The Warner sun. (Warner, Brown Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1885-1???, 1886-06-25

of st. Peters had just gung out the
hour OF one. | had decided, what
ever might be the consequences to my
unknown vislter, to 90 home and
sleep over the matter and then report
the circumstances to the inspector, so
as to receive his sanction to the step
before putting plans into execution.
With this resolution strong upon me,
i started upon my journey home.
My way lay in the direction of Green
gate, and several times ere / reached
Blackfriars Bridge saw the vision of
that white face, with it's look of un-
utterable terror fixed immovably
upon me.
Late in the forenoon of the same
day returned to the Office and duly
reported my experience of the previous
night.
"This looks like a serious job for
you, Lomax," said Inspector Jones,
as soon as / had finished my report.
"Just turn to the album there and
look at S and L for portrait of
Springer or 'Saxley, or 'Thorndyke.
He has done seven years, but has not
accounted for himself for long time
past. Is that it? All, goodl Take
it with you, and if you get chance of
comparing it with the original, and
find they agree, nab him, that's all.
Would you like Schofeld with your"
NO" answered.
"Well, in any case, be quite prepar-
ed to face rough work, for ifyour man
should turn out to be the one / sus-
pect, look sharp, / advise you"
After these and other timely hints, /
retired to the wardrobe adjoining
Jones room. / went in a clean-shaven
good-looking man of 27, and in half
an hour afterward came out again in
the character of middle aged wom-
an, dressed in a rather seedy suit of
black.
/ had on a faded dress of cashmere,
long circular cloak of the same ma
terial, and a matronly-looking bon
net, from beneath which hung longish
locks OF iron-gray hair, while thick
veil dropping down in front completed
the transformation. / must not for
get to mention, though, that | took
with me small wallet ofpins, needles
and tape, under the pretext of having
these for sale. My get-up was perfect.
! looked to all the world like one who
had seen better days, but was reduced
now to state of genteel poverty
1t was close upon o'clock in the
afternoon when | sailed out of Albert
street, and a drizzling rain was max
ing matters most uncheerful. | had
no difficulty in finding Tomson's s court.
Et was situated in Little Peter street,
and in that direction turned my
footsteps. must confess my mind
was not without some misgivings as
to the successful accomplishment of
my plans. Still, had before played
two or three gold games as detective
with considerable credit; and why
should fail in this?
Proceeding along the dark and mar
row yard Of Tomson's Court, motto
ed knot of unkempt women, ofmost
repulsive appearance, standing talk
ing together, and by their earnest de-
meanor knew they had some serious
business in hand. Sudden as thought
my wallet was out, and stood before
them cringingly, reseeching them to
buy my wares. But On course it was
all to no purpose. neither sold any
thing nor heard word that would
give the faintest clew. Watching my
opportunity, got away from them,
and passed into No. l3unseen by any
one. The room was situated at the
end ofa long, dark, and winding lobby,
and the stencil that met me was al
most overpowering. Ipaused mo-
ment listening, but not a sound did
hear. Then i knocked at the door,
very feebly at first, then louder and
louder, and yet there came no response
to me.
Surely am the victim Of hoaxl"
/ thought to myself. saThe room is
evidently tenantless."
STOPPING down, peered through the
keyhole, and by the very dim light
that shone within saw what thought
was chair upset. knocked again,
so as to be certain there was no one
in the room, and still received no an
swer. My curiosity was now aroused.
/ took from my pocket a small bunch
of skeleton keys--I never went out
without them--and noiselessly opened
the door. Assoon as entered stood
aghast at the sight that met my eyes.
In one corner of the room, stretched
upon heap OF straw, / saw the form
of d woman, half-naked and motion
less, with her eyes closed, as ifin death.
/ staggered toward her, turned her
face to thelight, and, merciful heavens,
recognized in her the mysterious mid
night visitor whose wild look had so
possessed me. ! turned her head
more to the light, and was horzlfied
to see thin stream of blood
oozing from her snow white
brow down upon the face and
hands of little babe that nestled to
her breast. / knelt beside them. and
placing my ear to the heart Of the
woman, found it was still beating. In
4 L L.