Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-04-12
IN AND BRONSON SIGHTED THEIR UPON THE BOAT

or even to execute their threats, for the
prisoners knew, and knew the jaiiers knew,
that the coming of the patriots would not
only set them free, but that their prospect
i've honor in the state would be in direct
ratio to the degree of their sufferings. The
jailers lost heart and awaited anXiousiy
the issue. The entrance of the chief was,
however, the signal for wild SCurrying on
the part of the jailers to restore order.
The prisoners laughed at them until they
saw the cause of this sudden activity. Then
they broke forth into imprecations both
loud and deep. The significance of this may
be better understood in view of the fact
II at all previous entrances Of the chief were
greeted with pitiful supplications. The
prisoners were no longer afraid; the jailers
suddenly became SO.
The two aids, still dominated by their
chief, listened awestruck to the blasphemy
and waited fearfully for the lightning
which they We're sure would strike. But
the object of 1t all merely shifted contemp-
tuously In the tropical reek of the place
and without uttering word walked down
the corridor and up the spiral flight of
aids staid below. A jailer unlocked
corner cell. The chief stepped inside and
shut the door after him, and young man
who had ben lying on grass bed sat up
and gaZed at him fiXediy.
Mr.. Francis Weston of New York l be-
lieye." began the chief abruptly
No" replied the man, there has been
a mistake. That is not my name"
ing a folded paper from his pocket, spread
it over his knee. lie began to read, scan
ming the prisoner the while:
Francis Weston. height feet 10 inches
shoulders broad, eyes and hair dark brown,
nose straight, chin prominent, ears lobed,
manner Slightly nervous. age "A; charge
embezzlement.' You seem TO answer that
description very we'll"
Nevertheless, said the other, there has
been a mistake. 1 am not the person you
have described.
The chief replaced the paper in his
pocket.
mo matter" he said
He relapsed into thought, staring moodi-
iy at the floor. The young man watched
him curiously. Inc prisoners ceased their
imprecations and began singing, all except
the man in the next cell, who showed his
appreciation of the chiefs presence by
pounding on the wall.
Il am sorry" said the chief at last, that
You are not one of the New York Westons.
You could have told me several things /
very much wish to know
TOO bad replied the man with the
faintest touch OF irony In his tone II am
from New York, however"
Yes" The interest came back into the
chiefs face. Il suppose he said abrupt
ly. .! suppose New York has changed
greatly In the past five years?"
Yes" He spoke guardedly, as though to
discern the latent purpose of his question
err Yes In some respects. There are
trolley cars in place of cables. The depart
square, and there are several new thea
ters."
But the avenue? Has it changed with
the rest?'
Not much. Del's has moved uptown
It's just the same old street"
And the people, You might meet the
same people"
oh yes. There isn't much change. OF
course, there are new faces where the
youngsters have come in-but FIVE years
isn't lifetime, you know"
Isn't tt-no, Of course n0t?' The chief
relapsed again into thought The prisoners
took up a patriotic refrain in chorus, and
the man in the next cell kept time against
the wall
by the way exclaimed the chief, start
ing from his reyerie. IF not Francis W'es-
ton. who do you claim to be?"
If you Will write to the manager of the
asphalt company In Bermudez where I
have been for the past three months, you
Will find that l am Reginald Brownson of
New York. 1t Is q case of mistaken
identity-why. what Is the matterr'
The chief had risen and stood staring at
him blankly. ''Why-why," he gasped, lis
IL possibleT' Then almost fiercely he cried
Prove Improve it-prove 1t at once. Your
father was
Thomas Brownson-merchantle
In the Swamp-Brownson q Cary is the
firm name" And without stopping to take
breath he ratified of long list OF identi-
hcations. The chief. who had recovered
himself regarded him steadily,
There evidently has been mistake"
he said. Il see now that you are a Brown
son. l was a friend of the family-of your
father, before / left New York But this
must be rectified." he went on IT am INV
OWN power Of release in this country, You