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Chapter 3 A QUESTION IN THE NIGHT

Word Count: 2189    |    Released on: 06/12/2017

to the investigation, and half

an, with a sigh of relie

is doubts of my sa

ng to the spot where I had seen the struggling group fr

on the spot. The rough pavement

s light," said the policeman, hinting once more his

I said. "See here, the alley lead

lead the way. Maybe you want one yourse

ind the grim and threatening buildings, and filled with noisome odors. We looked nar

"Maybe they've carried him into one of these back-door dens, and maybe

ed and can be rescued. And these men can be ca

you can't do nothin' at all out here. I'll report the case to the head office, an' we'll send out the

zed with dread and despair in t

he alley was still waiting for stray customers and I crossed over to it with the thought that the inmates might give me a possible clue. A man half-asleep leaned back in a chair by the stove with his chin on

alled for a glass of wine, partly as an excuse fo

e to-night?" I asked i

ooked at me wit

ly. "This is the quietes

sold," was my private comment, as I got the aftertaste of the dose. But

hat followed my departure. Hardly had I gained my concealment when the swinging doors of the saloon opened cautiously, and a face peered out into the

pths. I was alone in the face of this mystery. I had not one friend in the city to whom I could appeal for sympathy, advice or money. Yet I s

his papers. But I found that he did not leave memoranda of his business lying about. The only scrap that could have a possible bearing on it was a sheet of pa

cockeyed bar

he explanation of the map, I supposed, in cipher, and as it might prove the clue to this dre

od of it. There were desperate enterprises afoot of which I could see neither beginning nor end, purpose nor result. I repented of my consent to mix in these

the bed to rest. I did not expect to sleep after the exciting events through which I had passed; yet after a bit the train of m

ght that I had left burning had been put out. Darkness was intense. The beating of my own heart was the

pon the bed. Wiry fingers gripped my

y? Give me your papers, or I'

sadvantage, struggled desperately enough to break th

hen, as I made no reply, but twined my arms about him

rage rose as I found that I could hold my man. I feared a knife, but if he had one he had not drawn it, and I was able to keep his ha

on

sed my enemy, and sprang back to the corner where I could defend myself at some advantage. It was a poor chance for an unarmed man, but I found a chair and set my teeth to give

ive, they seized upon my assailant. I looked on panting, and hardly able to regain my breath. It was n

job, Mr. Wilton, for all the old man's money. If we hadn

n, what does all t

d at me in ev

. "You'd better get some of the men up here.

ecuring the revolver, looked to the letter. The envelope bore no address. I tore it open. The lines were

you. The money will be ready in the

ve possession of somebody's boy. A powerful and active enemy threatened me with death. An equally active friend was working to preserve my safety. People of wealth were concerned. I h

at was wanted of him? Had he been stolen from home and parents? Or was he

s he was with the knowledge of his danger, knowing, as I did not, what he

his enemies, a prisoner to the men who had sought his life. It must be, however, that he was not yet recognized. The transfer of the chase to me was proof that the scoundrels had been misled by the resemblance between us, and by th

planning thus, I was startle

hborhood even though the hour was past four in the morning. But it struck a chil

to become vocal with protest against this intrusion, and to send warning through th

threw off its tremors, and I

's t

r, sor; I've

are

nonsense; I'

rs I had spent in San Francisco, and, in spite of his assurance, I thought best to avoid any chance of

r. He was the policeman I had met whe

r friend," he said gravely.

!" I

nt Patrick-r

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