The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1902-04-03


"a number of years ago, while trac-
ing the movement Of 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
Gpersonal friend of mine, called upon
him.
while we were conversing in his
private Office a young man entered and
the postmaster presented him to me as
bis chief clerk. l have reasons for not
revealing his identity, even at this late
date, SO l will give him the incorrect
name of James Bradford.
"As a matter of course I prefer, at
all times, that my profession should
be hidden from the public and especial
ly from government employees, but, IN
thinkingly, my friend introduced me
on this occasion as 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.
II 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 l was working, but
T could not do SO since the missing
package could not have passed through
his hands.
Eat 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
elosed the door. Then turned to him.
Sit down. said. I wish to talk with
you
II watched his face closely. ! saw
It grow suddenly scarlet, then pale,
and 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.
That he was guilty of some criminal
act felt assured from his agitation,
but l had absolutely no theory upon
which to work.
\ Determined to unravel the mystery
upon which had so accidentally
stumbled, felt disposed to allow him
10 nurse the evident fear that I was
In possession of certain facts regarding
the crime he had committed, whatever
L might be. Yet, so far as possible. l
- h,,r To NJ IF
thought that / suspected his connec-
tion with It. So, drawing chair in
front of him, l laid my hand upon his
knee and said, IN a confidential tone:
"'Mr. Bradford, 1t is true that am
an agent OF the secret service. But 1
beg that you will do me the kindness
to keep that fact to yourself. 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 l dismissed him.
when the postmaster returned we
continued our conversation. Present
ly I referred to the business of the Of
hce and casually expressed desire to
see the last statement Of the postof-
fee inspector. My friend brought me
4 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 I.
WHO handles the funds Of the Officer
"'Mr. Bradford he replied.
els he married.
eyes. He has an estimable wife
and beautiful baby boy
"'Reliable man, suppose?' said 7.
Perfectly. There is not a dishon-
Drable hair in his head. He's been en-
ployed In the office six years
"The young mans reputation GER
tainly seemed good, but determined
10 shadow him. l did so. Without
arousing suspicion watched his every
movement during the remainder OF the
day. I learned that he was alone in
the Office from six O'Clock In the even
Ing until 1t closed at nine, and that 1t
was he who placed all the stamps and
cash in the vault before closing for the
night.
while idly inspecting the once dur
Isl 4 ESNTl