The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1882-02-18

ana next Time you might not go in at all.
We go accordin' TO circumstances. Cir
cumstances often knock all plans on the
head"
| wanted to get them to talking on the
subject, and did not much care what
they said. as / calculated to put my
imagination at work and give in some
adventures which would be considered
tall" even by old professionals. L
learned from the men what articles con-
stituted a burglars exit" what they
cost, and some other facts of interest,
and thought / had secured about all
needed information, when Dave detained
me.
1--WE can give you some big things in
this line if you will go to little
trouble. We know where there's a
'cracky' lying low Just now, who can
talk to you all night, and he'll give you
some almighty big points,"
replied that l would 90 to considera-
BILE trouble to interview the man, and
asked how the meeting could be brought
about.
" Easiest thing in the world" he
continued. "Come back here at ten
o'clock tonight and Wen go with you.
Mind, now, If you go to blow on us
to the detectives you'll get yourself into
a mussr
was an innocent ass, eighteen years
old, and, though living in the city sew
eral years, had not sense enough to
warn me that the company of such men
after night was dangerous. 1t did not
strike me then as it did afterward that
the men were too willing to oblige me
in a matter of no interest to them, and
| agreed to return TO the saloon at ten
o'clock.
was free of duty after nine o'clock
that night, there being no meetings,
| lectures or outside business on the
diary. mentioned the fact of my en-
gagement to the city editor, and he
warned me that had better break it.
The men might have some designs
against me, or might lead me into
trouble. He said so much that l gave
up the idea, and slipped my revolver
from pocket to the table drawer.
Having an hour to while away before
bedtime, | set out for the theater. |
was not four blocks from the office,
when | ran against the two convicts.
They recognized me in moment, and
insisted that | should descend into a
basement saloon and take a glass or a
cigar. They anxiously inquired if l
intended to keep the appointment, and
appeared disappointed when informed
them that other engagements prevent
ed.
1t was only a step-only two or
three blocks" remarked Dave 1--WE
are both hard fellows, but we wouldn' t
never think of harming you. We were
just doing it to oblige."
The two talked SO much that l forgot
the words of the city editor, and at
length resolved to accompany them. i
proposed to use only an hours time,
but they said this was enough not only
to hear Cracks story, hut to exam
inc his exit of burglar and safe-blow-
ing tools. Blessed fool that l was, to
think that two burglars were to take me
to the hiding place of another, and give
me all their secrets, knowing that |
might elbow on them in half an hour
after! But | thought only of the item.
Already | could see long column
headed: Burglars and safe blowers.
How they work-startling revelations, y"
etc., and | cared only for the ITEM
We went to the saloon where | had
met them in the afternoon, and Dave
went out and left me talking with his
companion. 1t was almost eleven
o'clock before he came back, and then,
after making many excuses, he stated
that everything was all right and that
we should proceed at once.
was inclined to hang back now, as
the hour was so late, but l had not the
moral courage to back square out, and
passed up the street with them. / do
not know how far we walked. We
passed up one street, down another,
turned here and there, and finally got
lost. We got into quarter of the city
where | had never been more than to
ride through in carriage, | thought
it odd that we should look for a 'cracks-
man in the aristocratic quarter of the
city, but the men kept plying me with
questions in regard to my profession,
and had no opportunity to express my
doubts or surprise. .I
You We got your revolver, of
courseP" inquired Dave, as we passed
along.
mo, | left it at the Office replied.
but was next moment sorry that | had
admitted the fact, as | saw Dave give
his companion sly nudge with his ell
bow. New Orleans was not well polieed
in those days. One seldom saw a blue
coat off the business streets either day OF
night. Had we encountered one now.
should surely have left the burglars to
continue on alone, as l had become
nervous and afraid. But we did not
even meet any pedestrians. The night
was cold and chilly, and at that late
hour most of the citizens were in bed.
Here we are Now walk softly, and
keep your mouth shutr' whispered
! 10. .t....L I