The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-02-18

triumph the fugitive encountered a legal
and physical impeachment in the person of
Marshal Metcalf. The officer rounded a
corner almost in the fleeing mans face.
They collided violently. The marshal went
down before the impact and the two rolled
in the slush of the street. For moment
lay helpless under nearly 200 pounds of of
ficial avoirdupois
"Got you'll" growled the OFFICER savagely.
He scrambled to his feet with alacrity sur
prising in one of his bulk. Get up, ding
dong it, while l dislodge your armamentr'
Then, as Bristow came up Chasing this?
Is he"
81 caught him lettering about the Selden
grounds" explained the lawyer. "The au-
topsy showed that DR.. Selden was murdered.
Perhaps this fellow may know something
about the crime Search him, Metcalf."
The Marshal searched his accidental catch,
all the while keeping firm clutch on the
Italians shoulder. The prisoner expostu-
lated violently, but offered no other resist
ance.
To Metcalf's manifest disgust nothing of
an discriminating character was developed.
A pocketknife, small sum of money, most
ly in pennies, nickels and dimes, and a
much-soiled bandana handkerchief seemed
to be the sum total of the Italians assets
The Marshal was comforting himself with
the reflection that the prisoner could be
held as a suspect, or at least on va
grancy charge, when he suddenly espied a
tightly clenched hand.
After brief struggle, during which the
policeman's club was used effectively, he
triumphantly wrested wad of paper from
the prisoners clutch. That the owner
deemed il of great value or Importance was
evidenced by the frantic efforts he made
toward its recovery.
His curiosity aroused by the queer be-
havior of the man, Bristow snatched the find
from the marshaPs hand and opened it.
Then he gave vent to an exclamation of sur
prise and satisfaction.
Outlined upon the wrinkled surface was
red circle pierced by a purple dagger!
A feeling Of exultation possessed Bris-
tow as he scanned the sheet bearing the
mystic symbol. One phase of the strange
affair at Crestmere was about to be cleared
up. The prisoner, he was confident, coulo
explain the meaning of the mysterious
sign, even if he could throw no light on
the murder of DR.. Seden. The man should
be compelled to divulge what he knew he
grimly decided, even though it became nee
essary to resort to third-degree methods that
the desired information might be ELECTED
"This paper" he said, addressing Met
calf, "is facsimile of the notice or warn
ing l found pinned to the door of the Sell
den home"
"You don't sayp' exclaimed Metcalf with
bullying eyes. "Say, you," addressing the
prisoner, what do you know about this,
hey?"
The Italian shook his head vigorously.
"Finda-a de pape,' he protested.
you're lynn an you know itp' vocif-
Grated the incensed marshal. ''Now tell
the truth"
Me linda, me find-a," reiterated the
foreigner. "Let-a me goa. Me doa no
harm"
What were you doing on the veranda
of the house, them" demanded Bristow,
sternly.
"Me rag-a man. Buy-a de rag" ex-
planned the Italian.
By this time number Of persons had
gathered about the trio and were eagerly
plying Bristow and the marshal with ques-
tions.
81 believe the fellow is lying" said the
lawyer to Metcalf Better take him to the
cooler. We will compel him to talk later"
With sundry verbal and physical admoni-
; 80 s4x.d Il