“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?”