The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1901-08-21
EZRA K. PAXTON, ASSAYER-
Spanish and English Taught.

More luck" thought Clifford. IF he's
a safe man 1 may use his services III
just look him over now.
So ne raped ~ Il door whit PaytOu
name on II and heard a strong. musical
shout: Come in The voice fitted the
man whom Clifford found sitting in an
easy chair, with a book on his lap. Fl
quickly arose with a good smile and said.
'Ah, you're our new neighbor, / believe.
Atr. Roberts, I think hrs. Modal called
YOU Sit down, Mr. Roberts
The detective explained that he was
in the hide business; that ne meant to
stay in Laredo a month or two, and
thought of learning a little Spanish.
Spanish or no Spanish. I'm glad 10
know YOU" said Mr.. PaytOn. taking down
a decanter and glasses. i've been bare
in Laredo six years now. baking and veg
eating by turns. I know every sreas'er
and gringo in the neighbOrhood. but n
really lonesome for some new contact
with real civilization. Even the tourist
dallies not in Laredo
Mr.. Roberts and the assayer became
good friends directly. The detective soon
learned that his new friend was quite q
parsonage in town, much liked, a public
spirited citizen, reputed wealthy and
bachelor.
one night as they were chatting and
window the assayer startled his cOmpan-
ion with:
Clifford, I might as we'll tell you that I
know you're q secret service man. r.
How the d." gasped the astonished
detective.
Simplest thing in the world laughed
PAXTON II got a letter from Daly-your
predecessor here. Why, he had the same
room yolve got and we were good
friends. I've assayed a lot Of those bad
coins for him. In his letter he mentioned
you, and said II ran across you to treat
you right and so forth. Oh, Daily was a
good fellow, and 1 tell you it almost
broke his heart to leave here without
landing those counterfeiters.
Clifford was over his surprise by this
time, but Payton ran on:
Il always told him that that bad
money was made in Mexico, but he could
never trace any of it to the river Per-
haps he was right after al. The local
police have been working on the case
for years. but they know less now than
ever. it seems
And they talked and smoked, Clifford at
his ease VOW, till there was a gentle rap
at the door.
Now, clifford" whispered Payton.
lighting a lamp. I'll show you my wash
erwoman-the prettiest creature on the
border"
The rap was repeated, and the assayer
said
The door swunk softly open and a
young Mexican girl stepped IN. She was
beautiful with the shadowy beauty OF
the weird and luminous nights of her
own land. Her face was an oval brown,
her eyes. long-Iashed and smoldering eb-
ony, her mouth red even in the pale
lamp-light, her teeth white and regular.
her body slender and yet supple
r4~r~G-- -
smiling at the girl.
"Buenos noches. senior" she murmured
shyly, drawing her mantilla to her chin
and shrinking toward the wall.
The assayer went into his bedroom
and came back with a pillow case full OF
linen for the laUndress. Teresa took II
with q demure courtesy and vanished
like a shade.
She's dream" smiled Clifford. rising
TO go, I'm jealous Of you and your wash
erwoman." And the tired detective said
goodnight and went 70 his bed.
Payton was awakened about midnight
by loud knock at his door.
who is it?" he growled. crawling out
10 make light
clifford" said his friend. I've got
10 leave on the o clock train. 1 thought
I'd say good-byer'
Payton opened the door and stared into
the muzzle Of a six-shoOter. II his left
hand the detective held the pillow case.
"Wei, Payton. you see 7 held Up your
laundress." grinned the sieuth- dropping
the bag which cIinked It's silver contents
on the stone floor. Two policemen came
IN out Of the dark hallway, and the as
saver surrendered with the grace OF
dethrOned king
II congratulate. you. old fellow" said
he. smiling admiringly ar the detective
How on earth did you come 70 suspect
me2'
Why I've been shadowinE that Iaun-
dress house for a. month Her father IS
n roulette fend. and he always plays the
queer dollars That bag OF your linen to-
night set me thinking. IL looked roo
noavy for its size. I siipped out the
back way. and waylaid her. Now show
us your kit
..Wi,h Measure. Clifford" smiled The
edited counterfeiter. leading them into
his bedroom IF yoGll take CT these
hanGcuFs III show you how 70 make
money the easiest. wish & we're as easy
q spend. John u RafteTy.
Woodran. Spare That Tree.