Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1915-09-30
CHAPTER XIII.
A Midnioht Tour,

IltO lue 1OuIIeT OulCt. lut
others were awaiting his ar
rival, and In few moments the little
company set forth. The policeman
guide was sturdy Irishman Of pow
erful build. He carried the customary
baton carried by officers and also had
revolver In his belt. His star"
showing his official authority, was hid
den by the lapel of his coat. but he
could display 1t 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
Reginald leading. 1T is past the clos
ing time. but we can enter readily by
! q rear door"
| Choosing one of the prominent sa
looms, the police officer lead the way
to the rear door and knocked with
three.double taps In Il 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.
"Vho are you. sir?" exclaimed the
astonished doorkeeper For answer
the officer. showed his star, and the
man received him cordially.
Come in, sir: come in. These avn
some friends of yours. SUPPOSE
The saloon man pointed to the ninls
tiers and the city reporter of the Cou-
| rier as he spoke.
Yes said the officer CURLY. 1--WE
want to go into the room where the
| boys are"
| Leading the way. the man took them
( through n dark room and. throwing
| open n door. ushered them into room
with n number of men sitting at little
tables. On every table there were
| glasses and bottles.
A bartender with ford face. short.
thick neck aud adorned with white
apron hurried forward.
"Sit down. gentlemen" he said. bow
ling 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
few friends around tonight to see
| our town"
The bartender looked closely at the
men and recognized the ministers and
Reginald He started in astonishment
and gaped open mouthed at the In
truders. Meanwhile Allan Rutledge had
been scanning the faces in the room,
and with 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 a
| table In the corner of the room. See
| ing that the visitors did not seat them.
selves, the attention OF the jewellers
was soon centered on the party of in
vestigators. The ministers and Regi.
| maid had removed their caps, which
had been pulled down over their faces.
aad 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 hereT he asked In 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 moment Regi.
maid whipped his notebook into his
pocket, warded Off the others hand
and started to follow the rest.
You -!' said Gregory. making
lunge at the reporter. Reginald Mel
son was glancing over his shoulder as
he retreated. and he saw the others
threatening fist. Stepping to one side.
he wheeled around In the doorway.
let out his arm with terrific force. and
Roland Gregory stretched his length
on the floor. There was an instant
uproar. sound Of breaking glass and
loud oaths, but the reporter quickly
slammed the door shut and hastily
followed the others. who were now
passing into the alley out of the rear
door
They reached dark street on the
edge of the business district. and the
officer remarked. I'VE will now have a
look at gambling joint You can
notice how secure these fellows win
look when they see my star. They