Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-04-01

When I was sheriff OF Marion coun-
ty 1t was reported to me that there
was young clergyman in Hilton, a
farm center, some twenty miles away,
Mulligan, a half boy, half man, des-
perado, who was fond of masquerad-
ing in different DISCUSSES. l was anx-
ious to secure Mulligan and concluded
to go 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 l met farmer
who had been held up by masked
man the night before. He was I'M
armed and handed out what little mon
ey he had about him without making
a 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, it was
rather musical.
This robbery was an indication that
Mulligan was the robber and Mulligan
person. l went on to Elton and made
inquiries for the Rev. Joseph Wyeth,
the parsons name, and was told that
he was to be found at the Phoenix ho-
tel He was travelling under a COM
mission Of the bishop to raise funds for
building churches. I went to the ho-
TEL a small tavern, ard 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
turned In at a back door. I 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 ere
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 a view to taking up coliec-
ton for church building in the diocese.
From Mr. Wyeth's personal appear
ance and certain Of his mannerisms
gathered suspicious Of him. l did not
believe him to be Kid Mulligan, but l
did believe that he was not an Episco-
pal minister. However, 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
his 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 I at
tended the church services. At the
proper time the rector spoke a few
words of introduction; then Mr.. Wyeth
began his address. Possibly IL had
not been suspicious of him | might
have been fooled by his remarks like
the others. One matter especially
gave him away to me. In mentioning
the places the bishop desired churches
should be built he included the town
of Bingham. l happened to know that
an Episcopal church had just been fin
ishad in Bingham.
Tie young man spoke with a pleas
antly modnlated voice and talked flu
| entity. | sat in pew right under him,
| where | could watch him. and think
| that my fixed gaze disconnected him
| for he gaVe me an occasional glance,
and every time he did so he seemed to
| lose the thread Of his discourse
! Doubles others OF the congregation
attribute this to his youth and the
fright ma tral to a, speaker.