Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1879-01-09

VI b1LSA lllC OSCP iJtlco tOlSS VI
my criminal in moment,
"What / learned that night
both surprised and astounded
me, and / don't need to tell you
all, to tell you what has a bear
ing ON this case. They were in
deed plotting mischief. Howev-
er, | discovered that they were
going to Nova Scotia and Cana
ola to JOIN a gang of thieves, that
my gentleman was the leading
spirit, and that a wealthy city in
\ Northern Massachusetts was al
so to be the scene of their ope-
rations, where the whole gang
would appear. / learned their
plans, the whole method of pro-
cedure, before | left the spot.
This question then presented it.
self to me: Wouldn't it be best
to let this fellow alone fer the
present, and by SO doing capture
the bandT | thought SO, and,
notwithstanding the large sum
offered for his arrest, / resolved
to keep my own secret and let
him depart in peace.
"Thc next day l discovered he
took. passage in a vessel bound
for Halifax. | proceeded at
once to s., the city which
they proposed to visit. l had
many acquaintances in this place,
and, without giving my object, ]
gave a description of my man to
several whom / knew / could
trust. l also notified the police
to look out for him about the
first Of September. / directed
each Of these persons to tele-
graph me short message if they
should sec a man who answered
the description. Still | was a.
fraid that he'd disguise himself
and foil me again.
"Onc day toward the latter
part Ct August | received a tel
egram, which besides tic address
and signature contained the sim
gle word-Come.' ] was sur
prised at this and rather provok-
ed, for felt sure my friend had
made a mistake. l had expect
ed no such message until Sep
tember, and intended to remain
in s during the greater part
Of that month and watch for my
self. l concluded to go, howev-
er. mere because | had been sent
for than because i had any hopes
of success. The friend who had
sent me the message was keep
er Of an eating house, a. prompt,
honest man, with a brisk, keen
way about him that ] had always
admired. | had thought him
very observant, but | jumped to
the conclusion that he had been
fooled this time. / reached s.
early that afternoon and went to
the saloon of my friend.
"Well, what's the news, Jims"
said /, as l entered.
"1've seen your man. said he,
positively.
"FSureT | asked, incredu-
lously.
"I'Ia sure he answered your
description. I've watched for
him every day.
"'Tell me what you knowY
said !. What kind Of look
ing man was he?"
"'IIe was tall, good-looking,
well-dressed, had a slight scar
over the left eye, a splendid bass
voice, and had the appearance
of a perfect gentleman.
"Good! that's him. said ], ex-
ultingly. Did he want to put
patent spring on your door?'
"That's just exactly what he
wanted to do. He came in at
noon, walked up and asked me
if l was the proprietor. ] told
him | was. Then he wanted to
know if he couldn't sell me one
of the best door springs ever in
vented. i told him I did not
think that ] needed enc, and /
noticed that he didn't urge me
much. lie said he would call
around again by next spring,
and perhaps I'd want one then.
He got his dinner, paid for it,
and departed, and appeared like
a gentleman, as | said before.
Now, johnson, what do you
want him for? What's he been
, doing? Will YOU tell mc?'