The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1909-06-12

The next day : young man stepped
from the train and inquired the way
TO the jail.
4 understand you have a prisoner
who claims to be John Clark of Belle
ville?" he asked as he entered.
Yes, we have" answered the ser
geant.
We'll I'm John Clark. Here's my
card. I'd like to look at this i'm
postor."
Certainly, sir" replied the sergeant.
step this way"
AS they reached the door Of the
cell, the sergeant threw it open.
Clark" exclaimed Higgins. rush
ing forward. He had a dim impress
sion that soon all his troubles would
be over.
But Clark returned his gaze coldly.
and did not recognize Higgins.
Poor Higginsl He scarcely knew
what to say. He finally decided to tell
his real name. Surely Clark could not
be so mean as to refuse to identify
him.
MY name is George Higgins" he
said, turning to the sergeant. This
is a friend; hen identify me-"
That's another lie" replied Clark,
turning to the sergeant. George Hig.
gins a drowned in the river a couple
OF days ago, | found his clothes on
the river bank. I knew him we'll. This
fellow never saw him. He's nothing
but a common tramp"
$50 you stole my clothes. did you!"
yelled Higgins, and he seemed about
to spring upon the other,
mo. l didn't steal your clothes" re-
piled Clark, coldly. 81 simply found
those thatbelonged to George Higgins,
who was drowned; poor fellow"
Higgins could scarcely believe his
ears, The sergeant looked from one
to the other.
ooh, John. won't you help me2"
pleaded Higgins. "T1l never be mean
to you again."
But Clark turned away. He had evi-
IDENTIFY resolved not to help his friend
In any way.
Then an unexpected thing happened.
The sergeant, who had been watch
ing them both narrowly, suddenly
sprang forward, pushing Clark into
the cell and closing the door,
There" he said, II think that's
the best place for both Of you. | be
lieve you're both crooks" and he
walked away, leaving them alone to
gether.
"a nice mess you've made Of it,
! growled Higgins. "A word from you
! and I'd got out"
"But didn't get you in. you fool!'
replied Clark, holly. What had
to do with it,"
"You stole my clothes!" answered
Higgins. savagely.
"But | thought you were drowned,
" returned Clark.
d. "You thought nothing Of the kind
You did it on purpose. You knew
o was to take Eva to the ball tina
night"
e "And | was to take her to the thei
ter tonight" growled Clark.
[ Thus they Quarrelsd and wrangleC
but it only served to pass the tim
away. They remained in jail just tn
same.
nho .orooaot taIa0ronhad the noIlc
y of B~elleville, saying he had two me
locked up, one claiming to be Georg
!, Higgins and the other John Clark. H
asked them what they knew abou
|, any such persons.
Then he awaited developments. H
had lots of patience, more than tn
e two young men possessed. The
:, we're both anxious to get away.
= After another weary day Of waitin
a tall, w~ell-dressed man left the trai
and proceeded 10 the jail.
II I'm William Tallman," he said, Al
a dressing the sergeant. Il live |
n Belleville-"
IS What" exclaimed the sergean
jumping up. Another one from there
i. I'll have the Jail full II this keeps on
lie ALLOW me to proceed, please" CO.
Is tinued the man, smiling. Il don
lie blame you for being suspicious, b
he your fears are g~roundlsss this tim
is l came to see you two prisoner
I! Here's a letter from the chief Of p
I'd lice Of B~ellevills."
r. Let me see 1t, sir"
The letter appeared to satisfy Il
sergeant. He led the way to the &c
and opened the door.
"Mr. Tallmanl" both prisoners e
e. claimed. rushing forward.
a Hello, boys" said Mr.. Tallma
10 laughing heartily. Il came over
get you out. But first you must co
y graduate me-"
what for?" asked the two your
pc men In unison.
" 81 have 10Y a %sonin-law. Eva
married."
Married." both calculated
amazement.
~ YES" replied Mr.. Tallman, laug
ing. "She improved the opportuni
Of your absence by marrying Charl
Parker. / like him pretty we'll;
fact, I think he will make her a bett
Ut thon offhar ~ vou PIT cou