A Conflict of Evidence

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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1893 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVII. THE CONFESSION. As soon as Virginia had departed, Mr. Barnes re-entered the secret chamber, passing, as before, through the ceiling of the closet. His first endeavor was to learn how this man had taken his life. This was not difficult. A small charcoal furnace, and the strong odor of gas permeating the place for some time after he had opened the skylight, which was the only means of ventilation and light, plainly suggested suicide. This point being settled, he examined the other things lying about. These were necessarily few, as the place was very small. The only articles of furniture, were a table and a chair, unless account be taken of a small closet nailed against the wall, in which was a stock of provisions. He also found a suit of clothes. Mr. Barnes pondered over this for a few minutes, and then the idea occurred to him, that it was to bring these, the garments which Lewis had worn on the night of the crime, and for which, it will be remembered, Burrows had searched in vain, that the man had entered the secret room on the night when Burrows was disturbed by his movements. It will also be recalled to mind that the younger detective had a theory which would, in a measure, be substantiated if these were found to be perforated by a bullet, as that would tend to show that the deceased had been shot, that he had then undressed and retired to his bed, to be afterwards awakened and killed by a second shot. Mr. Barnes examined these articles with interest. If there were any bullet-hole it would not fit his own theory of the case.' It was therefore with much satisfaction that he soon determined that there was none. Next he turned over the papers with which the table was littered, and soon an ejaculation of surprise and pleasure attested the fact t...