The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1897-08-09
HERE AND THERE.

SNSlS VoMH uH tHpTyO 'Olu SleulNt
Gap Collier" or mick Carter" He
Is not always youthful reader OF lur-
Id literature, neither, but a man who
refuses to let his light be hidden under
bushel, when duty calls. Duty call
ed for the lifting OF the veil of mys-
terry from the recent tragedy near
Moundsyille, the murder of the Mason
child. The world cried out for action,
and Its call was heard by mortals am
bilious to have their names emblazon-
ed upon the pinnacle OF fame,
Down in lowly McMechen there
breathed the spirit of man who, to
hlpself had said; 1.-THE murderer? Ana!
l win have him in my grasp ere yon-
der sun goes down."
To himself he said 1t, but the multi
tude knew of It. Yea, the plebeians
heard 1t, and they winked each one OF
them the other eye For they had
heard this man boast In previous days
how he had answered an advertisement
for amateur detectives from some big
city in the west, and he had sent on the
fees, and TO him was given a bright
metallic badge, which he wore daily,
nigh his breast. while amid the heat
and glow of Riverside furnace. And
when there came the news OF the MUIR
der TO the hamlet known as Benwood.
Its natives thought of their detective.
and they smiled. They gathered at the
town hall, and from the forum thun-
1nraI Ia at ha
murderer, and Offering fabulous sums
to the hero bold whose hands would
seize him.
And the thoughts of the detective In
the rear of the assemblage ran on, his
vow: II will have him in my grasp ere
yonder sun goes down"
Then couriers from afar burst In
and sought the ears of the plebelans.
They had seen the murderer, stalking
towards the city of Sherrard. II haste
were used, he might yet be captured
while within the county lines Thus
stated they. No more was needed, The
doors swung behind the departing de-
tective.
All night long he Travelled the hills OF
Marshall county. Ever and anon he
saw n shadow ahead, the shadow of the
fleeing murderer,and he pursued It with
tireless tread. Dawn broke over the
hill-tops, dlspelllnS the shadow. Then
fatlgued and disappointed the great de-
tective retraced his steps. The sun was
high in the heavens mn the second day
when Benwood's spires hove In sight.
The multitude awaited his coming with
eagerness born of hope Weary and
footsore he llmped along the streets.
But he was alone. Had he not seen his
man? Had he no clue?
The great detective scorned their
questioning, Summonlng all his
strength he imperlously waved the rab-
BILE aside. A few had hurried to the
town hall to pull the bell in rejoicing
over the capture OF the child slayer, but
hearing of the frultless night mission,
they rang. instead. the telephone. Con-
nected with n sduire's office they asked
for the great detective He answered
the call.
rs that the detective?"
at Is" answered the great man
hunter.
This Is Marshal Steele. OF Mounds
Vile talking Business of Importance
demands your assistance Meet me i'm
mediately at the town hall"
Like a whlrlwlnd the great detective
went through the streets. His sleepless
eyes flashed with new energy, and pains
and aches were forgotten. But disap-
polntment greeted him The marshal
had Just gone down to Herr Deegan's
store, and left strict orders for him to
follow. Down the streets again equal
~ as fast as before, hurried the great
detective, and he rocked not Of the
laughter OF the children over his coat
tails flying In the breeze. Again fate
was against him. The marshal had sat
on Herr Deegan's sugar barrels in I'm
patience over the delay, and had start
ed for the town hall The detective
must have passed him on the street.
Sad to relate his return to the town
hall met with disappointment again.
The Waterman came down from the
tower to express his sorrow that the
Moundsvile marshal had crossed the
fields to the squirc's office, just as the
detective arrived. The Waterman had
hallooed and blown his trumpet, but
the marshal had not heard The great
detective should go over to the squlros
office to meet the marshal, who was
sure the murderer could be caught on
~ by the great detective.
His steps Jagged woefully ms he plod-
ded across the fields, and his heart felt
sore within him ut every step. There
flashed before him his peaceful home
and little ones, and he stopped mid way
as n to rebel. But no, he would find
the murderer. for the marshal could
give him the clue. Yea, he would 20 on
even though defeat arraycd It's strong
eat forces. The fabulous sums offered
as reward were to be his, and his name
would stand beside those of the indy
ing heroes Thus he thought until tho
sduIreA portals were crossed,
Just In time" the squire cried, "a
mcsBnge for you at the telephone,
Brace up. mani Don't look so weak
Hurry"
II vas not the detective who had gone
| forth from the town early In the prcced.
| ing day, that staggered up to the tclc-
| phone. HIS eyes were bloOdshpt, his
face dcathly pale hnggnrd Hines wcro
across hls brow, and limp was his form.
"HolloI" hc muttorod,
"lH that the dotocllyo2"
at H." Waa the Culnt answer,
"Wcll this IA Marshal StCclci I'm
very sorry couldn't md YOU to-day
I'm now In Gltndnlc hurry down as
fast M you can, ana wo'll bag our
man"
nut I'm nwfnl weak MIR Steele, ana
I haven't had bite to eat since yes
tcfd1y at noon"
tut tut, detective, Detectives on
| the trail never eat"
IAN right, slr," mcokly responded tho
great detective, Tor the mnrHhul's roe
mnfkr touched hl0 pride out from the