Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1895-09-01
CHAPTER x.

Captain Curtin had been detailed to
work on the New York end of the case,
to look for clews. 1t seemed hopeless
task. He is warm friend of mine now,
after 90 years, and has long forgiven
me for the bullet lodged in him in
1878. A few years after arresting me in
the West Indies no went to San Fran
cisco and started private inquiry office
Of his own at 32S Montgomery street.
When, after 90 years. incarceration, 1 ar
rived there one lovely May day in 1892,
he was waiting for me Mt tho ferry and
gave me warm greetings, and as hearty
congratulations, too, as any man could
give another, then introduced me TO
his friends everywhere, and, in fact,
from the hour of my arrival until my
departure. three months afterward. was
never tired of doing me service and
forwarding my business, so that, by his
kind offices made great success out
Of what by reason Of the great financial
depression, might otherwise have proved
failure. But as Captain Curtin, after
effecting my arrest, having recovered
from his wound, was one Of the four
who took me to England, will wait
until later chapter to tell how it was
no discovered my namo and located mo
in Cuba.
There was not a single cloud on the
horizon in Havana, but it was soon to
blow hurricane. My wife had sent ont
invitations to dinner for Thursday to 90
friends. There was then steamer in
the harbor advertised to sail in two
days for Mexico, and had Thought of
going by her. Had we, this narrative
would never have been written.
AS invitations were out for Thursday
1 concluded to wait for SATURDAYS
steamer, but determined to sail on that
day without fail.
On the day Of our dinner / was
strongly tempted to give some hint to
my wife that l was in some way entan.
gled in web, but as she was so happy
could not do it, but resolved to wait
until wo were settled in Mexico, and
then to tell her little, but not all the
truth.
My wife, all unconscious Of tho
frightful calamity impending, entered
upon the last half day of happiness she
was to know for many long years. The
same statement would be true OF my
self. As the guests were arriving was
IN happy vein, and in the same happy
frame OF mind sat down TO dinner.
twenty happy mortnls, but not one di-
yined the termination Of that dinner
party, least of all the proud and happy
hostess, IL was great success. and nj
was drawing to close. The long
windows were open, while the warm
breeze from the nearby gulf was pour.
ing through the room The clock had
Just chimed tho quarter, whom there
came sudden rush Of feet over the va
randa and through the hall. An ewes
were fixed on the open door leading N
tho hall, when an eager, resolute faced
man, evidently an American. stenpod
with firm pace into the room, follow
cd by dozen civilians and soldiers
with quick glance over the companv
his eyes rested ON me, and comino A;
rect to my chair, while my guests stared
in amnzement, he bowed and said IN a
low voice; mr.. Bidwell, am sorry ~
disturb your dinner party or 10 anuo1,
you in any way, but am forced 10 toiI
you have . warrant in my pocket for
yonr arrest upon charge OF forger,.
upon the Bank of England. The war
rant is signed by tho captain general n,
Cuba. Everything is in due form md
You aremy prisoner am John Cnrtin
Of the Pinkerton force. " va
Every naa who enters the arena and
joins IN the struggle Of life has more s,' nr
fewer taScdowns in his history. Bnt
my wish Is that between this hour and
my last ! may have no more takcdowns
shall mover forget tie look on ,nvw IL, !.
face First she gazed at the int,pde-s
with indignation, then turned 10 r,a
with a look ot esger expectation AZ