Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1902-02-06

A number OF years ago, while trac-
ing the movement of a registered pack
age that had been lost in the mails"
said the old secret service man, 81
missed train connections and was
forced to lay over for several hours in
one of the cities in certain southern
state. So, as the local postmaster was
a personal friend of mine, called upon
him.
While we were conversing in his
private Office young man entered and
the postmaster presented him to me as
his chief clerk. 1 have reasons for not
revealing his identity, even at this late
date, so 1 will give him the incorrect
name of James Bradford.
"As mat-er of course I prefer, at
all times, that my profession should
be hidden from the public and especial
ly from government employees, but, I'M
thinkingly, my friend introduced me
on this occasion as a member of the
secret service.
Il was looking keenly into the young
mans eyes and noticed him start and
tremble. But he Immediately regain
ed his composure and offered me his
hand, which I clasped warmly.
Il knew at once that his was guilty
conscience. A thousand thoughts
flashed through my mind. I tried to,
in some way, associate him with the
case upon which I was working, but
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 I arose and
closed the door. Then l turned to him.
Sit down. I said. 4 wish to talk with
you
II watched his face closely. saw
it grow suddenly scarlet, then pale,
and 1 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 1 felt assured from his agitation,
but 1 had absolutely no theory upon
which to work.
=
upon which I had so accidentally
stumbled, 1 felt disposed to allow him
to nurse the evident fear that 1 was
in possession of certain facts regarding
the crime he had committed, whatever
it might be. Yet, so far as possible,
desired to disabuse his mind Of any
thought that l suspected his connec-
ton with it. So, drawing a chair in
front of him, I laid my hand upon his
knee and said, in confidential tone:
"'Mr. Bradford. it is true that 7 am
an agent of the secret service. But
beg that you will do me the kindness
to keep that fact to yourself. l am
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, but
while he seemed somewhat assured it
was plain to see he was i'll at ease
Then 1 dismissed him.
When the postmaster returned we
continued our conversation. Present
ly referred to the business of the Of
fee and casually expressed a desire to
see the last statement of the postof-
flee inspector. My friend brought me
a COPY. 1t was dated but ten days pre-
viously and the accounts of the office
were certified to as being apparently
correct
THAT is a good showing said l.
Who handles the funds of the Office?
"'Mr. Bradford he replied.
"Is he married?'
eyes. He has an estimable wife
and beautiful baby boy
Reliable man, suppose? said ].
Perfectly. There is not dishon-
orable hair in his head. He's been en-
ployed in the Office six years
1.-THE young mans reputation GER
tainly seemed good, but 1 determined
to shadow him. 1 did so. Without
arousing suspicion 1 watched his every
movement during the remainder of the
day. l learned that he was alone il
the Office from six o'clock in the even
ing until it closed at nine. and that ii
was he who placed all the stamps and
cash in the vault before closing for the
! night.
while idly inspecting the office dur
ing the afternoon 1 discovered knot
hole in the board ceiling. The second
floor of the building was divided into
| Office rooms, and found that the par
ticular room, the floor of which con,
tanned the knot-hole, was empty.
| obtained the key under pretense of ex.
aiming the room with view to rent.
ing.
ITO my delight found that 1 could
secure a good view of the postoffice by
| looking through the hole. So 1 rented
| the room, making a small payment.
THAT evening, from six o'clock un-
til nine, 1 lay on the floor with my eye
to the hole, watching Bradford.
During the entire time he appeared
nervous and excited. In moments o.
ISl A||