Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-03-25

ing SO again, though the reason for
their action was no more apparent.
However, | had laid my plans most
carefully, and hoped, If all went well,
to be able to satisfy myself upon this
point. l had plenty of enemies, l
knew, as 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
q 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 we'll as hear
them approaching. Then. when they
were close upon me, l slipped my
hand into my coat-pocket, and
turned and confronted them. My
own man was softly coming up from
| behind.
Nov, my men," / 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 a step towards me.
do you see this?" I inquired, pro-
ducing my revolver as l spoke. II
am aware that it Isl lawful to car
ry firearms in the streets of London,
but when one has to deal with gen.
tlemen like you. it becomes neces-
sity. Throw up your hands"
They did as they We're ordered
without demur. Then turning to the
taller man l addressed him more par
ticularly.
You seem to be the leader" said,
land for that reason l 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
I 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 sc
quickly or so completely on a pair
of rogues, and the man I addressed
seemed to think too. After whis
pered conversation with his compan
ion, he walked away at his best pace
and we saw no more of him.
Now" l said, turning to the fel
low who was left behind, you vii
come along with me to my office. anc
We'll have little talk together"
Our prisoner would have resisted
but certain warnings ! was able
give him induced him to change hi
mind When we reached my Office
opened the door ard conducted hin
to my sanctun, while Wilson fol
lowed close behind and lit the ga:
He then passed into the cutter offic,
leaving me alone with my prisoner
On closer inspection ne proved to b
) q Durly ruffian, and would doubles
) have proved al ugly customer t
tackle alone. Ele. in his turn, locke
at me in some interest and then a
the door, as if he were half incline
to try the effec! of struggle.
First and foremost, do you kno,
. where you are and who / amp"
asked him.
NO he said, 81 can't say as eve
! set my eyes OH yer afore last nigh
and / don't know yer bloomin' nam
!, or what yer are and / don
want to-"
"Politeness is evidently not you
strong point" ! commented. Gus
look at that"
Taking sheet of note-paper frol
= the rack upon my table l handed
to him.
: He did so, and / saw look of SUI
= from it to me and then back agai
! at the paper.
= Fairfax" h. said. "The d
Tee, the same ms got poor old Bill
- Whitelaw scragged last year"
: 81 certainly believe l had tn;
honor" ! returned, land it's ju
- possible, if you continue in yo,
a present career, that I may have IL
pleasure of doing the same for yo
= Now, look here, my man, there
:, some one else at the back of tn
= business, and what l want to kno
q is, who put you up to try your hal
:, upon me? Tell me that, and I w
- let you go and say no more about
- Refuse, and l must try and find son
"a evidence against you that will rid S
ciety of you for some time to CON
- Doubtless will not be very difficult
4 He considered moment before
~ replied.
- WELL" he said, 81 don't know
;, how l won't tell you, seem you
:. who yer are, and / am not likely
- get anything out of the job. 1t w
T rare toff who put us on to it. 81
. hat, frock-coat, and all as natty
: a new pin. He comes across us doy
"a in the Dials, stood us couple
r drinks, turfed out a suvring apie'
. and then told us he wanted the &c