The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1900-06-15
THE CRIME OF THE CENTURY.
By RODRIGUEs OTTOLENGUI.
Author ~ An Artist In Crime" III Conflict of
Evidence" II Modern U-izdrd,"
Final Proof" Etc.
copyright, 1896, by G. p. Putnam's Sons. All
rights rcserved.l

II thank you for your good opinion,
but since you do not accept my state
mcnt perhaps you can guess what
actuatcs me in this affair.""
"I could, but l choose to have you tell
me instead. Barnes suspects Mora,
and with doggcd persistency he kept
watch on his man. There Is your
true detective instinct, and 1t pays in
the majority Of cases. You either did
not suspect him or you were indiffer
cnt on the point of his guilt. You went
after the woman. Why?"
81 followed the French system, seek
the woman I was sure that Mora
would turn up in Essex street
merely took the shortest road to the
scene Of action. That is ALL"
"Yes. Perhaps you arc telling the
truth, but you do not tell all the truth.
Listen! You went into the house and
searched the rooms of both the woman
md Mora. Since then you have taken
more interest in the woman. That is
what wish to have. explained"
Mr.. Mitchell thought he saw an op-
vantage OF IT. lfe-stdGn4fu 4fut bnt}bss nd-
from his pocket, and handed 1t to fis
GOh phhfon,
II found that in Morals room. That
is why am now anxious to find the
woman"
II don't follow you. Make it plain
err"
lie had taken the photograph, and
his eyes now gazcd upon it admring-
Iy. but Mr.. Mitchell was not able to
Judge from his countenancc whether
or not the original was known to him.
But next he played his trump card.
THAT photograph, Preacher Jim,"
said he, with deep meaning in his
tones, "is the likeness Of the mother of
the infant found In the graveyard"
Preacher Jim started perceptibly and
looked at Mr.. Mitchell In undisguIsed
amazement.
"How do you make that out?" he
asked, with emotion, which was evi-
dent. though suppressed.
by using my brains, Preacher Jim,
your own pet method, I believe" BY
this time the man had fully recovered
his self control, and, handing back
the photograph, he laughed bolster
ously.
Exceptional brains you must have.
That ls the picture of little Lily of the
Valley as she calls herself, a concert
singer In the Rowery saloons. And
you say she Is that baby's mother.
Why. can't you see by that picture that
she Is only n baby hersclfY"
II Imagine that she might have been
about Ia when this was taken, but
how do know her present age?"
VnI III
over 1G. So, you see, she Is still a
child"
"My own mother married at 15," re-
piled afr. Mitchell, $50 the girls youth
fuiness cannot set aside my opinion. /
am sure that / am right. Moreover,
i am convinced that Mora is the ia
ther."
"What! Mora the father?" Preacher
Jim laughed long and loudly. II say,
Mr.. Mitchell, you are running your rep.
utation In my mind. ! thought you
had more brains. Because you find the
girls picture In Morals rooms you
jump to that queer conclusion. Let
me show you how silly you are. Look
here" He drew from his coat pocket |
n leather wallet. from which he took |
out puotOSTupu, WHICH also was q
likeness OF the girl. In this instance In
dancing costume. "Thcre, now," he |
continued. perhaps you'll change of !
and say I'm the father"
"Whero did you get this?' asked Mfr.
Mitchell, ignoring the sarcastic tones of
the criminal.
I'VE wont have to go far. Come
across the street."
Mr. Mitchell followed him until they |
stood before stationery store, where.
In the window, there were exposed for |
sale numerous pictures OF actresses.
among which were several on which |
was printed. ''The Lily Of the Valley"
and placard announced that they
could be bought for % cents each.
''There you arc" said Preacher Jim. |
Buy one and join the army of her ad.
mirers. Are you satis6edf"
"Quite satisfied" said Mr.. Mitchell |
In peculiar tones, which caused the |
criminal to eye him keenly. But he |
KAa 9asing into tho face Of human