Waterbury evening Democrat., 1891-11-09
The Man With Thumb.
BY w. c. HUDSON.
(Barclay North.)

(Barclay North.) it. On the floor this larger slip. You can imagine my ahnazement on finding my fathers portrait and the ring had so often as a boy seen on my fathers finger Hardly knowing what was do- ing, placed all in my pocket when l knew the police were about to enter. This is what was really concealing."
 MT. Nettleman looked with astonish- ment on the young man, almost helpless in surprise.
 "A rather serious thing to do," said the ex-detective, "but I think l would have done the same thing had been in your place.
 "I have no regrets now," replied Dori. son. But am puzzled to know how they got there, and what connection there could have been between that girl and my father"
 The ex-detective got up, and placing his hand in his vest pockets, walked up and down the room in a deep study, the others watching him as he walked.
 After time he said to Dorison:
 "You want to find out the mystery of that unfinished letter, and to prove that the charges under which you have rested for eight years are unfounded?
 q do, most earnestly"
 ''I earnestly want to find out who com mitted that murder. l am impressed with the idea that in the discovery of the one will be found the revelation of the other. Well, then, let us join our forces and work-give ourselves up to it and do nothing else"
 "There is an obstacle so far as am concerned" said Dorison. | "What?
 Il am without funds. 1 work for my living, and must return to Dubuque to my position"
 "There is none, cried Nettleman. q have plenty, and"-
 The young man interrupted the i'm petuous proifer with an indignant ges- ture, saying:
 "I am not an object of charity"
 Will you take employment from me-" asked Cathcart calmly. Perceiving the young man to hesitate, he added: 1.-The pay will be one hundred and seventy-five dollars Q month and xpenses-employ- ment to continue until the murder of last night is ferreted out"
 The young mans blood flushed into his face and he inclined a glance full of wonder upon the one making to him so singular proposition.
 "I mean it" added Cathcart T had determined to enter upon the case of the murder before came here, and foresee I shall need just such a man as you are. It will be hard work, and you will find me hard taskmaster. offer you small wages because there is the additional in- centive in the possibility of the discovery of the secret tat worries you. Come, is it bargain
 "Where is your proft?" asked Dorison.
 "That is my affair."" sharply replied Cathcart, and seeing Dorison's face darken, he added, "There is plenty of profit for me, but am not going to tell how or how much"
 ''I will accept the employment" said Dorison
 "I do not see why am pushed aside, said Nettleman responsibility. "Doyou think l have no interest in this matteri am comparatively rich, young man, and what am owe to the aid your ia ther gave me over many years That mystery which has clouded his name has been a sorrow to me these many years and I've wanted to clear d up without seeing my way clear to beginning until now. can do but little more than con tribute to the expenses of this search"
 "We will arrange that matter between us," said Cathcart before Dorison could interpose word Then turning to tht young man he said: "Do you now gt straight to your hotel and stay there , until call upon you. Before you begir work must find some means to get tha shadow off your track"
 With this he hurried off, leaving Dori son and Nettleman together, astonishet at his abrupt departure.