The Washington times., 1905-10-29

the other half belongs
behind the business
counter of a newspaper office.
One afternoon two weeks after
Millionaire Norcross was found in
his apartment murdered by burg
lar; the murderer, while strolling
serenely down Broadway. ran plump
against Detective Barney Woods
lis that you, Johnny Kernan?"
asked Woods. who had been near
sighted in public for five years.
mo less" cried Herman, heartily.
IF it isn't Barney Woods. late and
early of old Saint JoI You'll have
to show me. What are you doing
East? Dc. the green goods circulars
get out that fart"
i've been in New New York some
years." said Woods. I'm ON the city
detective force"
We'll, well, WELL" said Herman,
breathing smiling Joy and patting
the detectives arm.
Come into Muller's," said Woods,
''and let's hunt a quiet table. I'd
like to talk TO you a while"
1t lacked few minutes to the
hour of four. The tides of trade
were not yet loosed. and they found
a quiet corner of the cafe. Herman.
well dressed. slightly staggering.
self-confident. seated himself oppo-
site the little detective. with his pale,
sandy mustache, squirting eyes and
ready-made cheviot suit.
What business are you in now?"
asked Woods. "You know you left
Saint 10 year before I did"
I'm selling shares In a copper
mine." said Herman. 'I may estab-
lish an Office here. Well, well, and
SO old Barney is New York detec-
tive. You always had turn that
way. You were on the police force
in Saint 10 after I left there, weren' |
you?"
six months" said Woods. And
uOn inClC Ouc luOIc VucStiOH,
Johnny. I've followed your record
pretty close ever since you did that
hotel Job in Saratoga. and I never
knew you to use your gun before.
Why did you kill Norcross?"
Herman stared for a few moments
with concentrated attention at the
slice of lemon in his highball; and
then he looked at the detective with
a sudden, crooked, brilliant smile
How did you do it, Barney?" he
asked. admiringly. II swear I
thought it was as clean and as
smooth as a peeled onion. Did I
leave a string hanging out any
where?"
Woods laid upon the table a small
gold pencil intended for a watch
charm.
Its the one / gave you the last
Christmas we were in Saint 10. I've
got your shaving mug yet, l found
this under, corner of the rug in
Norcross' room. 1 warn you to be
careful what you say. I've got it put
on to you, Johnny We were old
friends once, but l must do my duty.
You'll have to go to the chair for
Norcross.'
Herman laughed.
my luck stays with me-" said he.
Who'd have thought old Barney
was on my trail!" He slipped one
hand inside his coat. In an instant
Woods had a revolver against his
side. o.
PUT it away" said Herman,
wrinkling his nose. I'm only in
vestigating. Aha, 1t takes nine
tailors TO make man, but one can
do man up. There's hole in tnat
vest pocket. ! took that pencil of
my chain and slipped it in there in
case of a scrap. Put up your gun.
Barney, and I'll tell you why l had
10 shoot Norcross. The old fool
started down the hall after me, pom
ping at the buttons on the back of
my coat with peevish little %,
and had TO stop him. The old lady
was a darling. She. Just lay in bed
and saw her $4,000 diamond neck
saee go without a chirp. while she
legged like a panhandler to have
Sack little thin gold ring with a
garnet worth about s3- l guess she
married old Norcross for his money
all right. Don't they hang on to
the little trinkets from the Man Who
Lost Out, though? There were six
rings, two brooches and chatelaine
watch. Fifteen thousand would
cover the lot"
II warned you not to talk" said
Woods, curiously.
"Oh, that's all right" said Herman
"The stuff is in my suit case at the
hotel. And now I'll tell you why
I'm talking. Because it's safe. I'm
tQlking IN a man Eu1ru Vo,, o,vo