Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1915-09-29
CHAPTER XIII,
A Midniqht Tour.


others were awaiting his ar
rival, and in a few moments the little
company set forth. The policeman
guide was a sturdy Irishman Of pow
erful build. He carried the customary
baton carried by officers and also had
showing his official authority, was hid
den by the lapel Of his coat, but be
could display it In an instant by a
slight motion of his left hand
I'VE take the saloons first" said the
policeman as they walked down the
street, two by two, the officer and
Reginald leading. 1T is past the clos
ing time, but we can enter readily by
a rear door,"
Choosing one CT the prominent sa-
looms, the police officer lead the way
to the rear door and knocked with
three double taps. In little while the
door opened carefully. AS soon as the
door had swung back far enough the
officer deftly placed his foot on the
threshold and pushed it wide open.
"Who are you, sir?" exclaimed the
AStollishcd doorkeeper. For answer
;tr officer showed his star, and the
man received him cordially.
Come in. sir; come in. These are
So;l e friends of yours, suppose?"
The saloon man pointed to the minis
tiers and the city reporter Of the Cou-
rier as he spoke.
Yes" said the officer CURLY. I'VE
want to so into the room where the
boys are"
Leading the way. the man took them
through dark room and, throwing
open a door. ushered them into room
with number Of men sitting at little
tables. On every table there were
glasses and bottles.
A bartender with ford face. short.
thick neck and adorned with white
apron hurried forward.
''Sit down, gentlemen" he said. bow
ing to the visitors. What can we do
for you tonight?"
The policeman pulled back his coat,
showing his star, and remarked lei
surely: "Oh, nothing am just taking
a few friends around tonight to see
our town."
The bartender looked closely at the
men and recognized the ministers and
Reginald. He started in establishment
and gaped open mouthed at the in
truders. Meanwhile Allan Rutledge had
been scanning the faces in the room,
and with a deep sorrow he saw that
some OF the young men were sons of
members of his own church Suddenly
his eyes fell on Roland Gregory at
table in the corner Of the room. See
ing that the visitors did not seat them
selves, the attention Of the jewellers
was soon conferred on the party of in
vestigators. The ministers and Regi-
maid had removed their caps, which
had been pulled down over their faces,
and almost every one recognized them.
There was a tense silence. The loud
talking and laughing ceased.
=, II think that will be ALL" said Allan
Rutledge. speaking to the officer. I'VE
have seen all we care to in this place."
He turned to go.
Roland Gregory staggered to his feet.
He was plainly somewhat under the
influence Of liquor. what do you
fools want here?" he asked in a thick
voice. adding vile oath. The police
man was turning to leave the room,
and Gregory walked up deliberately to
Reginald Nelson, who was writing in
a notebook hastily the number of men
present and also adding the names of
few whom he knew.
"What are you writing there?" said
Gregory. reaching for the city re-
porter's notebook. In a moment Regi.
maid whipped his notebook into his
pocket. warded off the others hand
and started to follow the rest.
You - said Gregory. making q
lunge ut the reporter: Reginald Mel
son was glancing over his shoulder as