Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1906-02-17
M Y FIR S 7
CAP TU r E
By ALBERT BIGELOW PAINE
Copyright, 1905, by Joseph b. Bowles.l

In the electric light saw that ii
was not MCGOWAN, though he was fit
ting d key into McGowan's front door.
Then remembered that all the Nc
Gowans were away for the summer,
stealthily approached. leaped
upon his shoulders.
mo resistance-you're my prisoner!
That's so" he grunted. I'm it"
We marched toward the jail. | had
been In Office but week, and was
proud of my first capture. He seemed
inclined to be sociable.
pheasant weather we're having
how
agreed that it was warm for May.
Great thing, these electric lights"
assented to this, too adding that
they were protection to honest peo-
pie.
yes" he nodded, "the profession
hasn't much show these days"
We were at the Jail presently.
halted in the lighted corridor, and,
pushing open a door, stood aside for
him to enter.
"This is your room. Hope you'll
End 1t comfortable"
He looked about approvingly.
"Hm-southern exposure-head to
the north-very nice, thank you.
Glad you like it. Anything | can
do further?"
Il rise early-suppose you have me
called for my bath at seven"
was going through his wel-made
clothes. He was unarmed. His peck
cts contained lttle-a very little
change, and small bunch of anti
guated keys.
Couldn't do much with those
things | commented
1T Is rather poor outfit" he
agreed. Lucky | struck these free
lodgings. suppose I'm good here till
court sits"
"Yes--second week in September"
Just fits in with my plans, thinl;
Ill like it here first rate. Good night. y
went away, grinning at his assur.
ance. There was something free and
western about it that appealed to me.
rose early, TO have a look at him
by daylight ! listened a moment at
his cell, then called through the little
grated window.
Seven o'clock" | said. "You want
bd an early CALI"
The cell was empty.
began to have an uncanny feeling
and wasted no time in getting out into
the morning sunshine. As / opened
the door at the end of the corridor
saw that somebody was sitting on the
step. He turned just then, and | rec.
ognized him. 1t was my guest of the
night before.
Good morning." he greeted III
was pleasant outside so | didn't wait
for my call have been enjoying the
sunrise"
only stared at him.
BY the way, your locks are rather
poor he added, you forgot to leave
me a key last night, but 1t made nc
difference"
pulled myself together.
perhaps you'd better come in now,
! suggested, "and let me go over you
again for those skeleton keys. ap
preciate the fact that you didn't run
away, and | want to treat you well
hut business is business. I'm the new
man here, and the public eye is upon
me-
He returned to his cell quite willing
w. There was literally nothing on his
person that could discover, | looked
ct him helplessly He smiled--a pleas
ant, reassuring smile.
Don't worry" he consoed; I'm
not likely to leave. | might go farther
and fare worse"
He followed quite submissively 10 q
cell across the way, where there was q
lock of an altogether different pattern
4i'l bring your breakfast down my
self" said. Don't go, please, before
I come" and went out, carefully lock
Ing the door.
Soon after went to the window and
looked down on the wide Jail yard, in
one corner of which was a vegetable
garden. A man was wedding one Of
The beds. Then | stood stock still and
stared. The man in the garden was
my guest.
That was my weird summer.
set myself now to solve this mys
tery--the secret of his power. Wher
locked him in his cell he showed nc
desire to leave it so long as was near
absent for a moment | would be like
" to hear the lawn mower, and would
look out to find him cutting grass.
tried friendship. | had installed
him as harmless eccentric, helping
me for his board. | now proceeded te
make his stay pleasant. Books, pic
lures, a carpet and some furniture
were placed in his quarters, and in
vited him to my private table. His
conversation was usually cultured and
interesting, but gave me no clew as tC
his secret.
II was during the first week OF Sep
amber that the cashier Of our local
bank fell dead one morning, just be-
tore opening time. Then it was found
NAT nobody else knew the combination
Of the safe-nobody but the president
Who was somewhere in London OF
Paris.
Such a matter is of importance in q
country town. hurried over and saw
he vice president In his private Office
4 DID not go into details. merely told
nim that had fellow helping around
ne jail who seemed to know good
neal about locks. | added that OF
.Nepurse could not say as to his expe.
fence with combinations, but that be
eemed TO have faculty for opening
rIch locks as I had been able to Offer