The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-11-29

ed with emotion. which was evident
though suppressed
"By using my brains. Preacher Jim.
your own pet method I believe BY this
time the man had fully recovered his self
control. and handing back the photo
graph. he laughed boisterously.
Exceptional brains you must have. That
Is the picture OF little Lily OF the Valley,
as she calls herself, e concert singer IN
the Bowery saloons. And you say she is
that babys mother. Why can't you see
by that picture that she is only baby
herself?"
\ IL imagine that she might have been
about II when this was taken. but how
do ! know her present age?"
We'll, I'll tell you. She's little over
l6. So. YOU see. she Is still a child.
My own mother married at 10, re-
piled Mr.. Mitchell. so the girls youth
fulness cannot set aside my opinion.
am sure that | am right Moreover,
am convinced that Mora is the father y
What! Mora the father Preacher
Jim laughed long and loudly. 81 say, Mr..
Mitchell. you are running your reputation
In my mind. / thought you had more
brains. Because you find the girls pic
ture I'm Mora's rooms you Jump To that
queer conclusion. Let me show you how
silly you are. Look here" He drew from
his coat pocket leather wallet. from
which he took out a photograph which
also was likeness of the girl in this
Instance i'm dancing gesture. There.
low" he continued Perhaps you'll
change Off and say I'm the father"
Where did you get this?' asked Mr.
Mitchell, isnorins the sarcastic tones Of
the criminal
I'VE won't have to go far. Come across
the street"
Mr.. Mitchell followed him until they
stood before a stationery store, where,
in the window, there we're exposed for
sale numerous pictures OF actresses,
among which were several on which was
printed. The Lily OF the Valley" and a
placard announced that they could be-
bought for Is cents each
There you are, said Preacher Jim.
Buy one and join the army of her ad-
mrers Are you satisfied"
Quite satisfied said Mr.. Mitchell in
peculiar tones, which caused the criminal
TO eye him keenly. But he was gazing
into the face OF a human sphinx and
learned nothing
But. look here, said Preacher Jim, "if
you were so interested I'm this girl. why
did you get Sam TO follow the other wo-
MANI"
THE other woman" asked Mr.. Mitchell,
with singular emphasis on the second
word
yes. the other woman. Mrs. Morton 4"
Then. after a pause. as though a new
idea had occurred to him. oh come.
now! You don't actually think Mrs. Nor
ton and Lillian Vale are one and the
same?"
What IL do think so7"
We'll, that's your privilege. OF course.
Think as you like. 1t IL no business OF
mine But. look here. to return to the
main point. You are studying crime, are
you not-not as a detective, but as a
criminologist? You would like TO un-
earth the causes which lead to the exist
ence of criminals. would you not?"
You are by no means n fool" said Mr.
Mitchell You have guessed nv main
interest in the work In hand You might
assist me very much in my studies IL you
chose"
In what mannery'
ott rfatr To bp born criminal, and
to use naturaiist's term. l find you a
most interesting specimen. l would very
much like to meet the mother OF born
criminal"
You are not lacking in audacity to
make such request. You wish me to
introduce YOU TO my mother?"
II should esteem IL special IA .
vor. and"-here he paused and then con-
tinued impressively-"you Will never re-
gret having allowed me TO meet her.
Preacher Jim looked into Mr.. Mitchers
face searchingly. as though delving into
the deepest recesses OF his brain. seek
ing the true reading OF his charac ter
Presently he extended his hand saying:
"Will YOU shake Iva nds on that?" Mr.
Mitchell promptly acquiesced and the
criminal continued: II believe you are
as honest az you are bold I will trust
you. / Will grant your request
They walked along In silence. both men
too engrossed in thought to interrupt the
working of their brains by uttering
words. Preacher Jim led the way to Null
berry street. stopping a block above what
was for so long time known as The
Bend"
He stood before narrow. dirty alley
which led 20 a rear tenement Once
more he addressed Mr.. Mitchell:
II seem TO be in queer mood. Why
have brought you here passes my own
comprehension: II Is n very stupid thing.
but / agreed to do II. and I never break
my word. Rear that in mind For good
or Ill., n promise from Preacher Jim is
final and binding. And l promise you
now that II ever you use against me or
mine any knowledge obtained here. where
my poor old mother lives. your life will
pay the forfeit. II the terms do not suit
you. I will only be too glad to hid YOU
good day
II will go In with you. Your words do
not alarm me-"
"rhey need not unless you play the
traitor"