The Nevada County picayune., 1911-09-29

began to feel quite chilly, but deter naiaei to remain in the peifry until daylight.
 | He never realized before how slow ly 1t is possible for minutes to pass by. but his long vigil finally came to an end. Daylight appeared and the detective brought forth a powerful tel escope. With the aid of this instru- ment he was enabled to get a splendid view of the surrounding country. In fact, he could see everything quite clearly within a radius of a mile or more Good housewives at work in their gardens, farmers driving their in the fields, were all to be seen with wonderful clearness.
 Presently his curiosity was satisfied and he climbed down from his lofty perch and quietly retraced his steps. He went to his boarding house and ate breakfast with a heartiness that made the cook tell him that he had the appetite of a horse. While he was at the table. Ezra Wallace came in. The sexton spoke to him very coldly Brooks became alarmed He did not desire the III will of the old man, and, above all. did not wish to have his plans go astSay, so he tried to con- ciliate him.
 Good morning Ezra! you're looking fine this morning."
 That's the way all respectable folks should lock- was the gruff re- joinder.
 Sure responded the detective. who did not quite grasp the meaning of the sextons remark
 The latter eyed him coldly for a mo- ment and then said in an accusing voice:
 'I may have my faults, but I've never stayed out all night in my life"
 At this psychological moment the detective gave a terrific sneeze
 If you had been in your warm bed last night" said Ezra, now making his accusation direct, you probably wouldn't have had that cold"
 'Oh, that's all right" was the cheer full reply.
 Tt Is not all right" retorted the sex ton, land I'll thank you to give me back that key"
 Brooks handed 1t to him with some misgivings.
 What are you going to do?" asked the detective.
 "I don't know yet" was the reply I'll find out first whether anythings | been taken out of the church. After | that I'll decide what to do." It took Brooks nearly an hour to l pacify the old man, and in convincing him that although he was travelling under an assumed name, and spent the | night in the steeple of the church, he | was engaged in a legitimate business, and assured him that in a short time he would explain it all to his satis- | faction.
 The day after his night in the | church steeple, Brooks was very busy. times, and during the afternoon and | evening it was noticed that several strangers alighted from the way train that stopped at Meadboro. The detec- | tive was very stiff from his exposure, but he managed to conceal his dis comfort in the thought of the impor- tant work that lay before him.
 He was up at daylight the following morning. He stationed himself in the road that led from the Davis farm to the station. The two-horse team that was in the habit of hauling the milk to the train was due at six o'clock. It rumbled along just at the | hour. Davis, himself, occupied a place on the seat beside the driver The detective stood near turn in the road Behind him. concealed in a clump of bushes, were two ablebodied assistants. AS the team reached that point Brooks stepped in front of the horses.
 Good morning. MT. Davis-how are you feeling this morning?"
 None of your business" was the rough rejoinder. Get out of the way and let these horses pass"
 You're not very polite this morn ing"
 I'm in hurry, and I've got no time to waste on you"
 Then you'll have to take the time"
 Davis answer was characteristic of the man. He cracked his whip and started the horses. But the detective moved with amazing quickness and coolness. He pulled his pistol and pointed it at the farmers head.
 Halt" he cried.
 At the same moment his two assist ants rushed from their places of con cealment.
 You sec" said Brooks, pleasantly, tits three against two. You might as well give up.'
 But don't understand" replied Davis, wto did look dazed. Whats the meaning of this performance?
 oor b1 avp1ainad in few