The Lamar register., 1917-12-26
BY SPECIAL
DELIVERY
By ELIZABETH S. COBB

l am John Bevins, detective. You
will not find my name on the police
roster, however for l am not listed in
my professional capacity outside of the
law office which employs me-Walton,
Burllngame & Evans. But, If you
search back, You will find me in the po-
lice records under my alias, Lee Can
drin.
There will ever remain with me the
memory of n wicked, mlsspent year. /
came to Chicago from n peaceful coun-
try home with several hundred dollars
inherited from my only relative, an
uncle. / was caught with the white
lights glare and royalty scattered my
money. My nberality brought me In
contact with men who were bad at
heart. When my last dollar was gone
leaving me In debt, they coolly invited
me to replenish my resources by join
Ing them In their criminal career.
My instructions were simple. The
boss of the gang had given me a whis-
tie and a revolver. was to signal with
the former If policeman or a watch
man came along. I sat back far In the
shadow.
Just then from the mansion there
rang forth shrill cry, followed by the
echo of a pistol shot. With a shrek,
as though pursued by haunting demons.
dashed to the mouth of the alley. One
way was clear, but I did not seek It.
Approaching from the opposite direc-
ton was policeman. I ran straight
way up to him. seized his arm fran
tcally, shouting into his ear:
rob. come into this housed MUIR
der is being donew
We got inside to find family and
servants rushing about in bewilder-
ment and terror. The butler had dis
covered my evil companions making
way with the silver. They had fired
at him and escaped with their booty.
As we came outside the policeman, for
all my activity In fastening him to the
scene. placed me under arrest.
IL was one OF the crowd" con-
fessed instantly and told my story.
At the trial the judge appointed
young lawyer to defend me. He was
Wayne Milton. "You are incriminat-
Ing yourself" whispered the young
man as told my story.
II deserve and expect punishment"
replied definitely. and then, listening
intently to the mlnutest detail of my
experience. the Judge motioned my
attorney to his side. They held low
toned consultation and Mr.. Milton
came back to me. took my arm and
led me from the court room.
II have pledged my word that you
will never appear here again." he
said. "My man. truth has saved you.
Wayne Milton. he with the frank,
fathoming eyes, and a golden smile
md tender heart for all humanity
Oh how much he did for me. His
firm gave me work, at first serving le-
gal papers and watching cases in
court, and later working into the intrl-
cacies Of cases where my knowledge
of criminals developed an instructive
detective ability. Mr.. Milton at the
end of the year removed to Clyde,
little town 200 miles distant from the
city. I was living respectfully, earn
ing good money and never forgetting
the kindness and friendship of my pa
tron. 1t was during his second year
of his practice at Clyde that re-
ceived an urgent telegram.
"Get leave of absence for week
and come on" it read. Important"
I was at Clyde by first train. Had
Wayne Milton asked me to give up
my position to assist him I would have
willingly done so. went at once to
the office of Mr.. Milton. found him
troubled. restless. serious.
ua rn,trad ba door apJ pIoraI n