The National tribune., 1897-07-15

and turning his back pretended to be ex-
amining the railroad timetables, while
closely watching the man from the corner of
his eye.
He saw him halt at his own name study
it carefully, and then covertly compare it
with slip of paper he drew from his vest
pocket. He seemed satisfied with the COM
parison, folded up the paper, returned it to
his pocket, and left the office without ask
ing any questions.
"Not detective" decided Ragabert
Probably clerk or other hanger-on around
Headquarters Sent here to inquire and
examine, because the others are TOO busy
elsewhere. Probably, then, this is the best
place to stay for awhile. They are think
ing of some other places more strongly.
And L must have little sleep. / shall
probably have need of all my strength and
freshest brains for day or two, and / must
take care of myself"
He walked to the counter. the other guest
approaching at the same time and picked
up the key of No. 245 instead of his own.
The other man picked up the key of 1873.
Front, show these gentlemen to their
rooms" called out the clerk.
Le'me see your keys, gemmun," said the
sleepy bell-boy. He conducted the other
man TO No. 1873, and Ragabert to No. 24S.
Charley" said Ragabert, as the boy
lighted the gas in the room, bring me
up n pitcher of ice-water, and leave a call
with the clerk to have awakened at $50"
On his way back, Kent passed Mechanics
Hall. He saw that it was brightly lighted.
He stopped the carriage and entered. 1t
was the regular meeting night of the Peoples
Cooperative Real Estate Association, and
F.,ll L
were much disturbed by the non-appearancs
of the President and Treasurer. Nor had
any note come from him explaining his
absence. They suddenly remembered that
they knew absolutely nothing about him,
farther than had been gained by his appear
ance at their meetings. Every body had
assumed that others were well acquainted
with him, knew where be lived, where he
did business, and so on. Now it developed
that no one did, and there was much sus-
picion, anger and Iecrimination. Secretary
Moreland was placed in very unhappy
position.
Kent took Moreland into an ante-room
with several Of the other leaders, and told
them briefly that there were strong reasons
for believing the so-called Rugenbrod to be
a very bad mana criminal in fact; that
measures were being taken for his apprehen-
sion, and that the best thing they could do
would be to adjourn and wait Developments
paying in no more money until they were
better advised. Secretary Moreland set
about returning the assessments they had
paid in that evening, and Kent left them in
very unhappy frame of mind.
On his return to Headquarters, Kent
found the Superintendent waiting, who said:
Pm pretty sure that we have our man
hived in No. 1873 Sherman House. As he il
pretty well wornOut, he is likely to stay
there for some hours and rest The last
trims have gone out until morning, so there
is no use Of keeping the men at the depots
any longer. They greatly need sleep, as we
all do l have called them in. You and
your friends had better lie down on cots in
the other room. I'll leave orders to have
you awakened at Z o'clock. That will give
you nearly six hours sleep. He is not
likely to get up much before noon, after the
racket that we have given him. / shall go
home and get some sleep. for / have import
ant matters to attend to early in the morn
ing. When you get up, take your two
friends to get cup of coffee somewhere,
and go over to the Sherman House. Here
is warrant for the arrest of Ragabert,
alias half-a-dozen other names, and a note
to the manager Of the Sherman House. Get
somewhere where you can see anyone who
comes in or goes out of No. 1873, and wait
for him. think shall be with you before
he gets up"
"Why not 60 right to the room now, and
get him ?" asked Kent eagerly.
Because we're not at all sure" replied
the Superintendent. 1--WE have only a
strong presumption, based on the resem-
blance of the handwriting, and circum-
stantial evidence. If we were dead sure, we
should simply go to his room and handcuff
him as he lay asleep. But if it should
happen to be some other man, I should
never hear the last Of it, There are some
papers in this city that would give wad of
greenbacks to have me do such a thing"
The Superintendent babe him goodnight,
or good morning, rather, and left. Wat and
Con, who had come in, were soon fast asleep
on their cots, but, in spite of his fatigue,
Kent could not lie down until he was sure
of the whereabouts of Ragabert.
He called passing "night-liner," and
drove to the Sherman House. The instant
that he saw Ragaberts entry on the register
he felt sure of his man. He questioned the
clerk about him, but the clerk had come on
since Ragabert had registered, and could tell
nothing. Kent returned to Headquarters so
we'll assured that he lay down on his cot and
was soon fast asleep
Before lying down he asked the officer on
duty to call him at 6 instead of Z o'clock,
as the Superintendent had directed
1t seemed to him that he had scarcely
touched the cot when the officer awoke him.
He was so tired that every muscle ached
but the moment consciousness returned
eagerness to be at close quarters with Raga-
bert dominated every other feeling He
went over to where Con Purtell was snoring
and shook him. No response. He shook
him harder.
$50 away wild ye, Biddy," murmured the
sleeper. Lave the babby alone. He's all
roight. Oh wuz jest that way mesilf, fwhin
Oh wuz babby."
Kent shook him still harder.
Lave me alone, Biddy, Oh tell ye,"
grumbled Con. "It's the middle av the
noighs yit Oil be up be the tonne y'have
breakfast ready"
"Its halfpast six, Con. Get up ut once"
said Kent, still louder, and emphasizing his
words by tipping the cot over, and rolling
Con on the floor.
AS Con awakened he was resolute TO fight
somebody, but Kent Gained him down, and
they both essayed the still harder task of
arousing Wat.
After getting mouthful to eat, they all
went to the Sherman House, where Kent
presented the Superintendent note to the
Manager, who recommended that they wait