The Morning herald., 1878-12-10
CHAPTER XIV.

THE MARa1AaE CERTIFICATE TURNS UPON
THE TRACK.
Tom Black, though lost to the sight Of
those who relied on his promises to free
them from their enemy, was not wasting
time. On the day of Clark's discovery Of
his loss, he could have been seen Of the
Detective Bureau. 49,.
He presented himself boldly before the
august head of that establishment, and at
once entered into the business in which he
TOOK so much interest. His manner, on this
occasion was trife less rough, and his
voice not 40 harsh as usual. &n
"Mr. Linkington, you've got charge o
the Clayton case, haven't yer?' he asked Of
the chief. ''' ~ 'r -. X
The detective eyed him, curiously, and
replied that he had deputies at work, who
were doing all they could.
I "You don't get ahead, do yer2"
Mr.. Linkington smiled grimly. and
artistically squirted stream OF tobacco
juice into the spitsoon, which was more
than yard away.
sThat's not an answerable question, my
man."
sTellin' tales out o school, ehs Well,
boss, perhaps, if you look over that you
may find clue"
Tom laid before him folded paper.
The detective took another 'n""ection o.
his features and clothes, and slowly unfold!
ed and smoothed 1t out.
$50 you're Interested" he remarked
/ 'Yes; I'm friend O the family whats
left of it-and I've taken the trouble to
search round town TO see what could find
in the way O. evidence against its enemies.
That dockyment accidentally came across
my path and begged it."
'"Hmr' grunted Mr.. Linkington, poring
over the paper-'a marriage contract! I
don't see what use it can be put to-" a,a
"Cant always tell, boss. 1t don't appear
much on fust sight, but when toll you that
one O the signers is the feller that's OF the
bottom Of all the Clayton fuss, you'll think
different" SILL. ~l.t
"Ha! sol But how do you come 70
know?" .
"Ill tell that by and by. Mr.. Clark. the
contracting husband, is feller the police
would like to get their paws on. He's swim
died the Claytons out O half their properly
-more'n fifty thousand dollars, and that
paper has helped do it; it's forgery I'll
swear, and if old Clayton hadn't been 10
hasty, he'd have tested it. You can coon
prove whether it's genuine I'll help you,
too"
'9''We can do nothing in conjunction, my
man, until know from whom ] an, getting
this information" Esb ", .E%-
"Mr. Black, sir-thats my oognomen.
''The first name2"
"Thomas."
The chief showed the document aside,
turned on his high perch at the desk, And
elected another stream Of tobacco juice.
"Preciselyl have had dealings with you
before. You are the man whom sent up
for completely In burglary on Staten Is
land some years ago. How long since you
got your ticket-of-leave2" ,,a. var, i,
: Tom seemed not in the least disconcerted.
"Over two years, Link, and I've reformed.
Don't be skeefy, for it's fine thing 10 set q
thief to catch thief. n He'll nab him while
you detectives is thinking about II" -,
"Well, I'll try you. If you play any
pranks, III do with you what was, 6on-
PEELED to do with your leader, Sam Nevhs," :"
II don't care to be invited to ball, Link.
You can excuse me-" ~
r. Mr.. Linkington grunted at this sally.
and drew in a pair Of determined lips No
pei !Heip us out on this, and I'll get yoa on
the force. You would be valuable ally -. -
'You bet! But amt for hire, Link.
I'll get out O. the country as soon as this
things fixed. On this lay, I'll be q big help,
for know pile The Young, Clayton GAL
shant be pestered any longer. The plotter
+ shall take in his horns"
Yu>