Sistersville daily oil review. [volume] (Sistersville, W. Va.) 1902-1905, 1904-07-21
4 RANDOM SHOT
(Original.]

Dtt the I'll NdtlOuai Dduh Va bSh'Si
will be at No. - R avenue tonight
I had never seen Redfield or his pic
ture and knew nothing about him ex
cept that there was reward of $1,000
offered for his capture. ! knew moth
ing Of the house in R avenue. ALI
could do was to 60 there and be guided
by circumstances.
found the house brilliantly lighted
and guests entering under an awning.
I walked in with the rest. Though !
was not in evening dress ! had on al
overcoat. 80 this did not matter for the
entrance. l was shown up to the gen.
tlemen's dressing room, where / re
NAMED without taking off my overcoat
till the others had gone down. Then /
resolved to look about me for apparel
suitable to the occasion. Going to the
door above, which was deserted, ran
sacked closets and drawers. finding
nothing till came to room In which
a dress suit, shirt. collar. cuffs and
pair Of black silk stockings were spread
out on the bed. while pair Of low
shoes were on the floor. Evidently
some one was expected for whom they
had been made ready. put them or
and went downstairs.
ran q great risk. for. though ! could
prove I was q detective. l had actually
stolen a suit of clothes and was prom
enading in them, 1t would be inferred.
to steal other things. Going down u
winding staircase and seeing the host
and hostess receiving guests In the
drawing room. turned into the u.
brary. I strolled about, keeping an ey"
on every one met. but saw no inklinc
to lead me on. A young lady who prov
ed to be the daughter Of the host sal
for long while in window seat with
q handsome young fellow with verS
lestless eye, but plenty Of people have
restless eyes, and Barney Redfield
would he more likely to spend his tim"
looking for jewelry or silverware than
spooning After spending an houi
lodging the members Of the family !
concluded to go upstairs. when l hearl
a gentleman say:
"There's been a robbery. Franks
clothes were laid out for him upstairs.
and when he arrived just now he foi!nr
they were gone"
For q moment my heart stood Still:
but. regaining my assurance and re-.
Numbering that if Barney Rpdfel;i
were in the house and knew that the
family were alarmed be would imme
diately make an egress, said to TN
speaker:
81 would suggest. sir. that the exit
be watched to prevent the thiefs rs
cape"
"You are right" he replied and {
parted to see that my suggestion V.
carried out.
1t was soon evident that the mat.
Of the loss Of the dress clothes Of Fran
whoever he might be. had got a..
among the guests, and had it not bee
that l was absorbed in watching !"
some man to show some anxiety. tlr@r
by Indicating that he was Vulnerable
would have felt the unpleasantness o
my position. AS 1t was, l was not dis
concerted till | saw the host coming
toward me, his gaze fixed upon IN
with no pleasant expression. He WAS
followed by several others. all men.
81 beg pardon. sir" he said. but !
10 not recognize you"
1 was cornered. What should say
What should do? l stared at him
without speaking.
IF you cannot give reason for you
oeing here, shall send for the pc
lice"
"Don't stop for him to invent an e.
cuse." said 4 guest. the man who haG
been attentive to the hosts daughter
THE fact that he Is unknown to you
md suit has been stolen should h'
sufficient. Here's Frank" y
Frank" IN business clothes, steppcG
up to me and after scrutinizing me tool
hold Of the lapel Of the dress coat
wore. turned it up and displayed
pearl stick pin.
That's my suit" he said. Il go
that stick pin az cotillon favor lasl
week and put 1t IN there"
Now, whie this had been going Oh
my observing faculties had been work
ing. ] took especial notice Of the mo
tons and expression Of the young MAJ
I had seen with the young lady. H.
seemed unduly excited, casting hui
-isd glances at me, as II to make sure
ue had never seen me before. l mus;
decide upon plan for at least TEN
porary use. Turning to the host, I SAL.
coOlly:
MAY l ask private interview? You
don't wish disturbance. I'm sure"
Don't 60 of alone with him" said
the young man Of whom l have beeH
speaking.
"Would you do me the favor to coz.
with u.s." said to him politely.
The host led US to a small room AM,