The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-02-24

launch and steamed up the
river, very narrow, winding
stream. arched quite over
through most OF It's length by
the thick tropical foliage, and
in some parts so deep that no sound
1ngs had yet found bottom The plan
tation was entirely inaccessible by iand
on account Of impossible swanlDs ana
the crooked course of the river made it
g. journey Of % miles from Punta Cor
da, although in a straight line it was
only six miles aWay.
Mr.. PinEerton was surprised at the
unpretentious character OF the house,
which was built OF cane and palm
stocks and rooted with palm branches.
Originally it had been one large room,
but lt WAS now divided by muslin
sheetlug into two rooms. one at either
end with a hall in the middle. ALI
most the first thing Mr.. Pinkerton no
fiCsd on entering was q Hreproof safe
standing in the hall. It was of med
jun size and seemed to be new He
knew he was poWerless. under the
laws OF the so1Intry. search the safe,
but ne made up his mind that while
he was Tin the house he would keep
his eyes as much as possible upon it.
That night he did not sleep for wa bch-
ing. But Crawford did not go near
the safe until the next morning, when
b e went to get out some accouut-books.
While the door was open Mr. PInker~
ton saw only a small bag OF silver In
side, but he felt sare from Crawford's
manner that there was a larger
amount of money there.
Mr. Pinkert0n remained at the
plantation for IS hours. On the sec
ond day he had d long interview with
Crawford, Questioning him ia the
greatest detail as to his connection
with the robbery Crawford persisted
in denying that he had had any con-
nection with f. or had any knowledge
as to what had become of the stolen
money. Argue as he would, Mr.. Pink
erton could not beat down the stub
bornness Of his denials. All direct ap-
proaches failing. at last he tried indi-
reCtfOn- He spoke OF Burke, the abb
scOnding state treasurer Of Louisian~,
vino. along with nulnDer OF 0Oner
American lawbreakers, had fed .
Central America. Burke had a level
head. hadn't hep said he.
glow do you mean?H asked Craw-
ford
'fWhy. in going to Spanish Hon
duras You know the United States
has no extradition treaty there under
which we could bring back a. man who
has absconde6 for eHlbezzlem ent or
grand larceny Burke is as safe there
as if he owned the whole country
els that SOP" said Crawford, look
ing significantly at his brother Mar
vim, who was present.
yes, said Mr.. Pinkerton. lit is.
] only wish the fellow would come up
here into British Honduras then we
might do something with him"
Here the subject was dropped.
Next Mr.. PinkertOn exhibited to
Crawford a sealed letter written by
James G. Blaine and addressed to the
chief magistrate of British Honduras
pointing to the seals of the state de-
partment to assure Crawford Of the
letters genuineness, and limiting mys-
teriously at the use he proposed MAX
ing of this document and at the prob
able effect that would follow its de-
livery.
with this the interview closed. and
Mr.. PinkertOn announced his intention
of going back to Punta Gorda. Craw-
ford had practically told him to do
his worst. and he had not concealed
his Intention of doing it. Neverthe4
less their relations continued outward
" pleasant, and Mr.. Pinkerton was
treated with the hospitality that is
usual in tropical countries. He saw
no sign Of any disposition on the part
of either Of the Crawfords to do him
harm, but he kept his revo1vers always
ready, and gave them no chance to
catch him mapping.
Toward evening Of the second day
Crawford and his brother got the
launch ready and took Mr.. Pinkerton
down the river back to Punta Gorda-
where they said goodbye. At parting
Crawford made a brave show Of treat
ing the whole matter lightly. 81 may
see you in New York in a couple Of
months" he said to the detective as
they shook hands.
Of you see me in New York" said
Mr.. Pinkerton, you viii see yourself
under arrest"
on landing, Mr.. Pinkerton proceed
ed, with all the obviOusness possible,
TO call at the house of the British
magistrate, which was SO situated that
sazaassa-asas.asassas.s