The Osceola times., 1881-04-02
now WE CAUGHT HIN.

]
ed that, in detective circles, there was
but one opinion as to its authorship
There was but one hand skillful enough
for such piece of work-that of Durn-
ford Warwick, a most accomplished rascal
whose craft and cunning had carried
him through long career of roguery in
spite of the best laid schemes TO trap
him. On this occasion heavy reward
was offered for his apprehension.
had but lately been enrolled mem
Der of the detective force. and was am
bilious of rising. Here was a golden op-
poTtunity-golden in every sense, for
whoever caught Warwick would not only
be a made man, but would put round
sum into his pocket.
While others were beating the bush
in different directions, ] resolved TO 20
on a still-hunt of my own. | had infor-
nation that Warwick had a set of
associates in a place about hundred
miles away, with whom, it was not un-
I likely, he had sought and founda a hiding
place. At any rate, it could do no harm
10 make reconnaissance in the neigh
borhood
] took the next train with a view to
carrying out my plan. Securing q seat
. ltANb4 tAA'AN lft biI,Nl NaAlbAis L
glancing over the morning paper and my
iellow-passengers. had no particular
expectation Of finding any one answer
ing to Merwicks description among them
still il was well enough for one in my
place to keep his eyes open.
II was not long, however, till my occu-
patton was interrupted. A plain-looking
1 cOuntryman, entering from a forward ear,
I 4. ,...,g,9,.l A..
share my seat. He proved one of those
irrepressibly sociable fellows who will
make your acquaintance in spite of
you.
He told me his name without waiting
TO be asked--it was Seth Virgins, he
said-and straightway inquired what
mine migst be. | didn't care to tell him
| was detective Tyke, so merely answer
ed:
"Smith."
"Du tellw returned Mr.. Virgins, look
ing as much surprised as if | had said
lleliogabalus. lie was evidently one of
those who think it proper to receive
whatever you may say with certain po-
lite ast)nishment
When Mr.. Virgins had exhausted
politics and the craps and given me a
census Of the his livestock, including
Mrs. Virgins and the young ones, he
broached the subject that was uppermost
in my mind-or would have been but
for his eternal clatter.
THAT was nation smart trick that
ERE MarWick played onto the.bank." he
remarked.
81 know very little about it," re-
Piled.
"No more do l." said Mr.. Virgins;
"only hearn he done 'em outer a mint
o money"
I've understood as much" ! answer
ed.
81 tell on, mister, you've got some
pcsky cute fells down to York rale
talented chaps as n countryman like me
haint no business buckin' agin. One on
em, t'other dav, got me TO bet five dollars
could tel which o three keards he'd a
picter onto it. lie laid 'em down in q
row-t'was in place he'd invited me
inter to hev a social Tom and Jerry-and
then turned to chin with the barkeeper
while | was studyin' which keard to
pick.
"Tve got you now thinks |, turnin'
up the middle keard, which sure enough
it had the picter onto it. I was poorly
sartin of it afore for the man'd handled
the keards so awkardly at | could see
there faces e'enamostas easy as the backs;
but thought I'd Jest make sure, an havin'
done so. put the keard back 'ithout
lettin' on.
"'Air you readyT sez he, turnin'
round.
"Hit,s-hits themiddle one-I guess,
sez |, speaallin' doubtful ike; for didn't
want to seem too sure least he'd sus-
picion me of hcavin' looked.
"'No 'taint,' sez he, turning it up
which 'twere as blank as that ere prize
! drawed once into the Gultrap loterary.
"'How's it doncP sez l. feelin' poorly
streaked as he pocketed my money.
"Tve got patent onto it, sez he, but
| wouldn't mind sellin' you a country
right for another "
81 told him ] was much obleeged, but
didn't think it 'ud do for a stiddy busi-
ness in the country"
was glad when Mr.. Virgins gave me
gush ng good-day at the next stopping
place, and left the train.
Another hour brought us to a place
where zen Minutes were allowed for re-
freshmenis. We had hardly stopped
when boy came hurrying through
the ear inquiring if Mr.. Tyke was
aboard
That's my name answered.
Here's a telegram for YOU
tore it open, as the boy hurried into
the next ear as If to deliver another
message. Mine was this:
"Marwick is on the train with you,
and will get of at -. He wears a
souch hat and gray coat, is thick-set and
handy legged, and has slight stoop in
the shoulders; also earliest black leather
satchel. Arrest him on sight. BEAKEs."
/ busted ont, and the very first per-
son encountered tailed so exactly with
the description in the telegram as to
leave no doubt had found my man.
lie made no attempt to flee, but ad-
vanced boldly, looking me directly in
the face
You're my prisoner" l said, abruptly
seizing his collar.
That's what call cheeky" he replied
pulling Loose, and tackling me; adding
rather think you're my prisoner!"
A vigorous scuille ensued. For a time
neither of us went further than trying to
keep his hold on the other. But my op.
ponent lost his temper at last, and plant.
ed blow of his right fist directly over
my righteye. "countered" on his nose
tapping the claret" freely. Both called
on the bystanders for assistance; but they
only formed a ring and cxhoEted Us tt
i"eo III"