“Mr. Stone,” returned Wheeler, “I have confessed that I killed Mr. Appleby; I hold, therefore, that I need say nothing that will influence my own case.” “Well, you see, Mr. Wheeler, this case is unusual—perhaps unique, in that three people have confessed to the crime. So far, I am preserving an open mind. Though it is possible you and your wife and daughter acted in collusion, only one of you could have fired the fatal shot; yet you all three claim to have done so. There is no conclusion to be drawn from this but that one is guilty and the other two are shielding that one.” “Draw any conclusion you wish,” said Wheeler, still imperturbably. “But I’ve no objection to replying to the question you asked me. Sam Appleby said no word to me that hinted at a fear for his personal safety. If he had any such fear, he kept it to himself.” “He knew of your enmity toward him?” “Of course. He did me an unforgivable injustice and I never pretended that I did not resent it.” “And you refused to meet his wishes regarding his son’s campaign?” “I most certainly did, for the same reasons I opposed his own election many years ago.” “Yes; all those details I have from Mr. Appleby, junior. Now, Mr. Appleby does not believe that his father was killed by any member of your family, Mr. Wheeler.” “Can he, then, produce the man whom he does suspect?” “No; he suspects no one definitely, but he thinks that by investigation, I can find out the real criminal.” “You may as well save your time and trouble, Mr. Stone. I am the man you seek, I freely confess my crime, and I accept my fate, whatever it be. Can I do more?” “Yes; if you are telling the truth, go on, and relate details. What weapon did you use?” “My own revolver.” “Where is it?” “I threw it out of the window.” “Which window?” “The—the bay window, in my den.” “In this room?” “Yes.” “That window there?” Stone pointed to the big bay. “Yes.” “You were sitting there at the time of the shot, were you not, Miss Wheeler?” Stone turned to Maida, who, white-faced and trembling, listened to her father’s statements.