The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1872-09-12

excited at the encounter. He turned,
however, at Mr.. Johnson's request, and
listened attentlvely to his account of the
robbery, expressing hope that the per-
petrators would soon be brought to JUS
tlce. He did not seem very well pleased,
nevertheless, when he heard that the de-
tective conceived that he already had
IL clue, and was unable to conceal his
agitation when his companion remarked
in whisper: DO you see that man ?
he Is the officer whom have engaged ;
1T is quite singular that we should meet
him"
Vaughan suddenly remembered that
he had forgotten IL commission entrust-
ed to him by his sister, and hastily bid
ding Mr.. johnson "Good-by," hurried
off in an opposite direction.
The detective immediately came up
and asked his employer who the gentle
man was who had just left him and, on
hearing that he was friend of the fam
lily, gave long, low whistle expressive
of the most intense surprise.
"Where does he live, sir? Tn sure
l have seen his face somewhere"
AT No. - Fourth Street. Why do
you ask :"
40, simple curiosity it's a way we
have" and he, too, left the puzzled mcr-
chant.
The latter slowly continued his jour-
nev, and racked his brain to elucldute
the mystery of Vaughans $ sudden de-
parture, but it never occurred to him to
attribute it to the coming in sight of
the detective. As he was IN good time,
and was obliged to pass Fourth Street
on his way, he made up his mind to call
upon Mrs. Wilson, and, if he found her
brother there, to ask him the cause, fear
ing that he had offended him.
The widow was sitting in her draw
ing room, and displayed great deal OF
pleasure at seeing her visitor, and SYM
pathized most heartily with him when
he narrated his less to her. She asked
him q great many questions as to the
opinion OF the detective, and was hardly
less confused than her brother had been
when Mr. johnson alluded to the prob
ability of speedy capture of the Offend
ers, and added that his porter could
swear to one at least of the gang.
Mrs. Wilson at this juncture became
SO alarmingly pale that he feared she
was about to faint, and sprang up to
open the window and admit fresh air.
As he rose from his chai the door was
violently opened, and Vaughan burst
into the room, his clothes disordered, his
face heated, and his whole aspect de-
noting great anxiety. Seeing Mr.. John
son, he hesitatcd and a look of intelli-
gence and alarm was exchanged between
himself and Mrs. Wilson. He then, by
IL great effort, partially recovered hls
composure, apologlzed for the mode of
his entrance, and said that he had ex-
pected to see his sister alone, and had
something of importance to say her.
The merchant immediately prepared to
leave and had exchanged tarewells with
the widow when the door again opened,
and to his amdzement his warehouse
porter entered, with letter in his hand,
and gave it to him without saying q
word
After obtaining leave from the lady
Vaughan had moved to the window, and
was looking out with his back to the
rest-he broke the seal, and read the
following line in percil, Don't leave
the room till GOMEZ" written upon q
card bearing the detectives name.
|
guess at the meaning of the above, he
determined to do as he was hidden if
possible, and contented himself with
nodding to his porter, and saying, Tell
the gentleman to be quick, then"
The porter vanished, and Mr.. Johnson,
although feeling acutely the awkward
ness of the situation, did the best thing
he co Id do under the circumstances,
and asked Vaughan wherefore he left
him so abruptly in the street. The for
mer endeavored to make some reply, but
his nervousness increased SO painfully
that it was incoherent.
Once again the door opened, but this
time it was the detective who appeared,
closely followed by couple OF police
men. Advancing straight to where
Vaughan stood, apparently transtixed
with fear, he laid his hand ON his shoul-
der and said: "Will you come quietly !?
or must l use force!"
To the dismay of Mr.. johnson, who
expected an outburst OF passion, Waugh
an ASKED, in IA trembling voice
"What is it you want me for Z"
Robbery of nine thousand dollars
worth of goods from this gentleman's
store. Have you any thing to say
about it Z"
mot to you" And he held out his
hands for the handouts.
| During this scene no one had thought
of Mrs. Wilson, but their attention was
now called to her by heavy tall upon
the tloor, and they perceived that the
unfortunate lady had tainted away
Mr.. johnson, as soon as he could breathe
again, demanded from the police officer
the meaning of this intrusion, insisted
upon it that there was some mistake,
and attributed the agitation of Vaughan
and his sister to the horror they felt at
charge of this sort being brought
against gentleman.
The detective, without saying a word,
fitted the handouts on the young mans
wrists, and signed TO the policeman to
remove both from the room. AS soon
as the door closed behind them Mrs.
Wilson was carried OUT he smiled and
said; 81 know well enough what l am
about, sir, but did not like to arrest
friends of yours until 1 had satisfied
myself that l was not wrong in my sus-
picions. Vaughan is the man who held
your porter in conversation while his
confederates were securing the plunder,
and from all accounts it seems they
knew where to go. Mrs. Wilson was often
in your store, am told can you tell
me whether she seemed to examine the
place at all z"
In moment light broke over the
| - Tahn nd h.,