The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1893-07-18

away, which was not likely, because
of his certainty that this was a mistake
which could easily be cleared up. The
other two alleged policemen could then
search the house under the protection
OF a bogus search warrant, and quietly
secrete all the valuables and money
that they could lay their hands on.
The inspector then intended to tell Mr..
Slider that, because of his protests, he
would not take him to jail but that he
must understand that he was under
arrest, and that he might have to re-
port to the head officer when called
upon to do 90. Billy imagined that the
time which must intervene before the
news of the unwarranted arrest
reached the real police would give him
all the opportunity he wanted to cover
his tracks and secrete his spoil.
This plan worked admirably up to a
certain point, when Billy and his pals
were treated to a Supplying surprise.
The man at the porter's lodge tremb-
lingly admitted the officers Of the law
into the grounds. He was then ordered
to lock the gates, which he did, and one
of the policemen took the key and re-
manned in the porter's lodge with the
man and his wife, who were certainly
very much frightened. Another police
man was left to guard the entrance of
the house, while the bogus inspector
and the remaining policemen rang at
the front door. The person who ad-
mitted them was also terrified at the
sight of their uniforms.
Billy asked if MI. Slider was at home,
and was informed that he was in the
drawing room. He then asked that he
and the officers might be shown there
without being announced.
Mr.. Slider was sitting in an easy
chair surrounded by his family. He
turned his head round, and when the
door opened without the customary
knock, and when he saw the uniform
of the inspector a CHASTITY pallor came
over his face. Before the inspector
could speak, he held out his hand and
said:
lone moment, please" Then turn
ing to his wife, he remarked to her in
a low voice, "Take the children to your
own room, and stay there till 1 come,
1 have some business with this gentle
man. Don't be alarmed. Everything
is all right. I had an appointment with
him, but forgot to mention it to you"
The pale woman and her frightened
children withdrew, and Slider stood
alone confronting Billy and his two
pals.
81 am sorry to say" began Billy,
that I have here a warrant for your
arrest. All the entrances are guarded,
and, Of course, you understand the
futility of making any resistance"
quite so; quite So" said Slider,
huskily. II appreciate all that"
81 have also a search warrant here;
and, while 1 stay with you, my men
must have q look over the premises.
Do you wish me to read the warrants
to yOu2'
1T is. not at all necessary" said
Slider, in an agitated voice. II have
no doubt they are quite correct. AS
for searching. I have no power to pre-
vent that; but, before you begin, I
would like to make a proposal to you,
inspector. You look like a shrewd man.
How many policemen have you with
you9"
81 have four" answered Billy.
There r five of you altogether,
thenG"
Exactly"
"Now, Inspector" 1 am a man of
business, and, as you know, a man of
great wealth. 1 would like to have a
few words with you in private. Would
you kindly ask these officers to step out
of the room for a moment?"
'That is hardly regular" objected
the Inspector.
81 know, I know" answered the
banker, hurriedly; but I think I can
make it worth your while to do what I
ask"
Rogers" said the Inspector to the
policeman beside him, ''you and Ben
ham just step out for a moment into
the hall and come at once if you hear
me call"
Rogers and Benham saluted and
withdrew without a word. When the
door was closed Billy stood with his
back against it and Slider remained
standing near the fire.
eff I had happened" said Slider,