The times., 1899-05-28

as the day waned the blind man grew tired
Pearl had unfortunately lost her hat. and this
added discomfort to his weariness. The child.
in her innocent way, cheered the afflicted father
who. being worn out, decided TO remain in
Alexandria and rest, while Pearl came to this
city 70 get an old hat which she had left at
the Mission. He bade his little daughter good-by.
and, warning her to be careful, left her on the
boat while he remained the ferry wharf to
await her return to take him home All innocent
of the danger which the child was to encounter.
the blind man solicited aid for himself and flm-
lily. The hours passed swiftly by and he be-
came more and more alarmed until he was
nearly frenzed with grief at the failure OF Pearl
to return.
In the mean time Pearl was having what seem
ed to her in her innocence n novel experience.
She is bright and very pretty child, and she
moved about the boat disposiHg of her cards she
attracted an unusual amount of sympathy and
attention. James Norris particularly atten-
tive, and calling the little girl to his side offer
ed her seat and invited her TO talk with him.
The request was accompanied by a nickel and 4
promise to buy all the cards for 50 if the child
would accompany him. Pearl demurred at first,
stating that She must get her hat. and return to
her helpless father Persuasion and the promise.
Of the money prevailed, and the child agreed TO
accompany the man
Arrived 1T the city he boarded 4 car with the
child and proceeded to the house occupied by Tia.
Thomas woman. Norris had conversation with
the woman while ihe child waited short distance
away. The the child and shook her
head. Tie child did not know what being
said nor had she any idea of the intention OF
her newly-iOund friend. He had told her that
the woman who lived at the house was his aunt.
The child believed the story. and was surprised
when, after again boarding a street car. she and
her escort were taken into custody by Policeman
Boyce and walked to the statonhouse.
As stated the apprehension of the man
and the child was brought about by Sadie Thomas
After she had refused to entertain the requcs; oi
Norris. he is said to have remarked. Il will 90
elsewhere" The woman feared for the innocent
child and getting into carriage followed the
pair hoping to encounter a policeman She
fortunate and Just after the man with the child
boarded a car at Eleventh Street and Pennsylvania
Avenue the woman saw Boyce. He was iu-
mediately acquainted with the particulars as far
melgre detail sufficient and B0yce quickly
oyerhIuled the and the arrest followed
The little girl was closely questioned at the
stationhouse and showed clearly her innocence.
Her greatest apprehension for her blind father
and She anxious TO know when she would be
allowed to 20 to him. Lieutenant Amss decided
to hold the child. As she not familiar with
the city, and gave her into the charge OF Matron
Mcleod. Norris WIS ocked in cell. lie denied
all intent at wrougdoing. and claimed that he
was route to Georgetown at the suggestion ef
Pearl VIXEN arrested. He became defiant and
claimed that nothing could be proven against him
After being closely questioned by 4 Times re-
porter he admitted that he had not acted rigIJ
but that it was at the suggestion Of the innocent
child The gravy Of the situation finally dawncd
upon him despite his assumed air Of brivado.