Page:The ransom of Red Chief and other O. Henry stories for boys.djvu/315

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The Theory and the Hound 291

gesture of authority. He was looking straight between Reeves and Morgan.

"Wade Williams/' he said quietly, "y u are under arrest for murder."

Reeves and Morgan instantly exchanged a quick, bright glance, the quality of which was interrogation, with a seasoning of sur- prise. Then, simultaneously they turned to the speaker with a puzzled and frank depre- cation in their gaze.

"Can't say that we understand you, Mr. Plunkett," said Morgan cheerfully. "Did you say 'Williams'?"

"What's the joke, Bridgy?" asked Reeves, turning to the consul with a smile.

Before Bridger could answer Plunkett spoke again.

"I'll explain," he said quietly. "One of you don't need any explanation, but this is for the other one. One of you is Wade Wil- liams of Chatham County, Kentucky. You murdered your wife on May 5th, two years ago, after ill-treating and abusing her con- tinually for five years. I have the proper papers in my pocket for taking you back with me, and you are going. We will return on the fruit steamer that comes back by this

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