The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1891-10-11
THE MAN WITH A THUMB.

~~
BE TURNED TO GO OUT WHEN he SAW THE
MAN WITH THE THUMB ENTER THE DOOR.
Lost in gloomy thought he wandered on,
caring little whittier he went. He reached
Third avenue without knowing why he had
walked in that direction.
Near the corner an elderly man, with
long HAIR and beard, had erected trail,
low platform which he had lit up with oil
lamps. He was an itinerant phrenologist,
and was holding forth in long words and
eXecrsble grammar upon the marvellous
head of street gamin he had persuaded to
submit to examination. Over his head was
q placaro, "a man is what he makes him
self.'
Dorison did not ask what pertinency the
aphorism might have to the old mans &C.
cupation, but applying it TO himself laughed
bitterly, and asked aloud: us that so?
What am l but the football of chance-a
chip on the rushing waters of life can
neither resist nor control"
He stopped idly to listen to the street
fakir as be gulled his auditors, standing on
the outer edge of the circle IN shadow.
firing of listening, he turned to go, when
his attention was attracted by figure
which seemed familiar. A glance sufficed
to show that it was the young man he had
encountered at the time of the accident to
Miss EusJace, who was so insoleut. Per-
ceiving that he WIS not observed by the
young man, he determined to remain where
he was, rather than encounter for second
time the one who had filed him with such
repugnance.
The young man, dressed as he was in the
afternoon, lounged under the shadow of g
covered entrance to the rear of the corner
saloon. As Dorlson watched him man.
sharp eyed and alert in his bearing, taking
note Of everything about him, passed by.
Dorison heard a low, shrill whistle, and
thought he discovered an exchanges of sig
nails between the newcomer and the loung-
er, but so rapid and Insignificant were
they that, perceiving no change in the at
titude of the young man, and seeing the
other one pass on, he concluded he was
mistaken.
A moment later the sharp eyed man re-
turned, passing close to the lounger in the
shadow, and this time Dorison saw plainly
that folded paper was transferred from
the lounger to the passer-by, who went on q
little distance and then sauntered back.
AS he passed the lounger he said, without
burning his headi
"Whenp
Tonight" replied the lounger.
The sharp eyed man joined the circle OF
those listening to the phrenologist, listened
moment, and then stepping back, said:
'What hourf'
Between twelve and one," came the
answer from the lounger.
The alert man again joined the circle, and
again listening moment stepped back anc
Dorison heard the further exchangei
'How manyn
Three
With this the alert young man walked of
rapidly toward the corner and disappeared
THE lounger emerged from his shadow anC
went off in the direction Of Broadway.
Mysterious" muttered Dorison. Now
what can that meant If were Cathcart
presume would construct the theory of
great crime or huge conspiracy"
He came out of the dark corner.
young woman was coming down the stree
Intent upon her own thoughts, humming
tune. AS she came opposite the entrance
TO the saloon referred to as the one unde
the shadow of the cover OF which the anti
patty of Dorison was Longing, the doc
was flung open and loudly dressed man
partially intoxicated, came out
Seeing the young woman he cried out:
"Hello, Bess, old gal"
$50 way" she replied, trying to evad
him.
But he reached forward and, catchin
her by the arm, tried roughly to pu
her to him, as he said, with tauntin
laugh:
give me kiss
LET me CO." cried the girl, struggling t
free herself. LET me go, you big loafel
or I'll call the police"
COR, Johnny the Grip, ehl Oh, no, 20
don't go until you give me kiss"
He bent over in an endeavor to carry GU
his threat when she dealt him smart blo'
upon his cheek with her open hand.
With an oath he made motion as II I
strike her, when q policeman, runnin
from the corner, cried out:
''None of that, nowm
Dorison, before whose eyes this scene hs
been enacted SO rapidly that he could M
interfere, supposed the cry of the polio
man WIS addressed to the ruffiap, but to b
surprise he saw him seize the girl.
''I've been looking for this. Now III tax
you in"
''pve done nothing" said the girl
alarm. "He insulted me for no reason"
''Oh, yes! OF course That's likely,
cried the officer, scornfully.
"Oficer." interposed Dorison, ''you wi
do an act of injustice if you arrest tn
young woman. l was witness OF Il
whole thing"
do you know this womanw
mo, l don't; but 1 know she was not
blame in this matter"
''Well, l do" persisted the officer.
whether you do or not" replied Dor
son. ''you mustn't arrest her for anythir
she's done to night If you commit SUI
an outrage Phi make trouble for you."
'Are you pail of hers"
.l'm a pal Of nobody" said Dorist
with dignity.
apo YOU Know what she is!n asked Il
officer with a sneer.
mo. and l don't ask. But do know 81
was passing along the street quietly wht
this ruffian came out OF that door, al
Selling her tried to kiss her, an indlgnl
she very properly resented. You must n
arrest her; if you do. Will make COZ
plant against you where 1t Will troun
YOU. II you must arrest anyone arrest Z
rascal who molested her,"
Impressed by Dorison's stern name
the officer looked for the offender q
nounced and to the surprise of all he ri
disappeared.
"He's had some reason for sliding out
sala the officer to himself. Then turnil
TO the girl ne said:
you're in luck tonight in havin' tt
swell at your back. You look out thong
I'm watchin' you"
The girl, who had not spoken word du
ing the passage between the officer a
Dorison, now turned to the latter and sal
II am obliged to you for your kindnei
sir. You've got me out OF bad SCRAP
Eir."
The policeman had gone back to the CO
per. The girl, watching him, laid her ha
upon the arm of Dorison to detain him.
"Iim not what that man wants to ma
ne out I've got man l am as much m,
ried to as if the priest had said the wor,
That mantle policeman-nas been folio
Ing me for year, and he's got II in for
because l told him to go ABOUT is busine