Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1906-02-01
EX.WARDMAN
NUGENT
Copyright. 1925. by Joseph D. Bowlss.i
BY OWEN KILDARE
lAuihor OF My Mamie Rose" ste.l

its end.
The city had been treated TO 4 few
disclosures In the police department
and hints by the prosecuting power'
seemed to promise even graver revela
tions.
The plague-spot first to be probet
was the Twelfth precinct. Here thu
rudy illumination OF the illegal re-
sorts had thrown q vicious glow ovel
the entire district.
That the rampage OF vice could mo-
have been as unrestrained as Il wal
without the connivance 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 TO this plan Of proce'
dure that John Nugent had found him
self the defendant In the star trial or
this Thursday. II had gone against
him. The census OF the police de-
partment was less by one. and the un'
faded spot on his vest where his de-
tective's badge had been fastened was
the only outward reminder OF MI
gents recent glory and authority.
On his way home alone, Nugent was
q 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 Ut
unbosoming herself
tits 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
II. They questioned me until l did
not know what to say. Now they are
hanging around the neighborhood and
waiting for you. Oh. why did you do
1t. John? From what understand
there Is no escape for yOa. 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:
Jig is ups Get away as quick as
you can. There Is no help for you
whatever, and II you stay or get
caught It would make II only worse
Tor you audi 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 oil, Irene. And now
cun home like a good little girl. And.
say. Irene. you love your pop. don't
your"
"Oh. how love my biz papa" and
two plump arms squeezed the big, un-
calmly neck with tremendous might.
He hurriedly walked toward Broad
way. and. keeping q sharp lookout Tor
iormer colleagues. crossed. His gait
had almost become q 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 solitary tree, was a basement
saloon. II was a placid brick building
wrapped in neutrality-suspicious.
tranquility. No one In the neighbor-
hood patronized 1t. Yet, there IT was,
had been there for years, and seemed
to be satisfied with its mysterious ex-
istence.
Assuring himself by furtive glence
that he had not been followed, Nu-
gent descended the few steps to the
saloon. II 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, Nu-
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"
Il don't mean that" Nugent has
tened to explain. Il just want TO have
a little talk with you-.and you won't
lose nothing by It."
ThaY ratired 10 the rear part Of the