Page:Looters of the Public Domain.djvu/288

 I had several callers during the day, including my wife and some of the older children. Mrs. Watson also called to see me and felt very much chagrined over the outcome, blaming herself for my present predicament for having lost courage when she went to call on Mr. Heney at his office.

"If I had only carried out my original intentions when I left home for Mr. Heney's office, you would not be here today. "lamented Mrs. Watson.

She wondered, as did every one else, how I should come to be captured in that manner, after evading the detectives for such a length of time.

At that moment, I was not prepared to say, or to make any statement as to how my capture was brought about, but I did learn and that, too. very shortly thereafter, just how it all happened. the information coming to me from an authentic source and one which dispelled all doubt as to its reliability and truth, or correctness in detail.

From the moment of first reading the account of my capture and learning that the detectives had been trailing me since early Sunday morning, I was determined, if within the power of man, to learn by what means and through what source, these detectives became advised as to my presence in the city. I had therefore, though confined in the Alameda jail, instituted a vigorous line of inquiry to determine this point, and while it was being conducted, the very information T most desired was volunteered to me by one whom I least expected would give me the facts.

Needless to say that it would be impossible for me to divulge the name of my informant, as I gave my word of honor at the time that I should never make use of it for any purpose whatever, and it was understood between us that he should be protected throughout.

The conversation which I am about to relate to my readers had its inception in a question being directed to me, asking my opinion as to how I came to be captured. Replying thereto I said:

"I haven't the slightest idea."

"Did you have any idea that the 'blonde lady' had anything to do with the case?' "was asked.

"I cannot, for the world, figure how she could have had. as I cannot recollect having ever seen the lady before," I replied.

"Well, you are right; she did not figure in your capture. However. Mr. Puter. there was a woman in the case."

"Can't see how that could be—you must be mistaken," I said.

"No, Mr. Puter, I am not mistaken. The woman I have in mind played an important part, though I cannot say that she was alone in the transaction."

"Who might this lady be, to whom you make reference?" I asked.

"Isn't it a fact, Mr. Puter, that you had an appointment to meet Mrs. Marie McKinley in the park on Sunday afternoon at two o'clock?" he inquired.

"Where did you get that information?" I asked, by way of reply.

My informant, evidently hesitating to discuss the subject further, turned on his heel and was about to walk away when I intercepted him by adding: "You will tell me. won't you, where you got this information?"

Something in the man's manner told me that he had information which he would be glad enough to impart to me, but hesitated to venture so far, so I said to him, as he stood there and silently gazed at me:

"You are not afraid to trust me, are you?"

He hesitated no longer, but resuming his former position in front of me, remarked: "Puter, I have taken a liking to you—this much I will tell you in advance—and I would like to tell you everything, but you know yourself that this is rather ticklish business. If I knew," he continued, "that I could trust you implicitly, I would be willing, because of certain conditions, to tell you all about this affair, but if I do and you should become angered, as you very probably would, you might say something that would give the whole snap away and hell itself would be to pay." Page 282