Page:The Benson Murder Case (1926).pdf/320

 of them into the reception room, and peremptorily explained what he wanted.

Vance began his questioning with the confident air of one who has no doubt whatever as to another's exact knowledge.

"What time did Major Benson get home the night his brother was shot?"

The boy's eyes opened wide.

"He came in about 'leven—right after show time," he answered, with only a momentary hesitation.

(I have set down the rest of the questions and answers in dramatic-dialogue form, for purposes of space economy.)

He spoke to you, I suppose?

Yes, sir. He told me he'd been to the theatre, and said what a rotten show it was—and that he had an awful headache.

How do you happen to remember so well what he said a week ago?

Why, his brother was murdered that night!

And the murder caused so much excitement that you naturally recalled everything that happened at the time in connection with Major Benson?

Sure—he was the murdered guy's brother.

When he came in that night did he say anything about the day of the month?

Nothin' except that he guessed his bad luck in pickin' a bum show was on account of it bein' the thirteenth.

Did he say anything else?

(grinning): He said he'd make the thir-