At the dinner table the following night, Joseph accused Frank of returning to his old ways of crime and bringing more disgrace on their aged parents. The charge resulted in an argument. The table was upset as both men jumped to their feet. The lamp was dashed to the floor and the room was in darkness.
When lights were restored, Frank was dead on the floor from a knife wound and Joseph was gone.
The story was told at the coroner’s inquest. Sisters and brothers were brought before the grand jury, and an indictment was returned.
Then Fate smiled on the man who wished to reform, tucked the papers in an out-of-the-way corner of the district attorney’s desk, and left them a score of years until her smile faded.
When Assistant District Attorney John Dunn brought the papers to the office of the county detective department in Pittsburgh, Detective E. E. Clark was interrogating Miss Ethel Reese in regard to another case. The girl is not as old as the musty papers.
“Ever hear of Joe Gantt?” asked Dunn.
“Not that I remember,” replied the detective.
“I have,” spoke up the girl. “He’s my uncle. His name is Clark now, and he lives in Chicago. Why?”
“Oh, nothing,” said Dunn, as he walked out of the office, making notes on his cuff.
Dunn and Detective Edeburn came to Chicago. With the assistance of Captain Halpin, of the detective bureau, and two other Chicago detectives, they began to hunt for “Clark.” They located the man. His arrest followed. Then Miss Reese arrived in Chicago with Detective Clark.