"
"If this is true, then we cannot detain the prisoner," said one of the
officers.
"Release me at once," demanded Barkswell.
"Not so," cried Shanks. He must be held, for he is guilty of other
crimes. The woman who died last night was murdered by poison administered
by the hand of her husband, the man you now hold a prisoner. Dr. Wise has
the proof that he will produce in good time. Furthermore, this man has
another crime to answer for.
"He attempted to murder August Bordine, but failed. He _did_, however,
assassinate his wife's brother, and buried the body in the cellar of an
old shanty in the woods upon Bear Creek."
"That is false," uttered Barkswell, yet trembling and paling with fear.
"I have the proof," declared Shanks.
"What proof?"
"My eyesight. I saw you bury your victim!"
The prisoner weakened then. His handcuffs rattled and his whole frame
swayed as though he were about to fall to the ground.
"You do not deny your crime, nor the fact that besides poisoning your
wife and murdering Perry Jounce, her brother, you assisted the latter,
who had long been your tool, to decoy Silas Keene into a room in the rear
of Billy Bowleg's saloon, where, some weeks ago, you committed another
crime by hurling the detective into a well.
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