The National tribune., 1891-12-17

auaiut myself with current events. The reRd-
ing-room was on the ground floor, the windows
overlooking the street upon which the MOTEL
frOnted.
One morning while thus engaged my atten-
ton was diverted by the savage onslaught OF
one man upon another directly under the
window near which j was reading. What i
heard was q blow, followed by an oath aud an
exclamation the former of which attributed
20 the assailant, aud the latter 10 The party at
tackled. Springing 10 the window, ! was Just
in time to witness a second blow, which, dealth
with better effect, brought the latter 10 the
ground, bleeding and insensible-
To the Office OF the hotel were number OF
people by some OF whom the attack had been
witnessed yet strange as 10 may appear no
one iuterlcred, and save myself, no one ap.
peared 10 be surprised. IL was said that acts OF
this kind were at that time OF such frequent
occurrence ia the community. as 10 excite no
wonder among the actual residents. But /, IN
accustomed 20 such fragrant outrages, cast aside
the paper was reading, and ran 10 the asslsJ-
Rnce of the fallen man.
Both were strangers to me, but my sympa-
thes were instantly aroused IN favor OF the
PARTY attacked. IN dress and otherwise he was
a gentleman while the Other judged by the
same standard, was reckless rUfiian. IL may
be that ]. in this instance, as men do more ire
Quently than they would have supposed, based
my Judgment upon personal appearance.
AS approached, the assaulter leaned over
the PROSTATE man and tore aside his shirt
bosom until his flesh was exposed. IL occurred
10 me that he was about 90 finish his victim
with a poinard. But instead he snatched
from his naked breast a miniature, encased in
gold and suspended from his neck by slender
gold chain. A glimpse at the picture as the
rObber thrust il into his pocket revealed the
face Of beastifu woman.
/ tried 10 prevent the robbery, but quick as
Al. "a aNsnA
his purpose before reached the middle OF the
pavement al the outer edge Of which lay his
helpless victim.
He snapped the chain and eluded my grasp
at the same moment aud, having possessed him
self of the miniature, walked away at rapid
pace bat not as though be feared pursuit. His
course was down the street. toward the steam-
boat-landing.
At that moment half dozen soldiers, de-
tailed as a guard over some commissary stores,
were passing through the street, on their way
90 the wharf boat. j called 20 the Corporal in
charge, and directed him to arrest the man
with the miniature.
" Dead or aliye3" inquired the Corporal.
"Yes,n ] replied.
I made this answer in the belief that the fu-
Pitive who was nearer the Corporal and could
hear what passed between us, would immedi-
ately surrender himself, the soldiers being
armed. But in this ] was mistaken, for he con-
tinued 20 retreat without increasing bis pace or
in any way eyiHcing fear, until he reached the
cross street. Here, however, he turned sud
denly round the corner, toward the river, and
disappeared.
Double quick" cried the Corporal.
Ia twiukIing all the soldiers were ia hot
pursuit, bal when they reached the corner il
was evident that the fugitive was much swifter
of foot than any Of his pursueTs.
" Dead or alive /" cried the Corporal.
A. ~ a. - =
course toward the wharf-boat, and as this was
the destination Of the soldiers they slaekened
their speed. confident OF his capture.
On reaching the boat the Corporal placed two
OF bis men at the gangway, 10 prevent anyone
leaving without his knowledge and permission
With the others he went in search OF the fugi
tive.
Alongside OF the Wharf-bo were two steam
ers-a st. Louis packet and a White River mail,
boat Both Of these were carefully and thor,
Oughy searched, but the fugitive was nowhere
discovered
The Corporal had no authority 10 detaiu
these vessels and before be could communicate
with headquarters both had taken their de-
parture.
While the Corporal was pursuing the fugi
tive, the people In the Office Of The hotel had
gathered about the PROSTATE man, who was sti
bleeding and inseusible; bat no one offered Il
do anything Tor his relief or assistance have
observed that Ia sections OF the country where
personal yiDeucc Is common the people arr
slow TO interfere in any conflict where one oil
the parties BE- not friend or acquaintance. In
this case both were strangers
Not accustomed 10 such inhnmanity, i had
the injured man carried into the hotel and pro
Eided with a suitable apartment he was still
insensiblc and remained in this condition unit
after the ARR val OF DIR. DillinPwOrth. But will
the help Of restoratiyes he soon regained con
seriousness.
Bic injuries though not fatal, were CHASTITY
for they were bleeding wounds. One, the les
SET, was in the temple, caused by the secont
blow Of tie assailant the other was in the head
which in falling had come in contact with th
curbRt0ue
Oh the physician he inquired the character o
These wounds and on being assured that the,
were not dangerous, quietly submitted 10 hi
Festment until silence and sleep were en-
Joined.
81 would not have you think me wilful," b
remarked "a bat ] must know now receive
my Injuries. Until i do, sleep Is impossibl
without exhaustion
50 decided was be. that Dnlingworth beck
oned me to the bedside, and allowed him 10 b
informed
Nou were knocked down" I remarked.
Yea said he. but IN what wayf i ga,
no danger Was IL an accidentY"
NO, j replied. IL was done by a ma
who approached you unObsorved."
An. Tic mistOok me for another"
] do not think so"
For moment he regarded me with a donb
fni expression, and then resumed but
seemed 10 me that his su bsequent question
were put with caution, IL not apprehension.
What became Of my GSsailantgn
He escaped"
What manner Of man was hefn
The interrogation was himself man Of M
heeable appearance-tal straight and slender
with brown hairand eyes, regular and handsou
features elegant and fashionable Rarb and no
iEhed manners. The other was very uniil
him In Hi these particulars
lie was 40 yoaH OF age at least answere
OF stern, almost savage c0untenanca mcdiu
hight and broad shoulders, soyenly dress an
rufbEniy appearance"
common robber," be remarked
Tobber. but not common one.p I ?
piled. Again, for moment he regarded n
with doubtful expression.
An F" he thea said you think him vel
bolo 70 attack man at such an hour IN muc
neQucnted thOr0uFhiare ~
Very bold he certainly was" said r /" i
bis motive was not that OF a common robbef
lie unused moment and then said. :" y,
speak la fiddlesf"
In reply ] asked il he bad lost ans thiug fro
HE person.
had r watch and wallet" he rematke
glancing "a his outer clothing which bad be,
removed when he was laid on the bed
They are SAT-" said But had he he,