Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1891-03-12

i The rain which had beaten down upon
the paper had almost obliterated the
writing, but il was still family visible
1 turned my eyes upon il and proceed
ed to deeipDer the almost faded charac-
terS
The task was dihicult, but presently I
saw that the writing was an address,
and the name Of the street was Dudley.
When had become satisfied with this
turned all my powers upon the num-
Der.
AT first I made it out to be 95.
Then saw there had been another
figure in front, whether two or three
could not say.
1t was plain; however, that I had come
exceedingly close 70 the truth:
Delighted with my success thus far, I
now set out TO find the street 1t was
not one OF much Importance, but soon
came upon it, and in short time passed
in front of No. POS.
Although not appearing to do so, I
surveyed the building.
1t was a understanding house, and I
could see nothing in its external appear
ance to indicate that there was any con-
nection between its inmates and men of
burglarious stamp.
Indeed, so quiet did it seem that even
experienced feeling of disappointment
concerning the probable outcome of my
| quest.
I remembered, however, that very
/ often the most daring OF thieves were
the most cunning. They did not asso-
ciate with men Of their class, but were
select
Perhaps this man Theodore, having
once been a gentleman, persisted in car
/ rying his old surroundings into his new
business. He must live after a certain
style, and have at least the comforts of
civilization around him, even if his trade
was now that Of a common house
breaker.
Somehow this thought gave me conf
dence once more.
began to feel that looks were not
everything in this world, and when had
gone some little distance down the street
1 turned to look back.
Ali A man was coming out of the
very house which I had been watching.
He came toward me at quite a rapid pace.
To my intense surprise and delight
saw the object of my search before me.
There could be no mistake-I was
looking upon Theodore Parker-the man
who had climbed the vines leading up to
the window, and who was in the cham
Der Of DR.. Seabury on the night of the
murder.
the GOODNESS I could command, I resolved
to act my part with discretion.
As I walked on the man rapidly over
took me- I waited until he had come up
alongside; then turned.
~HOw do you do, TheOdore?" I said.
He came TO a sudden halt, and seemed
very much astonished, yet I could see
that my shot had gone home.
"YOu have the advantage of me, sir, 4"
/ he Fnnlfnn nOInlVr fnrnnrfnur hand
@YOu admit that you are Theodore
Parker?"
%Why should deny it?"
"Then I wish TO have a private con-
versation with you"
Il do not know why should grant it,
| sir. You are a stranger TO me"
THAT is true. Allow me TO Introduce
myself, and handed him my card.
@Dr. Burton" he read.
SAT your service"
swell, sir, will you be so good as to in
form me why I should grant you an in
terview? I am no wiser than before
a come from Leonore."
The shot told. I could see the color 20
and come. His white teeth became
tightly clenched, as though ne were de-
! termined not to give way to any emotion,
yet the mention of that name had
knocked his reserve away, and left the
past open to assault
knew that my name had been my
passport into his favor. He looked al
me again, for I had assumed new i'm
portance in his eyes.
~You have seen LeOnore?" he asked,
huskily.
GYes.n
@And she sent you to me?1
could hardly say that, and yet he
must be led TO believe something this
way.
~YOu see I am here"
~FOr What?"
@As said before, I seek to have an
interview with you VIII you go with
me to some quiet restaurant where we
can talk without being overheard"
~Why not go back to my rOOm?"
THAT would do, only do not know
who else you have in the house"
His lip eurled as though he believed ]
was actually afraid, when my inquiry
was directed merely through a desire for
| secrecy.
There is only an old widow lady in the
house. I have a room there. She is deaf
as an adder and can hear nothing"
ave could not find a better place.
will go back with you, Mr.. Parker"
As turned and walked away with him
my heart beat high. At last could see
fair prospect Of reaching the end ]
| lldQ III Wow
Theodore Parker would be obliged Ia
confess what he knew of the murder, fol
meant to pin him down with questions
that he could not evade.
He opened the door with a night-key
/ and led the way along hall; at the enc
was door which he opened.
now found myself in a coy room
| comfortably furnished.
Theodore mOtioned toward a chair.
snake yourself comfortable, sir. "
When 1 sat down, 1 managed it so thai
the light from the window should BE-
upon the face Of my vis-a-vis, while my
own was in shadow.
His hand was trembling, and 1 could
see that he awaited my speaking with q
| great deal of subdued excitement.
a great question was before me.
| looked at his left hand, and saw that the
upper half of his forefnger was gone.
This was positive proof in one way.
To all appearances the crime now lay
between LeOnOre and Theodore Whicl
/ could believe the guilty party?
Already in my mind I had acquitted
the girl; hence, this man must be the ont
whose frenzied hate had buried the blad'
| in the heart of the old Doctor
To beard a murderer in his den is n,
play. 1t must not be supposed that
had come here unprepared for an emer
gency.
Safely hidden in my pocket was a reli
able revolver. knew how 10 use it, too
] and more than once in my researches in
the Holy Land and in the old countries
Of Europe I had found it faithful anC
/ efficient friend.
I could reach it with one quick move
ment should the occasion demand suel
| action on my part.
Theodore waited for me to speak. o.