The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1907-11-20

well, and might know some other
place to look for him. The Kid jaws a
bit. an then does as | tells him, an
cuts away. That's half an hour ago,
an here you are, an here's your let
ter"
i hesitated for little before saying
anything. 1t was with quick suspicion
that l wondered why Mother Borton
had secured again that gloomy and de-
serted house for the interview she
was planning.
That was very kind Of you. You
didn't know what was in the letter
then?"
NO, sor," replied Corson with a
touch Of wounded pride. It's not inc
as would open another mans letter
unless in the way CT me duty
DO you know Mother Bort0n?"
continued.
Know her? know herr" returned
Corson in tone scornful OF doubt on
such a point. do know the sliokest
crook in San Francisco? An, it's
many a stcry ! could tell you. Mr.. VIII
ton. of the way that ould she-diyil has
slipped through our fingers when We
thought our hands were on her throat.
And it's many of her brood we have
put safe in San Quentin"
Yes, | suppose so" said | dryly.
But the woman has done me service
saved my life, | may say-and I'm
willing TO forget the bad in her"
That's not for me TO say, sor; but
there's quare things happens, no
doubt"
This note" | continued. is writ
ten over her name. l don't know
whether it came from her or not: but
if she sent 1t / must see her. It may
be a case of life or death for me"
AN il it didn't come from her?''
asked the policeman shrewdly
Then" said ] grimly. its likely TO
be a case OF death if venture alone. .
I'm tell you what, Mr.. Wilton" said
Corson after pause. IF youu wait
a bit, III go with you-that Is. II
there isn't somebody else you'd like
better to have by your side tonight.
You don't look to have any Of your
friends about"
Just the thing" l said heartily.
There's no one I'd rather have. Wen
go down as soon as We can get bile
to eat"
an have 10 wait bit. sor, till my
relief comes. He'll be along soon. As
for getting a bite. you can't do better
than wait TIL you get to Mother Bor.
toms. It's rough place. but it's got a
name for good cooking"
| was bewilde-ed.
Il guess there's not much TO be got
in the way Of eating in the house,
There was nothing left in il yester.
day morning but the rats" l spoke
with considerable emphasis.
That's quare, now" he said. look.
ing to see If there was a jest behind
the words. "But twas all there when
Mcpherson and put club TO a drunk
as was raising the Ould Nick in the
place and smashing the bottles. not
six hours ago. When We took him
away in the Express wagon the ould
woman was rowling out those long
black curses in a way that would
warm the heart OF the foul tiend him
self"
There was some fresh mystery
about this. held my tongue with the
reflection that L had better let it
straighten itself out than risk a Stun
Bile by asking about things | ought to
know.
Corson's relief soon appeared ats
a nasty night" he said. buttoning up
his overcoat closely, as Corson gave
him a brief report Of the situation on
the beat.
rs good for them as likes 1t dark"
sale Corson.
IT'S just such a night as we had
when Donaldson was murdered DO
you mind it?"
do | mind IT,? Am likely TO forgit
it? Wen, a pleasant time to you. me
hoy. Come along. sor. We'd better
be moving. You won't mind stepping
up to the hall with me. viii we, while
| report?"
Certainly not said with a SILVER
half at the grim suggestion Of muir
der and half at the chill of the fog
and the cutting wind that blew the
pcold vapor through TO the skin.
you've no overcoat," said )Corson.
"Well stop and get one. I'll have mine
from the station"
The silence Of the house Of mystery
was no less threatening now than on
the, night when Henry Wilton was
walking through the halls on the way
TO his death. But the stout-hearted
policeman by my side gave me con-
fidence, and no sign showed the pres
ence of an enemy as I secured Henry's
heavy overcoat and the large revolver
he had given me, and we took cur
way down the stairs.
A short visit to the grimy. foul
smelling basement OF the City Hall,