The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-12-26
A DETECTIVES STORY.
Few the Finding of Visiting Card Led
to an Important Arrest


to an Important Arrest
Two men sat in a secluded corner Of
the Ebbitt House lobby and enjoyed a
quiet chat over their after dinner cigars
That was not remarkable fact, but one
of the men Is one Of the best known
members in his profession, and if he
were inclined TO tell q hist---- g. IS in
teresting experience it would FL vol
uInes. The smooth shaven gentleman
with the quiet demeanor is one OF the
keenest OF criminal catchers, G.. NJ.
Fletcher, OF Chicago. Mr.. Fletcher re-
lated what he calls the strangest and
luckiest piece Of trailing in his life, and
the end of the trail was in Washington,
although" says Mr.. Fletcher, 1T was
only luck on my part that it did"
Fifteen years ago wealthy old farmer
named Wilson was found murdered just
outside his house, near Evanston, III.
The old man had that day concluded the
sale Of a piece Of property, and was re-
turning with nearly g., 900 in his pocket,
as it was growing dark, the cash having
been paid over after banking hours in
Evanston, and Wilson incautiously al
lowed the remark to drop that he wished
he had not made the sale until next
day.
He did not like the idea Of carrying 80
much wealth TO his home, i've miles dis
tant. These facts, besides the murder
itself, and the knowledge that nctori-
GUS gambler named Edmondson had
overheard the speech, were all the clue
offered the detectives, who were set to
work on the case with reward Of g 900,
held out as an inducement for running
down the murderer or murderers
Months passed, but no further trace OF
the gambler who was suspected could be
found anywhere.
During the early spring OF 1877 Fletcher
was sent east On mission by the agency
Of which he is member, and in the
course Of his trip concluded 70 spend q
day or twoin Washington before return
ing to the Lake City. While passing up
Pennsylvania avenue. near Sixth street,
with friend. his attention was attracted
to small visiting card, which, after the
manner Of his profession, be picked up
and examined.
Il wasn't thinking OF business Just
then" said Mr. Fletcher. "but / suppose
instinct led me to do as did, and what
do You suppose tina. pasteooard con
tainedf The autograph Of the very man
had been looking for for months. OF
course the signature was not familiar 70
me, but the first thought 10 suggsst it
self was, 'Hew cid the card get there
and could answer It only one way
Edmondson had dropped is--bus how did
be happen TO retain the same name II hs
was guilty, unless he did not fear detec-
ton!
Well, 70 cut long story short, de-
ternined 10 stay IN Washington awhile
and see what could be seen. found
out the most notaols houses where q
gambler q kis type would be likely 10
hold forth. and after ten dag shadow
ing found aim ia an old frame horse
on Four-and- Half street Edmond
son came win TRe without requlsition.
and made 70 fight. In fact, hs was
tired Of lezding . hunted life and cor
fessed the cTiEs. he sid Re always
had an idss that the visiting card would
prove his doom. bas somehow or ether
ne cousd lot destroy y. and knew q.
once when Re rnlesed II from kls o&ss
that u wez.d ~ clew. fer he h~d
been trzve,s-g us.5 Ser su zse-1usd name
zzce TIRE naur3sr. Ths card was tie
last hnk u MS former hfe
''EdDoudeoa Tas hanged a fer months .
later, aid shss en1a1 re ulos: cgrssus
episode IN r1v twenty-five year, erps-
reuce ~ detective - " asa nzton +
Pct