The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-01-14
THE ADVERTISERS DAILY SHORT STORY

s~-~~ - - - " - VI V " V - - "A number of years ago. while tracing the movement of . registered package that had been lost in, the mails." said the old secret service han, T missed frain connections and was forced to lay cities in a certain Southern State. So. ee the local postmaster was personal friend of mine. l called upon him.
 While We were conversing In his pri, vAte office, q young man entered and yhe postmaster presented him to me as hts chief clerk. I have reasons for not revealing his Identity, even at this late date, so I will give him the incorrect name of James Bradford.
 AS matter of course prefer, at all times, that my profession should be Ridden from the public and especially ingly, my friend introduced me on this occasion as a member of the secret ser- vice. -
 T was looking keenly into the young mans eyes, and noticed him start and tremhle. But he immediately regained his composure, and offered me his hand. which clasped warmly.
 "t knew at once that his was a guilty conscience. A thousand thoughts flashed through my mind. tried to, in some way, associate him with the case upon which I was working, but I could not do so Ssx since the called from the room and Immediately determined to test the young mans cosed G the e deOr Tssn 50 o hm Sit down. l s1ii. I wish to talk with you I
 I noticed that he clasped the arms of the chair SO tightly, that the nails were forced into the wood.
 But I was at loss how to proceed I felt assured from his agitation. but l had absolutely no theory upon which to work.
 Determined to unravel the mystery bied. felt disposed to allow him to nurse the evident fear that I was in pos session of certain facts regarding the crime he had committed, whatever 1t sired to disabuse his mi d of any thought that I suspected his tnection with 1t. So drawing a chair front of him, I laid my hand upon knee and said. in confidential to'
 MT. Bradford, ue that am an agent of the seer ice. But l beg that you will do me indness to keep that fact to yourself. am here to in- vestigate certain irr sularities in this office, and, since you know my mission, you may be of vast assistance to me-
 He promised to do my bidding. but while he seemed somewhat reassured it
 
 l dismissed him.
 When the postmaster returned we con- tinued our conversation. Presently re- ferred to the business of the office and casually expressed a desire to see the last statement of the postoffice inspector. My friend brought me copy. It was dated but ten days previously and the accounts of the office were certified to as being apparently correct.
 That IS a good showing said I. Who handles the funds Of the officer
 " MT. Bradford he replied. Is he marriedT
 {" Yes. He has an .estimable wife and beautiful baby boy
 '" Reliable man, suppose?' said I. " Perfectly. There is not dishoner able hair in his head. Hes, been em- ployed in the office six years
 "The young mans reputation certainly seemed good, but I determined to shadow him. I did so. Without arousing sus- picion, l watched his every movement during the remainder of the day. learned that he was alone in the office from 6 o'clock in the evening until 1t closed at g, and that 1t WIS he who r Wednesdays story, GOALS OF FIRE