The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1881-07-13
CHAPTER XI.
MR.. JAMES DALroN's ADVENTURES.

Good Heaven, man, didn't tell you so
the other night? But you wouldn't believe
me- Now you seek 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-
cOmpanied him in his search for the mid
night assassin.
Cant help it. sir" replied the police
man; ''you are wanted"
ExpostuIation was useless, and he was
obliged to follow the officer At the station
house he found the sergeant of police await
ing his coming. Soon he was closeted with
him.
Information has been received here to-
day, 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 MIR. Dalton knew very little of the
matter, the Interview was far from satisfac-
tory but the sergeant politely thanked the
young man, and apologized for the uncre-
mOnious detention.
'tPlease step with me into the adjoining
room" he said
Complying with this request, James Dali
toA found there pale-faced young woman
of about twenty-three years of age, and a
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 home,
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. E"
James Dalton's kind, sympathetic heart
was deeply touched by the beautiful but sad
l. L
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
cup of coffee, as supper was just being laid.
He would have 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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS drawing
room, while the woman closed the outer
door and rang for the servant.
The boy clambeTed eagerly up on James
Dalton's knee and placed his little arms
about his neck with a wistful look.
''You look like my papa, he murmured-
''oh so much like my dear papa!
"Bertie, admonished the lady, don't
speak his name!
Then flood of tears choked her utter
ance, and she hid her face in her hands,
sobbing like a child.
The scene was exceedingly painful, and
uneso new to the young man thai scarcely
knew what to say. He looked first at the
boy, then at the young widow y
Thus the three sat for some minutes, not
g sound breaking the stiffness of the room.
The lady was the first to speak.
sThat is his portrait" she said, pointing
to an oil painting over the mantel.
James Dalton had.noticed the picture on
bis entrance into the ROOM He now gazed
IOnpand earnestly upon the features
"a handsome face, he said audibly, and,
with the hid in his arms, he walked over
% the nantel and took closer look at the
features; siand well-executed portrait
The artists initials only are here. Madam,
nav I ask who painted it2"
"A Mr. Suydam, of New York, replied
he lady. ssIIe was friend of Henry's,
link, for he called here one evening, long
While ago.
The servant now announced supper, and
he three persons so strangely brought to-
either descended to the dining-room the
,oy cIinging to Mr.. Dalton's hand.
MADAM, !" said James Dalton, cheerfully,
8 they sat down to the table, you must
.ot be down-hearted. Your husband may
ot be dead. 1t is no unusual thing for
BUSINESS man to be called suddenly away.
'erhaps he is out of the city.
s.Ah, sir, that is not at all likely, replied
he lazy, with q bitter smile. "Henry's
usIness was not such as to make that neees-