The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-11-16
The Authors Own
Fascinating Story
of His Long But
Losing Battle
For Freedom
and Health


others, and 1 would have had
clear sailing. But my naind
hadn't worked quickly enough at
the crucial moment.
Slowly, trying desperately to
think what to do, went back
up the stairs. At the top I
didn't stop but kept right on,
straight for the distant doorway
70 the street. Each second ex-
pected to be accosted. I reached
the sidewalk, hardly believing my
senses. What should have done
was jump into taxi, but was
confused and trembling. I walk
ed off down the street, not too
rapidly. I turned the first corner.
I ran, not too fast. I turned
another corner. I walked and
turned corners for several blocks.
I wanted to shout aloud. was
free!
Some trick Of Fate had played
into my hands. The fact that /
had emerged from the baths so
soon after going down there had
evidently saved me. The two had
evidently keep consulting with
the room clerk, perhaps seeking
the house detective, never dream
ing that I would be right back.
quickened my pace.
To Get Out Of Town
I knew that in a short tire
every detective and policeman In
the city would be looking for me.
must get out of town.
wouldn't even dare go back to
my hotel for my things.
Then another thought occurred
to me. Perhaps they had DELHI
erately let me slip out. and were
following to see what I would do.
I stopped on the next corner
and looked back, casually, as I
lighted a cigarette. But I knew
something OF how people are
trailed. Those following me might
be in an automobile, perhaps
ahead instead Of behind me. /
knew how hard 1t was to sspot"
a really clever detective. 1 was
In front of a high office building.
I dafted In, and on to an elevator
about TO ascend. I got off on the
top floor, where I located the en-
closed winding stairway leading
down. Down, down, down I went,
then. along the second story hall
way to the rear Of the building,
where, as I had hoped, found
another stairway, which ter
minated at a locked doorway,
leading into an alley. I twisted
the catch, opened the door and
stepped out Invent through the
alley to the next street
It was physically impossible
that anyone had followed me
through that building. I was In
deed free. But how was to get
away from Houston? I had left
practically all my money on de-
posit I'm the little bank. There
was not more than seven or eight
dollars In my pocket. I could
catch an interurban for Calves
ton, and from there go by boat
70 New Orleans, or possibly TO
Tampico; but in either case l
should need funds. The thought
Of wiring to my mother popped
into my mind, and instantly de-
cided TO act upon 1t.
NV predicament was too sert-
Gus for me to feel any qualms
OF conscience about seeking aid
from her. I'd just say needed
the money urgently and to send
Il at once. And, with that
thought In mind, seemingly un-
mindful Of the danger I ran.
made my way back toward the
business section to find a tele-
graph office.
Only one with besotted brain
could have followed the course 1
pursued during the next fifteen
minutes. With the knowledge
that was being hunted, I neye.'
/, theless sauntered back into the
main business section Of the city,
my eyes in search of the familiar
Western Union sign. I failed ID
find what I sought and finally
stopped a pedestrian.
In response to my question he
stated that there was a branch
telegraph office in the Rice
Hotel, ''just across the street" 1
could not suppress a start. i
had not been conscious Of being
30 close to the place from which
I had made my escape.
My mind must surely have
nnuddled. because ordinarily 1
have a keen sense of localities.
My first impulse on learning my
locality was to get away from
there, and yet, come to think OF
II, that would be the very last
place where they would expect TO
find me. They had, of course,
discovered that I was not STOP
ping at the Rice.
They would never dream that
would be fool enough to re-
main in that vicinity or return
10 1t. was very anxious to send
OH my telegram and then take a
taxi to one Of the outlying stops
on the interurban line, where
would board local car for Gal
weston.
I crossed the street. walked
boldly into the lobby of the Rice
and stepped up to the telegraph
counter. wrote a message, ask
ing that 5000 be sent to Galveston
for me Immediately, paid the
charges and walked out to the
street again.
I had proceeded half a block
And was watching for a taxi when
one sense OF impendina doom
again asailed me. It was intense.
4 knew something was going to
happen. The impulse to run was
almost overpowering. I quickened
my pace. IN another step or two
believe I would have been run
ming. But a big uniformed police
man was at my elbow and a little,
sharp eyed man had seized my
arm on the other side.
1.-The chief wants to see you,
Townsend" said the little man.
mo fuss, now. Come. along
quietly"
This time I knew 1t was the
nd rTha iiffI1 fellnuu knew wa s.