Scott Jackson spent a sleepless night at the Central Police Station, and
early next morning was taken to Chief Deitsch's private office. He had a
haggard, restless look, and when asked to make a confession, sought to
throw the blame upon Wood, and subsequently upon Walling.
His story was: Wood was the author of Pearl Bryan's ruin. When Jackson
went home to spend the hollidays, Wood told him that Miss Bryan was in a
delicate condition, and, knowing Jackson to be studying medicine, asked
him what could be done in the matter. Jackson said he could do nothing
in the matter, but Wood insisted that he help in an attempted abortion,
as this was the only thing which would save him (Wood) and the girl from
disgrace. Jackson refused to do this.
"What have you to say regarding the information now in the possession of
the authorities that you and Walling were seen in the vicinity of Fort
Thomas last Friday night in a hack drawn by a gray horse?"
"That information is erroneous. I was not there, and can establish the
fact."
"Who do you think murdered the girl?"
"Alonzo Walling."
"Do you think the murdered girl is Pearl Bryan?"
"Oh, there is no question about that. It is her."
"How, and where was she killed?"
"I do not know."
"For what purpose?"
"To cover up previous wrong doings."
"And to shield who?"
"William Wood."
"Was Wood supposed to be Miss Bryan's sweetheart?"
"Yes sir; he was."
"And how was the affair planned?"
"Wood wrote to me, telling me of the trouble, and asking me to assist
him out of it. I showed the letter to Walling, and he volunteered to
undertake the job. It was then planned to bring the girl here. She
arrived on Tuesday of last week, and what I saw and know of her after
her arrival here, I have told."
"How do you account for the condition of your trousers, which have been
found and are now in the possession of the authorities?"
"Well, the only way I can account for that, is that they were in our
room and Walling put them on the night of the crime. I have not seen
them since, and did not know that there was blood and mud on them."