The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1900-07-31


ment for his drink, babe him keep the
change, which he did, passing the sill
yer coins to his pocket with the deX-
terity OF an expert. Turning to leave
the place. Mr.. Mitchell was attracted
by picture tackled to the wall. 1t was
crude Autograph in garish colors
and represented the face of rather
pretty girl, but what most interested
him was the fact that in the picture
the girl wore a single blossom of lily
of the valley as a headdress, while
printed below We're the words, Miss
Lillian Vale, The Lily of the Valley"
"Who is this girl?' asked Mr.. Mitch
ell, turning again to the bar and point
ing at the Autograph.
Say, she's Il peach, she is, the best
in the business" The barkeeper low
cred his voice to confidential whis-
per. ''Pm stuck on the Lily myself but
it," He shrugged his shoulders as
though expressing resignation at the
thought of living without her. She's
serio comic and does turns in the
halls on the Bowery. But she's too
good for that sort, cause she's got a
voice like bird She ought to be on
Broadway, she ought She could sing
right 'longside of Lillian Russell, and it
would be toss up which Lillian got
the applause. l tell you she's won
der"
''Do you know where she is singing
at PRESENT."
We'll, it's summer now, you know,
and as she amt got called to the roof
gardens up town yet guess she's out
of work. In fact come to think Of it.
it's long time since she's sung any
place. See the date on that bill? It's
over year old. Funny never thought
Of that before" He seemed quite tax
en- aback and lost in thought for few
moments.
DO you know her personality" Mr..
Mitchell asked. This aroused him at
once.
do L? Well. guess! AIany's the
turn I've had with her in the mazy
waltz up stairs"
"Then she comes here sometimes?"
"Oh, yes! She's around pretty regu-
lar She'll be at the opening swarry
sure. You be here, and I'll give YOU q
knockdown.'
Considering her name, and remem-
bering the emblem worked on the ba-
by's slip, Mr. Mitchell promised him
self much interest in meeting the
young singer and assured the barkeep-
er that he would be present at the
dance
He had walked less than a block aft
er leaving Apollo hall when a short
man, with an eye that never met the
gaze of another, suddenly appeared be-
side him. leaving doubt as to whence
he had come. In a sepulchral whisper
the newcomer addressed him:
81 say, mister, can see you min
ute?"
Yes. What do you want?' said Mr..
Mitchell. Then, thinking that the man
must be beggar, he took out dime
and offered it to him, but the fellow
declined it with grin.
NO, sir" said he; thanks awfully,
but dat amt me price. I'm no beggar."
well, then, what are you?" asked
Mr.. Mitchell sharply.
I'm a crook-just plain, simple
crook. Slippery Sans my name.
What's yours?"
The audacity of the man attracted
Mr.. Mitchell, and, looking upon him for
moment as curiosity. he said:
"You are a crook, eh? Then why
might l not hand you over to the
police?"
Time wasted an nothin gained.
done my time for my last job, an I've
lived straight ever since. SO what could
they hold me for, eh?"
How long have you been out of
prison?"
1.-TWO weeks, an amt struck no
money since | reached town, straight
or crooked. But seen you give that
barkeep your change. an says L to my
self, says l. Sam, that mans your
meat"
And what may that elegant express
sion sgnify?"
1T signifies that you've got money to
burn, an | want some of it,"
DO you mean to get it by robbery?"
Not unless you force me into
crime" said Slippery Sam. looking at
Mr.. Mitchell so quizzically that the lat
ter laughed outright
The fellow was evidently an original
character, one of those whose destiny
is to see the humorous side of life
Such as he would be the light spirit of
party, whether in clubroom or prison
cell. Continuing the conversation, Mr.
Mitchell said:
Il have no wish to make you steal,
but how else do you expect to get mon
ey from me?"
In exchange for information" was
the quick response
What information have you to
give?"
None. My information is for sale"
Very good. I'll buy it if it is worth
anything"
Il knew you would. That's why |
followed you. You told the barkeep
that you are reporter?"
Il did,
TOO thin! Not by no meansw