Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1902-02-25
point. I had plenty OF enemies, !

kSAASs AAoN PAShty Va CllCullGS, L
knew, as a man of my profession
must Of necessity have, but could
not think of one who would pry upon
my movements like this. At last the
time came for action. Turning into
a side street. l slackened my pace in
order to give my pursuers time to
come up. Apart from ourselves the
street was quite deserted, and, If
they intended doing me harm, was
quite dark enough to favor their
plans. could see as well as hear
them approaching. Then, when they
were close upon me, slipped my
hand into my coat-pocket, and
turned and confronted them. NV
own man was softly coming up from
behind.
"Now. my men," I began, whats
the meaning of this? No, you can
keep your distance. It's no use
thinking of violence, for I've got you
before and behind. Take care that
they don't get away. Wilson!"
AYE. aye, sir" the man replied.
I'll take good care of that"
Lets out him. Bill" said the
taller of the two men. and as he did
SO took step towards me.
do you see this?" inquired, pro.
ducing my revolver as 1 spoke. 81
am aware that it is not lawful to car
ry firearms in the streets of London,
but when one has to deal with gen.
tlemcn like you, it becomes a neces-
sity. Throw up your hands,"
They did as they were ordered
without demur. Then turning to the
taller man addressed him more par
ticularly.
you seem to be the leader" said,
''and for that reason want to have
a little talk with you. Your COM
panion can take himself off as soon
rs he pleases. If he does not. let me
assure him that he will get into
trouble. Your intention to out me-
as you call it, has failed, as you can
see. and when have done with you
don't think the attempt will be re-
peated. Now get off, my man, and
thank your stars that have let you
go so easily"
Never were the tables turned so
quickly or SO completely on a pair
of rogues, and the man I addressed
seemed to think too. After a whis-
pered conversation with his compan-
ion, he walked away at his best pace.
and we saw no more of him.
"Now," said, turning to the fell
low who was left behind, "you will
come along with me to my office, and
We'll have little talk together"
Our prisoner would have resisted.
but certain warnings I was able o
give him induced him to change his
mind. When we reached my office I
opened the door and conducted him
to my sanctum, while Wilson fol-
lowed close behind and lit the gas.
He then passed into the outer Office,
leaving me alone with my prisoner.
On closer inspection he proved to be
burly ruffian. and would doubtless
have proved an ugly customer to
tackle alone. He. in his turn. looked
at me in some interest and then at
the door, as if he were half inclined
to try the effect of struggle.
"First and foremost, do you know
where you are and who I amp" I
asked him.
NO" he said, 81 can't say as ever
set my eyes on yer afore last night,
and I don't know yer bloomin' name
or what yer are and 1 don't
want to-
"Politeness is evidently not your
strong point" commented. "Jnst
look at that!"
Taking sheet of note-paper from
the rack upon my table handed it
to him.
He did so, and saw look of sur
prise steal over his face. He looked
from it to me and then back again
at the paper.
Fairfax" he said. "The d.
Tee. the same as got poor old Billy
Whitelaw scragged last year"
II certainly believe I had that
honor" returned. land it's just
possible. II you continue in your
present career. that I may have the
pleasure OF doing the same for you.
Now. look here. my man, there's
some one else at the back Of this
business, and what I want to know
Is, who put you up to try your hand
upon me2 Tell me that, and will
let you go and say no more about it.
Refuse, and must try and find some
evidence against you that will rid So
ciety OF you for some time to come.
Doubtlessitwil not be very dihicult."
He considered moment before he
replied.
We'll" he said, II don't know a.
how I won't tell you, seem you're
who yer are, and am not likely to
get anything out of the job. It was
rare toh who put us on to it. Silk
hat, froclk-coat, and all as natty as
9 new pin. He comes across us down
In the Dials, stood us couple of
drinks, turfsd out SURFING apiece,
and then told us he wanted the gem
tleman Of Mckford's hotel laid by for
time. He told us 'ow yer were in
the habit Of going about the streets
ct night for walks, and said ss 'ow
he would be down near the hotel
that syepin' and when yer came out,
he would strike match and light q
smoke just ter give US the tip like,
We wos to foller yer, and to do the
job wherever we could. Then we
was to bring your timepiece to him
at the back of St. Martins church in
the Strand at midnight, and he would