The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1900-07-31
LUNG Detective STORY RoDRIcUES oTToLENCUI.
THE CRIME OF THE CENTURY,, A THRILLING De

In this strain Sam rambled on, point
ing out The various prominent crimi-
mats in the apartment and giving
graihic details of their careers, so that
Mr. Mitchell was enjoying himself
hugely and at the same time obtaining
quite an insight into the habits of
class which had always interested him
Ito wit, the uncaptured criminals.
Surely among these were thos, with
the greater share of brains.
But the more he saw and heard of
the men around him the more impa-
tient he grew to see Preacher Jim, the
man who had announced that he would
lecture to criminals upon crime.
The Siren had passed far beyond the
lights of the city, and Coney Islands
thousands of electric lamps made but
q bright streak on the horizon, when at
last there was movement which
promised the fultillment of his desire.
The card tables We're taken away by
attendants who seemed to have been
| drilled to the task, so rapidly did they
accomplish it. Camp stools We're ar
ranged in rows, and the company
found places facing one table which
had been left at the farther end of the
! saloon.
In the inevitable confusion attendant
upon this scramble for seats, orderly
though it was, Mr.. Mitchell was sepa-
rated from Sam for a moment. Just
then some one whispered near his ear:
IF you should need help, I'll be on
hand"
Mr.. Mitchell turned swiftly, but could
not be sure of the identity Of the speak
er. The person nearest to him was one
of the walters, hurrying by with a
trayful of empty glasses, while at lit
tie distance back was a man who ap-
peared to be watching him intently.
Either of these might have spoken the
whispered words, but which? Mr.
Mitchell reasoned that it must be this
one who was still eying him closely
yet he could not dismiss the idea that
the voice, though disguised, was famil-
lar to his ear.
81 wonder If Mr.. Barnes is aboard
he thought, and this suspicion for a
few moments occupied him so thor
oughly that he forgot about the other
man until aroused by Sam, who had re-
gained his side, bringing two choice
stools with hacks to them.
''There he IS" said that worthy, with
suppressed excitement.
"There is who?" asked Mr.. Mitchell.
"Why, Preacher Jim, of course" said
Sam. See! He's takin his place behind
the table. He's goin to begin at once
Listenw
Mr. mitchell looked toward the op
posite end of the room, and in Preach
er Jim he recognized the man who
had been watching him but few mo
ments before. Had he uttered the mys
ferrous message?
A hush fell over the company as the
; man stood behind the table and gazeC
about him for several minutes in 81
lence, affording Mr.. Mitchell an excel
| lent opportunity to scrutinize the gen
eral appearance Here was one VIII,
might have baff1ed those students wht
| have formulated a physical type" O
criminals. He was type of nothing
unless of perfect manhood. Of me
dunn stature, his symmetrical fran,
seemed fashioned in the mold which
would yield the greatest strength ant
endurance. A finely formed head, will
E great brain room, marvelously we'll bal
anced between his powerful shoulders
/, assured you of his masterful will pow
i. err. No wonder that before such
man as this all the other crooks stoot
in awed admiration. Their silence ant
their attitudes of eager attention wer
tacit admission of the fact that the,
were in the presence of recognized SUI
, periority. They bowed before thei
master
HAS this man ever been in prison !?
r inquired Mr.. Mitchell in a whisper.
"In prison? They'd have to catcl
, him first wouldn't they?" was Sam
+ scornful reply.
: But now Preacher Jim began t.
. speak.
, "My friends" said he in melloy
voice of singular magnetic quality
9 Il have the pleasure of addressing yo
once more after lapse of man
1 months. | see around me the familia
faces of number of friends, but
note others who are unknown to mt