The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1916-03-31
AFTER KID
MULLIGAN
By ALAN HINSDALE


ty it was reported to me that there
was young clergyman In Hilton. a
farm center, some twenty miles away,
and it was suspected that he was Kid
Mulligan, a half boy, half man, des-
perado, who was fond Of masquerade
ing in different DISCUSSES was anx-
ious to secure Mulhgan and concluded
TO so to Hilton and inspect the rever-
end gentleman. l had never seen the
Kid, but had a description OF him.
On my way TO Hilton met farmer
who had been held up by a masked
man the night before. he was IN
armed and handed out what little mon
ey he had about him without making
show of defense. Indeed, he was too
| frightened TO take notice of the robber
except that he spoke with voice not
at all gruff. On the contrary, 1t was
rather musical
This robbery was an indication that
Mulligan was the robber and Muligan
and the robber were one and the same
person. l went on to Hilton and made
inquiries for the Rev. Joseph Wyeth,
the parsons name, and was told that
he was to be found at the Phoenix no.
tel. He was travelling under a COM
mission of the bishop to raise funds for
building churches. l went to the no.
tel, a small tavern. and found the
curate sitting on the veranda. He
wore the canonicals of an Episcopal
clergyman. his hair was parted in the
middle, and altogether his appearance
was exceedingly clerical.
Soon after my arrival at the tavern
he arose and started down the main
street till he came to a church and
t1rned in at a back door. / inferred
that the rector had a study there and
Wyeth was going to visit him. wait
ed till he came out, then went in to
Interview the rector. l found him an
elderly man not versed In worldly
ways. He had seen Mr.. Wyeth's Gre
dentials from the bishop, but had not
scrutinized the signature. Mr.. Wyeth
was arranging with him to speak to
his congregation the next Sunday even
ing, with view to taking up a collec-
ton for church building In the diocese.
From Mr.. Wyeth's personal appear
ance and certain of his mannerisms
gathered suspicious of him. / did not
believe him to be Kid Mulllgan, but l
did believe that he vas not an Episco-
pal minister. HOwel or, l had no real
knowledge concerning him and felt
obliged to let him proceed with what
he was doing, keeping him under sur
veillance. decided to let him deliver
bis Sunday evening address, but did
not propose to let him get out of town
with the proceeds of the collection
without being convinced that he was
what he purported to be.
When Sunday evening came 1 at.
tended the church services. At the
proper time the rector spoke a few
words OF Introduction; then Mr.. Wyeth
began his address. Possibly II l had
not been suspicious of him l might
have been fooled by his remarks like
the others. One matter especially
gave him away to me. In mentioning
he places the bishop desired churches
should be built he included the town
II Bingham. happened to know that
In Episcopal church had just been fin
shed in Bingham.
The young man spoke with a pleas |
'ntly modulated voice and talked flu
9utiy. sat in pew right under him.
where could watch him. and l think |
nat my fixed gaze Disconnected him.
or he gave me an occasional glance.
lnd every time he did so he seemed to /
ose the thread of his discourse.
doubtless others of the congregation !
ttributed this to his youth and the
right natural to a speaker.
Ihat he had made a very favorable
Impression was evident from the col.
action, which for SO small n nlace
'as considerable. The congregation
eparted, and the two clergymen went
ITO the Yestry room, the one to turn
'er' the other to receive the contribu-
IONS. | listened under an open win
ow and heard Wyeth bid the rector
oodby, saying that he must be of
arly the next morning.
hdfihS seen the young man enter
re tavern and go to his room. | wait
Tor an hour. then told the landlord
lat l wished to speak to Mr.. Wyeth
40 asked him to go to his room with
lie. l had reasons for wishing the
ndiord with me which will appear
resently. He consented, and, taking
candle, We went to the clergyman's
'om and knocked on the door l.
Who's there?'
The landlord and looked at each
her. The voice sounded like that of !
woman suddenly awakened.
"A gentleman wishes to speak with
~, Mr.. Wyeth." said the landlord.
It's too late. I've gone to bed"
nis time the voice had lost something
Its femininity. IL
MY mind was made up. The door
as locked. Drawing off. 1 gave II n
OK, and it flew open. Mr.. Wyeth was
Veaied In bed pulling the covers up /
his chin. Approaching. l drew \
EN- down far enough to expose his :
ok.
l thought So" | remarked to the 9
ldlord. Then. turning to the woman
said:
I'll trouble you for the church col