The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-05-21
CHAPTER II.
Mn. JAMES pA1ToN's ADVENTURES.

"Go0d Heaven, man, ulun Tell you ho
ths other night? But you wouldn't believe
me. Now you sex to deprive me of liberty
because OF your own Stupidity
| Mr.. James Dalton addressed these words
| to one of the two police officers who had ac-
compan,ed him in his search for the mid
night assassin.
"Cant help it. sir replied the police
man; .'you are wanted.
Expostulation was useless, and he was
obliged to follow the officer. At the station
h0use he found the sergeant OF police await
ing his coming. Soon he was closeted with
him.
information has been received here to-
dny, Mr. Dalton," said the sergeant, "rela-
tive to the disappearance of young man of
good social standing. He has been missing
since the ninth of the month. You reported
a murder on that night. We, therefore, wish
you to state all you know Of the case.'
As Mr. Dalton knew very little OF the
matter, the interview was far from satsfac-
tory, but the sergeant politely thanked the
young man, and apologized tor the uncre-
nOnious detention.
"Please step with me into the adjoining
room, he said.
Complyinl with this request, James Dali
ton found there pale-taced young woman
of about twenty-three years OF age, and
little boy with pretty face.
At glance he saw that they were either
mother and son, or sister and brother.
"These, sir" said the sergeant of police,
"are relatives Of the missing man, who
would like an escort back to their homo,
which is in Brooklyn. If you would be SO
kind, and have the time to spare, you would,
| know, confer favor upon the lady by see
ing her safe there"
James Dalton's kind, sympathetic heart
was deeply touched by the beautiful but sad
face before him, and at once. despite the
lady's protest, insisted upon accompanying
her.
When they reached the lady's home, he
would have left her at the door, but she
begged that he would come in and have q
cup of coffee as supper was just being laid.
lie would hnve declined, but the little boy
took him by the hand and looked up into
his face.
~ like you," said the little fellow, land
you must come in-you must!"
"Well, then, my boy, just long enough to
drink the coffee, for must be going back,
as it is getting dark"
He allowed the child to lead him into the
neat and handsomely drawing
room while the woman closed the outer
door and rang for the servant
The boy clambered eagerly up on james
Daltons knee and placed his little arms
about his neck with a wisttul look.
lyon look like my papa, he murmured-
"oh, SO much like my dear papa!
"Bertie," admoniShed the lady, "don't
speak his name!"
Then a food of tears choked her utter
| u. /: L. g.. h., ln,, de
sobbing like child.
The scene was exceedingly painful, and
one so new to the young man that he scarcely
knew what to say. He looked first at the
boy, then at the young widow
Thus the three sat for some minutes, not
q sound breaking the stiffness OF the room.
The lady was the first to speak.
'rrhat is his portrait" she said, pointing
, to an oil painting over the manteL
James Dalton had noticed the picture or
his entrance into the room. He now gazeC
; long and earnestly upon the features.
"a handsome face, he said audibly, and
, with the hild in his arms, he walked owe
: to the mantel and took a closer look at th'
features; .and well-exccuted portrait
The artists initials only are here. Madam
! may ask who painted it?
"A DIR. kDUNNdlu, VI NC" lofht iOHi'N'
: tfe lady. "He was friend of Henrys,
think, for he called here one evening, loni
4 while ago"
y = The servant now announced supper, ant
!! the three persons SO strangely brought to
" gether descended to the diningroom, tn
= boy clinging to Nh, Dalton's hand.
u MADAM" said james Dalton, cheerfully
. as they sat down to the table, you mus
l.. bod Al Vpur husband
u not be dead. 1t is no unusual thing for
d business man to be called suddenly away
ii Perhaps be is out Of the city"
L "Ah, sir, that is not at all likely" reptile
J. the la'Iy. with O bitter smile "Henry
"A business was not such as to make that nece
sary, but in any such event, he could haV
le sent me word. You seek TO comfort M
and thank you, but no one can convlnt
le me that my husband has not either bee
II murdered, Or"
er She paused suddenly and set down h'
re untasted coffee with trembling hand.
She changed the conversation, and bega
ID talking of society and the pleasures OF Il
Id winter season, laughing az she recalled son
humorous event Her face was fushe
N and her manner wild.
" James Dalton Immediately excused hlr
IN self, and rose to depart. The lady accol
OF panied him to the door, after nome
spent in extricsting her childs hand fro
his.
ee II am extremely obliged to you, sir, !
l your Kindness, she said. "The sergeant
We an acquaintance OF our family, and he
evidently looking to my welfare when
cy reuuested YOU to see me safe home. 1t "
IL unnecessary, but ] am just as thankil
~ You can however, do me a great favor
ne watching for news of Henry, and, shor
ire fortune favor you, please call at once. H'
ou is my card; | shall be ready to receive y
at any time convenient TO yourself.
hit Her cheeks were white now and her Q.
he laden with tears. -
of eyes, do come!" pleaded the child
~. like you so much!
ed By force the little fellow was drawn av
from the young man, and the latter stood
ed the open street. ,,,
IA sAm dreamingg' he muttered. owl
nd will be my next wonderful experience?'
e" As if in reply to his question, as he wall
toward the corner, carriage came DASH
down the street, followed by crowd, sho
tho ing and yelling in a manner calculated
the friehten still more the terrified horses
ng runaway team-no driver on the box,
reins trailing along the ground.
"" James Dalton sprang into the middle
ich the street, and waived his hand aloft,
up friehten the maddened creatures ba
TO His action caused them to veer to one 81
and the carriage, whirling in to the gut
he struck q tree with terrible force. The d
gh- was shivered to atoms, and the form o
ard woman was hurled out upon the sidewalk
But she did not strike the tagging,
ver James Dalton sprang forward and eau
ned her In his arms. She came with such fc
had that be yas thrown against en- iron raal