Evening Star Newspaper, November 27, 1921, Page 72

L 6 1 Counsel for the Defense| wgmgp?g_gom_vourm Page) . standing a¥ tfie side entrance as If looking in..and he supposed had seen 88 tragedy and been frightened sway. He had a vague impression that the man.was a chauffeur, and a slightly clearer one that the car was a large, private limousine: but he was unwilling to swear definitely to either fact. No ome else was on the block at the moment, so far as e could rememberyft was a residential quar- ter and ther@ were not apt to be many people abrogd at that hour. The prosegutor cross-examined the manufacturer’ -perfunctorily; but it was plain to see he was puzzled. He could not understand the purpose of this testimony. From it. however Achison elaborated an entirely uyew theory of the mur- der. The evidence had atready demon- strated that from the position in which the " woman had fallen, she must have .had her back toward | Coombs and have been facing toward the side door of the drug store, and the conteation of the state was that Coombs had reached -over her right shoulder and stabbed her with a swift, downward thrust. By his line of questioning,:though, Achison now suggested that the real murderer was some cxpert juggler or knife-thrower who, knowing of the woman's appointment at the drug store, had been lurking at the side door and had ‘seized his opportunity @s she started to come toward him. To substantiate this assumption, he had a dummy brought into court. and then, calling a_team of professional knife-throwers, furnished by one of the theatrical agencies, he stationed them at exactly the distance the woman had been from the door, and then directed one of them to drive a knife into the dummy's suppositi- tious heart. Swift as a flash. the knife flew through the air and buried itself in the indicated spot. Again and again, as Achison named some particular part of the body, the knives were thrown, and each time with unerring aim and precision. Ramsey with his eyes on the jury felt an exultant thrill as he saw the effect of this somewhat gruesome touch of vaudeville. There was no getting away from the conclusion that the crime might have been com- mitted in the manner claimed. and that the mysterious chauffeur lurk- ing at the doorway might have been the real assagsin. Already in the faces of the twelve men in tae jury box might be discerned the dawnings of a ‘reasonable doubt.” But Achison. 36t content with this. Was reservi n even more dramati climax. zing the line of testi he called to the stand two surgeons,” authorities in anat- | in regard to points. s up, had s right arm. The experts upon examination declared that there was a dislocation of the' elbow of such long standing and with such a pronounced ankylosis of the muscles as to permit but little or no use of the arm. They were unqualified n_that Coombs could communicated with vou, it was beca she was in deadly ter- ror. A man she,had great reason to fear was at large after the expira- tion of a prison term, and she learned that he was in New York. She was anxlous to obliterate hersélf, to fade away into some country landscape and leave no trace behind: and this proposal of her ‘brother to take her into partnershjp oftered -the desired opportunity. Meanwhile, she was actually afraid 1 walk the streets. After her teléphone conversation with you that day, she spent the rest of the afternoon in my office rather than go back home: and she became so nervous and apprefensive as the time aproached to set out for| her appointment, that I sent her to the drug-store in my car. and gave m} chauffer orders to wait and drive her to Grand Central station, for she vlanning to leave the city at It was he who was seen b; manufacturer, and mine the myste- rious car in which he drove away. Naturally. 1 realized that some one must have observed the incident, and fortunately, when I found the person, he proved to be impeccable for our | purpose.” P Ramsey glanced up sharpl “Does that mean that it w chauffer who killed the woman?" “Oh. dear, no. Henry did not see the murder: but waiting at the side door. his attention was attracted by a commotion and'looking within, he saw a woman stretched out-on the floor and heard some one cry, ‘Mur- der!" Then, fearful of being involved, he made off.” | “Who did kill ler, then>" demanded | Ramsey. | repljed_Achison. v cried Wallace. “Why, that's impossible. 1t's—" This nationally known $135 washing machine i =eething within thoritatively “Coombs was the man. 1.tell you, of whom Ella Sands stood'in fear. He had met her first in Paris, and be- coming infatuated with her, was her accomplice in various thefts. Nat- urally he fell in with her friends, and-a ‘thorough-paced lot of scoun- drels they were, 1 imagine. One of the: big fellows used him to pull -off- the burglary of a large house in Lon- don, "and knowing of this, Ella, who had grown tired of Coomps’ jealously and wanted him out of the way, gave information that resulted in his con- viction and -a_seven-years' term in Dartmouth. He came to this coun- try sceking ‘her, and- T “And of course arranged it so that I should sprain my knee,” sneered Ramsey, “and he go to the appoint- ment in my -place; probably laid the banana peel purposely in my path. Don’t vou think you are stretching ;he"lon‘ arm of coincidence a little ar?” “When you sprained your knee,” re- turnéd Achison, “and Coombs ap- peared S0’ opportunely on the scene, he was not playing the protective watchdog as you so fondly imagined. not possibly have struck the blow that killed Hla Sands. Upon this, Achison promptly moved for a dismissal of the case against his ng, however, ue were prop- erly questions of fact, left it to the jury to decide. But this was hardly more than a formality. The result was already assured. The jury had little more than closed the door of the jury room before they returned with'a verdict of acquittal. Ramsey, elated as a schoolboy, was the first to reach Coombs with his congratulations, and managed clev- erly to maneuver him through the crowd and into a waiting taxicab. “Why did you never tell me about that arm?” he exclaimed reproachful- ly as_they drove together up town. “Ambidextrous as you are, I never even suspected it. And I'll bet, too, that you dislocated it when you dived after me in the subway. I'f going to see that you have treatment for it right away.” Coombs, who had been looking out with eager eyves upon a world from which he had been immured, turned from his survey of the passing pano- rama of streets, buildings and people. and twisted up his face with his old whimsical expression. turning on an ld triend,” he said. ‘That arm was probably what saved me from the electric chair; so. bad as the pain was at times, I guess it was worth while.” Then, with an abrupt change of sub- ject, he added: “Mr. Achison is sure one’ wonderful man.” * k ¥ ¥ AMSEY gave a grudging assent to this. and lapsed into silence. The mention of the lawyer had re- called to him a note which the latter had passed across to him in the court- room just after the conclusion of the case, reminding him of his promise to take dinner with him that even- ing, and again he fell to speculating o to what possible reason there could be for the invitation. Achison was not the man to do idle, impulsive or = inconsequent things; and besides, he had been too insistent in this instance not to have a very distfnct and definite motive in.view. Curiosity and conjecture were st hint: waen he met his Lost_that evening at the club which Achison had named. v The lawyer, looking as fresh as if he had-xot just finished the conduct of an exacting trial, greeted him with the utmost urbanity, and led the way to a small table which had been re- served in a corner of the dining room. Then, with the zest of a true epicure, he ‘devoted himself to the ordering of a fastidiously chosen dinner. 3 With that off his mind, he showed himself in the mood for conversation. The trial was not mentioned, but he talked on the topics of the moment with such knowledge, insight and hu- mor that Ramsey was forced to ad- mire and content to listen. It was not until the coffee was. brought that Ramsey realized his Host had not yvet , indicated his hand or even shown a card. things. “You did a remarkable stunt He promptly decided™o force in ! clearing Coombs, Mr. Achison, and I m grateful to you." But?” Achison neatly interrupted. “You are saying that ‘but’ just as surely as if your lips uttered it. You are wondering why I asked you to dine with me. You have been suspect- ing me all through dinner of tryini | to beguile you into friendship, instea: of remaining, as your youthful and exotic fancy conceives us, ‘enemies to CE\\JAIT vatil 1 finish.” - Achtson lu-{ tive. What ip.it in.this.case? imposed snenca‘whmn suggested that the joke was on This is a nationally known, time-tried washing machine, with standardized parts, any of which can be replaced should they become worn with use. Buy as safely as you would an auto- mobile. We've sold hundregds of these machines, and satisfied women in your neighbor- 'hood are using them every: day. We'll let you ask the woman who uses this machine.in yout neighborhood, or we'll give you an actual demonstration right here. _Put your clothes and anything that can be washed in the tub and-turn on the.clec- - tricity. Presto! They are steamed, sterilized, bleached and washed ‘spotlessly in one operation. Note the f?atures of this machine Genuine DOMESTIC ball- bearing motor, known as the best -for- washing .machines. Automatic oiling system. All moving parts inclosed— no danger to children. belt to ‘get out of order— direct shaft drive—simpler. It has the one-way noise- less cylinder, which makes even the daintiest laces safe; Electric Swinging - Wringer with Automatic Safety Re- lease, adjustable in 3 posi- tions, recognized everywhere as the best wringer ever made. No ‘And now, why have tonight? “You don’t act without a mo- Achison smiled with an expression his com 3 ou’ve seen me do my mystifying act before my au- dience in the courtroom; now it amuses me to take you-behind the scenes and show you just how the radbits and the bowl ef goldfish got into the silk hat. > ) “My young friend, the afgument I put over, that this crime:Was com- mitted by some unknown ‘man who drove away in an automobile, and who, you are convinced, was hired by a ‘master mind,’ amounts to just that.” He blew out a cloud of cigarette smoke and watched it dissipate into the air. “You don't believe me, eh?’ He turned his broad, mocking face back to Ramsey. “You think I am drawing 2 red herring across the trail, becaus 1 realize where it really leads? me see: how shall I convince you? Like all doubters, you demand a sign, vt ftail to.perceive those which lie right under your nose. “How do you suppose, for instance, that I secured as a witness that emi- nently respectable manufacturer who served as the corner stone of my de- fense? Was. it by chance? A stroke o Tack? Not at all. Before 1 had| ever heard of him, I knew just what he would testify, and where to go to find him.” i ; A pause. The: n order that you Imny understand, let's start at the beginning. When, after your long and unavailing search for her, Ella He was following you to get in touch with Ella Sands after your interview was over. -A man has no secrets from his valet, remember. Do you suppose that Coombs did not inspect your let- ters before he brought them to you, or that he failed to recognize the kandwriting of Ella when he saw it? | He knew that you were going to meet her, and he intended to find out where. “He did not intend to kill her in the drug store. He says he did not intend_to kill her at all; he merely wanted to talk to her. But when he made_himself known—for. with his hat drawn down, she doubtless be- lleved him to be you until after the interchange of the letters and money had been accomplished—she snatched the knife out of her bag, he claims, and made a lunge at him. He wrest- ed the knife from her hand and then, as she turned to flee, he reached over her shoulder and struck her down. In the eyes of the law, Coombs stands an innocent man, but, as a matter of fact. he is guiity as hell.” Ramsey shook his head. “I_am afraid T shall have to re- mind you. Mr. Achison,” he said with a_faint. superior smile. “of the old adage about the pitcher that goes too often to the well. If the story you presented in court today was, as vou claim. merely an Ingenious fabrica- tion, a tissue of truth and lies. how do I know that yousare not perform- ing a similar feat in the version you now ask me to believe? And your second story lacks the convincing quality of the first, for in it, clever as you are, there Is a fatal oversight. “You quite forget,” his voice rose i triumphantly, ~“that, with Coombs’ arm in the condition that it was he could not possibly have struck that blow—an obvious right-hand thrust.’ Achison stared at him, although hardly with the consternation that Ramsey expected. Then he broke into laughter. “Good Lord!" he exclaimed. “Don't you know .1 held my breath when I was putting that over in court. That dislocation is an old contortionist trick .that 1 learned years -ago. and, fortunately, Coombs had the herve to hold his arm that way throughout the months before his trial and so deceive the experts. . “And now that that's setiled,” he leaned blandly across the table, “I hope. my young friend, you will begin | to see the folly and ‘futility of the absurd suspicions you harbor agalnst me, and abandon ‘bring me to justice’ It you don't——!" The light satiric -smile was still on his lips, but in his eye there was a hint of darker menace. | “If you don't," shoulders, * these efforts to he shrugged his I don’t know what y. staggered by the reve- lations of the last few minutes, the half-veiled threat was like a restora- tive. He raised his head and looked Achison squarely I don’t bel in the eye. ve a worg vou have he declgred doggedly. “It'a only another out of your box of tricks. Will you gp with me to my apartment, and there repeat to ’Cnoamhn' face this story you have told e “With all my heart,” agreed Achi- son readily. But when they reached the apart- ment they found that Coombs was ‘otne. and had left word he would not return. (Copyright, 1921.) Celebrated Armco Rust- Resisting Iron (used throughout) is proof against any kind of water, soap and alkalis. A good-sized family washing done ‘in ‘90 minutes —about an hour and a half —at a cost of 2}4 cents for electricity. Can be run from any- electric light socket. Your name on - postal card brings free- booklet to. you g 7thatF "he Hecht Co. Where prices are guaranteed —n 7that F - o SUNDAY STAR, WASHINGTON, FLGRE o TR T & AT D. C, . NOVEMBE OTA . 27, 1921—PART A two-day sale of furniture This 4-pc. bedroom suite Ivory, mahogany finish or American walnut A that decides: business. With prices pruned down to rush up sales-volume THIS sale, then, is to offset a big sale of a year ago, in which we did a volume-business. To meet these figures we have pruned prices to a new low point—a page here and another STORE must go ahead; each sale of the previous year must be met as it appears this year, else a store will fall behind in sales. And this won't do. Sale prices for Monday and Tuesday only s16¢ . - Think of getting a bedroom suite in the above finishes for $157. Seems unbelievable, but here they are, extra special for two days. Dresser, chifforette, bed and full-length vanity. tached; p front door This —with Wl top; base and Gunn bookcase —sectional style; golden oak. Has Lop, two 94-inch sec- . This gas range —high cabinet style oven, with thermometer at white enameled drawer...... $12.75 doors. Just as illustrated: sol- idly ‘built of oak. Cup- board has glass in upper $37-5° orcelain sawed golden kitchen table te porcelain 58'?5 one on the side . DN side, row of drawers "Mirror and seat —for the Hall. oak; finish. seat has lift lid, This chifforobe —golden oak; wardrobe on hat box other This rocker ’ tions and two 11%- inch sections m‘d $29'75 .—mn!msany fin- base ....... 3 ished; tapestry This tea wagon walnut, mahogany .or golden oak finish. With remov- glass - bottom able design upholstered. ... This Brass Bed —double size, with 2-inch t; ribb Quartered $29-75 | and 51 8.65 } $13.75 SOLD ONLY WITH COUPON Men’s smoking stands 5]-2 Mahogany-finished "ones (at left) have glass tray and metal cigar holder. Famq tray. . N None sold at $1.29 without coupon. oak smokers (at right) have drawer and brass match, cigar and ash For it is sales-volume ing of one ‘side. in today’s Post—worth-while items every one. 5237 This Walnut bedroom suite comprising 4 pieces Beautifully grained genuine walnut suite, in Queen Anne design. Comprises dresser, chifforette, vanity dresser and bow-foot bed. This overstuffed suite | tapestry or velour Sl 87 . A luxurious overstuffed suite; with spring arms, back and seat. Loose cushions; settee, armchair and rocker. This willow day-bed ; complete with mattress 549' o A light and airy day-bed for the living room. In natural willow: box-edge cotton mattress, cov- ered with art cretonne. » 1l e ———— Y T Living room suite 3 pieces—fumed oak:. 519-75 Sturdily constructed suite, comprising settee. | armchair and rocker, upholstered in chase leather. | Table not included. g Porcélain-lop Kitchen cabinet : 527.75 A well known make highly polished oak finish cabinet with white porce- lain top, white enameled china section, large flour bin, bread box, salt and pepper and cereal i dishes, sugar bowl, and | numerous other cooking neces- | sities. . Lo Drop-side couch Brass stand This oil heater l 3365 | Odorless and smokeless; easily carried from room This gas heater - | Radiates heat like the sun. | Gas consumption 56.75 | very small. Will heat 10x124¢ room. . Also larger sizes priced pro- portionally low. This Roman seat Upholstered in | 85¢ black imitation leather; finished This felt mattress —Layer felt with covering of dura. ble ticking. Sm:sll'is for any bed This Oak Rocker —substantially con- structed, high back $ 4. 95 rocker, with continu- ous roll arms........ Clothes hamper —lln;lg/; and ~‘ll'tmmy: ures in. wide and 28 in. high; s1 39 with lid 2 The Hecht Co. 7th at F __l:liei pricfa are guarameef 7th at Fr