The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1897-01-22


course found the sergeant at the desk
engaged in writing and stood so long
waiting for his presence to be noticed,
watching the motion of the pen, that he
began to feel it mesmerizing him. But
no discourtesy to him was intended.
The sergeant was writing; that was all.
Eventually the indefatigable caligra-
phist suspended his task, or training,
long enough to look up and say interroga-
lively:
"Well?''
"Iwould like to get some information
about the arrest of young man who is,
I understand, locked up here, Mr.. Ches-
ter Sewall."
At the mention Of that name the SER
geant seemed to wake to q new interest
in life.
"Ah, yes" he responded promptly.
"What do you want to know about
him?"
Primarily, is he in custody here?"
The sergeant seemed to reflect mo-
ment; then, exclaiming, "Ill inquire;
wait a moment until see the inspect
Or" darted into an adjoining room.
After minutes absence he returned
and ushered the inquirer into that room,
the private office of the famous head Of
the detective force. Mr. Latham looked
with interest at the inspector, whom he
had never before met, so far as he knew,
but Of whom he had heard great deal.
He saw before him large, powerfully
built man in the prime of life, with
kindly but resolute face and q suave,
engaging demeanor.
Eyes" said the inspector, speaking
in voice that struck his visitor as be-
ing singularly resonant and mellow, 1--WE
have Chester Sewall in cell down be-
low. What is your interest in making
the inquiry"
"That of friend. We occupy dd-
joining rooms. have been pway from
the city on business, and upon my re-
turn home this morning received a note
informing me of his arrest, but afford
ing no particulars as to its cause"
While speaking he presented his pri-
vate card to the inspector, who Upon
glancing at it asked:
"Of the firm Of Gaunett, Stryker e.
Latham?"
Eyes. You know the firm"
"Only by reputation. 1t affords me
pleasure to meet one of its members. 4"
Thanks! But about my friend?"
"You speak of him as your friend
May ask how long you have known
him?"
''Ever since 1 can remember. We
were boys together. lost sight of him
little while he was going to college,
but since his coming to New York in
November last our association has been
intimate. But you don't tell me ON
what charge he is held.
"He tried to swindle the keeper Of a
cheap Bowery restaurant out of the
price Of meal and created a disturb
ance when the man objected to being
swindled.
GOOD heavensl You horrify mel 1
knew that Chef had not been altogether
successful in some of his Speculative
ventures, but had no idea he was in SO
desperate condition. Destitute Of the
means to purchase foodl Why, it is l1or-
riblel He certainly had no intention of
swindling the man. He could not have
had. The thing is impossible, assure
you. He might have wanted credit and
could safely have been trusted, for he
was sure of having means to pay as
soon as got home. All he would have
had to do would have been to ask me
The restaurant keeper would have lost
nothing by him. Why, more honest
hearted fellow than Chef Sewall doesn't
live"
The inspector listened with an in
dulgent but sardonic smile to this hon.
est outflow of friendship and manly
sympathy. When it ended, he coolly re-
marked:
GA bundle of pawn tickets was found
in his possession when he was arrested,
and the articles represented by them
have been reclaimed from the pawn
brokers and brought here for identifica-
ton by the owners if possible. "
"Why, good God, man, you surely
don't suspect poor Chef of being a
thief?''
cts hard to tell who won't steal
when he is hungry" replied the in
spector cynically, o"ening drawer in