Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-12-27
didn't know 1T? That's what I should
like to have explained. Perhaps there's

diunt KNOW II! ThatS what l should
like to have explained Perhaps there's
only one man or woman in the world
who could know. Well, that's the cac
who wrote the note. Now, who is it?'
But" began quickly. then stopped
Should set him right, or was this a
trap he had prepared for me?
His eyes were not on the cloth now,
but on me. There was light in them
lid not quite understand. felt that
must be sure of my ground before l
went forward.
1T should be very easy to trace the
writer Of the note" said.
"The police have not found it So"
"No:"
mo. 1t was given to the doorkeeper
by boy-just an ordinary boy of from
twelve to fourteen years. The man
didn't notice him especially. He said
there was no answer and went away.
How are the police to find that boy
Suppose they do find him. Probably
all he could tell them would be that n
man stopped him ut the corner and
gave him quarter to take the note to
the coroner's Office"
He might give a description of the
| man." ventured.
What would boys description be
worth? 1t would be at the best vague
md indefinite. Besides, they've not
ever. found the boy. Now, to return to
the note"
We had come to the coffee and cigars,
and felt it time to protest.
Before we return to the note, Mr..
Godfrey" said, I'D like to ask you
two direct questions. What interest
have you in the mattcr?"
1.-THE interest of every Investigator
Of crime" he answered, smiling.
"Iou belong to the detective force,
then:"
IL have belonged to it. At present
I'm in other employ"
"And what was your object in bring.
Ing me here this EVENING"
zone portion of my object has been
accomplished. The other was to ask
you to write out for me copy of the
note"
But who was it pursued US up
Broadway"
"Oh, / have rivalsv' he chuckled. ~
fiatter myself that was rather neatly
done. Will you give me copy of the
note, Mr.. Lester?"
NO" answered squarely. You'll
have to go to the police for that. Pm
out of the case"
He bowed across the table to me
with Il little laugh. AS looked at him
his imperturbable good humor touched
me.
"lll tell you one thing, though" !
added; 1.-THE writer of the note knew
nothing of Rogers color blindness.
You're off the scent there"
II am!" he asked 'umazedly. "Then
how did you know 1t, Mr.. Lester2"
II suppose you detectives would call
it deduction. deduced it."
He took contemplative puff or two
as he looked at me.
We'll" he exclaimed at last, II must
say that beats me! Deduced it! That
was mighty clever"
Again bowed my Acknowledgements.
"And that's all you can tell meT he
added.
I'm afraid that's all."
Very well. Thank you for that
much," and he ficked the ashes from
his cigar Now, fear that must
leave you. I've good deal of work
to do. and you've opened up very
Interesting line of speculation. I is,-
sure you that I've passed very pleas
ant evening. hope you've not found
it tiresome?"
Quite the contrary" said heartily
I've enjoyed myself Immensely"
"Then I'll ask you one last favor.
My cab is at the door, I've no fur
ther use for 1t, and beg you'll drive
home in it."
l saw that he ieally wished 1t.
"Why, yes, ccrtniniy." asscnted.
'"Thank you," he said.
He took me down to the door, called
the, cab and shook hands with me
warmly.
"Goodby, Mr.. Lester" he said I'm
glad Of the chdnce to have met you.
I'm not really such mysterious In
dividual. It's merely trick of the
trade. hope we'll meet again some
| time"
$50 do L." said, and meant it.
saw him stand for moment on the
curb looking after us us we drove
away, then he turned and ran rapidly
up the steps of the elevated
The driver seemed In no hurry to get
me home, and had plenty Of time to
think over the events of the evening
but l could make nothing Of them
What result he had achieved could
not imagine. And yet he had seemed
satisfied. AS to his theory, could not
but admit that 1t was an adroit one
even mastery one-a better one, Ger.
tainly, than should have evolved un
aided.
The cab drew up at my lodging and
l sprang out, tipped the driver and ran
up the steps to the door. My landlady
met me OH the threshold.
"Oh, Mr.. Lester" she cried. "Such /;
time us I've had this night! Every five
minutes there's been somebody here
looking for you, and there's crowd Of
them up In your room now. tried tt
put them out. but they wouldn't gow
fro BE Continued
| A Literary Coincidence.