch., KOO, KEX; News, KJR. 10:00 Martin's Orch.. KOO. KEX; News, KNX, KSL; News Reporter, KPO, KPI, KOW; News. KOIN. 10:30 Heldt'a Orch.. KOO. KJR, KEX; RavazzaSs Orch., KPO, KOW, KPI. 11:00 Orays Orch., KOIN. KJR, KSL; Nottingham's Orch.. KPO, KPI; This Moving World, KEX, KJR; News, KGO, KOWV KNX. Thursday. :00 Rhythm Factory, KPO, KOW; Prank and Archie, KJR. 6:30 Strlnglngs at Sundown, KOO, KEX, KJR; Army Band, KPO, KOW. 6:00 Major Bowes, KOIN, KSL; Good News of 1940, KPO, KKI, KOW; Beyond Reasonable Doubt, KGO, KEX, KJR. 6:30 America's Town Meeting, KGO. KEX, KJR. 7:00 Columbia Workshop, KOIN; Muelc Hall. KPO. KPI. 7:30 Sport Huddle. KNX, KOIN: News. KSL. 8:00 Fred Waring, KPO. KOW, KPI: Krupa'a Orch.. KEX: Aloha Land, KGO; Amos and Andy, KNX. KSL, KOIN. 8:16 Duchln'a Orch., KNX; Krupa'a Orch., KOO: I Love a Mys tery, KPO, KOW, KFI. 8 :30 Symphony Hour. KPO, KOW, KPI: Ask-It-Basket, KNX, KOIN, KSL: Radio Guild. KOO. 9.00 Strange As It Seems. KNX, (HpIpbswI by The Bell Syndicate. Inc. I KSL. KOIN: Sketch, KOO, KJR, KEX. 9:30 Thoao We Love. KPO. KFI. KOW; Auld's Orch., KOW; Heldt's Orch., KOO; Operetta Series, KNX. KOIN; News, KJR. 10:00 News Reporter, KPO. KOW, KFI; Foater'a Orch.. KOO. KJR; Paul Sullivan. KSL. KOIN, KNX: News. KOIN. - 10:30 Ravazza's Orch.. KPO, KOW, KPI; Nottingham's Orch, KOO, KEX: Ted Plo-Rltos Orch, KSL. KOIN. 11:00 Martin's Orch.. KPO. KFI; This Moving World, KEX, KJR; Gray's Orch., KSL, KOIN, KNX, KOW. SALE OF STEAMERS TO PLAN OF U. S. LI Washington, Dec. 27. (IP) The United States Lines asked the maritime commission today to approve the sale of eight of its vessels to the North Atlantic Transport company, a Norwe gian corporation. Registry of the vessels would be transferred to Norway. The U. S. Lines previously had asked the commission to By GLUYAS WILLIAMS GuJYhS vViiMrr - i authorize transfer of the vessels to Panamanian registry, but the application was withdrawn after it had aroused much criticism. Secretary Hull was among those opposing the transfer. The vessels which would be sold to the Norwegian company are the President Harding. American Trader, American Merchant, American Farmer, American Trawler, American STRANGE AS IT SEEMS By JOHN HIX Tor further proof address the author, Inclosing a stamped envelope for reply. Reg. TJ. 8. Pat OS. , CANADA once ?hv4$aooo U6oiv 10 REIMBURSE BANKERS Of T. H8hWZ.IERMOM7? WohvmH ROBBED S i CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS! stilt QnrQc UikO -m- tJ WHISTLER'S GULLS James Abbott McNeill Whistler, great American artist whose etchings command prices rang ing in thousands of dollars, in 1655 was discharged as a draftsman for the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey because he could not refrain from decorating official charts with such em bellishments as seagulls and mermaids. The notation opposite his name reads: "Separated from Service." CANADIAN REPARATIONS Strange as it seems, Canada repaid St. Albans. Vt for gold looted from its banks by Con federate troops! Most northerly act of the Civil war, the St. Albans skirmish cost one life and $200,000. The Confederates fled into Canada and there were acquitted. But international com plications arose and Canada appropriated $50,000 in gold to help defray the financial loss. TOMORROW: The Dead Shoil Shipper and American Importer. The government has no mort gages, claims or other obliga tions against any of the ves sels, the commission said. In its application, U. S. Lines said that because of neutrality regulations it was impossible to employ the vessels on their regular run under the Amer ican flag. It added that there does not appear to be any other FREE - i l V1 M.I t route, trade or service In which the vessels couW be possibly operated. Loses First House Fort Stockton, Tex. (U.R) Progress: The first frame house built in Fort Stockton, a land mark since 1906, has been razed to make room for a filling station. The house had never been painted. For - ALL RACE 1HA1 HAPTHROWHTriBIR JoCKEys- AND IhlRP ntKC in ins H3? .NftPIBRKCPtECHASe, Wellington, nu. famous American arfkf, WAS FRED FRoMfrie US, COAST AND GECDSVC SURVEY foR DRAHMG SEA GULLS on M o??chi tAb?o? mem ISLAND -1855- Coer. IMS fcr milrf PraiBre S.tiJ11. ine, Tm. Ret. C. 8. rL Ofl-AIl rtf hu mctted fZ-Z7i