The Paducah sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1898-1906, 1902-04-01
Not Officially Reported.
BY EDGAR MELTON COOLEY.


(copyrignt 1902. by Daily Story Pub. Col
- number Of years ago. while trac-
ing the movement of a registered pack
age that HAD been lost in the mails"
said the old So ct service man, Il
missed train connections and was
forced to lay over for several hours in
one OF the c!ties in certain southern
state. So. as the local postmaster was
a personal friend Of mine, called upon
him.
While We were converting in is
private Office young man entered and
the postmaster presented him to me as
his chief clerk. / have reasons for not
revealing his identity, even at this late
date, so | will give him the incorrect
name Of James Bradford
"As a matter Of course prefer, at
all times, that my profession should
be hidden from the public and especill-
ly from government employees, but, IN
thinkingly. my friend introduced re
on this occasion as a member of the
secret service.
81 was looking keenly into the yourg
mans eyes and noticed him start and
tremble. But he immedis tely regain
ed his composure and offered me his
hand, which | clasped warmly.
Il knew at once that his was a guilty
conscience. A thousand thoughts
flashed through my mind. l tried to,
in some way. associate him with the
case upon which | was working, but
I could not do so since the missing
package could not have passed through
his hands.
at this moment the postmaster was
called from the room and immediate
ly determined TO test the young mans
nerve to the utmost. So | arose and
closed the door. Then turned to him.
Sit down. said. 1 wish to talk with
you.
Il watched his face closely. | saw
IT grow suddenly scarlet, then pale,
and | noticed that he clasped the arms
of the chair so tightly that the nails
were forced into the wood.
But was at loss how TO proceed.
That he was guilty OF some criminal
act felt assured from his agitation,
but | had absolutely no theory upon
which TO work.
Determined TO unravel the mystery
upon which | had so accidentally
stumbled, felt disposed to allow him
to nurse the evident fear that vas
in possession Of certain facts regarding
the crime he had committed, whatever
II might be. Yet, so far as possible.
desired to disabuse his ind of any
thought that | suspected his connec'
ton with II. So, drawing a chair In
front of him. laid my hand upon his
knee and said, In a confidential tone:
"'Mr. Bradford, 1t is true that an
an agent OF the secret service. But
beg that you win do me the kindness
to keep that fact to yourself. | an
here to investigate certain irregular
tiles In this Office and, since you know
my mission, you may be of vast as
sistance to me-
He promised to do my bidding, bu
while he seemed somewhat assured 4
was plain to see he was Ill at ease
Then dismissed him.
when the postmaster returned w
continued our conversation. Present
ly l referred to the businels OF the Of
fee and casually expressed desire t.
see the last statement of the postof
fee inspector. My friend brought me-
a copy. II was dated but ten days pre-
viously and the accounts of the oftic,
were certified to as being APPARENT,
correct.
"'That is a good show. Lg,' said I
Who handles the funds of the Office!
"'Mr Bradford he replied.
"Is he married?'
eyes. He has an estimable wifi,
and beautiful baby boy
Reliable man. | suppose?' said I.
Perfectly. There is not a dishon.
orable hair in his head. He's been en-
ployed in the Office six years.
THE young mans reputation GER
tainly seemed good, but | determined
to shadow him. | did so. Without
arousing suspicion l watched his every