Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1906-06-21
EX-WARDMAN
NUGENT
{ copyrishi, i975, by Joseph B, BOwies.l
BY OWEN KILDARE
Author Of by Mamie Rose. etc.l

quarters. and the session In the dep
uty commissioners room was nearing
7 its end.
The city had beer treated to few
I disclosures In the police department
and hints by the prosecuting powers
/ seemed to promise even grayer revela
tions
The plague-spot first to be probec
I was the Twelfth precinct. Here the
rudy illumination OF tae illegal re.
sorts had thrown a vicious glow over
the entire district
That the rampage of vice could not
have been as unrestrained as it was
without the conniyance of the police
captain-the Old Man-went without
saying but to make surer of his con-
viction his adjutants and intermediar-
les were first brought within the tolls.
II was owing 10 this plan of proce-
dure that John Nugent had found him
self the defendant in the star trial on
this Thursday. 1t had gone against
him. The census of the police de-
partment was less by one, and the I'M
faded spot on his vest where his de-
tectives badge had been fastened was
the only outward reminder of Nu-
gents recent glory and authority.
On his way home alone, Nugent was
a prey to his thoughts.
There had been no false hope about
the outcome of the trial at headquar-
tiers. Even without the confederation
of his lawyer, Nugent had seen that
nothing but dismissal from the force
could have been his share. But Meth
er he nor his counsel dreamed OF fur
Their persecution.
Papa"
His little daughter was standing be-
fore him.
Irene, grille! What are you doing
here, so far from the house?"
The blue-eyed little tot, oppressed
by the importance of her errand, felt
relieved at having this opportunity of
unbosoming herself.
Its only three blocks from the
house, and mamma said to run and
give you this when nobody is look
ing"
Nugent proceeded to read the COM
munication brought by her.
John: The district attorneys men
nave been in the house and searched
t. They questioned me until did
not know what to say. Now they are
hanging around the neighborhood and
waiting for you oh, why did you do
"a III Anr 60 4
there is no escape for you. Even the
captain was afraid to call at the house,
but sent the message | inclose. oh,
this is fearful, John. I've been ex
pecting it long ago
MARY"
The Enclosure from the captain was
very brief:
zig is up. Get away as quick as
you can. There is no help for you
whatever. and if you stay or get
caught it would make it only worse
for you and me. Tear this up and
then burn it."
Nugent set fire to the note and
crushed the ashes with his foot Then
he lifted the little girl to his arms.
Now, Irene, here's quarter for
you. You run right home and tell
your mother that it's all right and
that-no, that's all, Irene. And now
run home like good little girl And.
say Irene, you love your pop, don't
your"
"0h, how | love my big papa" and
two plump arms squeezed the big, un.
calmly neck with tremendous might.
He hurriedly walked toward Broad.
way, and, keeping sharp lookout for
former colleagues. crossed. His gait
had almost become a run as he turned
into quiet Watts street
Here, only a few yards from TEEN
ing West street, within the echo Of the
noise from piers and ferries, shaded
by a solitary tree, was basement
saloon. 1t was a placid brick building
wrapped in tranquillity-suspici
tranquility No one in the neighbor-
hood patronized it. Yet, there it was,
had been there for years. and seemed
to be satisfied with its mysterious ex-
istence
Assuring himself by furtive glance
that he had not been followed, NJ
gent descended the few steps to the
saloon. 1t was not the first time he
had been there. The two men who sat
at one of the tables, and the bar
tender, knew him, but gave no sign of
recognition. From the paper, which
the bartender had been reading. his
name in heavy type greeted the ex.
wardman.
Nugent quickly stepped to the table
and addressed himself to one of the
men.
Just the man | want, Charlie"
"You got another guess coming. M.
gent" was the cool rejoinder. while
the front page of the evening paper
was conspicuously displayed to him,
See that? We amt living out in the
woods. We know what's doing and
that your wanting days are over.
Besides, there's nothing against me
on the blotter just now"