Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1911-02-10

~ NlSItOI LUZ vOu. uuuOuuCeu uts
secretary. Smith, entering. His name
is like a roll call in the German navy
He handed Handler Il card.
The warden took the pasteboard.
''Blick -en-d ol-fen BACH" he read slow.
ly. "a man with Il name like that has
no right on the outside Of prison.
whats his graft?'
"EIe has letter from the state board
of prisons lie has invented a loci,
believe, that
Lets have him."
The secretary ushercd in an earnest
looking man with long. wavy black
hair. He was short and thin
II am Gustave BlickendOlfenbach,
the great inventor" said the visitor to
the warden. Il have lock for you to
inkeep the prisoners nit" He bowed
to the warden and rubbed his hands
complacently.
$50 I hear. Your lock can't be
picked, eh?'
The inventor raised his hands in hor-
ror at the suggestion.
picked! Pickedv' he calculated.
"Nly lock picked? The whole world it
half tried it-Germany. France. Eng
land-and even the cleverest thieves in
Naples. The whole vide world it all it
half not open without they the key
haff.'
$50 I've heard. but still it might be
picked at that"
at is maybe don't understand
picked-you mean open NIT not my
kev?"
Yes; with wire Or
"A vire" exclaimed the inventor.
"My lock open-that half spend four
teen years to perfect? Nein. 1t is
laughter. yas, but
Handler was growing impatient.
1T will be accepted only on the con-
dition that it cannot be opened with.
out a key" he pronounced.
The inventor drew himself up proud.
ly. "Yaw, und I challenge the world"
he cried confidently.
well, all the worlds champions are
in America, you know" answered the
warden. land when it comes to genius
in mechanics most of them are in Jail.
Well have it tried before noon"
The visitor took his precious lock
from his pocket and laid it on the
table in front Of the warden. saying:
Il keep the key. Now the world can
not my lock open."
1T looks good" commented Han.
dler. IF you care to wait I'll have 1t
tested"
Il Wait. 1 lofe to see the expert
frown und smile und give it up. 1t is
my joy"
AS the inventor went out to await
the test George Doyle. a detective
credited with long list Of important
captures, entered the office and salut-
ed Handler.
Isn't Bill Avery to be let loose to-
day." queried the newcomer.
Don't know. Is he?" returned the
warden indifferently.
cantly.
yes" he said. II hear he's very
friendly with Jimmy Valentine. The
way Valentines lawyer is going after
n new trial makes things look danger
GUS"
What about the man you had make
friends with Valentine in order to get
him to talk about himself-to give
himself away?" the warden asked
shrewdly.
Doyle shrugged.
Nothing to it. Valentine wouldn't
get confidential with him. but IL
could get Avery on my staff to work
for me and squeal on Valentine I'd
get him. Id be able to keep him from
getting q new trial"
Thus did the detective describe in
his conversation small part Of the
system which his fellow man hunters
find of utility in serving their partic-
uar ends. whatever they may be-the
stool pigeon" system. which consists
of forcing or pcrsuading released Grim
inals to spy on their companions and
to convey to the police the information
they procure.
Sometimes the detective uses the
knowledge 80 gained for the purpose
of ;rrestins Il fugitive. again Tor Sc
curing division Of Ill gotten spells.
again for the purpose of obtaining
witnesses who will find it policy to
commit perjury ut a trial. and so the
underworld grows suspicious OF Its
neislloors aud finds danger lurking
where friendships smile is sought.
The warden resumed the CONVERSE
ton.
IL don't nnow about AIery's re-
lease" he SAID "Oh. Smith" turning
to bis assistant. where's the listr'
"On your desk"
"Oh. yes. Avery here?"
Hes waiting outside"
Lets have him."
Hes a tough old boy. this Avery"
commented Doyle, but he's my one
best chance in trying to get the goods
on Valentine"
The secretary brought in Bill Avery.
whose gray hair. ashen face and stoop-
ing figure indicated that prison fare
was not rejuvenating. although there
was a strange sharpness in his eyes,
in his glance, that long career Of fur
tive watchfuness had developed.
you're finally out. eh?" greeted the
prison master you've done nine?"
Eight years ten months, sir"
"Treated pretty well. weren't you"