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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/32007-0.txt b/32007-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b67fac7 --- /dev/null +++ b/32007-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,10627 @@ +Project Gutenberg's The Spiritualists and the Detectives, by Allan Pinkerton + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Spiritualists and the Detectives + +Author: Allan Pinkerton + +Release Date: April 16, 2010 [EBook #32007] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SPIRITUALISTS AND THE DETECTIVES *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, S.D., and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was +produced from images generously made available by The +Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + + + + + +ALLAN PINKERTON'S + +DETECTIVE STORIES. + +*** + +VOL. V. + +THE SPIRITUALISTS AND DETECTIVES. + + + + +ALLAN PINKERTON'S + +GREAT DETECTIVE BOOKS. + +*** + + + 1.--MOLLIE MAGUIRES AND DETECTIVES. + 2.--STRIKERS, COMMUNISTS, AND DETECTIVES. + 3.--CRIMINAL REMINISCENCES AND DETECTIVES. + 4.--THE MODEL TOWN AND DETECTIVES. + 5.--SPIRITUALISTS AND DETECTIVES. + 6.--EXPRESSMAN AND DETECTIVES. + 7.--THE SOMNAMBULIST AND DETECTIVES. + 8.--CLAUDE MELNOTTE AS A DETECTIVE. + 9.--MISSISSIPPI OUTLAWS AND DETECTIVES. + 10.--GYPSIES AND DETECTIVES. + 11.--BUCHOLZ AND DETECTIVES. + 12.--THE RAILROAD FORGER AND DETECTIVES. + 13.--BANK ROBBERS AND DETECTIVES. + 14.--BURGLAR'S FATE AND DETECTIVES. + 15.--A DOUBLE LIFE AND DETECTIVES. + + *** + + These wonderful Detective Stories by Allan Pinkerton are + having an unprecedented success. Their sale far + exceeding one hundred thousand copies. "The + interest which the reader feels from the outset + is intense and resistless; he is swept along + by the narrative, held by it, whether + he will or no." + + *** + + All beautifully illustrated, and published uniform with this + volume. Price $1.50 each. Sold by all booksellers, and + sent _free_ by mail, on receipt of price, by + + G. W. CARLETON & CO., Publishers, + New York. + + + + + THE + SPIRITUALISTS + AND + THE DETECTIVES. + + BY + + ALLAN PINKERTON, + + AUTHOR OF + "THE EXPRESSMAN AND THE DETECTIVE," "CLAUDE MELNOTTE AS + A DETECTIVE," "THE SOMNAMBULIST AND THE DETECTIVE," + "THE MODEL TOWN AND THE DETECTIVES," ETC. + + [Illustration] + + NEW YORK: + _G. W. Dillingham, Publisher_, + SUCCESSOR TO G. W. CARLETON & CO. + LONDON: S. LOW, SON & CO. + MDCCCLXXXIX. + + + COPYRIGHTED, 1876, BY + ALLAN PINKERTON + + TROW'S + PRINTING AND BOOKBINDING CO., + PRINTERS AND STEREOTYPERS, + _205-213 East 12th St._, + NEW YORK. + + + + +CONTENTS. + +*** + + +CHAPTER I. + + "Kal'm'zoo!"-- The Home of the Nettletons.-- Lilly + Nettleton.-- A wild Heart and a burning Brain. 13 + +CHAPTER II. + + The "Circuit-Rider."-- Mr. Pinkerton and these Gospel + Knights-Errant in the early Days.-- The Rev. Mr. Bland + appears.-- "And Satan came also!"-- A "charge" is + established.-- A Compact "where the golden maple-leaves + fall."-- Bland departs.-- "The scared form of a young + Woman steals away from her Home!" 19 + +CHAPTER III. + + Lilly in Detroit.-- First and last Remorse.-- The reverend + Villain and his Victim enjoy the Hospitality of the + Michigan Exchange Hotel.-- A Scene.-- "Bland, am I to go + to your Mother's, as you promised?"-- The Clergyman(?) + "crazed."-- Everything, save Respectability.-- A Woman's + Will.-- And a Man's Cajolement. 27 + +CHAPTER IV. + + Tells how the Rev. Mr. Bland preached a Funeral Sermon.-- + Shows a dainty Cottage, holding more than the Neighbors + knew.-- Installs Lilly as a Clergyman's Mistress.-- + Reverts to a Desolate Home.-- Introduces Dick Hosford, a + returned "Forty-Niner," who begins a despairing Search.-- + And shows that unholy, as well as true Love, does not + always run smoothly. 33 + +CHAPTER V. + + Reckless Fancies.-- The "Cursed Church Interests."-- Bland's + "little Bird" becomes a busy Bird.-- Merges into a great + Raven of the Night.-- Gathers together Valuables.-- And + while a folded Handkerchief lies across the Clergyman's + Face, steals away into the Storm and the Night.-- Gone!-- + "Are ye all dead in there?"-- Drifting together.-- "Don't + give the Gal that Ticket!"-- A great-hearted Man.-- The + Rev. Bland officiates at a Wedding.-- Competence and + Contentment. 39 + +CHAPTER VI. + + Mr. Pinkerton is called upon.-- Mr. Harcout, a + ministerial-looking Man, with an After-dinner Voice, + appears.-- A Case with a Woman in it, as is usually + the case.-- Mr. Pinkerton hesitates.-- An anxious + Millionaire. 47 + +CHAPTER VII. + + In Council.-- Mr. Lyon the Millionaire, with Mr. Harcout the + Adventurer and Adviser, appear together.-- How Mr. Lyon + became Mrs. Winslow's Victim.-- "Our blessed Faith" and + the Woman's strange Power.-- A Tender Subject.-- Deep + Games.-- A One Hundred Thousand Dollar Suit for Breach + of Promise of Marriage.-- A good deal of Money.-- All + liable to err.-- A most magnificent Woman.-- The "Case" + taken. 55 + +CHAPTER VIII. + + The Case begun.-- Mr. Pinkerton makes a preliminary + Investigation at Rochester.-- Mrs. Winslow, Trance + Medium.-- A Ride to Port Charlotte.-- Harcout as a + Barnacle.-- Much married.-- Mr. Pinkerton visits the + Mediums.-- Drops in at a Washington Hall Meeting.-- Sees + the naughty Woman.-- And returns to New York convinced + that the Spiritualistic Adventuress is a Woman of + remarkable Ability. 65 + +CHAPTER IX. + + "Our Case."-- Harcout's Egotism and Interference.-- The + strange Chain of Evidence.-- A Trail of Spiritualism, + Lust, and Licentiousness.-- Superintendent Bangs locates + the Detectives.-- A pernicious System.-- Three Old Maids + named Grim.-- Mr. Bangs baffled by Mr. Lyon, who won't be + "worried."-- One Honest Spiritualistic Doctor.-- The Trail + secured.-- A Tigress.-- Mr. Bangs "goes West." 75 + +CHAPTER X. + + Rochester.-- A Profitable Field for Mrs. Winslow.-- Her + sumptuous Apartments.-- The Detectives at Work.-- Mrs. + Winslow's Cautiousness.-- Child-Training.-- Mysterious + Drives.-- A dapper little Blond Gentleman.-- Two Birds + with one Stone.-- A French Divinity.-- Le Compte. 87 + +CHAPTER XI. + + The Half-way House.-- A jolly German Landlord.-- Detective + Fox runs down Le Compte.-- A "Positive, Prophetic, Healing + and Trance Medium."-- Harcout the Adviser reappears, and + is anxious lest Mr. Lyon be drawn into some terrible + Confession.-- Mr. Pinkerton decides to know more about Le + Compte.-- And with the harassed Mr. Lyon interviews him.-- + Treachery and Blackmail.-- "A much untractable Man."-- + Light shines upon Mrs. Winslow.-- Another Man.-- Mr. + Pinkerton mad. 98 + +CHAPTER XII. + + The Raven of the Detroit Cottage in another Character.-- Mrs. + Winslow yearns for a retired Montreal Banker.-- Love's + Rivalry.-- A mysterious Note.-- The Response.-- Another + Trip to Port Charlotte by four Hearts that beat as one.-- + What Mr. Pinkerton, as one of the party, sees and hears.-- + "Jones of Rochester."-- Le Compte and Mrs. Winslow resolve + to fly to Paris, "the magnificent, the beautiful, the + sublime!"-- "My God, are they all that way?" 114 + +CHAPTER XIII. + + Mr. Pinkerton again interviews Le Compte.-- And very much + desires to wring his Neck.-- A Bargain and Sale.-- Le + Compte's Story-- "Little by Little, Patience by + Patience."-- A Toronto Merchant in Mrs. Winslow's Toils.-- + Detective Bristol, "the retired Banker," in Clover.-- + Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah individually and + collectively woo him.-- Ancient Maidens full of Soul.-- + A Signal. 128 + +CHAPTER XIV. + + Mr. Bangs on the Trail in the West.-- Terre Haute and its + Spiritualists.-- Mrs. Deck's Boarding-house.-- The + Nettleton Family broken up.-- Back at the Michigan + Exchange.-- Mother Blake's Recital.-- Through Chicago to + Wisconsin.-- A disheartening Story.-- The practical result + of Spiritualism. 141 + +CHAPTER XV. + + A Chicago Divorce "Shyster."-- Hosford found.-- His pathetic + Narrative.-- More Facts. 151 + +CHAPTER XVI. + + Mrs. Winslow's Signal answered.-- She endeavors to win + Bristol, and shows that they are "Affinities."-- Detective + Fox mystified.-- An Evening with the One fair Woman.-- + Closer Intimacies.-- A Journey proposed.-- Detective + Bristol as a Lover. 162 + +CHAPTER XVII. + + Careful Work.-- Bristol's Trick on the Bell-boy at Queen's + Hotel, Toronto.-- The old Merchant.-- In the Toils.-- A + Face at the Transom.-- A cowardly Puppet before a brazen + Adventuress.-- The Horrors of Blackmail.-- "Furnished + Rooms to Rent." 175 + +CHAPTER XVIII. + + Harcout again.-- "Things going slow."-- A Bit of personal + History.-- A new Tenant.-- Detective Generalship.-- + Mrs. Winslow fears she is watched.-- Mr. Pinkerton + cogitates. 186 + +CHAPTER XIX. + + Mrs. Winslow becomes confidential.-- Some of her Exploits.-- + Her Plans.-- A Sample of Legal Pleading.-- A fishy + Story.-- The Adventuress as a Somnambulist.-- Detective + Bristol virtuously indignant.-- Failing to win the + "Retired Banker," Mrs. Winslow assails Detective Fox with + her Charms. 197 + +CHAPTER XX. + + A Female Spiritualist's Ideas of Political and Social + Economy.-- The Weaknesses of Judges.-- Legal Acumen of the + Adventuress.-- An unfriendly Move.-- Harcout attacked.-- + Lilly Nettleton and the Rev. Mr. Bland again together.-- A + Whirlwind. 209 + +CHAPTER XXI. + + Mrs. Winslow, under the Influence of "Spirits" of an earthly + Order, becomes romantic, religious, and poetical.-- A + Trance.-- Detective Bristol also proves a Poet.-- A Drama + to be written. 220 + +CHAPTER XXII. + + Mr. Pinkerton decides to favor Mrs. Winslow with a Series of + Annoyances.-- The mysterious Package.-- The Detectives + labor under well-merited Suspicion.-- "My God! what's + that?"-- The deadly Phial.-- This Time a Mysterious Box.-- + Its suggestive Contents.-- "The Thing she was."-- Tabitha, + Amanda, and Hannah assaulted.-- A Punch and Judy + Show. 230 + +CHAPTER XXIII. + + Cast down.-- "Trifles."-- A charitable Offering.-- + Dreariness.-- Going Crazy.-- An interrupted Seance.-- A + new Form of the Devil.-- The Red-herring Expedition and + its Result.-- A mad Dutchman.-- Desolation.-- An order + for a Coffin.-- The sympathizing Undertaker, Mr. + Boxem. 244 + +CHAPTER XXIV. + + Breaking up.-- Doubts and Queries.-- Suspected + Developments.-- The Detectives completely outwitted.-- On + the Trail again.-- From Rochester to St. Louis.-- A + prophetic Hotel Clerk.-- More Detectives and more Need for + them.-- Lightning Changes. 269 + +CHAPTER XXV. + + Still foiled.-- Mr. Pinkerton perplexed over the Character of + the Adventuress.-- Her wonderful recuperative Powers.-- A + lively Chase.-- Another unexpected Move.-- The Detectives + beaten at every Point.-- From Town to Town.-- Mrs. + Winslow's Shrewdness.-- Among the Spiritualists at Terre + Haute.-- Plotting.-- The beautiful Belle Ruggles.-- A wild + Night in a ramshackle old Boarding-House.-- Blood-curdling + "Manifestations."-- Moaning and weeping for Day.-- + Outwitted again.-- Mr. Pinkerton makes a chance + Discovery.-- Success. 285 + +CHAPTER XXVI. + + Shows how Mrs. Winslow makes a new Move.-- Also introduces + the famous Evalena Gray, Physical Spiritual Medium, at her + sumptuous Apartments on West Twenty-first Street, New + York.-- Reminds the Reader of the Aristocratic Classes + deluded by Spiritualism.-- Describes a Seance and explains + the "Rope-trick," and other Spiritualistic Sleight-of-hand + Performances. 307 + +CHAPTER XXVII. + + After the Seance.-- Daddy, the "Accommodation Husband."-- The + two fascinating Swindlers in Council.-- Miss Evalena's + European Career.-- How the Millionaire Brewer was baited + and played with.-- A Bit of Criminal History.-- A choice + Pair.-- Mrs. Winslow's Aspirations and Resolves. 326 + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + + Mrs. Winslow demonstrates her Legal Ability.-- The "Breach of + Promise Trial."-- A grand Rally of the Spiritualistic + Friends of the Adventuress.-- The Jury disagree.-- Mrs. + Winslow convicted at St. Louis of Common Barratry.-- An + honest Judge's Rebuke.-- A new Trial.-- The Spiritualistic + Swindler overthrown.-- Remorse and Wretchedness. 341 + + + + +PREFACE. + + +I wish to anticipate any adverse criticism that may be made upon the +following pages, by being as frank with the public as I trust the +critics will be fair with me. + +Therefore I must say at the beginning that I expect many well-meaning +people to differ with me as to the propriety of giving this book to the +public; but I am exceedingly hopeful that that difference will not +amount to a serious condemnation. Nor can I think it will when I +earnestly assert that I have caused its publication out of as honest a +motive as I ever possessed; and I am sure that whatever the American +people have come to think of me in other respects, they are pretty +certain of my honesty. + +The incidents related are true, though, out of a proper regard for my +patrons and many who do not sustain that relation, but who unavoidably +become identified in numberless ways with my operations in ferreting out +crime and criminals, I have deemed it best to locate the story in a city +several hundred miles from the place where the occurrences really +transpired, and, for the same reason, have given the characters +fictitious names; but the incidents are exact parallels of the original +facts, and in many cases are literal transcripts of, while in every +instance they agree with, the records of the case as minutely reported +during its progress. + +By way of further explanation, I desire to remind my readers how very +difficult it is for those not familiar with the detective business to +realize the masses of iniquity we are often obliged to unearth, +unpalatable as the work may be and is. But while, from the nature of my +business, my records are necessarily so exhaustive, and have been made +so thoroughly minute, as to contain simply everything, good or bad, +regarding an operation, and are, therefore, as records, reliable and +true--though they thus become repositories of much that is vile--I have +striven in every instance, while relating the truth and nothing but the +truth, to speak of unpleasant things in as delicate a manner as +possible, and in a way which, while plain enough to convey with proper +force and directness the moral lessons that these developments cannot +fail to impress upon the minds of all readers, might still leave no +unclean thought behind them; and the only sense in which a charge that +my "Detective Stories" were in any respect untrue might be sustained, +would be in the fact that I have in numberless instances, for the very +good reason mentioned, told immeasurably less, and never more, than the +whole truth. + +I make no assumption of having given in this book an exhaustive _exposé_ +of modern spiritualism, and I wish it as well remembered that I have no +more prejudice against the good there is in that ism than I have +against the good there is in any other ism; but my experience with these +people, which has been large, has invariably been against their honesty +or social purity. + +So far as there being anything about Spiritualism to compel awe or +attract any but weak-minded or "weak-moraled" people, the assumption is +simply absurd; for the few illustrations given in the following pages +will show how utterly preposterous the claim of supernatural power is, +as applied to the _cause_ of these "manifestations," which are not, in +themselves, first-class tricks, but which, when made mysterious and +enshrouded with the element of superstitious fear--which all of us in +some measure possess--lead crowds of inconsiderate people into unusual +eccentricities, if not eventually into insane asylums, as in some +painful instances of which the public are already well aware. + +In my exceptionally strange avocation I have been enabled to view this +entire matter from the side which the public cannot reach--the side +where the fraud of it all is so apparent that it becomes disgustingly +monotonous and common; and as a matter of duty to those who are half +inclined to accept Spiritualism as a divine revelation and blessed +experience, I have given but a single case--a sample of hundreds of +others--which illustrates the despicable character of many, if not a +majority, of Spiritualism's public champions and private disciples; only +adding that in this instance the picture does not show a thousandth part +of the hideousness of the original. + +The Judge Williams mentioned as having presided at Batavia, N. Y., is +no myth, but an eminent jurist at present sitting upon the bench of one +of the most important courts in the country. He has not only furnished a +copy of his scathing remarks to the Winslow-Lyon jury upon their +disagreement, as related, but will vouch for the correctness of much of +this narrative, as most of the facts mentioned came under his personal +observation. + +I have given them to the public trusting they will fill some good place +in the world, and assist in removing from the minds of those who are +occupying the debatable ground regarding the question of the genuineness +of Spiritualism and Spiritualistic "manifestations" the superstitious +fear and the sensuous fascination which have heretofore bound and held +them. + + ALLAN PINKERTON. + +CHICAGO, January, 1877. + + + + +THE SPIRITUALISTS + +AND + +THE DETECTIVES. + +*** + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + "Kal'm'zoo!"-- The Home of the Nettletons.-- Lilly + Nettleton.-- A wild Heart and a burning Brain. + + +Most commercial and uncommercial travellers filling the swift shuttles +of transit between the East and the West will remember that while +passing through Michigan, over the Central road, the brakeman has +shrieked the legend "Kal'm'zoo!" at them as the train rushed into one of +the prettiest little cities in the country. There is nothing +particularly picturesque about Kalamazoo, unless the wondering face of +some harmless lunatic, on parole from the Asylum which stands so +gloomily among the hills beyond the town, the solemn visage of some +Baptist University student, who with his toast, tea and Thucydides, has +become grave and attenuated, or the plump form of some "seminary girl" +who _will_ look at the incoming trains, and flout her handkerchief too, +in spite of parents, principals, and all the proprieties, and the +ordinary ebb and flow of the life of a stirring provincial town, may be +so considered. Neither is there anything particularly interesting about +Kalamazoo, save its native, quiet beauty. It meets life easily, and, +like a happily-disposed tradesman, takes its full measure of traffic and +enjoyment with undisturbed tranquillity, cultivating neat yards and +streets, the social graces, and occasionally the arts, with a lazy sort +of satisfaction that is pleasant to look upon and contemplate. + +Standing at any street-corner of the city, you will see wide avenues of +fine business houses or elegant residences, and, where the latter, a +wealth of neatly-trimmed shrubbery, and long lines of overarching maple +trees merging into pretty vistas which seem to invite you beyond to the +beautiful hills, uplands and valleys, with their murmuring streams, +sloping farms and well-kept homes, where both plenty and contentment +seem to be waiting to give you a right hearty welcome. + +About twenty-five years ago, when the country was much newer, and the +sturdy farmers that have made this great West blossom so magically until +it has become the whole world's storehouse, were held closely to their +arduous work by the hard hand of necessity and toil, a few miles up the +river from the then little village of Kalamazoo might have been seen a +comfortable log farm-house which nestled within a pretty ravine sloping +down to the banks of the lazily-flowing stream. It was a plain, homely +sort of a place, but there was an air of thrift and cleanliness about +the locality that told of earnest toil and its sure reward. + +The farm was of that character generally described as "openings;" here a +clump of oak, beech, and maple trees, there a rich stretch of +meadow-land; beyond, a series of hills extending to the uplands, the +bases of which were girted with groves, and whose summits were composed +of a warm, rich, stony loam, where the golden seas of ripening grain, +touched by passing zephyrs, waved and shimmered in the glowing summer +sun; while where the river wound along towards the villages below, there +was a dense growth of elm, maple, and beech trees, standing there dark +and sombre, save where the glintings of sunlight pierced their foliaged +armor, like grim sentinels of the centuries. + +This was the home of Robert Nettleton, a plain and uneducated farmer, +who had several years before removed from the East with his family, and +with them was slowly accumulating a competence for his declining days. + +Robert Nettleton's family consisted of himself, his wife, and their +three children. He was looked upon by his neighbors as somewhat erratic +and strange, being repelling in his manner, and at times sullen and +reticent. He went about his duties in a severe way, and at all times +compelled the strictest obedience from each member of his family. On the +contrary, his wife was a meek-eyed little woman, patient and +long-suffering, and was looked upon in the neighborhood as a nonentity +from her unresisting, broken-down demeanor, save in times of sickness +and trouble, when she was immediately in great demand, as she had little +to say, but much to do, and had an effective method of noiseless, tender +watching and nursing at command, which was at all times ungrudgingly +employed. + +The children consisted of one boy and two girls, the eldest of whom, now +in her eighteenth year, little dreamed of the despicable commotion she +was to create in after-life, and was the reigning belle of the +community, though she always kept the country bumpkins at a respectful +distance and was feared by fully as many as she was admired, from her +impetuous, imperious ways, that brooked no opposition or hinderance. One +would have to travel a long distance to find a more attractive figure +and face than those possessed by this country girl. She was somewhat +above the medium height, a living model for a Venus, supple and lithe as +the willows that grew upon the banks of the winding stream, and so +physically powerful that she had already gained some notoriety among her +acquaintances through having soundly shaken the pedagogue of the +district school, and afterwards pitched him through the window into an +adjacent snow-drift, where he had remained buried to his middle, his +legs wildly waving signals of distress, until she had just as +impulsively released him. + +Although somewhat strange and unusual, her features, while not +strikingly beautiful, were still singularly attractive. Her head, which +was large and seemingly well provided with faculties of quick +perception, was covered with a wondrous wealth of black hair, so heavy +and luxurious as to be almost unmanageable, and which, when not in +restraint, fell about her form, hiding it completely, nearly to her +feet. Her forehead was full and prominent, while her eyes, large and +rather deeply set, and fringed with heavy lashes, were of that peculiar +gray color which at times may be touched by all shades, while a trace of +blue always predominates. There was nothing worth remarking about other +portions of her face, save that, critically examined, too much of it +seemed to have got into her chin, and her upper lip had a strange habit +of hugging her brilliantly white teeth too closely, and then curling +upward before meeting the lower one, where sometimes crimson and ashy +paleness played like quick and cruel lightning, a key to the slumbering +devils within her. At these times, too, there was a certain light in her +eyes that an observing person would feel a peculiar dread of awakening, +though usually her face showed a complete repose, and it would have been +difficult to decide whether she was a very ordinary or a very +extraordinary character. + +Still, with her magnificent figure and strangely attractive face, she +was a young woman to strongly draw just two classes of men towards +her--students of character and students of form. The first she +invariably disappointed and repelled, always awakening the indefinable +dread I have mentioned, while her presence among the latter class as +swiftly opened the floodgates of passion to swiftly sweep the better +nature and all good resolves before it. So, with her peculiarly +unfortunate construction, it is not strange that, on arriving at that +period of life when the almost omnipotent power of a self-willed woman +begins to develop and hint at the possibilities beyond the threshold of +the strange life her inexperienced feet had just reached, Lilly +Nettleton should have felt an oppressive sense of littleness in the +quiet community in which she lived, and experienced a burning desire to +cast these humble associations from her, to compel admiration and +conquer whoever and whatever she might meet in the wide, wide world +beyond. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + + The "Circuit-Rider."-- Mr. Pinkerton and these Gospel + Knights-Errant in the early Days.-- The Rev. Mr. Bland + appears.-- "And Satan came also!"-- A "charge" is + established.-- A Compact "where the golden maple-leaves + fall."-- Bland departs.-- "The scared form of a young + Woman steals away from her Home!" + + +During the summer the presiding elder of the Kalamazoo district decided +to bid for the benighted souls that dwelt in Mr. Nettleton's +neighborhood, and made arrangements to "supply" the school-house at the +corners where Lilly had distinguished herself in giving the schoolmaster +a cold bath in the snow-bank, with circuit-riders, or with young +clergymen who had just graduated and were supposed to be in training for +more extended fields of labor. + +At that time the system of salvation as carried on by the Methodist +Church--which must certainly be credited with a vast amount of push and +energy in furthering its peculiar plan of redemption--outside of the +large cities was almost exclusively one which necessitated the +employment of circuit-riders, as they were then called, and are now +called in some portions of the extreme west. They were usually men of +great suavity of manner, personal bravery, unbounded zeal, and +remarkable religious enthusiasm. They trusted principally in the Lord, +but also placed implicit confidence in the extraordinary hospitality of +the plain pioneer people with whom they came in contact, who, if not +prepared to accept everything told them, responded to their strenuous +efforts for their salvation by an unqualified welcome; so that the +appearance of the circuit-rider, or "supply," was not only cause for +unusual Bible catechism and hymn reading, but also a signal for culinary +preparations on a grand scale, to which, as a rule, the hen-roost +materially contributed. + +Time and time again, in the early days, have I journeyed with these +Gospel Knights-errant, listening to their interesting adventures, almost +as strange as my own, and their simple tales of blessed experiences; +often tarrying with them at their "stations," and for some good purpose, +best known to myself, joining in their efforts to sow seed meet unto +repentance as we crossed the beautiful streams and broad prairies of +Illinois; and as we journeyed along so pleasantly together the thought +that my comrade was giving his whole life to the work of saving sin-sick +souls, while mine was as irrevocably devoted to bringing many of them to +summary justice, has flashed across my mind with such startling force, +that the dramatic nature of the life we live was presented to me more +powerfully than I have since seen it shown before the footlights of any +of the grandest theatres of the world. + +As the Nettleton family had belonged to that church in the East, and had +also attended service at the village when the roads and weather were +favorable, they were, of course, leaders in the plan to secure +"meetings" nearer home; and when the good brother made his appearance +one pleasant autumn Saturday afternoon, as was natural, he directed his +faithful Rozinante to the comfortable log-house by the river, where both +it and its reverend rider were given a genuine welcome. + +The new preacher was none of your soiled, worked-out, toiling +itinerants. He was a young clergyman, scarcely thirty years old, and +just from college; tall, well-formed, with a florid, smoothly-shaven +face, and plenty of hair and hallelujah about him. He could tell you all +about the stars, and just as easily point out the merits or demerits in +your plate of mutton or porter-house; and, being of this tropical +nature, if there were two things above any other two things in life for +which he had a penchant, they were a spirited nag and a spirited woman. +In fact, he had accepted the ministry just the same as he would have +accepted any other profession, merely as a makeshift, and had submitted +to being ground through the theological mill, and afterwards to this +backwoods breaking-in process, simply because his widowed mother, a +Detroit lady, was immensely pious and also immensely wealthy; and if he +should become a noted minister, he would get all her property, which +otherwise would go to the good cause direct, but which, once in his +hands, would enable him to gratify his elegant tastes and do as he +pleased generally. + +So, being a thorough judge of women, he was at once more interested in +Lilly Nettleton than in the welfare of the souls of the Nettleton +neighborhood; and after a bountiful supper had been disposed of, and +the family were gathered upon the verandah for a pleasant chat with the +minister in the long, hazy September sunset, and the Rev. Mr. Bland--for +that was the young clergyman's name--had flattered Mr. Nettleton on the +merits of his pretty farm, Mrs. Nettleton upon her elegant cooking, and +the younger children upon their various degrees of perfection, he passed +directly to the subject which most occupied his mind, and in a +patronizing way, evidently with a view of attracting Lilly's attention +without arousing the suspicions of her honest parents, said: + +"By the way, Mr. Nettleton, your beautiful daughter here--ah, what may I +call her? thank you, Lilly; and a very appropriate name, too--is the +perfect image of a very dear friend of ours--my mother's and my own--in +Detroit." + +There was certainly a flush on Lilly's face deeper than could have been +put there by the red glow of the setting sun. Mr. Bland did not fail to +notice it either; and as there was no response to his remark, he +continued, occasionally glancing at Lilly, who, though apparently only +interested in her needle-work, drank in every word that fell from the +reverend gentleman's lips. + +"In fact," said the minister, "the resemblance is quite striking, though +I really think your daughter Lilly is the finer-looking of the +two--indeed, has quite an intellectual face, and would, I am sure, make +a thorough student." + +"But she won't go to school here," interrupted Mr. Nettleton; while the +strange light came into Lilly's eyes and the crimson and ashy paleness +played upon the curled lips. + +"But, Brother Nettleton, you must remember that we are not all similarly +created. The world must have its hewers of wood and drawers of water, +but it must also have its grand minds to direct----" + +"I can do all the directin' necessary here," bluntly persisted Mr. +Nettleton. + +"Of course, of course," pleasantly continued Mr. Bland, talking _at_ +Lilly, though answering her father; "but I hope Lilly can some time have +those advantages which would certainly cause her to shine in +society----" + +"And despise her home!" said Mr. Nettleton, bitterly. + +The storm was still playing fiercely over Lilly's face, and her heaving +bosom told how hard a struggle was necessary to restrain her from then +and there saying or doing some reckless thing, and then rushing away +into the woods and the night to escape the restraint that set so heavily +upon her imperious spirit. + +"No, I think not," replied Mr. Bland soothingly. "I am a pretty good +judge of human nature, though a young man, and am sure that Lilly has a +kind heart and will prove a blessing to your later years. Our dear +Detroit friend was also a little spirited, but she is now one of the +leaders of Sunday-school and church society, and is much sought +after--yes, much sought after," repeated Mr. Bland slowly, as he saw its +effect upon Lilly. + +The clergyman's good opinion of their daughter made the simple parents +really happy; but she knew as well as he what it was all said for, and +she already hated the flippant Mr. Bland, for her quick woman's +instinct--they never reason--had analyzed him thoroughly. But her heart +throbbed at the idea of being considered "fine-looking," and her brain +burned with the desire to also become "sought after." Yes, young and +inexperienced as she was, she was old in the crime of impure thought and +unbridled ambition, and was ready to lend herself to any scheme, however +questionable, that might offer release, or give promise of the +gratification of her passion for notoriety, and ruling or ruining +anything with which she came in contact. + +After this the evening passed pleasantly to the old people, who, after a +time, went into the house to attend to their several duties; and also to +the young people, Mr. Bland and Lilly, who, without any effort on the +part of either, had arrived at a thorough understanding--so much so, +indeed, that when the voice of Mr. Nettleton was heard apprising Mr. +Bland that he would show him to his room whenever he desired to retire, +he quietly stepped near to where Lilly was sitting in the weird +moonlight, and taking her pretty, warm hand within his own, said +rapidly, but in a low voice: + +"My dear Lilly, I have a deep interest in you; your people cannot +understand it, and, should they know it, would only suspect me, and +watch and restrain you. _Make_ an opportunity for us to be together +alone. I will remain until you accomplish it; and--" Mr. Nettleton's +step was now heard in the hall--"quick, Lilly! do we understand each +other?" + +She gave him a look that would have withered any but a lecherous +villain as he was; but he met it in kind, as she whispered "Yes!" and +added, disengaging herself as Bland stealthily stepped back and +carelessly leaned against the door: + +"What book did you say?" + +"Ah, yes--'hem! 'Young's Night Thoughts.' It is a pure book, and would +not only cultivate your mind, but aid you in the common duties of life. +I will send it to you, and you can read it aloud to your parents. I know +they will enjoy it too! Ha! Mr. Nettleton, excuse me Lilly, of course +you will join us at prayers?" + +She had been taught her first lesson, was an apt scholar, too; and as +the man of God on his bended knees prayed that all blessings might +descend upon this happy home, however much his cursed soul might have +been stung by the devilish hypocrisy of the hour, there was not a pang +of remorse in her heart for the bold step she knew she had taken. + +Lilly did not attend service at the school-house on Sabbath, and made +her appearance but once or twice during the day, feigning illness; but +on Monday she was about the house fresh and rosy as ever, and the first +opportunity that offered suggested to Bland the propriety of asking her +out for a boat-ride on the river, which he did in the afternoon during +Mr. Nettleton's absence, his meek wife thinking it a great honor to the +family, and in her poor mother's heart, no doubt, praying that the good +man might so soften her proud daughter's heart that she might be +bettered, and eventually led to the source of all good. + +Whether he did or not, if the reader of this book could have followed +the couple up the winding river to a secluded spot where the golden +maple-leaves fell upon the stream and were borne away in silence, +whatever of mad passion or reckless guilt might have been discovered, +just before they stepped into the boat to float with the tide back to +the dishonored home, a certain Rev. Mr. Bland might have been seen +placing in Lilly Nettleton's shameless hand a roll of bills, and heard +to say to the same person: + +"Be sure, now--next Sunday night. Row down to Kalamazoo in this boat, +and take the late night train for Detroit. Go to the Michigan Exchange +Hotel, where I will meet you Monday evening!" + +So the little neighborhood had had its "religious supply," but had also +had its loss; for, as the weird moonlight of the next Sunday evening +fell upon the quiet log farm-house, built strange forms among the +moaning, almost leafless trees, and pictured upon the river's bosom a +thousand ghostly figures, the scared form of a young woman stole away +from her home, glided to the murmuring stream, sprang into the little +boat, and was borne away to the hell of her future just as noiselessly +but just as resistlessly as the river itself pushed onward to the great +lakes, and was swept from thence to the ultimate, all-absorbing sea! + + + + +CHAPTER III. + + Lilly in Detroit.-- First and last Remorse.-- The reverend + Villain and his Victim enjoy the Hospitality of the + Michigan Exchange Hotel.-- A Scene.-- "Bland, am I to go + to your Mother's, as you promised?"-- The Clergyman(?) + "crazed."-- Everything, save Respectability.-- A Woman's + Will-- And a Man's Cajolement. + + +To the imagination of the wayward country girl Detroit was a great city, +and as she was whirled into the depot, where she saw the rushing river +beyond, and was hustled hither and thither by the clamorous cabmen, a +sense of giddiness came upon her, and for the first, and undoubtedly +last time, she yearned for the quiet of the old log farm-house by the +pleasant river. + +Perhaps the old forms and faces called to her imploringly, pleading with +her, as only the simple things of home, however plain and commonplace, +can plead with the wandering one; and in a swift, agonized longing for +the restfulness which the meanest virtue gives, but which had forever +fled from her, the thought, if not the words: + + "Of all sad words of tongue or pen + The saddest are these: It might have been"-- + +sped through her mind in a pitiful way; but just as she had almost +resolved to return to her parents, ask their forgiveness, and disclose +the character of the reverend villain, a man approached her, who, +saying he was "from Bland," conducted her to a carriage in waiting and +conveyed her to the Michigan Exchange Hotel, where she was fictitiously +registered, and the clerk informed that her brother would call for her +in the evening. + +She had been assigned a very pretty room, elegantly furnished, and the +windows gave her a view of the river and the shipping, with Windsor and +the bluff hills of Canada beyond. It was all beautiful and wonderful to +her--the hotel a palace, the river, with its great steamers, vessels, +and ferries--a fairy scene; and Windsor, with the broken country beyond, +all covered by the soft, blue, gossamer veil of early autumn--a +beautiful dream! + +With her thoroughly unprincipled nature there was a lazy sort of +enjoyment in all this; and when her dinner was brought to her room, as +had been previously ordered by the hackman, and she was gingerly served +by an ordinarily nimble waiter, but who took every possible occasion to +illustrate the fact that he was cultivated and she was not, she received +the attention in as dignified a manner as though born to rule, and had +been accustomed to the service of menials from infancy. + +The afternoon wore away, and as the gas-lights began to flare out upon +the city, a gentle tap was heard at her door, and a moment after, before +an invitation to enter had been given, the oily Bland slid into Lilly's +apartment, closed the door after him, and turned the key in the lock. +Then he walked right over to where Lilly was sitting upon the sofa, and +took her in his arms, saying: + +"Well, I see my dearest Lilly has kept her word." + +She allowed him to fondle her just long enough to dare to repel him +gently, and answered: + +"After what passed by the river, I could not do otherwise than keep my +word. Yes, your 'dearest Lilly' has kept her word. And what now, Mr. +Bland?" + +Seeing that she was disposed to ask leading questions, he changed the +subject laughingly. + +"Why, some supper, of course," and immediately rang the bell, ordering +of the servant, who appeared directly, a sumptuous spread, not +forgetting a bottle of wine. + +During the preparation of the meal Lilly stepped to the window, and +pressing her restless face against the panes, seemed intently regarding +the dancing lights upon the broad river, while Bland whistled softly, +and warmed his delicate, pliable hands at the coals in the fireplace, +which gave to the chilly evening a pleasant, cheery glow. Suddenly she +stepped close to him, leaned her head in her left hand, her elbow +resting upon the marble mantel, while with her right hand she firmly +grasped his shoulder. She then said, in a quiet, determined way: + +"Bland, am I to go to your mother's, as you promised?" + +[Illustration: _"Bland, am I to go to your mother's as you +promised?"--_] + +She said this in such a resolute, icy way, and her hand rested upon his +shoulder so heavily, that, for the first time, he looked at her as if +satisfied that he had a beautiful tigress in keeping, and it might +possibly require supreme will force to control her. + +"No, Lilly, you will not go to my mother's." + +"Then I will go home." + +"You will not go home. You will remain here." + +"Bland, no person on God's earth shall say 'will' to me. That is just as +certain as the course of that river!" and her long, trembling forefinger +swept towards the rushing stream. + +The appearance of the waiter with supper quieted the conversation, which +was becoming stormy, and it was only resumed when Bland saw that Lilly +was mellowing under the influence of the wine, which thrilled through +her veins, pushing the rich, healthy blood to her cheeks, and lighting +her great gray eyes with a wonderful lustre. It could not be said that +he loved the girl, but he had a mad passion for her which was simply +overwhelming at these times when, untutored and uncultivated as she was, +she became truly queenly in appearance. + +It was a dainty little supper served upon a dainty little table, and +they were sitting very closely together, and Bland, after feasting his +eyes upon her magnificent form for a time, drew her into his arms +impulsively, kissing her again and again, calling her endearing names, +and promising her everything that could come to the tongue of a talented +man made wild by wine and a woman. + +"Lilly, you have crazed me--ruined me!" he said, excitedly. "You know +what I profess to be--a Christian minister! God forgive me for my cursed +weakness, but you have me in your power!" + +Although her face rested against his, and their hot cheeks burned +together, the old wicked light gleamed in her eyes, and the crimson and +ashy paleness played upon the curled lip. If it all could have been seen +by the reverend gentleman, it would have sobered him. The words "in your +power" had flung the lightning into Lilly Nettleton's face. Power, +power, power! No matter how secured; no matter what the result. The very +word maddened her, made a scheming devil of her, but also made her ready +for any proposition Bland might offer, as it swiftly came into her mind +that the deeper she sank with him the greater would be her power over +him. + +"Well?" she said, reassuringly. + +"'Well?'--I am at your mercy. A knowledge of what has passed between us +would be my ruin; your ruin also. We have done what cannot be undone; +yes," he continued passionately, and drawing her closer to him, "what I +would not undo!" + +"Well?" It was tenderly said, and gave him courage. + +"I am rich, or will be, Lilly." + +"If you are careful," she added with a light laugh. + +"Exactly. I can do a great deal for you, and will----" + +"Conditionally?" + +"Yes, conditionally. The conditions are that you live quietly at an +elegant place to which we will shortly be driven. You will be mistress +of the place; that is, you will have everything you can desire----" + +"Save respectability, Mr. Bland?" + +She was shrewder than he--in fact, his master already; but hinted at +the sale of her soul so heartlessly that it shocked even him. + +"You had 'respectability' at home, Lilly; and," glancing at her plain +garments, which were a burlesque upon her beautiful figure, "and old +clothes, and surveillance, and restraint, and----" + +"Bland," she said, springing to her feet with such violence as to send +him sprawling to the floor, from which he stared in amazement at her +magnificent form, which trembled like a leaf, while the wicked lightning +gleamed from her eyes, and swift shuttles of color flashed back and +forth upon her lips; "Bland, be careful! Never speak to me again of the +meanness of my home. The meanness of your black heart is a million times +greater. You have something more than a country girl to deal with, sir; +you have a woman and a woman's will. It is enough that I have sold my +body and soul for what you can, or might, give me. I bargained for no +contempt; and, Bland," she continued, advancing towards him fiercely as +he regained his feet and retreated from her in dismay, "as sure as there +is a heaven, and as sure as there ought to be a hell for such as we, if +you begin it, I will kill you! Yes," she hissed, "I will kill you!" and +then, woman-like, having passed the climax of feeling and expression, +she threw herself on the bed for a good cry, while Bland, with wine and +words and countless caresses, soothed her wild spirit, bringing her back +to pliant good nature, where she was as putty in his dexterous hands. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + Tells how the Rev. Mr. Bland preached a Funeral Sermon.-- + Shows a dainty Cottage, holding more than the Neighbors + knew.-- Installs Lilly as a Clergyman's Mistress.-- + Reverts to a Desolate Home.-- Introduces Dick Hosford, a + returned "Forty-Niner," who begins a despairing Search.-- + And shows that unholy, as well as true Love, does not + always run smoothly. + + +Shortly afterwards a closed cabriolet containing two persons was rapidly +driven from the Michigan Exchange up Wisconsin street, from thence into +Griswold, and out towards the suburbs, finally drawing up before a neat +cottage-house, where the lights, peeping around the edges of the drawn +curtains, showed the place to be in a state of preparation. + +A man and a woman quickly alighted from the carriage, and as the woman, +apparently a young one, though closely veiled, stepped to the gate, +opened it and waited for her escort, the gentleman said in a low tone to +the coachman: + +"James, drive to the house and inform mother that while down town this +evening I received an unexpected call to Ann Arbor, to preach a funeral +sermon over the remains of an old student-friend at the University, and +that I may not be home until late to-morrow evening;" then, after +handing James some coin, "you understand, James?" + +James thought he understood, grinned grimly, put the money in his pocket +and drove away. + +"Remember, Lilly," said Bland, stepping to the gate and taking her arm, +"you are Lilly Mercer here." + +"Yes, Bland." + +"And you are never to mention anything regarding yourself to the lady +who owns this place." + +"I think I can keep my own counsel." + +"And, if any inquiries are made here, by any person whatever, regarding +myself, you are to be innocently and utterly ignorant." + +"And what are you to do?" asked Lilly, naïvely. + +"I?--why I am to do well by you." + +"Just so long as you do that, Bland, you are perfectly safe!" + +She had taken to dictating also; but it was a pretty little cottage and +grounds, and a feeling of satisfaction at being their mistress, even if +it necessitated being his mistress, came over her that made her affable +and winning, if she did occasionally say things that hinted at a stormy +future. + +They strolled up the broad brick walk, he thrilled with his magnificent +capture, and she just as satisfied with the power she had attained over +one so high socially, and who stood in such near prospect of obtaining +vast wealth. Instead of entering the house at its little front door with +its highly ornamented porch, they opened the door of a little +trellis-worked addition to the cottage, which was now covered by an +almost leafless mass of vines, and passed to a side entrance, where a +gentle pull of the bell caused the immediate appearance of a very fat +and very flabby woman of middle age, who at once conducted them to a +suite of rooms, consisting of a parlor and a large sleeping-room, +between which, in place of the original folding-doors, had been +substituted rich hangings sufficiently drawn apart to admit of the +passage of one person, and which, with the tastefully draped windows, +the deeply-framed pictures, the vari-colored marble mantels and +fireplaces, the heavy, yielding carpet giving back no sound to the +foot-fall, and the great easy-chairs into which one sank as into pillows +of down, gave the rooms the hintings of such luxuriousness that Lilly +was completely dazzled and bewildered with the unexpected elegance, and +the, to her, never before realized splendor. + +"Mother Blake," said Bland, "this is Lilly Mercer, who is my friend, and +whom you are to make comfortable." + +Mother Blake, as if realizing that her duties began whenever Bland +spoke, majestically crossed the room, sat down beside Lilly and +immediately kissed her very affectionately, merely remarking, "And a +very nice girl she is, too, Mr. Bland." + +"That'll do, mother. You may get us a small bottle of wine, and then go +to bed. It's getting late, and you know you need a good deal of sleep." + +Mother Blake chuckled, and shook from it as though her enjoyment of any +sort of pleasantry came to the surface only in a series of ripples over +her great fat body, instead of in echoes of enjoyment from her great fat +throat. But it might have been merely a habit with its origin in the +necessities of her quiet mode of life; and, doing as requested, only +lingered to fasten back the curtain so that the low, luxurious bed came +temptingly into view, after which she beamingly backed out of the room, +wishing the couple "a pleasant night, and many of 'em!" + +If shame hovered over this pretty place, it did not pale the amber glow +of the sparkling wine; it came not into the ruddy coals upon the hearth, +which gave forth their glowing warmth just as cheerily as from any other +hearth in the broad land; it never dimmed the light from the gilded +chandeliers; it put no crimson flush upon the faces which touched each +other with an even flow of blood, nor quickened the pulses of the hands +that as often met; and God only knows whether, when, as sleep came down +upon the city, and the man and woman rested in each other's arms upon +the bed beyond the rich curtains (which, as the light in the fireplaces +grew or waned, never contained one ghostly rustle or semblance), there +was even a guilty dream to mark its presence! + +But what of the inmates of the old log farm-house by the pleasant river? + +The morning came, and the agonized parents found that their daughter had +gone. Robert Nettleton set his teeth and swore that he would never +search for her, while his poor wife was completely broken and crushed as +much from the agonized fears that flooded into her heart as from the +actual loss of her child. + +The most dejected member of the household, however, was a new-comer, one +Dick Hosford, who years before had drifted into the Nettleton family and +had been brought up by them until, becoming a stout young man, he was +borne away in the gold excitement with the "Forty-niners" to California, +where by hard work and no luck whatever, being an honest, simple soul, +he had got together a few thousand dollars; with no announcement of his +proposed return, had come back as far as Terre Haute, Indiana, where he +had purchased a snug farm, and immediately turned his footsteps towards +Mr. Nettleton's, arriving there the very morning after Lilly's +departure, as he said, "to marry the gal, but couldn't find her +shadder." + +He was simply inconsolable, and it took off the keen edge of the +parents' grief somewhat to find that another shared it with them, and +even seemed to feel that it was all his own. + +So it was arranged that the inquisitive neighbors should only know that +Lilly had "gone to town for a week or two," while Dick Hosford should go +to Chicago, and then back east as far as Detroit, making diligent search +for something even more tangible than the "shadder" of the lost girl; +and as he said good-by to the Nettletons with quivering lips and +suspiciously dimmed eyes, he added: + +"Bob Nettleton, and mother--for you've always been a half-dozen mothers +to me--don't ye never expect to see me back to these yer diggin's +'thout I bring the gal. I've sot my heart onto her; and" with an oath +that the Recording Angel as surely blotted out as Uncle Toby's, for it +was only the clinching of a brave determination, "I'll have her if I +find her in a----" He stopped suddenly as he saw the pain in their +faces, shook their hands in a way that told them more than his simple +words ever could have expressed, and trudged away with as little +certainty of finding whom he sought, save by accident--or, if found, of +securing the prize for himself, unless through her whim--as of ever +himself becoming anything save the honest, faithful, gullible soul that +he was. + +At Detroit, Mother Blake had orders to provide Lilly Mercer, her latest +charge, with a suitable wardrobe and some fine pieces of jewelry, which +was accordingly done; and in the novelty of her transformation, which +really made her a beautiful young woman, her ardor of fondness for Bland +was certainly sufficient to gratify both his vanity and passion to the +fullest extent. But, to some women, both passion and finery must be +frequently renewed in order to insure constancy; and while Bland was as +hopelessly in her toils as ever, as she had always despised him and now +despised his offerings, which were neither so numerous or costly as at +first, she became almost unmanageable, caused Mother Blake great +perturbation of spirit, and led Bland a deservedly stormy life. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + + Reckless Fancies.-- The "Cursed Church Interests."-- Bland's + "little Bird" becomes a busy Bird.-- Merges into a great + Raven of the Night.-- Gathers together Valuables.-- And + while a folded Handkerchief lies across the Clergyman's + Face, steals away into the Storm and the Night.-- Gone!-- + "Are ye all dead in there?"-- Drifting together.-- "Don't + give the Gal that Ticket!"-- A great-hearted Man.-- The + Rev. Bland officiates at a Wedding.-- Competence and + Contentment. + + +A few weeks later, one November evening, the first snow-storm of the +year came hurrying and skurrying down upon the city. The streets seemed +filled with that thrilling, electric life which comes with the first +snow-flakes, and as they tapped their ghostly knuckles against the panes +of Lilly Mercer's boudoir, the weird _staccato_ passed into her restless +spirit and filled her mind with wild, reckless fancies. The storm had +beaten up against the cottage but a little time until it brought Bland +with it. + +He came to tell his Lilly, he said, that the cursed church interests +would compel him to go to the West, to be absent for several weeks. In +mentioning the fact he sat down by the fireplace and gave her some money +for use while he was away, and also counted over quite an amount which +he had provided for his travelling expenses. + +He also told her that he should leave the next evening, and would, +after a little time, of course, return for the night, as he could never +go on so long a journey without spending the parting hours with his +little bird, as he had come to call her. + +His little bird had sat remarkably passive during all this, but now +fluttered about him with cooings and regrets innumerable, and seemed to +still be in a flutter of excitement when he had gone; for, after walking +up and down the rooms for a time, she flung some wrappings about her, +and quickly glided out among the pelting flakes that hid her among the +hurrying thousands upon the streets and within the shops, until she as +rapidly returned. + +Within the warm nest again, there was a note to be written, and several +feathery but valuable trifles to be got together. In fact, Bland's +little bird was a busy bird, until when, at a late hour, he came back to +its unusually tender ways and wooings, and was soon slumbering beside +it. + +Then the little bird became a great raven of the night, and stole +quietly about the apartments, gathering together, quite like any other +raven, everything that pleased its fancy, including even the money that +was to have been used in the "cursed church interests," and the gold +watch that ticked away at its sleeping owner's head, but not loud enough +to awaken him, for he slept with a peculiar heaviness, and, strangely +enough, with a folded handkerchief across his face. But the raven of the +cottage, in a quiet way that ravens have, never ceased gathering what +pleased it, until the early hours of morning, when, kissing its beak to +the bed and the sleeper, and flinging upon the bed a little note which +read: + + _A double exposé if you like._ + + LILLY "MERCER."-- + +took itself and its gathered treasures out into the storm and the night. + +The storm was gone when the chloroformed man awoke, and the bright sun +pushed through the shutters upon his feverish face. Slowly and with +great effort he groped his way back to consciousness, and with a thrill +of fear reached out his hand for his little bird, and to reassure +himself that what was flooding furiously into his mind was untrue, and +was but some horrible nightmare that her dear touch would drive away. +But the place where she had lain was as cold and empty as her own +heartless heart; and as he faintly called, "Lilly! oh, Lilly!" the very +realistic voice of Mother Blake was heard in the hall, and her very +realistic fists banging away against the door. + +"Say, Bland, are ye all dead in there? Lord! it's broad noon!" + +All dead? No; but far better so, as the Rev. Mr. Bland with a mighty +effort sprang from the bed and saw the gas-light struggling with the +sunlight, the dead ashes in the fireplace, and himself in the great +mirror, a dishonored, despoiled, deserted roué, drugged, robbed and +defied by the simple maiden from the log farm-house by the pleasant +river. + +The same evening two persons on wonderfully different missions drifted +into the depot and transfer-house at Detroit, and mingled with the great +throng that the east and the west continually throw together at this +point. One was a handsome, apparently self-possessed young lady, who +attended to her baggage personally, and moved about among the crowds +with apparent unconcern; though, closely watched, her face would have +shown anxiety and restlessness. The other was a gaunt, though solidly +built young fellow, whose clothes, although of good material, had the +appearance of having been thrown at him and caught with considerable +uncertainty upon his bony angles. He wandered about in a dejected way, +looking hither and thither as if forever searching for some one whose +discovery had become improbable, but who should not escape if an honest +search by an honest, simple fellow as he seemed to be, could avail +anything. By one of those unexplainable coincidences, or fatuities, as +some are pleased to term them, these two persons--the one desirous of +avoiding a crowd, and the other anxious to ascertain whom every throng +contained--approached the ticket-office from different directions at the +same moment. + +He at the gent's window heard her at the ladies' window say to the +agent, "Yes, to Buffalo, if you please;" and he jumped as though he had +been lifted by an explosion. He peered through the window and saw her +face at the other window, and without waiting to step around to her, +yelled to the agent like a madman: "Say, you, mister!--don't give the +gal that ticket. It's a mistake. She's going 'tother way;" and shoving +his gaunt head and shoulders into the window and wildly gesticulating to +the young lady, as the agent in a scared way saw the muscular intruder +hovering over his tickets and money-box, he continued excitedly: + +"Say, Lil, old gal! Lil Nettleton!--Dick--Dick Hosford, ye know! Ain't I +tellin' the truth? ain't it all a mistake, and ain't you goin' the other +way--with _me_, ye know--yes, 'long with Dick?" + +[Illustration: _"Say, you?--mister?--don't give the gal that ticket! +It's all a mistake!"--_] + +Lilly Nettleton, for it was no other, nodded to the agent--who returned +the money--and quickly stepped around to help Dick disengage himself +from the window, and then quickly drew him away from the crowd which the +little episode had collected, sat down beside him, and, heartily +laughing at his ludicrous appearance, said, "Why, Dick, where under +heaven did _you_ come from?" + +"Lil, gal," said poor Dick, wiping the tears of joy out of his eyes, "I +come all the way from Californy fur ye, found ye gone and the old folks +all bust and banged up about it. Fur six weary weeks I've been huntin', +huntin' ye up and down, here and yon, and was goin' back to Terre Haute, +sell the d----d farm I bought fur ye, and skip back to the Slope to kill +Injuns, or somethin', to drown my sorrow, fur I told the old folks I'd +bring ye back, or never set foot in them diggin's agin'!" + +Lilly looked at the great-hearted man beside her in a strange, +calculating kind of a way, never touched by his tenderness and simple +sacrifice, but moving very closely to him in a winsome way that quite +overcame him. + +"And I come to marry ye, Lil," persisted Dick, anxiously. + +"To marry me, Dick?" + +"Yes, and bought ye a purty farm at Terre Haute." + +"A farm, Dick?" + +"Yes, Lil, a farm, with as snug a little house as ye ever sot eyes on." + +"But where did you get so much money? You never wrote anything about +it." + +"No, I wanted to kinder surprise ye; but I got it honest--got it honest; +with these two hands, Lil, that'll work for ye all yer life like a +nigger, if ye'll only come 'long with me and never go gallavantin' any +more." + +"And won't you ask me any questions or allow them--at home, Dick--to ask +any, and take me just as I am?" + +"Just as ye are; fur better, or fur wus, Lil." + +"And marry me here, now, before we go home?" + +"Marry ye, Lil? I'd marry ye if I'd a found ye in a----; I won't give it +a name, Lil. I didn't to them, and I won't to you." + +She gave him her hand as firmly and frankly as though she had been a +pure woman, and said, "I'm yours, Dick. We'll be married here, +to-morrow." + +She took charge of all the arrangements; called a cab which took them to +the Michigan Exchange; sent Dick off to his room with orders to secure a +license the first thing in the morning; wrote two notes to a certain +person, one addressed to Mother Blake, and the other to _his_ +post-office box, ordering them posted that night; and went to her room +to sleep the sleep of the just, which, contrary to general belief, also +often comes to the unjust. + +Early in the morning, Dick came with the license and suggested securing +the services of a preacher; but Lilly said that she had arranged that +matter already, and had got a clergyman who, she was sure, would not +disappoint them; and promptly at two o'clock in the afternoon +courteously admitted the Rev. Mr. Bland, whom she had given the choice +of officiating or an exposure, and who performed the ceremony in a pale, +trembling way as the wicked old light gleamed in her great, gray eyes, +and the swift shuttles of color played over her curled lip. + +That night found the newly-wedded couple whirling back to Kalamazoo, +where they arrived the next morning and were driven out to the +farm-house, where they were joyfully welcomed, and where Dick Hosford in +his blunt way announced that he had "found Lil workin' away like a good +girl, had married her and took a little bridal 'tower,' and had come +back to have no d----d questions asked." + +So in a few days the young couple bade the Nettletons good-by and were +soon after installed in the pleasant farm-house near Terre Haute, where +the years passed on happily enough and brought them competence and +contentment and three children, who for a long time never knew the +meaning of the strange light in the eyes, or the swift colors on the +lips, of the mother who cared for them with an apparent full measure of +kindness and affection. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + + Mr. Pinkerton is called upon.-- Mr. Harcout, a + ministerial-looking Man, with an After-dinner Voice, + appears.-- A Case with a Woman in it, as is usually the + case.-- Mr. Pinkerton hesitates.-- An anxious Millionaire. + + +One hot July afternoon in 186-, I was sitting in my private office at my +New York Agency, located then, and now, at the corner of New Street and +Exchange Place, in the very heart of the money and stock battles of +Gotham, pretty well tired out from a busy day's work in carrying to +completion some of the vast transactions that had accumulated during the +war, and which were in turn waiting for my professional services to +unravel. + +It had been a terribly hot day, and the city seemed like a vast caldron +filled with a million boiling victims; and now that the day's labor was +nearly over, I was principally employed in an attempt to keep cool, but +finding it impossible with everybody about me, settled myself in my +easy-chair at the window to watch the Babel of brokers below. + +From such an altitude, where one can look down soberly upon these madmen +and see their wild antics, when for the moment they are absolutely +insane in their thirst for gold, never halting at the most extreme +recklessness even though they know it may compel wholesale ruin, it is +easy to realize how isolated cases occur where the whole human nature +yields to greed, and sweeps on to the certain accomplishment of crime +for its satisfaction. + +Just after a particularly heavy "rush" had been made, resulting in a few +broken limbs and numberless tattered hats and demolished garments, and +the bulls and bears were gathered about in knots excitedly talking over +their profit and loss, and wiping the great beads of perspiration, from +their lobster-like faces, I noticed an important-looking gentleman turn +into New Street from the direction of Broadway, and after edging through +the crowds, occasionally halting to ask a question in the politest +possible manner--the replies and gestures to which seemed to indicate +that he was seeking my agency, which afterwards proved true--this vision +of precision and politeness passed from my sight into Exchange Place, +and in a few moments after I was informed that a gentleman desired to +see me on very important business. + +After ascertaining who the gentleman was, and already knowing him to be +a harmless sort of an adventurer, and under the particular patronage of +a wealthy Rochester gentleman, I admitted him and he was introduced as +Mr. Harcout, of Rochester and New York. + +Mr. Harcout was a character in his way, and deserving of some notice. He +was a tall, heavily-built, obese gentleman of about forty-five years of +age, impressive, important, and supremely polite. His face was a strange +combination of imbecility and assumption; while his head, which was +particularly developed in the back part, indicating low instincts that +were evidently only repressed as occasion required, was consistent with +the formation of his square, flat forehead, which sloped back at a +suspiciously sharp angle from a pair of little, gray, expressionless +eyes, which from the lack of intelligence behind them would look you out +of face without blinking. His nose was straight and solidly set below, +like some sharp instrument, to assist him in getting on in the world. +His lips, though not unusually gross or sensual, had a way of opening +and closing, during the pauses of conversation with a persistency of +assertion that had the effect of keeping in the mind of the average +listener that great weight should be attached to what Mr. Harcout had +said, or was about to say; and at the same time, as also when he +patronizingly smiled, which was almost constantly, disclosed a set of +teeth of singular regularity and dazzling whiteness. A pair of very +large ears, closely-cut and neatly-trimmed hair, and a whitish-olive +complexion that suggested sluggish blood and a lack of fine +organization, complete the sketch of his face, but could never give the +full effect of the grandeur of his assumption and manners, which were a +huge burlesque on chivalric courtliness. As he entered the room his +gloved hand swept to the rim of his faultless silk hat, and removed it +with an indescribably graceful gesture that actually seemed to make the +hat say, "Ah! my very dear sir, while I belong to a gentleman of the +vastest importance imaginable, be assured that we are both +inexpressibly honored by this interview!" Nor were these all of his +strikingly good points. He was a man that was always dressed in a suit +of the finest procurable cloth, most artistically fitted to his +commanding figure, and never a day passed when there was not an +exquisite favor in the neat button-hole of his collar. When he had +become seated in a most dignified and engaging manner, he had a neat +habit of showing his little foot encased in patent leather so shining +that, at a pinch, it might have answered for a mirror, by carelessly +throwing his right leg over his left knee, so that he could keep up an +incessant tapping upon his boot with the disengaged glove which his left +hand contained; and, with his head thrown slightly back and to one side, +emphasized his remarks in a graceful and convincing way with the digit +finger of his soft white right hand. Altogether he would have passed for +a person of considerable importance and good commercial and social +standing; but to one versed in character-reading he gave the impression +that he might at one time have been an easy-going clergyman, who had +lapsed into some successful insurance or real estate agency that had +been unexpectedly profitable; or, at least, was a man who had thoroughly +and artistically acquired the science of securing an elegant livelihood +through the confidence he could readily inspire in others. + +"Ah! Mr. Pinkerton, I am very glad to see you--very glad to see you; in +fact, I take it as a peculiar honor, though my business with you is of +an unpleasant nature," said Mr. Harcout, settling into his chair with a +kind of bland and amiable dignity. + +I saw that he was making a great effort to please me, and told him +pleasantly that it was quite natural for people to visit me on +unpleasant business. + +"Thank you, thank you," he replied in his rich, after-dinner voice, that +seemed to come with his winning smile to his lips through a vast measure +of good-fellowship and great-heartedness. "I feel that I am occupying a +peculiar position, both painful and embarrassing to me: first, as the +friend and agent of a wealthy man who is also an acquaintance of yours, +and operates on the Produce Exchange, here; and second, in being obliged +to ascertain whether you will take our case without your becoming too +fully aware of the particulars, in the event of your refusal." + +"Well," said I encouragingly, highly enjoying his embarrassment and +assumed importance, "if you will give me a general outline of the +matter, I will take it into consideration; and, in any event, you can +rest assured that our walls have no ears to what our patrons have to say +within them." + +"Well, then," replied Harcout with a winning smile, "to be honest with +you, Mr. Pinkerton, there's a woman in our case; yes--though I'm very +sorry to say it--the case is almost entirely a woman case." + +"In that event, Mr. Harcout, I must plainly say to you that I don't like +those cases at all. I have all the business that I can attend to, and +even more than I sometimes desire; and I really think you had better +secure the services of some other person." + +"Pray don't say so; pray don't say so, Mr. Pinkerton. Ah! what _could_ +induce you to take the case?" + +"No sum of money," I replied, "unless I was fully assured that it was +all right--that is, had the right on your side. Almost without exception +these cases with women in them, where men become jealous of their +mistresses, mistresses of their men, wives of their husbands, husbands +of their wives, or when the lively and vigorous mother-in-law lends +spice to life, and, indeed, all those troubles arising from social +abuses, are a disgrace to every one connected with them." + +Harcout seemed quite disappointed that I did not express more avidity to +transact the business he proffered, but continued in his blandest +manner: + +"Still, supposing, although we were not altogether in the right, we were +endeavoring to defend ourselves against a vile woman who had manipulated +circumstances so that she had us greatly in her power?" + +"I should still feel a great reluctance in taking the case. All my life +I have had one steady aim before me, and that has been to purify and +ennoble the detective service; and I am sure that all this sort of +business is degrading in the extreme to operatives engaged upon it." + +"Very good, very good. But, Mr. Pinkerton, supposing the person pursued +was worth two or three millions of dollars; that after the parties had +met in a casual way, and, through a strange and unexplainable feeling of +admiration mingled with awe which she had compelled in him, she had +acquired a familiarity with his habits, business, and vast wealth, and +had from that time schemingly begun a plan of operations to entrap him +into marrying her, working upon his rather susceptible temperament +through his peculiar religious belief, in order to gain power over him, +and then, failing to secure him as a husband, had for some time pursued +a system of threats and quiet, persistent robbery, constantly becoming +more brazen and impudent, until he could bear it no longer, when he had +refused to see her or submit to further blackmail, whereupon she had +heartlessly attempted his social and financial ruin, by bringing a suit +against him for $100,000 damages for breach of promise of marriage?" + +This extended conundrum flushed Harcout, and his magnificent silk +handkerchief came gracefully into use to very gently and delicately +absorb the perspiration that had started upon his porous face. + +"Mr. Harcout," I still insisted, "I should then require to be +unqualifiedly assured that the woman in question was not a young woman +who had really been led to believe the promise of some man old enough to +be her father, and who should accept the consequences of his +indiscretion philosophically." + +"Exactly, exactly," responded Harcout, quite uneasily, though with an +evident endeavor at pleasantry; "and quite noble of you, too, Mr. +Pinkerton! Really, I had not anticipated finding such delicate honor +among detectives!" and he laughed a low, musical laugh which seemed to +come gurgling up from his capacious middle. + +I told him he might term it "delicate honor" or whatever he liked; that +I had made thorough justice a strict business principle, and found that +it won, too; but that, with the understanding that he had fairly +represented the case, I would give it my consideration and apprise him +of my decision the next day, giving him an appointment for that purpose; +after which, while verbosely expressing the hope that I would assist +him, he bowed himself out in a very impressive manner, passed into the +street, which was now nearly as quiet as the Trinity Church-yard close +by, and immediately went to the St. Nicholas, where he flourishingly +reported the interview to the anxious millionaire, who thanked fortune +for such a powerful and majestic friend. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + + In Council.-- Mr. Lyon the Millionaire, with Mr. Harcout the + Adventurer and Adviser, appear together.-- How Mr. Lyon + became Mrs. Winslow's Victim.-- "Our blessed Faith" and + the Woman's strange Power.-- A Tender Subject.-- Deep + Games.-- A One Hundred Thousand Dollar Suit for Breach of + Promise of Marriage.-- A good deal of Money.-- All liable + to err.-- A most magnificent Woman.-- The "Case" taken. + + +In the meantime I had a conversation on the subject with my General +Superintendent, Mr. Bangs, in which we weighed the case thoroughly in +all its bearings. I held, as I always do in such cases, if further +investigation proved that the woman was one whose youth, or even +inexperience, was such as to make it probable that she had been met by a +man whose position had dazzled and bewildered her, and who, from his +wealth and opportunities for exerting the immense influence of wealth, +had led her to believe that he loved her, and had had such attention +lavished upon her as had awakened in her heart an affection for him +which should deserve some consideration, and that finally, after +accomplishing his purpose, he had flung her from him, as was an +every-day occurrence, it was a case which I could under no circumstances +touch; its justice ought only to be determined in the courts. + +On the other hand, I argued that if this troublesome woman was grown in +years, had arrived at a mature age, and had deliberately planned to +secure a certain power over Harcout's friend in the questionable manner +ascribed--had, in fact, used the "black arts" upon him, and in every +manner possible fascinated him irresistibly, and wrung from him promises +and pledges which no man in his sane moments would give, in order +through this dishonorably-gained power to secure him for a husband--or +worse, in the event of failing in this, of levying upon his wealth for +the dishonor she had herself compelled, it was a case where I had a +right to interfere in the best interests of society, as the professional +female blackmailer is below pity, ought to be beyond protection of any +sort whatever, has forfeited all the actual and poetical regard due her +sex, and should be in every instance remorselessly hunted down. + +This conclusion was easily arrived at; for at each of my agencies all +that is necessary for a decision upon a desired investigation is that my +local superintendent shall sift the matter, to prove beyond the shadow +of a doubt that the vast power of the detective service under my control +shall not, under any circumstances, be prostituted to the assistance of +questionable enterprises, or the furtherance of dishonorable schemes. + +Accordingly, when Mr. Harcout wafted himself into my office the next +day, like a fragrance-laden zephyr of early summer, I informed him that +he could depend on my assistance to discover the history and antecedents +of the woman; but that I should have to reserve the privilege of +discontinuing the service, should it at any time transpire that my +operatives were being employed for the purpose of discouraging a +defenceless woman in securing the justice due her. + +It was arranged that Harcout was to call the next day with his patron, +the persecuted millionaire, and he also expressed a desire to defer a +settlement of the case in detail until that time, which was quite +agreeable to me, as I wished to see the parties together and closely +observe them, as well as their statements. + +The next afternoon Mr. Harcout's elegant card was delivered to me, with +the message that his friend was also with him. I ordered that they +should be at once admitted, and in a moment the two gentlemen were +ushered into my private office. I immediately recognized the elder of +the two as J. H. Lyon, one of the wealthiest elevator owners and millers +of Rochester, a quiet, shrewd, calculating business man, who had amassed +vast wealth, or the reputation of its possession, and its consequent +commercial respect and credit. + +He was a short, small-sized man, dressed in plain but rich garments, and +wore no jewelry save a massive solitaire diamond ring. His head, which +seemed to contain an average brain, was solidly set on a great, heavy +neck, that actually continued to the top of the back of his head without +a curve or depression. His hair, and beard--which was shaven away from +his lower lip to the curve of his chin--had a shaggy sort of look, +though generally well kept, and were considerably tinged with gray; +while his eyebrows were remarkably long, irregular, and forbidding. His +eyes were medium-sized, of a grayish-brown color, and under the heavy +shade of the brows somewhat keen and restless. His cheek-bones were +quite prominent, and below them his cheeks sank away noticeably, which +served to more strikingly show the upward turn of his nose and his full +lips and broad, sensual mouth, which, with its half-shown, irregular +teeth and ever-present tobacco-stains (for he smoked or chewed +incessantly), gave him a face quite unlike those ordinarily supposed to +be captivating to women. With his broad, bony hands, large, ill-shaped +feet, and retiring, hesitating way, as if never exactly certain of +anything, he was truly a great contrast to the pompous, elegant +gentleman who seemed to have taken him under his fatherly protection. + +Lyon slid into his seat in a nervous, diffident way; while Harcout, who +had just drawn his chair between us, as if he desired it understood that +he did not propose to yield his office of general manager of this +vitally important affair under any circumstances, beamed on his friend +reassuringly. + +After a few remarks on the current topics of the day, and before they +were themselves aware of it, we were getting along swimmingly towards an +understanding of the subject-matter--Lyon, who had removed his cigar, +fairly eating an immense amount of fine-cut as the voluble Harcout +rattled away about the bold, bad woman who had entrapped him. + +"Why, my dear Mr. Pinkerton, it's a terrible matter--an infamous +affair! My friend here, Mr. Lyon, is quite nettled about it--I might +say, quite cut up. You can see for yourself, sir, that it's wearing on +him." This with a deprecating wave of his hand towards Lyon, who +nervously gazed out of the window from under his shaggy brows. + +I merely said that these things _were_ sometimes a little wearing. + +"But you see, Mr. Pinkerton, this is a peculiarly cruel case--a +peculiarly cruel case. Hem! _I_ know what is cruel in this respect, as I +was once victimized by very much the same sort of a female, though she +was _much younger_. Why, do you know, sir," and here the sympathetic +Harcout's voice fell into a solemn murmur, "that my friend's beloved +wife was scarcely at rest beneath the daisies when this Mrs. Winslow +began worming herself into the confidence of my somewhat impressible +friend here?" + +I made no answer, and only took a memorandum of the facts developed, not +forgetting Harcout's statement that he had once been victimized by very +much the same sort of a female. + +"She came to Rochester as a shining light among the exponents of our +blessed faith----" + +"And what may your religion be?" I asked. + +"We believe in the constant communication between mortals and the +occupants of the beautiful spirit home beyond the river." + +"Exactly," said I, noticing the remarkable development at the back of +their heads and about their mouths. + +"And our friend here, Mr. Lyon," continued Harcout, with his eyes +devoutly raised to the ceiling, "met her at one of our pleasant +seances." + +I made another note at this point. + +"To be frank--'hem! it's my nature to be frank--" then turning his face +to me and raising his eyebrows inquiringly--"I suppose, Mr. Pinkerton, +it is quite desirable that I should be so?" To which I responded, +"Necessarily so," when he resumed: "To be frank, then, Mr. Lyon was +wonderfully interested in her. In fact, the woman _has_ a strange power +of compelling admiration and even fear--shall I say fear, Mr. Lyon?" + +"Guess that's about right," said Mr. Lyon tersely. + +"Admiration and fear," repeated Mr. Harcout, as if thinking of something +long gone by, while Lyon chewed more fiercely than ever. "Indeed, Mr. +Pinkerton, she's a superb woman--a superb woman; but a she-devil for all +that!" + +I noticed that Harcout's fervor seemed to have come from some similar +experience, and I noted both it and his heated estimate of Mrs. Winslow, +although he remarked that he had never met her. + +"Well, my friend here was irresistibly drawn to her, and he has told me +that for a time it seemed that he had found his real affinity. You felt +that way, didn't you, Lyon?" + +Lyon nodded and chewed rapidly. + +"But for a long time the more my friend endeavored to secure her favor, +the more she seemed to draw away from and avoid him, though constantly +making opportunities to more deeply impress him with her most splendid +physical and mental qualities. My friend recollects now, though he gave +it no attention at the time, that she shrewdly drew from him much +information regarding his family affairs, habits, business relations, +and wealth; and as she was, or pretended to be, a medium of great power, +at those times when he sought her professional services she worked upon +his feelings in such a peculiar manner as to completely upset him." + +Here Mr. Lyon offered an extended remark for the first time, and said: +"The truth is, Mr. Pinkerton, this is a subject that I am particularly +tender upon. I think under certain circumstances I could really have +made the woman my wife;" then turning to his agent, he said, "Harcout, +cut it short." + +"But," Harcout protested, "we can't cut it short. Mr. Pinkerton wants +facts--he must have facts. Well, at one time Mr. Lyon felt a real +affection for the woman, which does him honor--is no disgrace to him; +but after a time began to suspect, and eventually to feel sure, that +Mrs. Winslow was playing a deep game; indeed, had originally come to +Rochester for that purpose; and while he still regarded her highly on +account of her fine qualities, refrained from seeking her society, which +at once seemed to awaken a violent and uncontrollable passion for him in +her heart. She sought him everywhere and compelled him to visit her +frequently, lavishing the wildest affection upon him, which he +delicately repelled--delicately repelled; and, as she represented +herself in straitened circumstances, charitably assisted her just as he +would have done any other person in want--any other person in want; but, +you see, Mrs. Winslow presumed upon this, accused him of having broken +her heart, and was now cruelly deserting her after he had taught her to +worship him." + +Mr. Lyon's nervous face presented a singular combination of pride at his +own powers, chagrin at his predicament, and a general protest that the +tender privacies of a millionaire should be thus disclosed. + +"In this way," continued Harcout, "she so worked upon his kindly +feelings that he really gave her large sums of money--large sums of +money." + +"A good deal of money," interrupted Mr. Lyon. + +"But finally," pursued Harcout, "my friend saw that he must discontinue +his charity altogether, and through my advice--hem! through my advice, +he did. Mrs. Winslow then became very impudent indeed, and annoyed my +friend beyond endurance, until he was forced to refuse to recognize her, +and gave orders that she should be denied admission to his office. But, +being a very talented woman----" + +"She _is_ talented," said Lyon, with a start. + +"She has found means to continue her operations against him incessantly, +demanding still larger sums of money, and has engaged counsel to act for +her. Hem!--under my advice, quite recently Mr. Lyon, by paying her five +thousand dollars, secured from her a relinquishment of all claims +against him, rather than oblige a public scandal. But now Mrs. Winslow +claims that this was secured by fraud, and after making another +fruitless demand for ten thousand dollars, which--hem! Mr. Lyon resisted +through my advice, last week began suit against him for one hundred +thousand dollars for breach of promise of marriage. And a hundred +thousand dollars is a big sum of money, Mr. Pinkerton." + +"A big sum of money," echoed Lyon. + +"But of course," continued Harcout, inserting his thumbs in the +arm-holes of his vest and looking the very picture of injured virtue, +"Mr. Lyon cares nothing for that amount. It is the principle of the +thing. It is the stain upon his good name that he desires to +prevent--and these juries are confoundedly unreliable." + +"Confoundedly unreliable," repeated Lyon, chewing nervously. + +"Therefore," said Harcout, "really believing, as we do, that we--hem! +that is, Mr. Lyon, of course--is the victim of a designing woman who +really means to wrongfully compel the payment of a large sum of money +and ruin my friend in the estimation of the public, we are anxious that +you should set about ascertaining everything concerning her for use as +evidence in the case." + +After asking them a few questions touching facts I desired to ascertain, +the interview terminated with the understanding that Harcout should act +for Mr. Lyon unqualifiedly in the matter, and call at my office as +often as desirable to listen to reports of the progress of my +investigations into the life and history of Mrs. Winslow. I was +satisfied that not half the truth had been given me, and I was more than +ever convinced of this fact when Lyon called me to one side as the +lordly Harcout passed out, and said to me hurriedly: + +"Don't be too hard upon the woman, Mr. Pinkerton. You know we are _all_ +liable to err; and--and, by Jupiter! Mrs. Winslow is certainly a most +magnificent woman--a _most_ magnificent woman," and then chewed himself +out after his courtly henchman. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + + The Case begun.-- Mr. Pinkerton makes a preliminary + Investigation at Rochester.-- Mrs. Winslow, Trance + Medium.-- A Ride to Port Charlotte.-- Harcout as a + Barnacle.-- Much married.-- Mr. Pinkerton visits the + Mediums.-- Drops in at a Washington Hall Meeting.-- Sees + the naughty Woman.-- And returns to New York convinced + that the Spiritualistic Adventuress is a Woman of + remarkable Ability. + + +As the interview related in the previous chapter occurred on Friday, and +I could not attend to the matter at once, I was obliged to wait until +the following Sunday evening, when I quietly took the western-bound +express, which brought me to Rochester the following noon, where I +engaged rooms at the Brackett House under an assumed name, and +immediately began a preliminary examination on my own account, having +directed my New York Superintendent to inform either Lyon or Harcout, in +the event of their calling at the agency, that I could not be seen +regarding their matter for a few days, as I had suddenly been called +South on important business. + +My object in doing this was to look over the ground at Rochester myself, +and get an unbiased idea of the whole matter, so that I could properly +proceed with the work, being satisfied that this was the only way to +secure a basis to operate upon, as I was sure that I had not got at the +bottom facts in the late interview. I invariably insist on having all +the facts, and always take measures to secure them before any decided +move is made. + +As a rule, however, in cases of this kind, it is almost impossible to +secure what the detective absolutely needs from the parties from whom +the information should come; as it is a principle of human nature +possessed by us all, to be very frank about our merits, and quite +careful about mentioning anything that might be construed into either a +lack of judgment or principle. + +I found that the New York papers were already publishing specials +concerning the matter, with solemn editorials regarding the perfidy of +man, the constancy of woman, and the general cussedness of both; and +that at Rochester the knowledge of the commencement of the suit had just +got into the papers, and consequently, into everybody's mouth; and was +creating a great sensation, as Lyon was known to the whole city as one +of its richest citizens, "though a little off on Spiritualism lately," +as the talk went; and Mrs. Winslow had also become quite notorious from +her magnificent figure and winning manner, her equally notorious +mediumistic powers, and through her prominent connection with the more +_material_ believers in spiritual phenomena; or, to be plain, that vast +majority of so-called spiritualists whose only visible means of support +are in excellently humbugging their brethren or sisters, or any other +portion of the gullible world with whom they come in contact. + +Nearly every Rochester paper contained the advertisement of Mrs. +Winslow, trance medium, and I concluded that either the lady had been +unusually successful in her trance business, or that her levies upon +Lyon had been remunerative--perhaps both--to pay for such extensive +advertising. + +After dinner I took a stroll and found that the lady occupied very +luxurious apartments on South St. Paul street, near Meech's Opera-house, +a location well adapted for her business. I also ordered a carriage and +drove out to Port Charlotte--a magnificent drive through a lovely +country dotted with fine farm-houses and the splendid suburban +residences of wealthy Rochester citizens--and, as a casual stranger, +inspected Lyon's warehouses and elevators, the largest and most +expensive at the Port, returning to the Brackett House in time to eat a +hearty supper. + +After supper, without any effort, and without disclosing my identity, I +got into conversation with the genial landlord of the house, who gave +me--as a part of my entertainment, I presume--a rich account of Lyon's +business relations, and particularly of his personal habits, painted in +entirely different colors than by the blarneying tongue of Harcout; and +also spoke of the latter as "a d----d barnacle," who had in some +unexplainable way fastened himself upon Lyon and was living like a +prince off the "old fool," as he called him. He also told me +confidentially that he believed Mrs. Winslow to be a woman of +questionable character; as, when she first came to the city, she had +stopped at his hotel, and had advertised her mediumistic powers so +largely that it had brought a class of men there whom he thought, from +his personal knowledge of their habits, to be more interested in +inquiries into the mysteries of the _present_ than of the hereafter, +until he had become so anxious as to the reputation of his house that he +had informed the lady of the preference of her absence to her company; +whereupon she had raised such a storm about his ears that he was only +too glad to compromise by letting her go, bag and baggage, without +paying her bill, which was a large one and of a month's standing. + +I also gained from him the opinion that she had been married a +half-dozen times, or as often as had suited her convenience; and that he +had only a day or so previous conversed with a gentleman from some part +of the West, who had told him that somebody in Rochester had assisted +her in procuring her a divorce from her husband. I made a note of all +these points after I had retired to my room, and felt quite satisfied +with the day's work. + +The next day, with a gentleman at the hotel with whom I had become +acquainted, representing myself as a person of means who might possibly +make an investment at Rochester, I visited Lyon's mills, and +incidentally became quite well informed as to his financial and social +standing. + +The latter was a little peculiar. His wife, a most estimable lady, had +died a few years previous, and it appeared that during her life the Lyon +family were among the aristocrats of the city; but at her death, and +Lyon's subsequent dabbling in Spiritualism, they had been gradually +dropped from the visiting lists, and nothing remained of the former home +circle save a gaunt, grim mother-in-law, who vainly waged war against +the loose habits, laxity of morals, and general degeneracy that had come +with the new order of things. + +I also secured the addresses of all the professional mediums, +fortune-tellers, and astrologers of the city, and during that day and +the next visited their rooms, claiming to be a devoted believer in +Spiritualism, having my fortune told at various places, and picking up a +good deal of information regarding the fascinating Mrs. Winslow, which +tended to prove her a remarkably talented woman, capable of not only +attending to her mediumistic duties, but also of carrying on litigation +of various kinds in different parts of the country. My investigations +also showed that these different "doctors" and "doctresses," claiming to +perform almost miraculous cures and their ability to foretell the fates +of others through the aid of this supernatural spirit-power, were quite +like other people in their bickerings and jealousies, and, as a rule, +they gave each other quite as bad names as the public generally gave +them; and that Mrs. Winslow could not have been considered exactly the +pink of perfection if judged even by those of her own persuasion, as one +vaguely hinted at her having played the same game on other parties. +Another was sure she had been a camp-follower during the war. Another +assured me that she had similar suits at Louisville, Cincinnati, and St. +Louis. Still another was quite certain that she was only a common +woman. Altogether, according to these reports, which were easily enough +secured, as her case against Lyon was the engrossing subject of the hour +at Rochester, it appeared that the ravishing Mrs. Winslow held her +place, such as it was, in the world more through her supreme will power, +and the respect through fear she unconsciously inspired in others, than +through any of the tenderer graces or a superabundance of personal +purity. + +From cautious inquiries and the wonderful amount of street, saloon, and +hotel talk which the affair was causing, I also ascertained that Mrs. +Winslow had made her appearance in Rochester some years before; some +said from the east, and some from the West, but the preponderance of +evidence indicated that it had been from the West; that she had at once +allied herself with the spiritualists of the city, and Lyon had first +met or seen her at one of their seances or lectures; that he had at once +yielded to her charms, and begun visiting her for "advice," as it was +sarcastically reported, continuing the visits with such frequency and +regularity as to hasten the death of his wife, after which event he had +given his new affinity nearly his entire attention until she had come to +be commonly considered as his mistress; that she had frequently boasted +among her friends that she was to become Lyon's wife, and was even by +some called Mrs. Lyon, to which pleasant designation she made no murmur; +that she had made a common practice of visiting Lyon at his offices in +the Arcade, where she had been treated with considerable deference and +respect by his employees; and that during this period Mrs. Winslow had +made several trips to the West, evidently at Lyon's instigation, and +through his financial aid. + +I found also that she was as truly a believer in the farces others of +her profession enacted for her benefit as she was in the mediumistic +power she had persuaded herself that she possessed, and was consequently +a regular attendant at all the meetings and seances held in the city; +and as there was one to be held that evening at Washington Hall, I +decided to attend for the purpose of getting a good view of the lady +with whom, for a time, we should be obliged to keep close company. +Accordingly, at half-past seven o'clock I found the hall, which is but a +few blocks above the bridge on Main Street, and after purchasing a +ticket of a sleek, long-haired individual with deft fingers and a +restless eye, passed into the room, where there was already quite a +number of the faithful, all bearing unmistakable evidences of either +their peculiar faith, or the character of their business. + +As the exercises of the evening had not yet begun, those present were +gathered about the hall excitedly discussing the great sensation of the +hour, which was particularly interesting to them, as the parties to it +were both of their number, and from what I could gather they were about +evenly divided in their opinion as to the merits of the case--the male +portion of the assemblage warmly espousing the cause of Mrs. Winslow, +and the female portion as eagerly sympathizing with "poor dear Mr. +Lyon," and roundly condemning the naughty woman who had ensnared him and +was so relentlessly pursuing him. + +I was sure the naughty woman had now arrived, as there was a sudden +twisting of necks and buzzing of "That's her--that's her!" "There's Mrs. +Winslow!" and "Yes, that's Mrs. Lyon!" and the females that had given +Mrs. Winslow such a bad reputation a few moments before, now pressed +around her with sympathizing inquiries and loud protestations of regard, +quite like other ladies under similar circumstances. But the lady +appeared to be quite unconcerned as to their good or ill feeling towards +her, and swept up the aisle with a regal air, taking a seat so near me +and in such a position that I was able to make a perfect study of her +while apparently only absorbed in the wonderful revelation that fell +from the trance-speaker's lips. + +She appeared to be a lady of about thirty five years of age, and of a +very commanding appearance. She was not a beautiful woman, but there was +an indescribable something about her entire face and figure that was +strangely attractive. It was both the dignity of self-conscious power +and the peculiar attractiveness of a majestically formed woman. It could +not be said that there was a single beautiful feature about her face, +though it attracted and held every observer. Her head was large, well +formed, and covered with a wavy mass of black hair marvelous in its +richness of color and luxuriance. Her complexion was a clear, wax-like +white, singularly contrasting with her hair, delicately arching +eyebrows, and long, dark lashes, which heavily shaded great gray eyes +that were sometimes touched with a shading of blue, and occasionally +glowed with a light as keen, glittering, and cold as might flash from a +diamond or a dagger's point, which seemed to work in sympathy with the +rapid movement of her thin nostrils, and the swift shuttles of crimson +and paleness that darted over her curled upper lip, which, +notwithstanding this singularity, touched the full, pouting lower one +with a hint of wild and riotous blood. + +Although Mrs. Winslow was a woman who, being met in the better circles +of society, would have wonderfully interested every one with whom she +came in contact, in the circle within which she moved, and which, +unconsciously, seemed to be far beneath her, she surely commanded a +certain kind of respect, with a touch of fear, perhaps; and in any +circle of life was undoubtedly one in whom the ambition for power was +only equalled by the remorseless way with which she would wield it after +it had been gained. + +Not once during the whole evening did she by any movement of her person +or motion of her features give any further indication of her character; +and I could only leave the hall and return to my hotel, and from thence +immediately to New York, with the thorough conviction that Mrs. Winslow +was a remarkably shrewd woman; had systematically fastened herself upon +Lyon with the view of becoming his wife, or compelling him to divide his +immense wealth with her; would give us plenty to attend to, and had +easily gained a wonderful power over Lyon; which, even after her +repeated piracies upon him, and the evident knowledge he possessed of +her villainous character, was yet strong upon him. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + + "Our Case."-- Harcout's Egotism and Interference.-- The + strange Chain of Evidence.-- A Trail of Spiritualism, + Lust, and Licentiousness.-- Superintendent Bangs locates + the Detectives.-- A pernicious System.-- Three Old Maids + named Grim.-- Mr. Bangs baffled by Mr. Lyon, who won't be + "worried."-- One Honest Spiritualistic Doctor.-- The Trail + secured.-- A Tigress.-- Mr. Bangs "goes West." + + +On my return to New York I found that the splendid Harcout had been +using the interim in a succession of heated rushes from the St. Nicholas +Hotel to the Agency, where he had given my superintendents and clerks +voluminous instructions as to how the investigation should be conducted, +and, in explaining his idea of how detectives should work up any case, +permeated the entire establishment with his fragrant pomposity. He was +also quite impatient that nothing had been done in "our case," as he +termed it, and I could only pacify him by assuring him that it should be +given my immediate attention. + +As soon as I could dispose of Harcout I held another consultation with +my General Superintendent, during which the information I had secured at +Rochester was analyzed and recorded, and which, with some other facts +already in possession of the Agency bearing on the case, we decided to +be sufficient to warrant a conclusion that Mrs. Winslow was not Mrs. +Winslow at all, but somebody else altogether, and had had as many +_aliases_ as a cat is supposed to have lives. It was also quite evident, +the more we looked into the matter and searched the records, that +certain other cities of the country had suffered from the much-named +Mrs. Winslow, and in many instances in a quite similar manner to that of +the Rochester infliction. + +Running through all the strange chain of evidence that the records of +our almost numberless operations gave, there were also found items which +told of a female not altogether unlike Mrs. Winslow, and there were in +them all traces of a woman absolutely heartless, cold, calculating, +cruel; now here under one name and in one guise, now there under another +name and in another guise, but forever upon that unrelenting search for +power and with that remorseless greed for gold, and also showing as +truly a trace of spiritualism, of lust, and of licentiousness. + +Of course the result of it all was only a question of time; only a +question of duration in villainy and shrewd human deviltry; a mere +question of how long supreme depravity would wear in a constant war upon +fairness, purity, and the conscience of society. It never wins--it +always loses, and, as certain as life or death, good or evil, reaches +its sure punishment here, whatever may be the result in that +undiscovered territory of the future which the preachers find happiness +and good incomes in quarrelling over. But as my long experience with +crime and criminals had proven to me the fact that one desperately bad +woman brings upon society vastly more misery than a hundred equally as +bad men, and being equally as certain that Mrs. Winslow was an +exceptionally bad woman, I felt no regret whatever in becoming her +Nemesis, and even experienced a peculiar degree of satisfaction in +inaugurating a crusade against her as a pitiless, heartless, dangerous +woman, utterly devoid of conscience, and without a single redeeming +trait of character. + +I accordingly detailed two of my operatives, Fox and Bristol, to proceed +to Rochester in charge of Superintendent Bangs, whom I gave instructions +to locate the men so that they could keep Mrs. Winslow under the +strictest surveillance, and make daily reports in writing to me +concerning her habits and associates, and operations of any character +whatever, using the telegraph freely if occasion required. I also +instructed him, after the men were located in Rochester, and he had +followed up the clue I had got for him as to Mrs. Winslow's western +exploits, to proceed to the West, taking all the time necessary, and +ascertain everything possible favorable or unfavorable to the woman; as +I held it to be not only a matter of utmost importance to thorough +detective work, but also a principle of common justice, that any +suspected person should receive the benefit of whatever good there is in +them. + +For these reasons I have always fought against the system of rewards for +the capture and conviction of supposed criminals. There could be nothing +more absolutely unjust. Under that system, through a combination of +circumstances, an innocent party is often deemed guilty of crime, and +the detective, anxious to secure professional honor and large +remuneration for small work, begins with the presumption of guilt, and +industriously piles up a mountain of presumptive and circumstantial +evidence that times without number has sent innocent persons to the +felon's cell or the hangman's noose. + +On arriving at Rochester the following Monday, Bangs took rooms at the +National Hotel, opposite the court-house--a house more a resort for +persons in attendance at the courts, and people visiting Rochester from +neighboring towns, than for fashionable people or commercial travellers; +while Fox settled himself at a little hotel nearly opposite Mrs. +Winslow's rooms on South St. Paul street, and Bristol found a home at a +little saloon, restaurant and boarding-house, kept by three old maids +named Grim, who were firm believers in Spiritualism--probably from never +having got any satisfaction out of life from any other religion--under +Washington Hall, on East Main street, a place given up to variety shows, +masked balls, sleight-of-hand performances, seances, and other +questionable entertainments; so that they were all within easy +communication, and could work to advantage. It was also arranged that +the reports of Fox and Bristol should be put in Mr. Bangs's hands, by a +mode of communication which would prevent their being seen together, +before being forwarded to me, so that their observations might be of +assistance in his securing necessary information for his western tour. + +While Bristol and Fox were watching the movements of the gay madam, +familiarizing themselves with the city, and getting on an easy footing +at their boarding-houses, Mr. Bangs set to work to ascertain if possible +in what part of the West Mrs. Winslow had operated. + +He first visited Mr. Lyon at his office in the Arcade, introducing +himself as Mr. Clement, one of my operatives, not giving his correct +name, as the newspaper reporters were flying around at a great rate for +items, and the appearance of a man so well known by reputation as Mr. +Bangs would have given their overcharged imaginations an opportunity to +flood over several columns of their respective papers. After being +seated in Lyon's private office Mr. Bangs, as Mr. Clement, began the +conversation: + +"Mr. Lyon, I am directed by Mr. Pinkerton to ascertain if possible from +you whether Mrs. Winslow has ever informed you of having at any previous +time resided in the West?" + +Lyon gave Bangs a cigar, lighted one for himself, and after puffing away +vigorously for a little time, replied: "Mr. Clement, I think she has +done so, but I can't recollect what the information was." + +"Couldn't you call to mind anything that would be of some little +assistance to us, Mr. Lyon?" + +"No," he nervously answered; "no, I think not. I have put this whole +matter away from me as much as possible." + +"We have positively ascertained," continued Bangs, looking searchingly +into Lyon's face, "that she recently secured a divorce from a former +husband. We also know that some one here in Rochester rendered her +substantial assistance. That person found, tracing her history would be +comparatively an easy matter." + +Lyon moved about uneasily, and finally through the clouds of smoke about +his head puffed out, "Indeed!" + +"Yes," replied Bangs, "and, Mr. Lyon, if we could get at the exact truth +about this part of it, I am sure it would not only greatly facilitate +our work, but also greatly lessen the expense of the operation." + +Lyon sat for a little time twisting his shaggy gray whiskers, and +finally said: "Mr. Clement, I insist on not being worried about this +business; perhaps Harcout didn't make that point quite clear. Harcout +_is_ a little flighty, but a noble fellow though, after all. I don't +hardly know what I would do without Harcout, Mr. Clement; he takes the +whole thing off my shoulders, as it were." + +Bangs saw that Lyon could have given him just what information he +needed, and also saw with equal certainty that he had fully decided to +throw the matter off his mind entirely, and compel us to gain whatever +necessary by hard work. He was also now satisfied of the truth of my +conviction, that Lyon had assisted Mrs. Winslow in this divorce matter, +and had been very much more intimate with her than he even desired us to +know. So he bade him good-day, returned to his hotel, and telegraphed +for instructions. I directed him to go ahead and use his own judgment +altogether, also suggesting that he should visit the different +clairvoyants and mediums, with a view of getting further information +which might be secured from their almost ceaseless chatter upon the +subject. + +As Rochester is as full of mediums as a thistle of thorns, this was a +kind of investigation which necessitated the expenditure of considerable +time, and three days had elapsed before any information of a +satisfactory nature was secured. He had expended quite a little fortune +in having his "horoscope cast," his fortune told, and his fate pointed +out with such unerring certainty by male and female seers of every name, +appearance and nature, that if any two of these predictions had borne +the slightest possible resemblance to each other, he would have been +horrified enough to have taken a last leap into the surging Genesee like +poor Sam Patch. But he persisted in the face of these terrible +revelations until he had found a certain Dr. Hubbard, who proved to be +one of the jolliest of the profession he had ever met. The Doctor was a +pleasant gentleman, and proved more pleasant than ever when Mr. Bangs +informed him that he did not desire any fortune-telling, predictions or +horoscopes, but was interested in the subject of Spiritualism, and had +been directed to him as one likely to give some information that could +be relied on, for which he would liberally remunerate him. + +As Mr. Bangs had some choice cigars, which he divided with the Doctor, +and the Doctor had some choice brandy, which he divided with Mr. Bangs, +they at once became easy together, and taking seats at the window +overlooking Main street, while watching the crowds below, were soon +chatting away quite unlike two people very badly affected with +spiritualistic tendencies. + +After a little time, however, the Doctor looked pretty sharply at Bangs, +and suddenly asked: "Well, who are you, anyhow?" + +"Who am I?" returned Bangs smilingly, "well, to be frank, I am Professor +Owen, of the Indiana State University." Bangs never blushed at the libel +on the kind old man bearing that name and title, and continued, "It is +our vacation now, and I am travelling a little in the East investigating +this subject. My brother is an enthusiastic believer in it, but I wished +other testimony." + +The Doctor seemed to think that the Professor took to the brandy and +cigars quite too familiarly for an educator, but the explanation +satisfied him, and he asked: "Professor, you want the whole truth, don't +you?" + +"Nothing but the truth," responded Bangs. + +Doctor Hubbard blew out a long series of rings and expressively followed +it with "Humbug!" + +"It can't be possible," persisted Bangs. + +"It oughtn't to be possible," urged the Doctor, "for a man of your +probable talent and position to be engaged in investigating what one +visit to any one of us should show to be the most infernal fraud ever +practised upon the public!" said the Doctor heatedly. + +Bangs expressed himself as surprised beyond measure. + +"Well," continued the Doctor earnestly, "you came to me like a man, +didn't you?" + +Bangs assured him that he was quite right. + +"And you came fair and square, without any ifs and ands, didn't you?" + +"All of that," responded Bangs. + +"And," continued the Doctor helping himself to the brandy, then excusing +himself and pushing it towards Bangs, who partook sparingly, "you didn't +want any fortune told, or predictions, or horoscopes, or any other +nonsense?" + +"Exactly," said Bangs. + +"And you said you'd pay me liberally for information, didn't you?" + +"Yes, and I'll be as good as my word," replied the assumed professor. + +"Well, then," continued the Doctor in a burst of good feeling, brandy +and honesty, "you see in me an unsuccessful physician, a disciple of +Æsculapius without followers. I graduated with high honors, hung out my +sign, sharpened my tools, moulded my pills, drank a toast to disease, +but waited in vain for patronage. As this became monotonous," continued +the Doctor, taking another pull at the brandy bottle, then wiping the +mouth and passing it to Mr. Bangs, who excused himself, "I glided into a +'specialist.' It required too much money to advertise, and the papers +slashed me villainously besides. _Then_ I became a Spiritualist--it's +the record of every one of us. You can see," and the Doctor waved his +hand towards the cosy appointments in a satisfied way, "I am pretty +comfortable now." + +"Yes, quite comfortable," said Bangs, wondering what the Doctor was +driving at. + +"So I am an enthusiastic Spiritualist," resumed the happy physician, +"for its profession has provided me with necessities, comforts, and even +luxuries." + +"Do you really effect any of the marvellous cures you advertise?" + +"Most assuredly," he replied. + +"And may I ask how?" interrogated Mr. Bangs. + +"In the good old-fashioned way--salts, senna, calomel, and the +blue-pill," said the Doctor, laughing heartily. + +"And is not the aid of the spirits essential to your cures?" + +"A belief, or _faith_, that such an agency is used, does the whole +thing, Professor." + +"And is there no such thing?" persisted Bangs. + +"Just as much of it as there is faith in it; no more and no less." + +"Then the whole thing's a humbug, as you say?" + +"Just as thoroughly as is that woman," said the Doctor stoutly, pointing +to Mrs. Winslow, who at that moment was seen in the street below, being +driven towards the suburbs in a neat phaeton. + +Bangs, becoming suddenly interested, though repressing himself, +carelessly asked, "Who is she?" + +Here the Doctor executed a grimace which might mean a good deal, or +nothing at all, and said tersely: "She's a bouncer; don't you know her?" + +"No." + +"Why, that's Mrs. Winslow, old Lyons' soothing syrup; and old Lyon's +one of the children--'teething,'" added the Doctor with a hearty laugh. +"But she's a tigress!" + +Mr. Bangs leaned out of the window, took a good look at the tigress, and +then, as if endeavoring to recollect some former occurrence, said: "I +believe I have seen her somewhere before." + +"Quite so, quite so; undoubtedly you have." + +"And I think in the West, too," replied Mr. Bangs, trying hard to +remember, and handing the doctor a fresh cigar. + +"Exactly--Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Louisville--everywhere, in +fact. One might call her a social floater, and not be far out of the way +either. She used to live at Terre Haute." + +"Terre Haute? Why, of course! I knew I had seen her somewhere." + +"Yes, she lived a few miles out, up the Wabash river, for years. Her +husband's name was Oxford, or Hosford, or something of the kind." + +"Yes?" said Bangs. + +"Yes," replied the Doctor; "I didn't know her personally, but I knew +_of_ her there. That's where she first went off the hook--and--and +became one of us." + +"Is she a remarkable character?" asked Mr. Bangs. + +"A remarkable character? Why, sir, she's a wonderful woman--a perfect +Satan. I wouldn't have her get after me," said the Doctor, shaking his +head protestingly "for ten thousand dollars! Why, sir, that woman has +ruined more men and broken up more families than you could count." + +"And is _she_, too, a spiritualist?" asked Mr. Bangs. + +"A spiritualist? Why, of course she is; and, what is more, I sometimes +think she really believes in her own mummeries." + +"What has become of her family?" asked Bangs. + +"Oh, gone to the devil, I presume, just like everybody she has had +anything to do with--just as old Lyon is certain to do, too." + +"Then this Oxford or Hosford is not living at Terre Haute now?" + +"Couldn't tell you that," replied the Doctor; and then, suddenly +returning to the subject and putting the brandy-bottle into a little +closet with a slam as footsteps were heard coming up the stairs, "can I +be of any further service to you?" + +Mr. Bangs thought not, handed the good Doctor a five-dollar bill while +remarking that he would call again, both of which evidences of good +feeling pleased the latter immensely, and took his departure quite well +pleased with the result of his inquiries into the wonderful subject of +modern Spiritualism. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + + Rochester.-- A Profitable Field for Mrs. Winslow.-- Her + sumptuous Apartments.-- The Detectives at Work.-- Mrs. + Winslow's Cautiousness.-- Child-Training.-- Mysterious + Drives.-- A dapper little Blond Gentleman.-- Two Birds + with one Stone.-- A French Divinity.-- Le Compte. + + +While Superintendent Bangs is on his hunting expedition in the West, we +will follow the fortunes of Mrs. Winslow in the beautiful city of +Rochester. + +There is hardly a city in the country better adapted for either the +pursuit of pleasure or wealth than Rochester. Everything combines to +make it so. It nestles in one of the most beautiful valleys in the +world, like the nest of a busy bird in a luxuriant meadow. There is the +sound of pleasant waters, the roar of a mighty cataract, the din of two +score busy mills, the music of the spindles, the cogs and the reels, the +clash and the clangor of the factories, the thunderings of the forges, +and the footfalls of a hundred thousand happy, contented people who have +wrung competence and even luxury from the hard hand of necessity and +toil. + +From the summit of Mount Hope Observatory, an elevation of nearly five +hundred feet above the lake, there is a grand picture whereon the eye +may rest. At your feet, and to the north, lies the busy city with the +noble Genesee winding rapidly through it, lending its half-million +horse-power force to the needs of labor, then plunging a hundred feet +downwards, eddying and rushing onward, plunging and eddying again and +again, until it sobers into a steady current northward towards Ontario +through a deep, dark gorge, looking like an ugly serpent trailing to the +lower inland sea where can be seen the city of Charlotte, formerly +called Port Genesee, the port of Rochester, beyond which, on a clear +day, may be seen countless dreamy sails, and steamers with their +trailing plumes of smoke, and still beyond appears the dim outlines of +the far-off Canadian shore. To the east, as far as can be discerned, +lies a country of the nature of "openings"--beautiful groves of trees, +magnificent farms, with the almost palatial homes of the owners, who +have become rich from the legacies of their ancestors with the added +thrift of scores of fruitful years. Southward for a half hundred miles, +stretches the beautiful valley of the Genesee, dimpled by lesser valleys +and a hundred sparkling brooks, and dotted by field and forest and +numberless groups of half-hidden houses, with outbuildings full to +bursting with the fruitage of the fields; while to the west along the +lake are low ranges of sand-hills, and south of these extending nearly +to Lake Erie is a beautiful prairie country, while with a glass can be +traced the ghostly mist perpetually hovering above Niagara. + +If this scene be inspiring to the looker-on, the intrinsic beauty of the +city, its unusual life, its fine public buildings, business houses, and +splendid private residences; its clean macadamized streets and broad, +brick walks, shaded with the trees of half a century's growth as in many +of the famous Southern cities; its numberless little parks or "places," +owned in common by the proprietors of the handsome residences which +surround them, and filled with rare shrubs, flowers, beautiful fountains +and costly statuary; the vast _parterres_ of flowers in the suburbs, +sending in upon every summer wind an Arabian wealth of exquisite +fragrance; the large summer gardens, where beer and Gambrinus reign +supreme; the enticing promenades, and the splendid drives in every +direction from the city--would give any one not completely at war with +every pleasant thing in life a genuine inspiration of pleasure and a +more than ordinary thrill of enjoyment. + +It is little wonder, then, that Mrs. Winslow found Rochester a +profitable field for operating in her peculiar double capacity of a +dashing adventuress and a trance medium. She found there not only men of +vast wealth, but of vast immorality, as is quite common all over the +world, and hundreds of firm believers in spiritualism, which was a +special peculiarity to Rochester. Among the first number there were many +who sought her for her charms of figure and manners, which were +certainly powerfully attractive, and which yielded her an elegant income +without positive public degradation, as no man of wealth and position +feels called upon to make known his own peccadilloes for the sake of +exposing the sharer of them, even though she be a dangerous woman; and +consequently there was only that universal verdict of evil against her +which society quite generally, and also quite correctly, pronounces on +forcibly circumstantial evidence. + +Her apartments were elegant, and even sumptuous; and though there was a +quite general understanding of her character among the epicurean +gentlemen of the city, she held them aloof with such freezing dignity +that they seldom presumed upon her acquaintance, and were even possessed +of a certain respect for her unusually rare shrewdness in preserving her +reputation, such as it was; so that her rooms, so far as the public were +able to ascertain, were only frequented by those who believed her to be +able to allay their sufferings, or open the gates of the undiscovered +country to their anxious, yearning eyes. + +A large amount of money had been paid her by Lyon to prevent a scandal. +The last sum was known to have been five thousand dollars, and it was +quite probable that if there had been an intimacy so ripe as to have +warranted the payment of this amount, still larger sums had doubtless +been expended in maturing so tender a relation. In any event it was +ascertained by Bristol and Fox that Mrs. Winslow had for some time been +living in elegance, though at the same time carefully, being given to no +particular excesses, and it was a matter for considerable speculation +whether she was now in the possession of much money or not. + +Fox affected the quiet, well-bred gentleman, expended sufficient money +among the boarders to make them talkative, and even confidential, and +in this way learned a great deal about the madam's habits and +peculiarities that was afterwards useful, though of no particular moment +at that time; while Bristol, who was a florid, well-kept Canadian +gentleman of about forty-five years of age, of a literary and poetical +turn, and with an easy habit of falling into the manner and brogue of an +Englishman, Scotchman, or Irishman, made himself immensely popular with +the old maids under Washington Hall, who in turn were enamored with his +good physical parts and blarneying tongue, and were at any time ready to +confide to him all they knew, and, in fact, a great deal more; so that, +as he professed to be an ardent Spiritualist, he was enabled to become +well informed concerning the leading persons of that persuasion in the +city, of whom he forwarded a complete list, with something of a history +of each; and while not becoming known to or personally familiar with any +one of them--which would have destroyed his usefulness, he was yet able +to keep track of nearly all that was said or done within the charmed +circle; as after each lecture, or seance, the economically-built and +antiquated maidens would retire to a little snuggery behind the +restaurant, to which they would invite the sympathetic Bristol, who was +old enough to protect them from scandal, and then and there, while +easing their by no means ravishing forms of portions of their garments +preparatory to the night's virtuous repose, over strong toast and weak +tea would rattle on in such a bewildering way about the events of the +evening and the good or bad characteristics of the faithful, that +Bristol figuratively, if not in fact, sat at the feet of a trinity of +oracles. + +His reports showed that while Mrs. Winslow was accepted among their +number without question, still there was but little known about her +previous history. I felt satisfied that this was true, and had only +stationed Bristol and Fox at Rochester for the purpose of keeping me +informed of her every movement, knowing well enough that after Bangs had +got a good start he would follow up her trail in the West as +remorselessly as I myself would have done. + +Mrs. Winslow seemed to be absolutely without associates, either from a +confirmed habit of suspicion of everybody which she seemed to possess, +or from a resolve to maintain as good a character as possible until the +Winslow-Lyon case should be heard in court, so that her evidence, and +particularly her reputation, might not be impeached or broken down; and +it required the constant attention of both Bristol and Fox to discover +in her anything of even a suspicious character, as the nature of her +mediumistic business--allowing as it did scores of visitors daily access +to her rooms, only one being admitted to the trance-room of her +apartments at a time--gave her a vast advantage over them. + +It was evident that she had in a measure persuaded herself that she had +a genuine cause of action against Lyon; or, that if she had not, she had +fully determined to make a big fight under any circumstances, as both +the prestige secured by the presumption of some shadow of a claim which +the mere pressing of it in court would give, and the assistance to her +which even a tithe of the damages she claimed would be, would not only +give her a degree of importance and respectability which would greatly +assist her in future operations, but would also yield her the means for +future comfort, without this terrible continued struggle for gold and +the happiness it is supposed to command. + +How vain such a hope! and how strange that, with the bitter reminder of +countless never-realized ambitions before them, the adventurer and the +criminal will go on and on, still clinging to the shadow of a hope that +by _some_ exceptional freak of fortune in their favor they may gain the +peace and quietness they so agonizedly long for, but which is just as +irrevocably decreed to be forever beyond their reach as were the +luscious fruits to escape the touch and taste of the condemned and +tortured Phrygian king. + +And right here, were I a preacher--being only a _doer_, however--I would +show the criminal neglect of parents, teachers and preachers in forever +warring for reformation, and never battling against the numberless packs +of little foxes of pride and covetousness of society, which drive weak +natures into a constant struggle to excel in power and display, eating +away at the vines until the life, like the fields, is left barren and +desolate, or is only a vast waste of thorns and noxious weeds. My +records are full of lives wrecked upon the glittering rocks built by +false pride and vanity and the greed for gold which society, and even +the aristocratic systems of modern religion compel. Whatever may be +preached, all this cursed assumption of what is not possessed without +years of honest, sturdy toil, is practised in the pulpit, the pew, the +palace, and the poverty-stricken hovel, permeating every stratum of +business, society and religion, until honorable action is at discount, +dishonesty commands a premium of gain and lachrymose sympathy, and the +whole world is being swiftly driven into a surging channel of fraud, +crime and debauchery that will require generations of something besides +splendid hypocrisy and luxurious cant to restrain and purify. + +With this digression, which I cannot well avoid, as it contains the +convictions based upon long years of close observation and peculiar +experience, I will return to the woman whom my operatives found so +difficult to analyze and trace out. + +Bangs's visit to Dr. Hubbard showed that she had a habit of driving out. +Bristol and Fox became acquainted with this fact at once and transmitted +it in their reports. It appeared that the carriage and driver were +secured at a livery stable near the opera house, a short distance from +her rooms and Fox's boarding-house. I instructed Fox to ascertain to +what points these trips were made, and if any one ever accompanied her. +Careful inquiries at this stable elicited nothing, as Mrs. Winslow's +custom was valuable, and even her driver proved close-mouthed upon the +subject. Accordingly, after Fox had discovered the general direction +taken by Mrs. Winslow and the usual streets frequented at starting, he +strolled out State Street and from thence into Lake View Avenue, which +is but a continuation of State Street. After he had walked some little +distance he was pleased to find that he had company in the person of a +dapper little blond gentleman who was somewhat in advance of him, but +who, though apparently enjoying the morning air, seemed both +apprehensive of being followed, and desirous of the appearance of some +one for whom he was waiting. His make-up gave him something of a foreign +air, and was the most exquisite imaginable. He was a slender, tender +nymph of the male order of fairies, with a face as delicate as a +woman's, with large, blue, expressive eyes, long, luxuriant hair, and as +neat a little moustache as was ever waxed to keep it from melting away +altogether. If his face and figure were neat enough for a millinery +window, his clothing was a model even for a Poole. His lustrous silk hat +scarcely outshone in richness his faultless dress-coat, which was +buttoned low, exposing a perfect duck vest, a spotless shirt-front and a +low, rolling Byron collar, with a delicate flowing tie; while his +pantaloons, which were of a mellow lavender color, seemed only to +increase the effect of his shapely legs, and by their graceful swell at +the instep only to stop to disclose a foot perfect enough for a model. +His jewelry consisted of a modest solitaire diamond pin, and a large +seal ring which he wore upon the little finger of his left hand. + +For some reason Fox felt interested in him, and resolved, though +looking for a quite different person, to watch him closely. So he passed +him without giving him an opportunity of seeing his face, and, taking a +position in the bar-room of a small beer-garden a little way beyond, +where he had a good view of the avenue, waited for developments which +were not long in taking place, as the neat little fellow arrived at the +garden a few minutes after Fox, and shortly after Mrs. Winslow's +carriage was seen coming from the direction of the city. Fox saw that he +was bringing two birds down with one stone, and anxiously watched Mrs. +Winslow and the little fop, feeling satisfied that their meeting at the +garden was pre-arranged, for as soon as her carriage came in sight, he +had noticed a look of satisfaction come over the man's face, and when it +was driven up to the door he stepped out nimbly, smiling and bowing like +a brisk wax figure at a show. + +The driver was at once discharged, and after watering the horse, +immediately started towards town on foot, occasionally looking over his +shoulder with a sardonic smile on his face, as if pleased at the loving +meeting at the garden, as that sort of thing probably brought him many +an honest penny; but no sooner had the driver turned his back on the +place than Mrs. Winslow said: + +"Come, Le Compte, get me a glass of brandy." + +Fox thought that pretty strong for a lady who had been damaged a hundred +thousand dollars by breach of promise of marriage, but held his peace, +and a paper before his face, while her admirer danced into the bar and +procured two glasses of brandy, which he took to the carriage upon a +little tray. + +"My dear, you were a little late, eh?" said Le Compte. + +"Ah, a French divinity," thought Fox. + +"Le Compte," replied Mrs. Winslow, handing him a bill with which to pay +for the refreshment, and paying no attention to the little fellow's +remark, "tell that d----d Dutchman that if he don't get some better +brandy, I'll never pay him another penny!" + +Fox also thought this pretty strong for the pure, broken-hearted maiden +Mrs. Winslow's bill of complaint against Lyon showed her to be, and he +accordingly made a note of the same, as her friend returned to the +bar-room and paid for the liquor, while saying to the landlord that the +madam desired him to say that the brandy was perfectly exquisite in +flavor. + +Presently Mrs. Winslow called out, "Come, Le Compte, get in here!" when +he ran out with the alacrity of a carriage spaniel, sprang into the +carriage, took the reins, and drove away towards the country, looking +like a pretty daisy in the shade of a gigantic sunflower. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + + The Half-way House.-- A Jolly German Landlord.-- Detective + Fox runs down Le Compte.-- A "Positive, Prophetic, Healing + and Trance Medium."-- Harcout the Adviser reappears, and + is anxious lest Mr. Lyon be drawn into some terrible + Confession.-- Mr. Pinkerton decides to know more about Le + Compte.-- And with the harassed Mr. Lyon interviews him.-- + Treachery and Blackmail.-- "A much untractable Man."-- + Light shines upon Mrs. Winslow.-- Another Man.-- Mr. + Pinkerton mad. + + +Many other conveyances were passing to and fro, and Fox's first impulse +was to secure a seat in some one of them and follow the couple in the +direction they had taken. But he recollected that it might cause either +Mrs. Winslow, or the little fellow at her side to know him again, which +would prove disastrous, and he was consequently obliged to apply his +pump to the important little Dutchman who owned the half-way house, and +who was busying himself around the cool, pleasant bar-room, making the +place as attractive as possible, and singing lustily in his own +mother-tongue. + +"Good morning to you!" said Fox cheerily, stepping to the bar in a way +that indicated his desire to imbibe. + +"Good mornings mit yourself," answered the lively proprietor, getting +behind the bar nimbly; "Beer?" + +"Yes, thank you," replied Fox, "a schnit, if you please. Won't you +drink with me?" + +"Oh, ya, ya; I dank you; I dank you;" and there were as many smiles on +his honest face as bubbles upon his good beer. + +The glasses touched, Fox said, "Here's luck!" and the landlord met it +with "Best resbects, mister!" + +In good time two more schnits followed, and as the landlord was each +time requested to join with Fox, he was so pleased with his liberality +and apparent good feeling that he beamed all over like a sunny day in +June. + +"You have a beautiful place here," said Fox. + +"Oh, so, so!" answered the landlord with a quick, deprecatory shrug +which meant that he was very well satisfied with it. + +"I was never here before." + +"No?--So? I guess mebby I don't ever have seen you. Don't you leef py +Rochester?--no?" + +"No, I live in Buffalo, and I just came over to Rochester on a little +business. Having plenty of time, I thought I would stroll out a bit this +morning." + +"Ya, I get a good many strollers dot same way. Eferypody goes out by der +Bort." + +"The Bort?" + +"Ya, ya, der Bort--Bort Charlotte." + +"Is this the way to Charlotte?" + +"To be certainly. When you come five miles auf, den you stand by der +Bort, sure." + +"And so that is where the big woman and the little man were going?" +asked Fox carelessly. + +"Sure, sure," said the landlord with a knowing wink; and then taking a +very large pinch of snuff, and laying his forefinger the whole length of +his rosy nose, added with an air of great importance and mystery, "I +tell you, py Jupiter, I don't let somebody got rooms _here_!" + +"That's right, old fellow!" said Fox, slapping the honest beer-vender on +the shoulder. "Be unhappy and you will be virtuous!" + +"Vell," continued the Teuton, excitedly lapsing into his own vernacular, +"_es macht keinen unterschied_; I don't got mein leefing dot way. I--I +vould pe a bolitician first!" + +Fox expressed his admiration for such heroism, and purchased a cigar to +assist the landlord in his efforts to avoid the necessity of either +renting rooms to ladies and gentlemen of Mrs. Winslow's and Le Compte's +standing, or of accepting the more unfortunate emergency of becoming a +"bolitician." + +Then they both seated themselves outside the house, underneath the +shaded porch, and chatted away about current events, Fox all the time +directing the conversation in a manner so as to draw out the genial +Teuton on the subject which most interested him, and was successful to +the extent of learning that Le Compte was what the landlord termed a +"luffer," evidently meaning a loafer; that several months before, they +came there together desiring a room, which had been refused; but he had +directed them to the Port, where they had evidently been accommodated, +as they had after that, until this time, regularly went in that +direction, always stopping at his place for a glass of his best brandy; +and that they had also always came there together until within a few +weeks, since when, for some reason, this Le Compte had walked out to the +hotel, where she had overtaken him with her carriage and driver, when +the driver would be sent back to the city, and Le Compte taken in for +the drive to Charlotte, as Fox had seen. He also learned that on their +return, which was generally towards evening, the driver met them at the +same place, when the latter took the reins, and Le Compte, somewhat +soiled from his trip, walked into the city. + +Fox concluded that there would be no better time than the present to +learn something further concerning Le Compte, and after enjoying himself +in the vicinity for a short time, came back to the hotel, took a hearty +German dinner, and after another stroll secured a room for a short nap, +as he told the landlord, but really for the purpose of observation. +About six o'clock he saw the driver coming to the hotel from towards +Rochester, and in about a half an hour afterwards noticed the carriage +containing Mrs. Winslow and Le Compte coming down the road from +Charlotte. The couple seemed very gay and lively, and drove up to the +hotel with considerable dash and spirit. They both drank, as in the +morning, while the driver resumed his old place by the side of Mrs. +Winslow; and as they were about to depart, Fox heard the woman say to +Le Compte: "No, not again until Saturday; I'll try to be a little +earlier." Then the carriage went away, Le Compte loitering about for a +few minutes, after which he started off on a brisk walk towards town. + +As the evening was drawing on, Fox hurried down to the bar-room, paid +his bill, and bidding his host good-by, trudged on after the little +fellow, keeping him well in sight, though remaining some distance behind +to escape observation, but gradually closing in upon him, until, when +they had arrived within the thickly settled portion of the city, they +were trudging along quite convenient to each other. + +The lamps now began to flare out upon the town, and the gay shops were +lighted as Fox followed his man in and out, up and down the streets. Le +Compte first went to a restaurant just beyond the Arcade in Mill street, +where he got his supper, and afterwards promenaded about the streets in +an aimless sort of a way for some little time, after which he returned +to the Arcade and seemingly anxiously inquired for letters at the +post-office. He got several, but was evidently either disappointed at +what he had received, or at not receiving what he had expected. In any +event he cautiously peered into Lyon's closed offices, as if hoping to +find some one there. Disappointed in this also, he went directly to +State Street, near Main, where, after looking about for a moment, he +suddenly disappeared up a stairway leading to the upper stories of a +large brick block. Fox quickly followed, and was able to catch sight of +the little fellow just as he was entering a room at the side of the +hall. He waited until everything was quiet, and then approached the +door. The light from the single jet in the hallway was not sufficient +for the purpose, but with the aid of a lighted match he was able to +trace upon a neat card tacked to the door the inscription: + + B. JEROME LE COMPTE, + POSITIVE, PROPHETIC, HEALING AND TRANCE MEDIUM. + Psychrometrist, Clairvoyant, and Mineral Locater. + +As Fox had succeeded in "locating" his man, he returned to his +boarding-house, wrote out his report and posted it, and after carelessly +dropping into the restaurant under Washington Hall, where he took a dish +of ice-cream and found means to inform Bristol of the latest +development, he returned and retired for the night well satisfied with +his day's work, and fully resolved to be on hand for Saturday's sport at +Charlotte. + +I received Fox's report the next noon, and not a half-hour afterwards +the splendid Harcout came rushing in. + +"Pinkerton, Pinkerton," he exclaimed excitedly, "here's something which +we must attend to at once--at once, mind you, or--bless my soul! I'm +afraid I left it at the St. Nicholas. How could I be so careless!" + +Harcout grew red in the face and plunged into all his pockets wildly, +utterly regardless of his exquisite make-up, until quite exhausted. + +"Why, Harcout, you're excited. Tell me what's the matter, my man," said +I, reassuringly. + +"Matter? matter? everything's the matter. Here's something which should +be acted upon at once, and like an ass I've left it at the hotel. I'll +go back and get it immediately." + +"Get what?" I asked him. + +"Get a letter that I just received from Lyon. He's there all by himself, +and they will draw him into some terrible confession. But I--I must get +the letter," and Harcout grabbed his hat and gloves and started. + +"Hold on, Harcout," I called to him, "what is that you have in your +hand?" + +"In my hand? Oh, just a private note I got in the same mail." + +"Just look at it before you go," I suggested. + +Harcout stopped in the door, examined the letter, pulled another from +the inside of the envelope, and blurted out sheepishly: "Ah, bless my +soul!--Pinkerton, this is just what I wanted. Here, quick, read them +both." + +I took the letters as Harcout sat down and fanned himself with his +glove, and saw that they were dated from Rochester on the previous day. +The first one was from Lyon, in which he stated that he had received the +enclosed letter in the morning, probably shortly after Fox had strolled +out Lake View Avenue, also expressing a desire that Harcout should +submit it to me for advice as to the best course to be pursued, and have +the reply telegraphed. The enclosed letter was from Le Compte to Lyon, +insisting that he should immediately come to his rooms to receive +information of the greatest importance. I did not let Harcout know that +I had any information concerning Le Compte, but I saw that that portion +of Fox's report which stated that he had followed Le Compte to the +Arcade the previous evening, where the latter had anxiously inquired for +mail, and after that had taken a peep into Lyon's offices, agreed with +Lyon's letter as to the time when Le Compte probably expected an answer +from him. + +I was at loss to know what the dapper little fellow was driving +at--whether he and Mrs. Winslow were after further blackmail, or whether +he had secured some confession from her while she was lavishing her +favors and money upon him, which the treacherous little villain was +endeavoring to make bring a good price through Lyon's superstitious +faith in the power of those who claimed supernatural powers and a +profession of Spiritualism. + +I at once decided to go to Rochester and interview this new apparition +in the field in company with Lyon, and accordingly told Harcout that I +would do so, and would immediately telegraph to Lyon to that effect; +upon which he trotted away, announcing his determination to also +telegraph, so that Lyon might see that he was "attending closely to our +case," as he termed it. + +As soon as he had left, I indicted a dispatch to Lyon, asking him to +make an appointment with Le Compte for an interview on the next +afternoon, when I would be there to accompany him; and after getting my +supper, took the evening train and arrived at Rochester the next noon. + +After taking dinner at the Waverley, I immediately proceeded to Lyon's +offices. He seemed worried and anxious to see me, and felt extremely +alarmed about the whole matter, having as yet kept it from his attorney. +I had him send a message for him at once, and in a few minutes we were +all three in consultation. His attorney, a Mr. Balingal, thought we were +doing just right, and, on leaving, privately informed me that in no +event should I allow any person that professed mediumistic powers to +remain with Lyon alone, as he would be certain to do something which +would in some way compromise the case. + +A few minutes after Lyon's attorney had left, we took different routes, +arriving at the hallway leading to Le Compte's rooms on State street at +about the same time, ascending the staircase together. A negro, who had +borne a second and a more imperative message to Lyon, was in waiting at +the top, and smilingly showed us along the hall in the direction of +Number 28, which afterwards proved to be Le Compte's seance-room. The +little fellow himself here stepped out of an adjoining room with a very +insinuating smile upon his face, which suddenly changed to a look of +disappointment as he saw that Mr. Lyon had rather solidly-built company. + +As Mr. Lyon entered the room, this Monsieur Le Compte undertook to close +the door in my face; but I shoved myself into the room, and told the +mineral locater, etc., that I was a friend of Mr. Lyon's, and insisted +on being one of the party. + +Lyon began timidly looking around the gas lighted room--though it was +not after three o'clock--which was filled with the ordinary +paraphernalia for compelling awe and fear: "I understand you have some +business with me. My name is Lyon." + +"Yes, yes," he replied, "I have great business with you. But I can only +make you my _one_ confidant, Mr. Lyon." + +"Oh, well, well, now," I interrupted, with some assumed bravado, "this +sort of thing better play out before it begins. I am Mr. Lyon's friend, +and whatever you have to say to him will have to be said before me. +Isn't that so, Mr. Lyon?" + +Lyon assented feebly, and Le Compte asked: "Will you make me the +pleasure of your friend's name?" + +"No matter, no matter," said I quickly, for I knew how weak Lyon was. "I +am here as my friend's friend. He has nothing to say in this matter. You +will have to inform me of your business with Mr. Lyon." + +Le Compte suddenly arose from his chair, locked the door and put the key +in his pocket. He then went to the windows, which were slightly raised +on account of the heat, closed them, and lowered the curtains so as to +shut out the light completely. Just as he had completed the work, which +took him but a moment, I said to him sharply: "See here, sir, you will +make this room uncomfortably warm for yourself as well as us, if you are +not careful. Don't send us to perdition before our time, Le Compte." + +He made no answer, and looked exceedingly meek; but I saw that he was +determined to endeavor to play upon Lyon's feelings for future profit, +even if the present interview offered none. He immediately seated +himself at a table opposite us, and said to Lyon: "The clairvoyant state +I will go into before anything I can reveal." + +"Mr. Le Compte," I interrupted, noticing that Lyon was already weakening +before the scoundrel's assumption, "if you have got anything to say to +Mr. Lyon, go on and say it with your eyes open, like a man. We won't be +humbugged by you or any one else!" + +He did go on now, and with his eyes open, and said: "Well, gentlemen, I +know of this lady who troubles Mr. Lyon, and learn of much witnesses for +his help. But the clairvoyant state gave it to me." + +"No, no, my young fellow," said I, "we don't pay for that kind of +evidence. If you have any evidence in your possession which will be of +benefit to Mr. Lyon, I am prepared to receive and pay for it; but +clairvoyant evidence isn't worth a cent!" + +"Well," he replied, somewhat ruffled, "I can go on the jury and swear +clearly of this!" + +I then told him I was satisfied that he did not know the first +principles of law and evidence, and that the probability was that he had +no evidence in his possession at all. I spoke in a very loud tone of +voice, and evidently frightened the little fellow considerably. + +"You are much intractable--a much intractable man," he responded. "I +could tell about you greatly to convince you of my power; but it is +impossible in double presence." + +"All right," said I. "Mr. Lyon, I don't see as you have anything to do +with this interview, and I want you to go right back to your office and +remain there until I come!" + +Lyon got up in a scared kind of way, and started hesitatingly towards +the door, looking appealingly at me; but I paid no attention to it, and +the little Frenchman instantly arose and politely showed him out, saying +in a low voice: "My dear Mr. Lyon, it will be for your great interest to +make appointment without the boor." + +"Lyon will do nothing of the kind, you little villain," I said, as I saw +he was shrewdly arranging for future business. "The 'boor,' as you are +pleased to term me, has the whole charge of this business, and you will +transact it with him or nobody." + +Le Compte flushed, closed the door without another word, locked it, and +put the key in his pocket. + +I turned on him savagely with: "My friend, what do you mean? If you make +a single treacherous motion, you'll never get out of this room alive!" + +I was now thoroughly mad, and am sure that the little jackanapes saw it +and felt that I might possibly serve him as he deserved, for he quickly +and tremblingly said, "Oh, if that is the case, I have no objection if +you the key hold; but in clairvoyant state we shall be alone and +locked." + +There was a bed in the room, and I suggested that he looked flurried +and had better take a rest upon it while going on with his story; but he +seated himself at the opposite side of the table, and began putting his +hands upon his eyes and drawing them away with an indescribably +graceful, though rapid gesture. This he continued for some little time, +when he brought his hands down upon the table with considerable force. +Then he began the old humbug about my having had trouble with some one, +somewhere in the United States, at some time or other about something; +that there was another man of uncertain size, peculiar complexion, +unusual hair, singular face, and a strange, general appearance; and that +this difficulty was about money, he thought it would amount to from five +hundred to one thousand dollars, and that I would receive this sum +within a few weeks. As I said that this was absolutely true, he was +greatly encouraged, and went on for some time in an equally silly and +foolish manner. I stood it as long as I could, and finally said: + +"See here, my friend, you and I must talk business!" upon which he was +wide awake and quite ready to enter into earthly conversation. + +"Well, sir, what _could_ you want?" + +"I want this nonsense stopped," I replied rising, at which he also +jumped up nimbly. + +"Well," he said, "this woman"--evidently referring to Mrs. Winslow, +though no name had been mentioned--"once lived in Iowa with wrong +names!" + +"Oh, nonsense!" I replied, "I know that already." + +"But," he continued quickly, "I can furnish you the name of another +man--very rich, very rich he is, too--who should be by law more her +husband." + +"Well," said I angrily, though now fully believing the little fellow for +the first time, "write this out fully; give me the man's name, business +or occupation; his place of residence, his standing, etc.; how he became +acquainted with this woman and under what circumstances they lived +together, and when and where; and when you give me the information, if I +find it reliable, I will pay liberally for it. If not, I won't pay you a +cent. Now, do we understand each other?" + +"I think we do," he answered timidly. + +"Le Compte," said I sternly, "there's no use of your practising this +clairvoyant game any longer. You won't get a dollar out of it; not a +dollar. I understand all about it as well as you do. Now, have a care +about yourself, sir, or one of these bright days you'll be coming up +with a sudden turn." + +I now started towards the door; but the persistent scamp seemed anxious +to still keep me, on some manner of pretext, and stood holding the key +in a confused, undecided way. + +"Open that door, you villain!" I demanded; "open it at once, or you'll +get into trouble." + +He started suddenly, put the key in the lock, and then turned to me and +asked: "Won't you give me opportunity to show you I do not swindle. Just +let me make some few little passes over your head. I will sure put you +to sleep quickly!" + +"I am not sleepy, nor do I need sleep now, thank you. I had a good nap +about an hour since," I answered, laughing at the little fellow's +annoyance. "Now open that door!" + +Le Compte shrugged his handsome shoulders despairingly, unlocked the +door, and as I passed out of the no less than robber's den--though under +the guise of a mediumistic and spiritualistic blackmailing +headquarters--he said: "Well, sir, I will think of this statement a +great deal; but you are a very untractable man; a very untractable +man--what might I call your name?" + +"Oh, anything you like, my little man!" I replied pleasantly; "but mind, +we won't have any more of this silly business. It won't pay, and you +will certainly get into trouble from it. You may send the statement to +George H. Bangs, at the post-office, by Monday noon, and if it is what +you represent it to be, and reliable, you will be paid for it; but you +may be very, very certain, Le Compte, that it will prove extremely +unprofitable to you if you attempt any more of this humbuggery upon Mr. +Lyon!" + +With this admonition I left Le Compte's, and soon found Lyon in his +office. We arranged that he should pay no further attention to either Le +Compte's or any other person's communications concerning this case, but +should at once turn them over to his attorneys, who should immediately +forward them to me after reading them, as I was satisfied that if Le +Compte had any evidence he would never swear to it when the case was +tried, and only desired to blackmail Lyon on his own account, while +playing the necessary male friend and confidant to Mrs. Winslow, who for +some reason seemed to have a strange and unexplainable liking for the +little Monsieur, although exercising great care that her passion for him +should not become a matter for public knowledge and comment. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + + The Raven of the Detroit Cottage in another Character.-- Mrs. + Winslow yearns for a retired Montreal Banker.-- Love's + Rivalry.-- A mysterious Note.-- The Response.-- Another + Trip to Port Charlotte by four Hearts that beat as one.-- + What Mr. Pinkerton, as one of the party, sees and hears.-- + "Jones of Rochester."-- Le Compte and Mrs. Winslow resolve + to fly to Paris, "the magnificent, the beautiful, the + sublime!"-- "My God, are they all that way?" + + +At last the promised Saturday came, and there were at least three people +in Rochester who looked forward to a pleasant day, and were up betimes +that they might get an early start. Mrs. Winslow, from her sumptuous +apartments, looked out upon the streets and the glorious morning as if +it had come too soon--as it always does to those who have not clean +hearts and clean lives--and, _en déshabillé_, gazed down through her +rich lace curtains upon the early passers stepping off with a brisk +tread to their separate labors, with a look of contempt. + +Nature had been wantonly generous with Mrs. Winslow, and as she stood +there in her loose morning robes, the first soft breaths that come with +the sun from the far-off Orient playing hide-and-seek among the +sumptuous hangings of her room, and giving just the least possible +motion to her matchlessly luxuriant black hair, while the mellow and +golden rays of the sun, which was just peeping over the roofs and the +chimneys, shimmered upon her through the curtains, lighting her great +gray eyes with a wondrous lustrousness, heightening the fine color of +her face, and giving to her voluptuous form an added grace--this utterly +lone woman had not in her heart an iota of tenderness for, or sympathy +with, the glories without, and was as dead to every good thing in life +as though carved from marble by some sculptor, as she really had been +carved from stone, or ice, by nature. As she stood there by the window, +regarding the passers with such a wise and ogreish air that Fox, behind +the blinds in his window opposite, could not but couple her in his +thoughts with some splendid beast of prey--if Mother Blake or the +voluble Rev. Bland could have seen her, the years that had passed would +have been swept away, and in the mature woman and the conscienceless +adventuress would have been recognized the raven of the Detroit cottage, +that, as Lilly Nettleton, in a habit that ravens have, glided +noiselessly about the other sumptuous apartments, gathering together +what pleased its fancy--not forgetting the money which was to have been +used in the cursed church interests, and a gold watch, which the raven +wore to this day--and then, kissing its beak to the heavily sleeping +man, for all the world like a raven, had passed out into the storm and +the night. + +In a few moments she retired from the window, and after dressing passed +out upon the street, and went to the falls for a short walk and an +appetite, and then went to the Washington Hall restaurant, where she had +quite frequently taken her meals since she had incidentally learned +that Bristol was a retired Montreal banker, as gossip had it now among +the Spiritualists; and it was evident that persons of that grade of +recommendation were of peculiar interest to Mrs. Winslow. For hours of +dalliance, the aristocratic though impecunious popinjay, Le Compte, +would more than answer; but when it came to a matter of serious work, +and when a new source of income was to be sought, Mrs. Winslow, being a +shrewd and able professor of the art of fascination which secured her an +independent and elegant livelihood, in connection with her ability to +compel a large number of people to pay her for guessing at what had +befallen them and what might befall them, she invariably sought +gentlemen on the shady side of life, with judgment and discretion, who +knew a good thing when they saw it, and who were both able and willing +to carry their bank accounts into their aged knight-errantry. + +Lyon was not a handsome man, but he had vast wealth. His weazen face, +his grizzly hair, his repulsive, tobacco-stained mouth, were naught +against him. His passion for her had brought her thousands upon +thousands of dollars--would bring her, she hoped, as much more. Here was +Bristol. He was not handsome, he was not a Canadian Adonis, he +incessantly smoked a very ugly pipe fully as old as himself. But he had +some way got the reputation of being "a retired Canadian banker" among +these people, and Mrs. Winslow's heart warmed towards him the way it had +towards a hundred others when she had wanted them to walk into her +parlor as the ancient spider had desired of the fly. + +So she had begun weaving a shining web of loving looks, of tender +glances, of dreamy sighs, and of graceful manÅ“uvres of a general +character about the unsuspecting Bristol, that resulted in pecuniary +profit to the old maids, who, nevertheless, with the quick instinct of +three jealous women of economical build and mature years, had already +begun to hate her as a rival, and pour into Bristol's alert ears sad +tales about the splendid charmer, all of which were properly reported to +me by the "retired Montreal banker," who had suddenly found himself a +prize worthy to be sought for, and fought for, if necessary, by four +determined women, one of whom hungered for his supposed wealth, and +three of whom possessed the more desperate, life-long hunger whose +appeasing is worth a severe struggle. + +After her breakfast, which, unfortunately, had not given her an +opportunity for bestowing a graceful nod or a winning smile upon +Bristol, whom the old maids had furnished a superb breakfast in his own +apartment, Mrs. Winslow returned to her rooms and seated herself at her +windows, where she read the morning paper for a little time. She then +disappeared from Fox's sight for a half-hour or so, when, just as he was +about leaving his watch at his window he noticed her descend the stairs, +and, after looking cautiously about for a moment, deposit a card behind +her own sign, which was attached to the frame of the outer doorway +leading to her rooms. As soon as she had retired, and before she could +have returned to her windows, Fox slipped down and out across the +street, and removing the card from its novel depository, saw written +upon it: + + "Le Compte:--Will be at the Garden with carriage at ten, + prompt. + + "MRS. W." + +Fox had no more than time to return the card to its place when he saw +the person to whom it was addressed turn into St. Paul street from East +Main. He accordingly got back to his old post as rapidly as possible, +and watched the young Frenchman saunter along towards the hallway as if +carelessly taking his morning walk. He was irreproachably dressed, as +usual, and was daintily smoking a cigarette with that inimitable grace +with only which a Frenchman or a Spaniard can smoke. After arriving at +the hallway, as if undecided whether he would go farther up the street +or not, he leaned carelessly against the sign, and in a moment had +deftly whipped the card out of its hiding-place. He then started up the +street saunteringly, and when about a half-block distant, read the card, +which seemed to give him much pleasure, as he smilingly wrote something +upon it, and after walking a short distance, turned suddenly and walked +rapidly back, dexterously depositing the card in its strange receptacle, +without scarcely varying his pace or direction, and quickly passed on to +Main street, turning down that thoroughfare. + +Fox noticed that Mrs. Winslow had witnessed this incident from her +windows, and at the moment when her form had disappeared, he swiftly +stepped across the street and read the reply, which ran thus: + + "Your announcement makes pleasure in your lover's soul, and + your name is saluted by the lips of + + "LE COMPTE." + +Fox had just time to slip into a tobacconist's for a cigar when Mrs. +Winslow came down stairs, took the card out of its resting-place, and +after going down the street for some slight purchase, returned to her +rooms and prepared for the drive to Charlotte. + +At half-past nine Mrs. Winslow's carriage arrived and in a few minutes +after she was leisurely riding down Main street, and from thence out +through State street and Lake View Avenue towards the Port. As I had +nothing to do until Monday's interview with Le Compte, and time hung +heavily upon my hands, I had decided to make one of the party. + +I knew the direction Mrs. Winslow would take, and so securing a position +on the corner of Main and State streets, I had but a little time to wait +before I saw the gay madam pass, and also noticed Fox at an opposite +corner evidently making sure of her direction; for, as soon as he saw +her carriage turn down State street, he immediately started for the +depot, from which a train left for Charlotte at ten o'clock, so that he +could be at that place, under any circumstances, some time before the +happy and unsuspecting couple should have arrived. + +At about train-time Fox bought a cigar and took a seat in the +smoking-car, while I purchased a cheap edition of one of Dickens's +stories and settled myself down in a ladies' car. + +The trip to Charlotte was soon made through a beautiful country where +the farmers were busy stacking their grain, threshing, and, in some +instances, turning the black loam to the sun that it might early mellow +for the next year's seed-time, and in a half-hour we were at Charlotte, +where the beautiful lake is seen at one's feet, with its rippling waves +dotted here and there by a hundred dreamy sails and lazy steamers from +as many waiting ports. + +Fox immediately made inquiries of the villagers where he could find the +road leading into Charlotte from Rochester, and started out towards it +from the depot at a brisk walk, while I waited until he had got well +under way, when I took a short stroll among the warehouses and shipping +of the harbor, and then went to the only hotel of any importance the +place contained, where I knew Mrs. Winslow and Le Compte would be likely +to stop, and engaged a room in the front part of the house, where I +resumed my story and waited, like Micawber, for "something to turn up." + +I had been engaged at my book but a short time when I saw Fox come up +the street towards the hotel at a rapid pace, flushed and perspiring +freely as from a very long and rapid walk, and but a moment afterwards +also saw the dashing Rochester turnout whirling up to the hotel. + +The arrival at the hotel of the couple bore out the truth of the +statement of the little Dutchman, contained in Fox's report of his trip +to the half-way house, as the habitués of the house seemed quite +accustomed to their presence and the employees stepped about nimbly, as +they generally do at hotels as a greeting to good customers, and they +generally do not when persons of common appearance arrive. + +As good luck would have it, after a few moments had elapsed, "Mr. and +Mrs. Jones, of Rochester," as Fox saw they had registered, were ushered +into a room adjoining my own, and between which, as is quite common at +hotels, there was a door, which might be opened for the purpose of +throwing the rooms _en suite_, as occasion required. + +Although I was prevented from seeing the couple, their voices, which +were both familiar to me, could not be mistaken; and I could not +restrain a smile as I listened to the little Frenchman's voluble and +peculiarly-constructed expressions of endearment, and the coarser, but +none the less tender, responses of the virtuous Mrs. Winslow, whose life +had been shattered, heart smashed to atoms, and good name defamed, by +the tyrant man in the person of the weak but wealthy Lyon, and to think +how much nearer I was to the quarry than Fox himself, who in this +instance was making noble efforts to bring down his game without +"flushing" it. + +For the sake of the public whose servant I have been for the last thirty +years, I would blush to put on paper what I know to have occurred in the +adjoining room, and which only served to further convince me of the +depths of infamy to which she had sunk; and I will pass on to those +things only necessary to acquaint the reader with my plan of operation +to bring her into the public notoriety and scorn which she had years +before only too richly deserved. + +But a short time had elapsed after Mrs. Winslow and Le Compte had been +given their room when I heard Fox's footsteps coming along the hall. He +passed their room slowly, evidently locating it, and after a few moments +stealthily returned and listened at the door. He then stole away, but +returned again with a bold, firm step, as though conscious of being on +legitimate business, walked right up to the door and gave the knob a +quick turn, as if he had intended to at once walk into the room. + +The door did not open, however, and Fox stepped back as if surprised, +saying: "Why, I can't be mistaken; the register surely said Room 30!" +while within there were quick, though smothered exclamations of +surprise, fright, and rage of an unusually profane nature. + +Fox immediately returned to the attack as if certain that he was in the +right, and knocked at the door sharply. + +There was no response but the quick hustlings about the room, from which +I, as an attentive listener with my ear close to the key-hole, learned +that the inmates were preparing for discovery. + +Fox knocked again, this time louder and more persistently than at first. + +I now plainly heard Mrs. Winslow ordering Le Compte under the bed among +the dust, bandboxes, and unmentionables, at which he protested with +innumerable "_Sacrés!_" But she was relentless, and finally, seeing that +he would go no other way, took him up like a recalcitrant cur and flung +him under bodily. + +Again Fox attacked the door, shook the knob furiously, and knocked loud +enough to raise the dead, following it up with: "Say you?--Jones? Why in +thunder don't you open the door?" + +At this Mrs. Winslow plucked up the courage of desperation, and asked in +a loud and injured voice, "Who's there?" + +"Why, me, of course; Barker, Jones's partner. I want to see Jones!" + +"What Jones do you want?" asked Mrs. Winslow, to get time to think +further what to do. + +"Jones, of Rochester, of course," yelled Fox. "Two ship-loads of spoiled +grain's just come in; don't know what to do with 'em." + +"Sink 'em!" responded Mrs. Winslow, breathing freer. + +"Where's Jones?" persisted Fox, banging away at the door again. + +"There's no Jones here, you fool!" answered the woman hotly. + +"Yes there is, too," insisted Fox. "Landlord told me so." + +"Well," parried the female, raising her voice again, "Jones ain't in the +wheat trade at all; he's a professor of music; and besides that, he +ain't in here, either." + +"Oh, beg pardon, ma'am," said Fox apologetically, "It isn't your Jones +I want _this time_, then. Hope I haven't disturbed you, madam," and he +walked away, having clinched the matter quite thoroughly enough for any +twelve honest and true men under the sun. + +Mrs. Winslow stuck her head out of the door, launched a threat, coupled +with a well-defined oath, against Fox, who was leisurely strolling along +the hall, to the effect that he ought to be ashamed of himself for +"insulting a defenceless woman in that way, and that if he came there +again she would have him arrested." To which he cheerily responded, "No +offence meant, ma'am; 'fraid the wheat'd spoil, ye see;" and as he went +whistling down the stairs, she slammed the door, locked it, drew the +trembling Le Compte from under the bed, and amid a chime of crockery set +him upon his feet again with a snap to it, and then threw herself into a +rocking-chair and burst into tears, insisting that she was the most +abused woman on the face of earth, and that Le Compte, with his +"_Sacrés!_" and "_Diables!_" hadn't the sense of a moth or the muscle of +an oyster, or he would have followed the brute and given him a sound +beating! + +Not desiring to be seen by Fox, I ordered my dinner sent to my room, as +did the unhappy couple in the adjoining apartment, who seemed to be +greatly put out by the intrusion, and who were for an hour after +speculating as to the cause of the interruption, and as to whether it +was accidental or not. + +"We mustn't come here any more, Le Compte," said the woman dolefully. + +"And for why, my angel precious?" anxiously asked the man. + +"Why, do you know," replied Mrs. Winslow with earnestness, "I sometimes +really believe I am being watched!" + +"No, that was impossible!" said Le Compte, with a start. + +"And sometimes," she continued, paying no attention to him, "it seems as +though I could not stand this terrible keeping up appearances any +longer." + +"You should have pleasure in the appearance," responded Le Compte +insinuatingly, "it breaks him down already. He is now like one weak +infant." + +"That's so, that's so," she answered quickly, in a tone of vengeful +joyousness. "I'll bring the old devil to my feet yet. I'll crush him out +and ruin his fortune, if it takes me all my life. I'll get the biggest +part of it, too; and then, Le Compte, we'll get out of this cursed +country and enjoy ourselves the rest of our lives." + +"Yes, in Paris, the magnificent, the beautiful, the sublime! Then we +will live in one heaven of love. Oh, beautiful, beautiful!" cried the +little Frenchman excitedly. + +"There, Le Compte," said his companion, suddenly becoming practical +again, "don't make a fool of yourself! Take this bill and go down and +get a bottle of wine; and mind you, don't keep the change either." + +As the train returned at two, and I had but little time to reach it, as +soon as Le Compte had come back with the wine and they had become +sufficiently noisy to admit of it, I quietly left my room, paid my bill, +went to the train, avoiding Fox entirely, and, with him, was soon again +in Rochester, leaving the roystering couple at the little hotel at +Charlotte building their vain dreams and air-castles about crushing out +Lyon--which would have been an easy matter if left to himself--their +beautiful, magnificent, and sublime Paris, and their "one heaven of +love" within it. + +As soon as Fox stepped from the train I quietly handed him a slip of +paper directing him to make his report to me at the Waverley House, +where I was stopping under an assumed name, which he assured me he would +do, without a word being spoken or even a look of recognition being +passed. + +Although the public may not be aware of it, this is an absolute +necessity in detective service. Though I employ hundreds of persons as +detectives, preventive police, and in clerical duties, at my different +agencies, on no occasion and under no circumstances is there ever on the +street, or in any public place whatever, the slightest token by which +the stranger might know that there had ever been any previous +communication between any of my people. + +On the next day, Sunday, Lyon called to see me at the hotel and brought +with him two notes from Le Compte--one having been received late +Saturday afternoon, and the other delivered at his house that +morning--both imperatively insisting that Lyon should come to his rooms +and leave that "untractable man" behind. + +I complimented him extensively on his having refrained from visiting the +winsome little villain who seemed determined to get Lyon within his +power. He solemnly pledged his word that he would have nothing whatever +to do with the man, and would bluff him in every advance that he made; +and in order to clinch it, I read him choice extracts from Fox's report +regarding the Charlotte party of the day before, interspersing it with a +few of the still choicer items that had come under my own observation. + +"My God!" exclaimed Lyon, as I concluded, "are they _all_ that way?" + +"Your experience and mine," I smilingly replied, "would almost point to +the fact that a very decided majority of them are." + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + + Mr. Pinkerton again interviews Le Compte.-- And very much + desires to wring his Neck.-- A Bargain and Sale.-- Le + Compte's Story.-- "Little by Little, Patience by + Patience."-- A Toronto Merchant in Mrs. Winslow's Toils.-- + Detective Bristol, "the retired Banker," in Clover.-- + Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah individually and collectively + woo him.-- Ancient Maidens full of Soul.-- A Signal. + + +No jury in the land would render a verdict against a man on the +unsupported evidence of a woman whose character was so vile as we had +already found Mrs. Winslow's to be; and I would have paid no further +attention to the little Frenchman, had I not suspected from his +expensive style of living, and from Mrs. Winslow's injunctions to him +regarding not swindling her in so small a matter as a bottle of wine, +that his necessities and cupidity might cause him to make some tangible +disclosure regarding her, that would give us a clue to other information +against her further than that which Bangs would probably secure in the +West, as I never use detective evidence when it can be avoided, and knew +that a perfect mountain of criminal transactions could be eventually +heaped up against her which could be secured from reliable parties, who +could have no other possible interest in her downfall than a desire to +promote the personal good of society. + +Le Compte did not desire to see me again, and had made strenuous efforts +to prevent it and secure a surreptitious interview with Lyon instead. +Failing in this, at the last moment, I had received a very terse note +from him to the effect that he did not desire to transmit any statement +by mail, but would take it as an honor, etc., if I would call at his +place at ten o'clock, Monday morning, which I did, finding the little +fellow in a gorgeous dressing-gown, freshly shaved, and in a neat and +orderly state generally. + +"Well, my young friend," said I, "I suppose you have decided to give me +some information this morning." + +"Do I get good pay?" he asked in response. + +"You will get good pay if you have a good article for sale," I replied. + +"Humph!" he responded, with a soft shrug of his delicate shoulders. + +"Are you ready to make such a sale?" I asked. + +"But where comes my money?" inquired Le Compte, suspiciously. + +"It is right here," I answered, slapping my pocket in a hearty way. + +"But suppose it shall stay there, then where is Le Compte?" he persisted +with a doleful look which was irresistibly funny. + +"It _will_ stay there," I replied, "in case you attempt to play any of +your tricks, my little fellow." + +"How shall I then know I am to be paid?" + +"You will have to take my word for it." + +"But I have not pleasure in your acquaintance; how can I be sure?" he +continued anxiously. + +"Le Compte, swindler as you are, you _know_ that I am an honest man. +This quibbling is utterly foolish and simple. I am acting entirely for +Mr. Lyon in this matter, and should you write to him or call upon him a +hundred times, you would get nothing from him but a bluff. Here are your +two notes," I continued, producing them, "one written Saturday, the +other yesterday. The only response you got to them was, silence--and +this interview. I thought we understood each other already." + +I saw that he was still undecided about saying whatever he might have to +say, and tenacious of sustaining his professional reputation as a +clairvoyant. I might have easily frightened him into submission by the +slightest reference to the occurrences of the previous day, but knew +that this would have the effect of putting Mrs. Winslow on her guard, as +she was already becoming suspicious and anxious, and preferred getting +at his communication in the ordinary way. After he had sat musing for a +time he suddenly asked: + +"How great will be my pay?" + +"What do you think the information is worth?" I said. + +He looked at me as if fixing a price in his mind that I would stand, and +replied: + +"Certain, a thousand dollars." + +"That is a good deal of money, Le Compte," I said pleasantly. "I +hardly think you can divulge a thousand dollars' worth. But if you can +give me reliable information of a satisfactory character, I think I +could pay you three hundred dollars. + +"Now?" he inquired, suddenly. + +"Oh, no, oh, no," I replied as quickly; "no, sir, _not_ until we find +the information you give is reliable." + +This dampened the little fellow wonderfully, but he finally said: "Well, +the evidence is certain, but I must offer it to you by clairvoyance," +and he immediately arose and began darkening the room as on the previous +interview, which act I interrupted by stepping to the window he had just +darkened, and jerking the curtain as high as it would roll, opening the +window, and flinging the blinds open with a slam. + +"You little villain!" I shouted, advancing upon him threateningly, "I +will wring your neck if you don't stop this contemptible nonsense!" +while he slunk into the corner, like the mean coward that he was. I +could scarcely keep my hands off the little puppy; but recollecting that +I was there for quite another purpose, I said: + +"Le Compte, this is the last time I shall come here, and it is the last +time you will have an opportunity of making a dollar out of any +information you may possess. Now, sir," I said, savagely, starting +towards the door, "you will give it to me, trusting entirely to my honor +to pay you for it, or you will never get a cent for it on earth." + +[Illustration: _"You little villain!" I shouted, advancing upon him +threateningly:--_] + +The little fellow turned towards me imploringly, with "Please don't go. +My dear sir, you are so greatly abrupt. We have no men like you in La +Belle France." + +"Heaven knows, I hope but few _like_ you," I responded. "Now, which is +it, yes, or no? I will give you just thirty seconds in which to answer," +and I timed him, thoroughly resolved to do as I had said. + +Before the expiration of the time mentioned, Le Compte sat down, and +with a despairing shrug of the shoulders, said "Yes." + +I immediately returned, sat down in front of him, and said, "Well, Le +Compte, now go ahead with your story like a man." + +"What must it be like?" he asked innocently. + +"What must it be like?" I repeated, aghast. "Why, you don't intend to +manufacture a story for me against this woman, do you?" + +"Oh, no, no, never. But I must know first how bad it must be, when it is +worth three hundred dollars, which you call such great money?" + +"Well," said I, all out of patience, "if you know of any occasion when +this woman has been with any man as his wife, or his mistress, and can +give names, dates, and places, and under what circumstances, and this +information on examination proves so reliable that we can get other +witnesses besides yourself--persons of credibility and reputation--to +testify to it, I will pay you three hundred dollars. Isn't that plain +enough?" + +"Will you put it to paper?" + +"No, sir, you have my word for it, that's all." + +Le Compte tapped the floor with his delicate foot a moment, and I saw +the impostor was in real misery. He had a sort of affection for the +woman, which she had more than reciprocated. He could lean on the +strong, daring nature she possessed, and go to her with all his troubles +and disappointments and get help. She had promised him that, as soon as +she had mulcted Lyon of the hundred thousand dollars, he should share it +with her in his own beautiful Paris. All his self-interest laid in and +with the woman; but need for money was pressing, and there were a +million other women as impressible to his charms as she had been. Here +was an opportunity to make a few hundred dollars by betraying her; but +in doing so he still might not get the money, and she might at once +discover from what source the information had come, and he knew enough +about Mrs. Winslow to be sure that she dared any mode of revenge that +best suited her fancy, and he had a wholesome fear of her. I could see +that all these things were flitting through his mind, as plainly as the +reader can see them upon this printed page, and to some extent pitied +his weakness and indecision. + +"Or," said I encouragingly, "as you undoubtedly know Mrs. Winslow +intimately, and are very much in her company, if you know of any +occasion when she had, while here in Rochester or in the vicinity, say +Batavia, Syracuse, or Port Charlotte, for instance, gone with some one +of her many favorites, and under an assumed name--Brown, Jones, or +anything of the kind--to a hotel where they had been assigned a room, +and had occupied it together for several hours, and you could put us on +track of persons of reliability who would be willing to come into court +and swear to such facts--I presume there are many persons who could and +would with whom you are acquainted--I would pay you the amount named at +once." + +This was cutting pretty close to a tender subject, and before I had half +finished my remarks he started, and looked me in the face in a +suspicious, apprehensive manner, eyeing me closely until I had finished. +But my manner and looks betraying no knowledge on my part of any such +facts hinted at, he relapsed into a puzzled, nonplussed look that was +really ridiculous. + +"No, no," he said slowly and cautiously. "I have no such valuable +evidence. That would be much more worth than a thousand dollars--much +more worth. But I can do what you first say, and rest me on the honor of +your word." + +"Go on, then," said I. + +"Well, we shall go back almost a year. I met first Mrs. Winslow at Port +Charlotte, when she was from Canada returning." + +"Did she formerly live in Canada?" I asked. + +"No, not for a great time; but has had much travel and friends there. I +first see her at Charlotte. I go there to take a boat. She comes from +the boat there. Lyon meets her, and I think her his wife, he is so much +happy. I like her so much that I do not take the boat. I follow her back +to the city here, and find her beautiful rooms, when I discover she is +not Lyon's wife, but his mistress; but I still have for her admiration, +and one day she comes to me for her future in clairvoyance." + +"And then she became your mistress?" I inquired, smiling at his +earnestness. + +"No, no, no--never!" he replied quickly, growing red as a rose; "I +became her _friend_!" + +Le Compte did not know how near he came to expressing the truth while +endeavoring to avoid it, but continued: + +"I became her friend, and we came to each other for advice. She has +great faith--great faith," repeated Le Compte, with much emphasis on the +expression, which seemed to please him, "in my clairvoyance powers. I +give her much comfort. She gives me great confidence of her affairs, and +shows me how rich Lyon makes her. I see her often--very often, at the +Hall and here in my apartments. She gives me much confidence of her +affairs still, and I am informed when she makes Canada some visits. She +goes much to Canada, and I ask her why? She does not tell me, but laughs +in my face, and shows me much money, which she ever brings back. I shake +my finger at her so (illustrating), and say to her: 'You cannot hide +from Le Compte,' which she answers: 'No, I will not. I go for money. +See!'--when she would shake many bills in my face--'I make him come +down, too!'" + +"Did she give you the man's name?" + +"I _got_ it," continued Le Compte proudly, "with much wine--_and_ +clairvoyance!" + +"Oh, confound your eternal clairvoyance!" said I. "I want the facts." + +"But I got facts _with_ clairvoyance," persisted the imperturbable Le +Compte. "Little by little, patience by patience, at the end I got +confession from her----" + +"Which was?"---- + +"Which was," continued Le Compte, taking his time, "that Mrs. Winslow +had got great power over a Toronto merchant with much wealth and great +family, by name Devereaux." + +"How long had she known him?" + +"I know not that--five, four, three years, I will think." + +"Did you ever see this Devereaux?" + +"Oh, no, no--never; but it is all certain that I speak. Here," continued +Le Compte, stepping nimbly to a secretary and producing a photograph, +which he handed to me, "here you will find the face of Devereaux. Many, +many times I have seen the color of his money." + +"And does Mrs. Winslow visit Canada for the purpose of meeting this man +still?" I asked. + +"Certain," he answered promptly; then, after a little pause, as if +doubtful of the propriety of what he was about to say, but finally +resolving to earn his money, if possible, "and she shall go there once +more in the next week." + +I began to think that the little Frenchman had really a good article for +sale, and made full memoranda of all the main points. I asked him some +further questions, the answers to which showed conclusively that Mrs. +Winslow had made a full confidant of him concerning the Canadian +affair, at least; that she had secured a vast amount of money from +Devereaux at the same time that Lyon was breaking her heart; and that, +whether Devereaux was fated to go through the same final experience as +Lyon, or not, that he had undergone and was undergoing the same +preliminary experience. + +At the close of the interview I informed Le Compte that his information +was quite satisfactory, and that it only remained for me to prove its +correctness in order to permit the payment of the money, which, however, +should necessarily be on the additional condition that he at once +secured for us information as to the date on which the madam was to make +her profitable little pleasure-trip to Toronto. + +This he agreed to do, and I left him; not, however, until he had +anxiously requested to know more about me, and where and when he was to +receive his money. I told him that I was a travelling man; that I had no +permanent residence, was here and there all over the country; but that +the moment we ascertained the truth of his statements, which would be +very soon, he should be compensated. + +I communicated to Lyon the facts elicited during this interview, which +completely overwhelmed him with the perfidy of human nature in general, +and woman in particular; but gave him considerable encouragement +concerning the progress of our work; and after directing Bristol, +through the post, to continue playing the _rôle_ of the banker, and to +keep himself in preparation for telegraphic instructions, returned to +New York. + +All this time Bristol was in clover. The three old maids, Tabitha, +Amanda, and Hannah, had looked him over and saw that he was a good man +to tie to. Here was a man, they agreed, who had come in among them a +perfect stranger, and yet so possessed was he of a frank, winsome way, +and such a reliable, honorable demeanor had he exhibited towards them, +three lone and defenceless women as they were, that they had +instinctively felt that they could trust him; nay, even more, they were +sure that they could lean upon him, as it were; take him into their +confidence; share their joys with him, rely on him to sympathize with +them in all their sorrows--in fact, make of him a sort of an +affectionate Handy Andy--a good-natured and attractive attaché to their +affections, and a profitable sign-post to their business. + +Neither had any man ever before received such signs and tokens of a +deep-seated and ineradicable affection. + +Every morning he was awakened from his virtuous slumbers by the +delicious music of a bird training organ, which was wound in turn by the +maidens and set inside his door, where, "in linked sweetness long drawn +out," it galloped over the harmonies with: "Then you'll remember me," +"Don't be angry with me, Darling," "Who will care for Mother Now?" +"Bonnie Charlie's Noo Awa'," "Annie Laurie," and like tender airs, until +the poor man cursed the Three Graces of Washington Hall restaurant, and +the detective service, threadbare. + +After this delicious reminder of languishing love he was served with a +breakfast fit for a king, at which Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah in turn +presided, and which was always graced by a large bouquet of flowers +whose language and fragrance only breathed of love. + +On these occasions the conversation never failed to turn upon Bristol's +merits, the old maids' loneliness, and the superiority of women without +physical beauties, but full of soul, over those more fortunate in flesh +but wanting in spirituality. This was an advertisement for their own +establishment, and a drive at Mrs. Winslow; and Bristol always +acknowledged the force of the argument. + +Whenever Mrs. Winslow took a meal at the restaurant, which had now +become a frequent occurrence, just so certain was Bristol's +corresponding meal served in the little snuggery, where, however busy +they might be, one of the ancient ladies kept him good company and +quickened his digestion with sparkling humor and witty jest, such only +as can course through the flowery avenues of an aged spinster's mind, +made fresh and blooming by the wild fancy of the second childhood of +love's young dream; and at night, when the busy day was over and the +vulgar public shut out by the well-bolted front door, the little +snuggery always held the same wise old company, where Bristol, ripe in +age and experience, passed an hour with the ladies over tea and +sweetmeats, or wine and waffles, surrounded by the thrilled and blushing +trio, who, preparatory to retiring, discovered to him as many of their +combined charms as modesty would allow, and in their tender hearts +built plans for the future when they would bodily possess Bristol--at +least one of them, if the laws of society did prevent his making a sort +of blessed trinity of himself for their benefit. + +This course of procedure angered Mrs. Winslow. _Her_ heart also yearned +for the retired banker, and when she saw how securely he was being kept +from her grasp by the wily old maids, she immediately began preparing a +plan the execution of which would foil them, and eventually give her the +coveted game all to herself. To this end she walked to and fro past the +restaurant, and finally attracted the attention of Bristol while the old +ladies were busily engaged elsewhere, and motioned to him in so +imperative a way and with such earnestness, that he slipped out of the +place, and at a careful distance followed her in the direction of the +Falls Field Garden, where lovers often met and where there was no danger +of interruption. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + + Mr. Bangs on the Trail in the West.-- Terre Haute and its + Spiritualists.-- Mrs. Deck's Boarding-house.-- The + Nettleton Family broken up.-- Back at the Michigan + Exchange.-- Mother Blake's Recital.-- Through Chicago to + Wisconsin.-- A disheartening Story.-- The practical result + of Spiritualism. + + +Superintendent Bangs arrived at Terre Haute in good time, and found +himself in one of the greatest centres of Spiritualism in the world. + +The very air seemed charged and surcharged with the permeating power. +People watching incoming trains had a listless, far-away look, as though +watching for the dim spirits which were constantly expected from the +other land, but which never came. The clamorous cabmen raised their +sing-song voices as if only expecting, though more than desiring, only +shadowy freight. The regular loiterers had long hair, cadaverous faces, +and large, lustrous eyes, and where females appeared, they were +generally in pinched faces, flowing hair, long pantaloons and short +gowns, as if ready for a grand Amazon-march upon the gullible public. + +On the way to the hotel every other stairway held the sign of one or +more clairvoyants, mediums, or astrologists, and every manner of +business seemed to have the ghostly trail upon it. The pedestrians upon +the streets, the men at their counters, the workmen at their trades, the +women at their various employments, the common laborers at their most +menial toil, each and every, from the highest to the lowest, seemed to +have a weary, listless air, as if constant wrestling with communicating +spirits healthier and more robust than themselves, had left a chronic +exhaustion upon and with them. + +At the hotel the register was thin and ghostly, the office was deserted +and dreary, the meals were served in a listless, dreamy way, as if the +guests were ghosts and the waiters not so good. In fact, the whole place +and everything in it was tinctured with the common craziness, and gave +the healthy, wide-awake stranger the impression of having suddenly come +upon a community of mild lunatics, who were quite happy in the +conviction that they were directing the affairs of both earth and +heaven, and establishing pleasant, intramural relations between their +chosen Hoosier City and the beautiful City beyond the River; all of +which would be very pleasant and profitable if anybody had ever come +back from the undiscovered country to give us its geographical outlines, +define its limits, or explain any profit that has accrued from becoming +a monomaniac on a subject that has no relation whatever to the common +needs and duties of life, and has never been known to give to the world +or its society a single healthful, helpful nature or intellect. + +Mr. Bangs was neither pleased with the hotel, or able to get much +information while there, and consequently changed his quarters to Mrs. +Deck's boarding-house, a long, rambling brick building, that at one time +had been a fine residence after the Southern style. It was covered with +moss and vines, and had a snug, pleasant appearance, while everything +about the house had an air of quaint, attractive restfulness. Every +person who has ever been in Terre Haute for a few days' stay, as Bangs +was, will remember the genial old soul who presided over the destinies +of this particular boarding-house--the fat, garrulous, whimpering, but +kind-hearted Mrs. Deck; her charming daughter, the blooming Belle +Ruggles, by a former and more fortunate marriage, with her fair face and +wealth of golden hair, flitting about the house--which was also the +abode of spirits, mysterious materializations and unexplainable +rappings--like a good, sensible spirit that _she_ was, and letting her +good sense and kind ways into the cobwebbed rooms and dark places, like +an ever-changing though constant flood of sunlight; and "Old Deck," as +the boys called him, who believed in another kind of spirits still, and, +when opportunity offered, became so full of them that he held a grand +and extended "seance" on his own account. + +People not only sought Mrs. Deck for good board, but for reliable +neighborhood gossip; and Mr. Bangs, learning of her reputation as a +repository of news as well as a liberal dispenser of creature comforts, +changed his quarters from the hotel to her place, and found from a few +days in her company that she was a sort of historian, having at her +tongue's end numberless incidents connected with the growth of the city +and the family relations of every class of people in or near it. + +He learned from her where the Hosfords had lived, but could get nothing +particular regarding the woman herself, as Mrs. Deck had never seen her, +and only knew of her by reputation, which she was sure had been good. + +Mr. Bangs at once went into the country neighborhood where the Hosfords +had lived, and found that they had removed to some point in Wisconsin, +near Sheboygan Falls, the neighbors had heard, but he could not find +that there had been a single trace of trouble at Terre Haute. All those +who had known them spoke of them both in the highest terms. They had +both been staunch members of the Methodist Church, and though plain, +quiet farmers, had been considered prominent people in the neighborhood. + +Hosford was remembered as a slow-going, easy-conditioned, good-natured +fellow, but as honest as the day was long; and no one had ever known +aught against his wife, save that some of the old gossips thought that +she had brought too much jewelry and fine clothing into the neighborhood +with her. This, however, she had judiciously kept out of sight as much +as possible, and, as far as could be learned, had led in every respect +an exemplary life. + +From this point Mr. Bangs proceeded to Kalamazoo. The Nettleton family +were gone, no one knew where; but here he was told of the escapade to +Detroit of Lilly Nettleton years before, enough of which had floated +back to her native place--coupled with the old people's later sorrows, +which were largely dilated upon--to account for the breaking up of the +family and its members being scattered broadcast. + +Accidentally at Kalamazoo, in conversation with the clerk at the +Kalamazoo House, who had formerly been employed at Detroit, and who was +"up to snuff," as he termed it, Bangs learned of Mother Blake, who had +informed the clerk of Bland's unfortunate experience with one Lilly +Mercer. He also got from the clerk a description of Mother Blake +sufficiently comprehensive to enable him to find her if she were still +at Detroit, where he at once proceeded. + +On arriving in that city he went to the Michigan Exchange Hotel, and, +through the courtesy of the proprietors, was allowed to look up the +records of the house. + +It was fifteen years previous that the man who said he was "from Bland" +met Lilly Nettleton at the depot and had taken her to the Michigan +Exchange to meet the reverend circuit-rider; but after he had got at the +dusty records he found on the register, evidently in the handwriting of +a clerk: "Lilly Mercer, Buffalo, Room 34," under date of August 15, +1856, and also the names of "R. J. Hosford, Terre Haute, Room 98," and +"Lilly Nettleton, Kalamazoo, Room 34," in a cramped and almost illegible +hand under date of November 28th of the same year; and on the next day's +page, in the same hand: "R. J. Hosford and wife, Terre Haute, Room 34." + +The next step was to hunt up Mother Blake, which was not a very hard +matter, as women of her character generally run in the same noisome rut, +until they are swept from the great highway with other pestilences of +life, and pass from bitter existence and infamous memory; and after one +or two evenings running about among the _demi-monde_ he found the +woman--quite an old lady now, but nearly as well-kept and quite as jolly +as ever, presiding over a group of soiled divinities at a neat retreat +on Griswold Street. + +Through the purchase of a vile bottle of wine the old lady's lips were +opened, and her tongue began a perfect gallop about Bland and Lilly +Mercer. + +She gave the latter the reputation of being one of the shrewdest women +she had ever met, and laughed until the tears came into her eyes over +the way in which she had "played it" on Bland, who had picked her up for +a fool, and had himself been terribly sold. Then she launched into +vituperations towards the young minister, who had accused her of +"standing in" with the girl in the robbery, when she had been as badly +fooled as himself. Whatever she had been and was, she said, there wasn't +a dishonest hair in her head; which assertion Bangs had reason to +believe to be literally true, as he noticed that she wore a wig. + +She then in great glee told him how she had "got even" with Bland by +"giving him away" to the papers, which had soon taken the feathers out +of _his_ cap, she remarked with much satisfaction, broken his mother's +heart, who died and willed all her property to the good cause of +furnishing the heathen with an occasional fat missionary steak, and +finally drove Bland out of Detroit, when he had gone to some Eastern +city and, under another name, with his fine manners, airy ways, and good +clothes, was playing it fine on some old Spiritualist millionaire out +our way. + +When the vision of the magnificent Harcout--which was almost a constant +one, as he rushed into my office on the slightest pretext whatever, big +with his own importance and unusually full of enthusiasm over "our +case"--flitted before my eyes, it gave to me additional romance in the +work, in the sense that here, after many years, the man whom Mrs. +Winslow in her early career had so magnificently duped, had +unconsciously become one of her most relentless pursuers. + +But it was a matter for speculation whether Harcout knew her to be the +person who had so neatly taken him in, or whether he had risen to this +condition of fervor in his work merely to impress Lyon with his useful +friendship. I inclined to the latter opinion, however, as I was +satisfied that if he had known with whom he was dealing he would have +given up all expectations of continued favor and patronage from Lyon, +and left Rochester as hastily as he had, as Bland, departed from +Detroit. + +Bangs also asked her if she had ever seen Lilly Mercer since that time. + +Of course she had seen her, just at the close of the war. One day as she +was crossing the river in the ferry, coming back from Windsor, she had +met her face to face. Mother Blake said that she seemed wonderfully +glad to meet her, and wanted to borrow some money, which she had +refused. She then gave her her card, upon which she was called some +Madam or other, a clairvoyant, and she had some shabby rooms on +Wisconsin Street, near the theatres. She was still young and pretty, +Mother Blake said, and she easily persuaded her to come and live with +her, which she did, "and," continued the old woman, with a withering +look at the girls, "low down as she was, she made more money in a day +than any half-dozen women I ever had." The old lady further said that +she had only remained with her long enough to get some fine clothing and +money together, when she started for the East. + +She had never seen her since, but she had heard that she had several +times passed through the city towards Chicago, always returning to the +East, however, and also always richly dressed, and having every +appearance of living in clover. "Let her alone to get along," concluded +the old lady; "she'll live like a queen where another, a million times +better than she, would starve." + +From Detroit, Bangs proceeded to Chicago, and from thence to Sheboygan +Falls, Wisconsin, where it required but a few minutes' inquiries to put +him on track of the Hosfords. + +Hosford had come there from Terre Haute several years ago, bought a fine +farm a few miles out, and had, as far as could be ascertained, lived a +comfortable sort of life for about a year, when trouble began. + +Mrs. Hosford, from the good member of society which she was supposed to +be, or really had been, suddenly embraced Spiritualism, and began +running about the country with any old vagabond tramp of this kind that +came along; and from the hard-working, economical woman she had been, +she had become a spendthrift, a drunkard, and a prostitute. Hosford had +moved away, and after considerable time and inquiry, it was ascertained +that he had gone to Oskaloosa, in Iowa, determined to get away from old +associations as far as possible, and had taken their three children with +him, which she had vainly endeavored to secure. + +Bangs spent several days here in hunting up evidence. There was plenty +of it--mountains of it. Merchants and other business men of the town +would button-hole him, take him into some retired place and tell him how +this man had been caught _in flagrante delicto_ with Mrs. Hosford, how +that man had confessed to having been caught in her toils, and how some +other person had been made a suspicious person in the society of the +place, through some peccadillo with the dashing _Madam_. + +All these persons referred to told of all the other persons who had +divulged their weaknesses, until it seemed to Mr. Bangs, after remaining +a few days in the vicinity, that the entire male portion of the +community were implicated. But securing promises of depositions was +quite another thing. Mr. A. was a married man, belonged to the church, +had extensive business relations, and, while he would like to assist in +the noble effort to show up the infamous woman, he really could not, +you see, place himself in so delicate a position. + +Mr. B. was not a member of any church, but had the reputation of a high +order of morality. While he could not but acknowledge the justice of the +request, and hoped that Mr. Bangs would have no trouble in securing all +the evidence he needed, which would be a very easy matter, still he did +not see how he could consistently compromise himself by going on record +as a common adulterer. + +Mr. C. was neither a churchman, nor did he claim a high order of +morality; but if he had good luck, he would in the spring marry a very +pretty girl of the village, and if she should ascertain that he had +previously been so generous with his affections in another direction, he +was satisfied that his dream of future bliss would be dissolved in thin +air at once. + +And so on through the entire village directory. There were pointed out +scores of persons who had the knowledge desired, were all willing to +help him secure _some other person_ for sacrifice, and all equally +enthusiastically hoped that her suit against Lyon would end in an +ignominious failure; but declined, with thanks, the proud honor of +exposing their own weaknesses, for even the extreme honor of assisting +in her downfall. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + + A Chicago Divorce "Shyster."-- Hosford found.-- His pathetic + Narrative.-- More Facts. + + +Mr. Bangs was in no hurry to leave Sheboygan Falls, as he found that he +was in a fruitful field for information, and he continued garnering it +in and stacking it away industriously. + +It appeared that Hosford's wife, not content with disgracing his name, +had soon developed her old and never-satisfied greed for money and any +sort of power that might be wielded mercilessly; and it was evident that +she had money, for she immediately began dressing with much elegance and +travelling about the country extensively. The probability was that she +had still retained the money stolen from Bland, and had also, during her +years of economy, carefully added to it until she had secured a large +sum, as she had occasion to use a good deal of money in a certain +transaction, which quite thoroughly illustrated her unprincipled and +revengeful character. + +When Hosford had removed from Indiana to Wisconsin, he had purchased a +larger and a finer farm, and had been obliged to give a mortgage upon it +for several thousand dollars, to be used in making necessary +improvements. This had been paid off with the exception of about three +thousand dollars, which amount, as soon as Mrs. Hosford had begun making +it lively for her husband, and had left him for the purpose of wedding +Spiritualism and all that the term implies, she immediately produced and +bought up the mortgage, placing it in ex-Senator Carpenter's hands for +foreclosure; but poor Hosford, struggling under his heavy load of +desertion, disgrace and persecution, managed to raise the money and take +it up, thus preventing the villainous woman from turning him out of his +own home, which she had deserted and desecrated. + +This had proven too much for even the patient Hosford to endure, and he +had set about getting a divorce. But this was a harder thing to do than +he had anticipated. Although he was in possession of nearly as much +information as Bangs had secured, it was impossible to obtain definite +evidence against her. Her terrible temper, her unscrupulousness, her +unbounded and almost devilish shrewdness, and the swift and sudden +principle of revenge that seemed only equalled by her greed for money, +compelled thorough awe and fear among those from whom Hosford had +expected assistance, and the result was he did not get it, and he was +obliged to let the suit for divorce go by default. After this every +petty annoyance that could occur to the woman's mind was visited on him. +She would write him threatening letters; forward him express packages of +a nature to both humiliate him and cause him fear; run him in debt at +every place where she could force, or "confidence," merchants into +trusting her; hire a carriage and secure some male companion as vile as +she, with whom she would proceed to her old home, and in the presence of +her agonized husband and helpless, innocent children, threaten him with +every conceivable form of punishment, including death, and engage in +profanity and drunken orgies that would have disgraced the lowest +brothel in the land. + +Mr. Bangs learned that after this sort of procedure for a considerable +period, she suddenly disappeared. Hosford took this opportunity to +dispose of his farm and remove with his motherless family to Iowa. Mr. +Bangs could not learn at Sheboygan what the woman's history had been +during that period, but vague rumors had floated back to the place that +she had become an army-follower, which was quite probable; but at the +close of the war she had assumed the _rôle_ of an abandoned adventuress, +and had wandered about the Pacific Slope until she had made too +extensive an acquaintance for her safety in that section, and from +thence had wandered through the country towards the East, seeking for +any kind of prey; and being hunted from place to place, under countless +_aliases_, until she had in a measure retrieved herself, as far as money +matters were concerned, and being careful of herself physically, had +regained her good looks which her former terrible dissipation had almost +destroyed, and had eventually so insinuated herself into the affections +of a rich somebody that she had been furnished money with which to +secure a divorce from Hosford, which had been granted in Chicago about +a year and a half previous; when she had come on to Sheboygan Falls and +while there made her boasts that she would soon marry one of the richest +men in New York State, as soon as his wife died, which wouldn't be very +long she had hoped and believed. Besides this, the rumors went, she had +failed to marry that richest somebody in New York State, and papers had +been seen containing an account of the woman and Lyon, her suit against +him, and the fact, which particularly interested her old neighbors, that +she had engaged no lawyer whatever, but had drawn and filed the bill of +complaint herself. + +In fact, the entire community were in a state of great excitement over +the woman who was also creating much excitement in the East, and each +person had his or her story to tell of some striking peculiarity or +previous adventure of the madam's, and it required a great amount of +sifting and careful work for Mr. Bangs to secure what he came for. + +After a few days, however, he had worked so judiciously that he had got +pledges from several responsible citizens that they would give their +depositions as to her general character and reputation for chastity, or +rather, want of it, whenever a commission should be forwarded to a +certain lawyer of the city whom he engaged to take them. + +From here he at once proceeded to Iowa, only stopping at Chicago long +enough to secure a transcript of the divorce which had been granted in +that city so noted for divorces, that one shyster alone secured seven +hundred and seventy-seven of these desirable instruments from the period +between the great fire and the close of the year 1875, from whence he +immediately proceeded to Oskaloosa, where he soon became acquainted with +parties who had known the woman, though under as many different +_aliases_ as she had visited cities of that State. + +She had invariably advertised herself as a medium and female physician, +and had swindled every one with whom she had come in contact, from the +editor to errand-boy, from one end of the State to the other, and had +gained even a worse reputation there than in Wisconsin. He ascertained +that Hosford was not living at Oskaloosa, and before going through the +same experience in listening to countless tales of the woman's depravity +as he had in Wisconsin, he decided to proceed to his place, which was +near Monroe, twenty-nine miles distant. He procured a conveyance and +drove out to Hosford's farm, arriving at the place about dusk, where, +after he had stated his business, he was invited to remain over night, +and made comfortable. + +Although a farmer, Hosford had everything cozy and pleasant about him, +had married into a very respectable family, and had secured a most +agreeable wife, who was caring for his children--two bright girls and a +boy, from twelve to fifteen years of age--with almost the tenderness and +affection of an own mother. After supper Hosford sent his family into +another part of the house, and expressed himself as ready to give any +information in his power. + +He had not yet heard of the suit against Lyon, and when Mr. Bangs told +him, he seemed astonished beyond expression, and after a little time +said that he had often tried to think of some Satanic scheme that the +woman _would not_ dare to undertake if it occurred to her, but he had +failed to imagine any. But with the record, especially for personal +purity, behind her that Mrs. Winslow possessed, he could not but be +particularly startled and surprised at her supreme self-possession and +audacity. After a little further desultory conversation, Mr. Bangs told +him that the Agency had all the necessary information regarding their +early career, and of their subsequent history up to the time when they +left Terre Haute, and probably a great deal after that time, and asked +Hosford if he would be willing to go over the whole matter, giving the +outlines of their troubles, what brought them about, and what had been +their result. + +He was the same old Dick Hosford--abrupt, kind, generous, with perhaps +some of the old "forty-niner" roughness worn off and a toning-down of +his whole nature, that his keen sorrows had given him; but he was quite +as impulsively reckless, and just as impulsively tender, and he began +his story in a kind of weary way, that, to one knowing his history, was +really sad and touching. + +"Well, sir," said Hosford, "I knew the gal had been doing wrong at +Detroit, but for all these hard years in Californy I had been working, +savin', and goin' through danger with the purty pictur ahead that the +bright girl I had left by the river would one day make me a happy home. +I worked like a nigger, and it was sometimes up and sometimes down with +me out thar--mostly down, though. But I struck a good lead one day, and +worked close till it panned dry. I didn't have much aside some of them +fellows out thar; but instead of runnin' it down my throat, givin' it to +cut-throat gamblers, or flingin' it away on vile women, I started full +chisel for the States. I come to Terre Haute, as you know, and spent +nearly all my dust buyin' a little farm. Then I started fur Nettleton's, +whar I expected heaven--but found hell! + +"It bust me all up like, and I wandered about the old place jest as +though I had went to sleep happy and waked up in a big grave that I +couldn't get out of. The old folks themselves wasn't any more cut up +than me; but I thought as how I wasn't doin' anything to help matters, +'n only making _them_ more trouble. So I thought and thought what to do, +and finally made up to go a-huntin' her, 'n told the old folks I +wouldn't come back 'thout her. + +"It all come over me then what she was doing; but I only thought to get +her back for the old folks' sake. Well, sir, I went to Chicago, and hung +around that doggoned city fur a week 'r two; but no Lil. Then I come +back, lookin' everywhere, askin' everybody, an' peerin' into every +place; but no Lil. Finally, I got to Detroit, and I went into every one +of those places where I feared she _might_ be; but no Lil. Do you know +where I found her?" + +Mr. Bangs told him he did, and how. + +"Well, sir," continued Hosford, "I was utterly discouraged, 'n was goin' +to go back and sell the place, and get away from the country altogether; +but when I saw her all so rosy, fixed up so gay, and got to be such a +grand sort of a woman, I just caved in altogether and wanted her for +myself more 'n ever. I thought she had a good heart, and that I loved +her enough to always be kind to her--as God knows I was--and thought +_that_ might keep her right. I never asked her a question, 'n wouldn't +let the old folks. Everybody makes mistakes, ye know, and it kind of +makes people wild to let 'em know _you_ know it, and to badger 'em with +questions. Well, she had lots of good sense, and took off her finery +before we got to the old folks', who were 'most crazy with joy that we +had come back together as man and wife. We stayed at Nettleton's a few +days, then went direct to Terre Haute. I don't believe a man ever had a +better wife 'n she was to me while we lived there. We never mentioned +the old times, and were very happy, as the children kept comin' along. +The silks and jewels she got at Detroit were all put away, 'n I never +saw 'em, till one day I come home unexpected and found the children shut +out in the yard, and my wife afore the lookin'-glass, all rigged out in +her old finery, an' lookin' herself over and over, while countin' a big +pile of money that I had never seen before. I got a good look at her, +but went whistlin' about the house for a long time, so as to let on that +I didn't see her, and to give her time to get her old clothes on agin. + +"It seemed as if right there and then the clouds begun hangin' over the +house. I didn't say a word about it, and made everything as cheery as I +could; but begun tryin' to think what had set her goin', and after a few +days found that she had been attendin' some of those Spiritual meetings +down to town, and one of the Doctors come up to our place and stayed a +few days, representin' himself as a good Methodist. + +"I knew it wouldn't do to stay there any longer, an' so we moved to +Wisconsin, I makin' her think it was healthier 'n where they had no +ager. Well, sir, after we got there everything was pleasant and happy +agi'n till the Spiritualists begun overrunnin' that country too, and she +commenced her tantrums at once. I didn't oppose her goin' to them +meetin's, but told her I hoped she wouldn't get mixed up with 'em too +much; but 'twas no use. The devil had come into the house in that shape, +and though I prayed hard that it might leave, it got worse and worse, +till the children were 'most crazy with fright and sorrow. I didn't know +what to do. She run me in debt, slandered me, disgraced me. She would +not only run about the country with those terrible people, but she took +to her old life, which was worse than everything else. I tried every way +to reform her; but she was bound to go her vile way, and I could stand +it no longer. + +"You know the rest up there. After she had been gone some time and had +got the divorce in Chicago, I come here with the children, to try and +get away from it all. You have seen my wife. She ain't a purty woman. +She is pure and good though, and I prayed to God that the shadder would +never come here. But 'twasn't any use. It seemed as though my prayin' +never helped things much! We hadn't more 'n got settled here, when I +heard of her travellin' through the country--you know how. Some way she +found me out here, and I haven't had much peace since. + +"One time she came here and left a trunk full of nice silk dresses and +things. After a time, wife and I looked into it and found over two +hundred keys of all kinds, besides pistols and knives. She came and took +it away soon after, accusin' us of stealin' some of her things, and +threatened to have us arrested. A few months afterwards she went up to +Newton, the county-seat, and swore out a warrant for our arrest on the +charge of assault and battery, and got subpÅ“nas out for all the folks +across the way. The Sheriff came down here to serve his warrant and +subpÅ“nas, and at Monroe learned something about the woman, so that by +the time he got here and talked it over with us, I come to the +conclusion she wanted to get us away and then steal the children; so we +took them all along, left one of the neighbors to take care of the +house, and went to Newton to stand trial. Sure enough, she didn't appear +agin' us, but did come here in a carriage fur the children, awful drunk, +and come near shootin' the man that was taking care of the place!" + +Bangs here asked Hosford whether he had ever seen her since or had heard +from her. + +"I have seen her but once," he replied. "But I have heerd about her +doin's, time and time again. She come here one day in a carriage, +dressed fit to kill; and the first I see, she was tryin' to get the +children into the carriage with her. I ordered them to come in, when, +with an oath, she put her hand to her bosom as if to draw a pistol. + +"I got mad at this, and told her that if she had come to that agin, +_I'd_ have a hand in too; and as soon as I turned into the house as if +to get a pistol--I only had an old rusty one with a broken lock, but had +an idea that I could some way use it--she blazed away at me, the ball +going through the front door and driving the splinters into my clothes. +As she didn't know whether she had hit me or not, she drove away at full +gallop, and I've never sot eyes on her since." + +The poor fellow seemed to say this with an inexpressible sense of +satisfaction and relief. He had had more than his share of her general +depravity forced upon him, and the respite from it, though short, was +very dear to him. + +Bangs got from Hosford the names of parties in contiguous towns who +could give him definite information about Mrs. Winslow, while he offered +to come to Rochester himself, if his presence was required; and after a +good night's rest and an early breakfast, Mr. Bangs returned to Monroe. +After a few days' travel and inquiry he secured a thousand times more +information than necessary to compel the retiracy of the splendid Mrs. +Winslow from her then public and profitable field of operations, after +which he returned to New York, well satisfied with the result of his by +no means pleasant labors. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + + Mrs. Winslow's Signal answered.-- She endeavors to win + Bristol, and shows that they are "Affinities."-- Detective + Fox mystified.-- An Evening with the One fair Woman.-- + Closer Intimacies.-- A Journey proposed.-- Detective + Bristol as a Lover. + + +Back in the streets of Rochester, Bristol followed Mrs. Winslow with +much wonderment and some anxiety as to the result, not sure as to +whether any of the three lovely women had noticed his leaving at the +call of their hated rival, and cogitating what the woman might want with +him. + +They soon arrived at the Garden, the woman frequently looking back to +assure herself that the retired banker was following her, and finally +passed into the Fields and took a booth, where she ordered a bottle of +wine, which gave her right to its occupancy for an indefinite period; +and as soon as Bristol sauntered in, she signalled him to join her, +which he did with great apparent hesitation and diffidence, and the +general appearance of a man guilty of almost his first wrong intent, but +yet with strong resolution to not let it get the better of him. + +She did not remove the delicate lace veil from her face, and it blended +the pretty flush which the exercise had heightened with her naturally +clear complexion in a most artistic way, and toned the light in her +great gray eyes into a languid lustre, very thrilling to behold when one +knows there is a clean life behind such beauty, but as dangerous when +transformed into a winning mask covering the perdition in the heart of a +wicked woman, as the dazzling power of the Prophet of Khorassan. + +Bristol was a very courtly sort of fellow, and received a glass of wine +from the neat hand with considerable grace, though inwardly wondering +what it all meant. Their wine-glasses touched, and the cheap nectar was +drunk in silence, Mrs. Winslow only indulging in those little motions +and changes of features that some women believe to be attractive and +fascinating, and which really are so to many susceptible people; and +though Bristol might ordinarily have succumbed to the charms of the +accomplished woman before him--and had he been the retired banker she +supposed him to be would probably have done so--as the sedate, elderly, +and capable detective, he only pretended to be smitten, and coyishly +acknowledged her loving glances with more than ordinary ardor. + +Finally, the fair woman, after modestly biting her lips for a time, +began tapping the table with the handle of her fan, and looking Bristol +full in the face, suddenly said: + +"Mr. Bristol, aren't you a little curious why I wanted to see you?" + +"Any man who is a man," replied Bristol earnestly, "could not but have a +pardonable curiosity when so fair a woman as Mrs. Winslow claims his +attention!" + +"There, there," said she laughing, and extending her hands across the +table as if in a burst of confidence, "let us wave formalities; let us +be friends." + +Bristol took her proffered hands rather stiffly, but held them as long +as was necessary, as they were pretty hands, warm hands, and hands that +could grasp another's with a good show of honesty, too. + +"There is no reason why we shouldn't," he said gallantly, as she poured +out another glass of wine. + +"Only one," answered Mrs. Winslow archly. "The three Graces don't like +me, and they are bound we sha'n't meet. Now," she continued, again +tapping the table nervously with her fan, and then raising her fine +eyebrows and looking at Bristol half anxiously, half tenderly, and +altogether meltingly, "_I_ feel as though we had been acquainted for +years. Don't think me bold, Mr. Bristol, but I have had you in my +thoughts much--possibly _too_ much," she added with the faintest trace +of a blush; "but if I could feel that this--I was going to say +attachment, though that would be quite improper, and I will +say--unexplainable regard I have formed for you was in the least measure +reciprocated----" + +Bristol interrupted her with: "I think I can assure you that it is, at +least, in a proper measure." + +"Then," she continued, apparently radiant with happiness, "as I was +about to say, I am sure it could be arranged so that we could be more in +each other's society. You know who I am?" she abruptly and almost +suspiciously asked. + +Bristol was almost put off his guard by the sudden change of the +subject, but parried the question with: "Certainly not; at least no more +than through what I have been told at the restaurant." + +Tears started in her well-trained eyes, but she impetuously brushed them +away and followed the pretty piece of acting with: "Oh, Mr. Bristol! I +fear we may never be to each other what we might have been if these +three old hags--I mean old maids--had not poisoned your mind regarding +me. Let me tell you," and she took hold of his collar and drew the +reluctant detective towards her, "they are trying to get your +money--your vast wealth. Let a comparatively unknown friend whisper in +your ear, '_Beware!_'" + +Bristol started, adjusted his glasses, grasped Mrs. Winslow's hand, and, +as if very much frightened and extremely grateful, said heartily and +with great fervor, "My dear madam, for this kindness I am yours to +command!" + +The woman evidently felt assured from that moment that she had made a +conquest; but her varied experience and professional tact, as well as +her native shrewdness, prevented her from expressing too great gayety +over it, and she proceeded to inform Bristol how keen and shrewd the old +ladies under Washington Hall were; how in confidence they had told her +that they would compel him to marry one of them, and were going to draw +cuts to determine which should carry off the prize; and when that was +settled, if he did not marry the fortunate person willingly, their +combined evidence would bring him down, or despoil him of a great +portion of his wealth, which, she had no doubt, he had acquired by long +years of honest toil. + +Bristol expressed himself aghast at the depravity of women, and told +Mrs. Winslow that it seemed to him that the nearer the grave they got +the more terrible their greed and hideousness became. + +Mrs. Winslow murmured that _she_ was not so very, _very_ old. + +"Quite the contrary," said Bristol, gallantly, "and even when you become +so, I am sure--very sure, that you will prove a marked exception." + +An expression of pleasure flitted into her face, succeeded by one of +evident pain--pleasure, probably, that she had made another dupe as she +supposed; pain, that in one swift moment there had flashed into her mind +some terrible picture of her cursed, lonely, homeless old age, when the +whole world should scoff at her and thrust her from it, like the vile +thing that she was and the hideous thing that she would surely become; +both followed by the set features, where the cruel light came into her +eyes and the swift shuttles of crimson and ashy paleness shot over her +curled lips--the outward semblance of the inward tigress, that, though +diverted for an instant by some little sunlight-flash of either +tenderness or regret, never could be won from its irrevocably awful +nature! + +But it was all gone as soon as it had come, and she sat there, to all +appearances a handsome woman, as modestly and carefully as possible +encroaching upon the grounds of a first after-marriage flirtation, and +in a few moments pleasantly said: "I have become so interested in +you, Mr. Bristol, that I have found myself asking the question: Why is +it that this gentleman is continually in my mind? until, do you know, I +have such a curiosity about you that I shall be perfectly delighted to +get better acquainted with you." + +Bristol gracefully acknowledged the compliment by stating to her that he +himself, since he had seen her, had had a strange feeling that he should +know more about her, and the presentiment was still so strong upon him +that he was now quite sure that he _should_. + +"Ever since I saw you I have felt that we should become intimate," +continued Mrs. Winslow radiantly. + +"And I may myself confess that ever since I saw you, Mrs. Winslow, I +really _knew_ that I should be obliged to search you out and remain near +you." + +Mrs. Winslow blushed and coyishly asked: "Mr. Bristol, do you believe in +affinities?" + +[Illustration: _"Do you believe in affinities, Mr. Bristol?"--_] + +"Most assuredly." + +"So do I, and as we have sat here together, it has seemed to me that the +good spirits were hovering over and around us, and had been, and were +even now, whispering to us the sacredness of the affinity which surely +must exist between us." + +Mrs. Winslow said this in a kind of rhapsody of emotion, which betokened +both an air of sincerity derived from frequent repetition and long +practice, and a sort of superstitious belief in what she herself said; +and then poured out another glass of wine for each, while Bristol +remarked as he drank, that of late years these spirits had been a great +source of comfort to him, and that their free circulation was a good +thing for society. + +An hour or two was pleasantly beguiled in this manner, but Bristol +hardly knew what course to pursue, and began to feel that in the absence +of instructions he might become altogether too familiar with the +charming woman who was making such an effort to please him. But he dare +not cause her to become angry at him, for that would destroy his +usefulness, and she seemed bound that he should admire her; so, as he +had been directed by me to continue the _rôle_ of the "retired banker," +he concluded it would be better to humor Mrs. Winslow in the belief that +he was smitten by her, as she showed great anxiety that it should be so. +Accordingly, when she proposed that he should call at her apartments +that evening, he acceded to the request with such a show of pleasure +that Mrs. Winslow could not restrain her gratification, but rose and +terminated the interview by slapping Bristol heartily on the shoulder +and calling him a "dear old trump, anyhow!" And Fox, who was reading the +morning paper over a glass of beer at a little table not more than ten +feet distant, looked in blank astonishment at Bristol, as if fearing +that the woman had really bewitched him; while little Le Compte, who +stood at the entrance beyond, looked the very picture of abject jealousy +as he saw his darling lavishing endearments upon a man old enough to be +her father. + +Mrs. Winslow passed out of the Fields, and noticing Le Compte, who was +retreating as rapidly as possible, beckoned to him, and when he had +approached her near enough for her to speak to him, gave him a few +quick, angry words that sent him at a rapid pace over the railroad +bridge in the direction of his rooms; while she, after a parting smile +at the beaming Bristol, who stood radiantly in the Fields' entrance, +walked into St. Paul street, and from thence back and forth past the +restaurant, where the three deserted old maids might witness her stride +of triumph; while Bristol joined Fox at a retired spot under the shade +of the trees overhanging the brink of the precipice rising from the +gorge of the Genesee River, and explained the status of affairs which +had all unconsciously to himself drawn him from his quiet work into an +awful whirlpool of love and all that the term implied. Fox felt much +relieved at this information, and at once proceeded home, while Bristol, +with a guilty look in his face, returned to the little restaurant, where +he found a dispatch from me stating that Mrs. Winslow intended going to +Canada two days later, as I had been very positively informed by Le +Compte, and directing him to in some manner keep her company and never +let her make a move or meet a person without his knowledge. + +Bristol hardly saw how he was to do this, but concluded that it might be +best to wait until after his interview with his charmer in the evening, +so that he could also forward the result of that with his regular +report; and after expressing unbounded regret at being obliged to part +from the three graces and a little card-party they had arranged, he +proceeded to Mrs. Winslow's apartments, which had seemingly been +specially arranged for his reception. + +The mistress of the place was most elegantly attired, and greeted the +"retired banker" with such grace and marked esteem, that Fox, at his +lonely window opposite, almost felt jealous of the attention bestowed +upon his comrade by their mutual quarry. + +If ever a woman endeavored to make herself irresistibly winning, it was +Mrs. Winslow on that night. She threw off all reserve at once, and was +all smiles, pleasant words, and pretty ways. The rooms were most +beautifully arranged, and where splendid flowers failed to furnish +aroma, the delicate odors of art took their place. A very shrewd woman +was Mrs. Winslow--a woman who was supreme in the art of providing +_bijouterie_ to appeal to the sensuous in men's natures. In her +conversation, which apparently was lady-like enough when guarded, there +was always more suggested than said. The tone, the smile, the eye, the +gesture, the touch--every movement, glance, or sound, betokened an +unexpressed _something_ ready at any moment to be brought forward to +crush down a weakening resolution, and sweep from existence so much of +good or purity as might come into her baleful presence. She had rich +game in Bristol, she thought. Why could she not work this with the Lyon +case, bring to a successful termination a half-dozen other cases she was +working up, secure a big pile of spoil at one time, and then with her +little Le Compte glide away to _La Belle France_, where with his wit and +her winning ways and wisdom, she might yet amass vast wealth in levying +upon the personal and family pride of the thousands of rich numskulls +who annually throng the gay capital. + +And so to any man but a duty-doing detective that evening would have +been a thrilling one. As it was, it was a hard one for Bristol, who knew +that Fox's lynx eyes were upon him from across the street, who had to +invent legend after legend regarding his life, his present and his +imaginary future, and who was obliged under any circumstances not only +to please the woman, but to preserve himself blameless--two things to +ordinary men quite difficult to manage. + +During the hour that Bristol remained with her she intimated to him the +propriety of his securing another boarding-place, so that they might +enjoy each other's society without the annoyance to which the old maids +would subject them both should he remain there. He had wanted to make a +change, Bristol said, but his long and varied experience had made him +cautious, and he never gave up one good thing until he had secured a +better. How would as pleasant a place as this do, Mrs. Winslow wanted to +know? She had been thinking of renting the entire flat, she said, and +then re-renting it to select parties, like Mr. Bristol, who were willing +to pay a good price for a really luxurious place in which to live. + +Bristol was apparently flattered by her regard for him, which had, of +course, alone suggested the matter to her mind; but, being an elderly +gentleman of conservative habits, he required time to think the matter +over. In any event, it couldn't but be a pleasant theme for +contemplation. + +In fact, they got along famously together; so much so, indeed, that +before Bristol had taken his departure, Mrs. Winslow had pressed him to +accompany her on a trip of both business and pleasure to Toronto, and +had so urgently presented the request that he had half consented to go, +and was quite sure that he would be able to do so, unless some +unexpected business transaction should detain him. In any case, he would +be able to inform her by the next afternoon, he said, as he gallantly +bade her good-night, and observed Le Compte scowling upon him from the +dark end of the hall beyond. + +Bristol hastened to the post-office and added the events of the evening +to his daily report, which reached me the next afternoon, when I +telegraphed to him to proceed with Mrs. Winslow, as her friend; but +while pleasing her by feigning extreme regard, to be discreet, and not +put himself too much in her power, nor to allow her to advance any of +her other schemes by a sort of exhibition of him as her champion and +protector. + +Mrs. Winslow was made very happy by Bristol's acceptance of her +invitation, and, at her suggestion, they took the train for Port +Charlotte as strangers--Mrs. Winslow informing Bristol that the "old +scoundrel," meaning Lyon, was having her watched, she believed, but she +would outwit him at every point; but on arriving at the Port the loving +couple got together quite naturally, and soon after were on board a +steamer bound for Port Hope. + +It was one of those dreamy, hazy days of early September, when the +disappearing shore seemed to gradually take upon itself a tint of blue +as deep as that of the sky above and as pure as that of the waters +below, which on this day was almost as smooth as a mirror, only broken +by long, far-reaching swells that seemed to have neither beginning nor +end, but which here and there swept away in endless ribbons of liquid +light, while the trailing wake of the steamer seemed in the pleasant sun +like some marvellous and limitless lace-work flung across the water in +wanton richness and profusion. + +It was a lovely day for love, and to an unprejudiced observer Bristol +and Mrs. Winslow improved it. At Charlotte the woman spoke of the matter +in such a way that Bristol understood that she would not object to make +the trip as his wife, but he innocently failed to catch the meaning of +her covert invitation, and was only the attentive admirer during the +entire trip. But in the cabin, or seated coyishly together under a huge +sunshade upon the forward deck, they were as fine a couple as one would +care to see, while the woman seemed unusually affectionate and +agreeable. + +Arriving at Port Hope after a few hours, the couple took the night train +for the West, and arrived at Toronto at midnight, being driven to the +Queen's Hotel. They had become so confidential and intimate by this time +that Mrs. Winslow again suggested the propriety of travelling under more +intimate relations than they had done, but was again carefully diverted +from her purpose by the assumed innocence of the venerable detective, +who saw that her real purpose was to secure evidence of having travelled +as his wife, in order to have a future power over him, as she certainly +believed him to be a man of great wealth. + +She had told him that she had business that would prevent her seeing him +during the next day, at which he expressed extreme regret, and they +retired to their separate apartments for the night. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + + Careful Work.-- Bristol's Trick on the Bell-boy at Queen's + Hotel, Toronto.-- The old Merchant.-- In the Toils.-- A + Face at the Transom.-- A cowardly Puppet before a brazen + Adventuress.-- The Horrors of Blackmail.-- "Furnished + Rooms to Rent." + + +As Mrs. Winslow had said, she was not to be seen the next morning; and +Bristol, after breakfasting early, came to the conclusion that he should +also be busied for the day following my instructions to watch her every +movement. + +He ascertained the number of her room and leisurely strolled through the +hall until he located it, when he at once took a position where he could +observe any movement in or out of the door. At about ten o'clock he +noticed a waiter enter her room as if by summons, in a few minutes pass +out smiling, and shortly afterwards return with a very large glass +filled with some sort of liquor. Soon after he brought her breakfast, +and about a half-hour later he saw that the dishes were being removed +from the room, and, lying on one edge of the tray, an ordinary envelope, +from its puffed condition evidently containing a note. He felt sure that +this would give him the overture to the day's performance; but how to +secure it was another thing entirely. He could not take the letter from +the tray, as it rested on the front edge which projected over the boy's +shoulder, and was consequently immediately before his eyes. He probably +would not be able to bribe him into letting him have it, for the letter +might require an answer, and he would fear getting into trouble. Bristol +was standing at the end of the hall, by the window overlooking the +street, while the waiter was approaching the stairs which descended to +the lower floors near him. The boy had reached the second step going +down, and it was Bristol's last opportunity. + +"Stop!" he said excitedly to the boy. "Here, give me that tray," and he +pulled it from the boy's shoulder and rested it upon the stair-rail. +"I'll take care of this. Run down to the street, now, quick, and get me +a this morning's paper. There's a newsboy right in front of the house. +Here's a half-dollar; keep the change!" + +The boy seemed startled at the action, but Bristol had been so impetuous +about it; that he had relinquished the tray and started down stairs, +but, recovering himself, came back and reached his hand up as if to take +the letter. + +"Tut, tut," said Bristol angrily, picking up the letter and carelessly +putting it in his pocket without looking at the address, "I'll take care +of everything until you get back; get along with you now!" + +Bristol was noted for his benign and fatherly appearance, and, after +another good look at him, the waiter took a brisk trot down stairs, +leaving the detective in possession of the letter. He hastily put the +tray upon the floor, and whisking the letter from his pocket, saw that +it was addressed with a pencil, to "J. Devereaux, No. --, Yonge St.," +and marked "Personal." It was but the work of an instant to open it, and +but of a moment to read it, as it was short and to the point, and ran as +follows: + + QUEEN'S HOTEL, TORONTO, Sept. 6, 186--. + + DEVEREAUX--I am hard up. I need one thousand dollars, though + five hundred will do, but I must have that amount at once. You + have intimated that you would not help me any further. I have + merely to say to you that if you do not either call with, or + send the money, during the day, I will cause you to reflect as + to whether your business and social reputation are not worth + to you and your estimable family immeasurably more than the + trifle named. Exercise your own pleasure about the matter + however. + + MRS. W. + +Bristol copied this upon the back of the addressed envelope in less than +a minute, and in a minute more had the note enclosed in another envelope +and addressed in a handwriting sufficiently similar to that of Mrs. +Winslow's to answer every purpose, and had just got into a calm and +bland position with the tray, when the boy came up the stairs, three +steps at a time, gave the paper a toss into the hall, jerked the letter +out of Bristol's hand, and after giving him a look that had considerable +resentment in it, strode down the stairs with his tray on his shoulder +and his letter in his pocket, in a very offended and dignified manner. + +But as Bristol was on this kind of business at Toronto he thought he +might as well ascertain where the little fellow went; and, taking a +position a half-block distant from the hotel, was obliged to wait but a +little time before the waiter came down and started off on a brisk walk +down the street. + +He waited until the boy had passed him, and then followed him in and out +the streets until he saw him suddenly turn into a large wholesale house +on Yonge street, when he rapidly lessened the distance between them, +arriving in front of the place as he saw the boy hand the note to a thin +old gentleman, who took him aside and nervously questioned him for a few +minutes, after which he nodded to him as if assenting to something, or +directing the boy to return an affirmative answer to whoever had sent +the note, or whatever it contained. + +The boy walked briskly back to the hotel, and Bristol only remained long +enough to notice the old man--who was evidently the Devereaux of whom Le +Compte had informed me, and whose name Bristol had so recently +written--walk tremblingly towards the door as if overcome with some +sudden faintness, and in a sort of vacant, listless way tear the note +into little bits and fling them piecemeal upon the stones of the street, +hurling the last bunch of pieces upon the pavement with a violent, +agonized action, as if he would to God he could dispose of the dark and +relentless shadow across his life as quickly and as effectually! + +All Bristol now had to do was to ascertain when Devereaux called, and, +if possible, to overhear what was said at the interview. + +But this might not be so easy a matter to accomplish as securing the +contents of the letter addressed to the latter. After studying the +matter over for a little time, but without any definite decision what to +do, he found himself strolling along the hall where Mrs. Winslow's room +was located, and noticed several rooms standing open and being put to +rights after the departure of guests. Among this number was one next to +that occupied by Mrs. Winslow, and, taking the number, he immediately +repaired to the office and had his baggage changed to that room, where, +after dinner, with a few cigars and some fresh reading matter, he +comfortably and leisurely waited for developments. + +The day dragged along, and both Bristol and Mrs. Winslow became anxious. +The latter paced back and forth in her room, and every few moments went +to the door, and even passed out into the hall, going as far as the +stairs and peering anxiously down, while the waiter at frequent +intervals was summoned to provide her courage and patience of a liquid +character. Finally, however, Bristol noticed that she had either +concluded to take a short nap, or was determined to wait patiently, for +quite a period of silence elapsed in her room, which he took advantage +of to steal quietly out into the hall, leaving his door ajar so that he +might re-enter it noiselessly as occasion required. + +It was not long before the occasion presented itself, for Bristol had +got no more than to the end of the hall when he saw Devereaux ascending +the stairs from below. He quietly stepped behind the curtains that +trailed from the lambrequin over the window, and watched the old man as +he came up the stairs. + +He was a little, gray, withered old man. Almost all his strength was +gone, and he certainly had but a few more years to use what little +strength was left. His hair was almost white, and his face was quite as +colorless, while the weak, rheumy eyes seemed almost ready to fall +through the flesh which had withered away to the bones of his face. He +was a living example of the blackmailer's victim as he labored along, +now and then catching at the stair-rail for help, and looking behind and +around him as if fearing some sudden discovery. Arriving upon the hall +floor, he peered anxiously at the numbers upon the doors, and after +settling in his mind what direction to take, went on tremblingly with +bowed head towards the woman who was as remorseless as death itself. + +He found the room after a little trouble, and tapped at it +apprehensively. It was at once opened and immediately closed after, when +Bristol sprang from his hiding-place and was in the adjoining room +almost as soon as the next door had closed. + +During the afternoon, when Mrs. Winslow had absented herself from her +room, he had dragged the bureau against the door opening into her +apartment, placed a quilt from his bed upon it in order that his jumping +upon it might occasion no noise, and with his knife cut a diamond +shaped piece out of the green paper covering the glass transom, +darkening his own room so that his eyes could not by any possibility be +seen through the aperture in the piece of paper, which had a dead black +appearance from Mrs. Winslow's room; and by the time the poor old man +had confronted the woman in a scared kind of a way, and had seated +himself upon the sofa obedient to her imperious gesture, the "retired +banker's" eyes and eye-glasses looked calmly down upon a scene the whole +terrible import of which, could it have been presented to the world in +all its terrible hideousness, and in some form become eternally typical +of the curse it illustrated, would have stood for all time a savage +Cerberus frightening men from this kind of infamy and self-destruction. + +In all my startling experience with criminals and the sad incidents +which have in the peculiar nature of my business forced themselves upon +my observation, there has been no one thing so reprehensible as the +trade of the blackmailer, and there is a no more terrible torture than +that inflicted by that class of criminals; and I am satisfied that could +heads of families realize their terrible danger when heedlessly forming +some unholy alliance, which is sure to eventually whip and scourge them +until life is a burden, there would be less of the moral laxity and +lechery than now burdens the world from palace and pulpit to +poverty-stricken hovel. + +What more pitiable picture than that of a man just ready to pass from +all that should be worth having and loving to the unknown country, with +fear behind and awful uncertainty beyond--with the work of a whole life, +which should now bring a reward of tenderness, gratitude, and +reverential esteem, embittered and blasted by the relentless curse that +ever trails after weakness and passion--fear, distrust, and apprehension +between himself and family, and the Damoclean sword ever above him, +ready to fall at the instant he endeavors to throw the horrible shadow +from him to regain honesty and uprightness! + +There the old man sat, a cowardly puppet before a brazen +adventuress--sat there a weak, drivelling, idiotic wreck before one so +vile that she was no longer capable of regret--sat there ruined in +everything worth the preservation of, suffering what he had for years +suffered--the regret, the remorse, the shame, and the abject fear that +were worse than a thousand deaths; while the utterly heartless woman, +with her hands folded across her waist in a masculine sort of a way, +looked at him smilingly, seemingly enjoying his efforts to recover the +breath lost in the, to him, severe labor of getting to her room; as it +appeared to be the custom for him to see her there rather than in the +parlor. + +The interview was business-like, and, as it was not overwhelmed with +sentiment, was not protracted. + +Mrs. Winslow asked Devereaux if he had brought the money, and he +stammered that he had. Well, she wanted it, and didn't want any nonsense +with it, either, she said, with a vast amount of meaning thrown into the +words; he knew whether he _owed_ her that amount or not, and, if he +did, she didn't propose having any bickering about it. + +Then the old man slowly rose, and cursing her, himself, and all the +world, flung her the money and said he would go, as he knew that was all +she wanted. + +She told him frankly that it was pretty nearly all she wanted, but added +jocosely that he was still "a charmer," and that that fact, too, had its +influence in periodically drawing her to him; and then bade him an +affectionate good-by as he feebly glared at her, and passed, whining, +cursing, and tottering away. + +Mrs. Winslow was very happy and gay now, and during the evening and on +their return to Rochester was all smiles and winsomeness. Her detective +companion could scarcely enter into her unusual joyousness, but did the +best he could, and that was well enough, as she was so pleased with the +success of her Toronto trip that her mind was altogether employed with +it until nearing home, when her eminent business ability again asserted +itself, and she became more affectionate than ever to the retired +banker, repeating the proposition concerning the rooms, which Bristol +had of course reported, and which he would be prepared to act upon when +he could secure his mail at Rochester. + +He told her he had thought favorably of it, and after he had ascertained +whether he should remain in the city a stated period or not, would +inform her of his decision, which he presumed would be favorable and +permit of their continued pleasant intimacy; while Mrs. Winslow +confided to him that she had thought seriously of the course for some +time. She knew Lyon was having her watched, she said, and she had +decided that it would be best to change her business to one which could +not be so easily misinterpreted, or at least add to her present business +something that in the eyes of those who scoffed at spiritualism would +have a measure of respectability about it, and from which she could not +only secure a livelihood, but such a pleasant companion as Mr. Bristol; +and they parted upon the train before arriving at the depot with a +thorough understanding about the future, and an appointment for another +meeting at the first opportunity. + +Unknown to Bristol I had sent another operative to keep him and Mrs. +Winslow company, and on receiving the reports of each I decided to put +my men in her rooms, where one of them could constantly observe her +actions, and never under any circumstances give her an opportunity to +make any new move without my knowledge. I therefore sent another man to +Rochester for outside work, and directed Bristol to accept the woman's +proposition and become her lodger, and, as soon after as possible +without exciting her suspicions, appear to become acquainted with Fox, +recommend him as a lodger, and secure his introduction to the place as +M. D. Lyford, a book-keeper in some establishment of the city which they +might settle upon, so that he might relieve Bristol, and _vice versa_, +as occasion required. + +So the furnished rooms sign went up over the clairvoyant sign, and Mrs. +Winslow added to the charms of handsome medium those of an attractive +landlady, while the three old maids under Washington Hall lost their +prize, who became a sort of an aged page to the castaway woman who had +such luxurious rooms for rent in the autumn of 186-, on South St. Paul +street, near Meech's Opera-house, in the beautiful city of Rochester. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + + Harcout again.-- "Things going slow."-- A Bit of personal + History.-- A new Tenant.-- Detective Generalship.-- Mrs. + Winslow fears she is watched.-- Mr. Pinkerton cogitates. + + +It is pleasant to realize that the world moves along just the same, +whether the many mild lunatics it carries attempt to interfere with it +or not. There are countless men, precisely like Harcout, incapable of +holding in their little brains but one idea at a time, and that idea +invariably pushes to the surface their own supreme egotism and +self-consciousness, and just as invariably displays their utter +ignorance of what they are continually interfering with; and it is both +a grateful and charitable thought that such small minds, burdened with +such vast assurance, are merely provided by Omniscience to make us +patient, to warn us from allowing such knowledge as we may fortunately +gain from developing into similar self-assertion, and to serve to +illustrate true worth by contrast. + +Here was this fellow sweeping into my office every day, demanding every +detail of my operations on Mrs. Winslow, even intimating that I should +consult with him as to every move to be made, and submit to his +consideration even the character of the men employed, the color of their +clothing and the quality, and every item or act concerning or included +in the work. He had, in some unexplainable way that is common to brazen +assurance or unmitigated ignorance, fastened himself upon the weak old +man as a sort of confidential agent, or what-not, worked upon his fears, +his superstitions, and his foolish half-faith in a system of religion +that has never yet made other than male and female prostitutes, +adventurers, or lunatics, until the old man, standing alone and almost +friendless, had learned to cling to him, and almost rely upon his +consummate bravado to extricate him from the meshes of the web his own +vileness and a vile woman had woven about him; so that in one sense he +stood in the relation of principal to me, and I found it impossible to +shake him off, or relieve myself to any great extent of his impudent +presence and foolish suggestions. + +I knew that he was utterly without principle, and was only making a show +of this extraordinary energy in order to appear to more than earn +whatever he got from Lyon, and continue in the latter's mind the feeling +that he was utterly indispensable to him. I also knew him to be as mean +an adventurer as Mrs. Winslow was an adventuress; that he was the +villain who had first unloosed this vast flood of vileness and lechery +upon society, and who, as the shameless Christian minister of Detroit, +had put the fire-brand from hell in this woman's hand, to ever after +continue her moral incendiarism wherever she might go, until thrust from +life and infamous memory, and it annoyed me that this sort of a man +should dictate to me. + +I could have disposed of him at one stroke, and I am satisfied that had +I on only one occasion addressed him as the Rev. Mr. Bland, and casually +inquired concerning his old Detroit friends, including Mother Blake, he +would have slunk away without a word or a protest of any kind whatever; +and had I gone farther, and showed him what he himself did not know, +that this woman, whom he was so anxious to have brought down with some +startling development, was none other than the one whom he had led into +a life of sin from the pleasant Nettleton farm-house by the winding +river, and that he was now playing guardian to a man that would have +probably been free from the curse that was hanging over him, had it not +been for Harcout's earlier and more rascally villainy, he would have +disappeared altogether, but I realized that this would not do. It would +have had the effect of putting Lyon at the mercy of a horde of new +ghouls, while the existing one frightened all others away and was in a +measure a protection to Lyon, for he was now only bled by one, where he +would otherwise have been bled by twenty. + +Aside from this, it would have probably resulted in Mrs. Winslow's being +put on her guard, giving her time, not only to cover her tracks in many +criminal instances we had already discovered against her, but also cause +her to prevent witnesses from giving depositions, or, where depositions +had already been taken, give her an opportunity to secure affidavits +from the parties who gave them that they were mistaken as to the +identity of the person named in those instruments, and in other +particulars greatly destroy the effect of the work already done and +that which I had planned; and I was consequently obliged to bear the +fellow's dictatorial manner and suggestions, as he insisted on doing the +work this way or that way, and urged that I was not "pushing things" +fast enough. + +"Why, Mr. Pinkerton," said he one day, his eyebrows elevated and the +corners of his mouth drawn down, his whole face expressive of lofty +condescension and gentle, though firm reproof, "things are going rather +slow--rather slow. Hem! When we brought this case to you, we depended +upon expedition--depended on expedition, Mr. Pinkerton." + +"And have you any cause to complain?" I asked pleasantly. + +"Well, I don't know as we should exactly call it 'complain.' No, I don't +know as we exactly complain; but, if we might be allowed the +privilege--hem!--we would beg to suggest, without giving offence--beg to +suggest, mind you, without giving offence," he repeated, in the most +offensive way possible, "that, if I might be allowed the expression, +things are not pushed quite enough!" + +"On the contrary," I continued good-naturedly, "we have secured what any +good lawyer would consider an overwhelming amount of evidence, and are +letting the woman take her own course, in order to allow her to +completely unwind herself." + +"But you see, Pinkerton, we supposed when we brought the case to you +that you would, so to speak, smash things--break her all up and scatter +her, as it were--hem!--disperse her, you know." + +He said this as though he had taken a contract with Lyon to compel me to +avenge them both on the woman, and it heated my blood to be considered +in the light of any person's hired assassin; but I controlled myself, +and explained the matter to him. + +"Harcout," said I, "do you know anything about my history?" + +"Well, nothing save what I've seen in the newspapers. Merely by +reputation," he added lightly. + +"Well, sir, whatever that reputation may be, Harcout," I said, "this is +the truth. I never, that I know of, did a dishonorable deed. I worked +from a poor boy to whatever position or business standing I now +have--worked hard for everything I got or gained, and I never yet found +it necessary to do dirty work for any person." + +"Quite noble of you--quite noble," said Harcout patronizingly. + +"The detection of criminals," I continued, paying no attention to his +moralizing, "_should_ be as honorable--and so far as I have been able to +do, has been made as honorable--while it is certainly as necessary as +that of any other calling. No element of revenge can enter into my work. +You came to me with a case which I at first objected to take, on account +of its nature. I would not have taken it for all the money Mr. Lyon +possesses, had I not been assured that this Mrs. Winslow was a dangerous +woman. Nor, knowing that she is one, as I now do, would I have any +connection with the case if I found that Mr. Lyon insisted on my using +the peculiar power which I always have at command for any other purpose +than the, in this case, legitimate one of securing evidence against her +which actually exists. I am satisfied that a no more relentless and +terrible woman ever lived, but shall leave her punishment to her +disappointment in not securing what her whole soul is bent on getting, +and that is Lyon's money. I have nothing whatever to do with punishment, +sir, and no person ever did or ever can use my force for that nefarious +purpose!" + +"Oh, exactly--exactly," replied the oily Harcout; "but, you see, we +rather--hem!--expected something startling, you know. Now, for +instance," here he raised his eyebrows and pursed his lips in a wise +way; "supposing you had just ascertained all about her early history, +you would probably have found that Mrs. Winslow had played these games +all her life. Undoubtedly you could point to the very first man whom she +blackmailed----" + +"Undoubtedly," I interrupted, "I'm sure I could do it at this moment!" + +Harcout looked at me quickly, but as I was gazing at the ceiling as if +in deep thought, he went on quite enthusiastically: + +"Exactly. They learn it early. They will swindle at sixteen, rob at +eighteen; blackmail at twenty; and kill a man any time after that!" + +"Why, Harcout are _you_ a woman-hater?" I laughingly asked, +notwithstanding my annoyance. + +"Oh, no," he suddenly replied; "but I had a friend who once suffered +from very much the same sort of a woman as this Mrs. Winslow, and she +was not eighteen years old either. But to resume: Get this point in her +life, and the rest--hem!--the rest reads right on like the chapters of a +book!" + +"And then what?" I ventured to ask. + +"Then what?" he asked indignantly; "go for her through the newspapers. +Drive her out of the country. Make it impossible for her to ever +return;" and then, as if reflecting, "ruin her altogether. Any reporter +will listen to you if you have anybody to ruin! In fact, get up an +excitement about it and show her up." + +"And try your case in the newspapers instead of in the courts?" I added, +"which would have the effect of leaving the matter at the end just where +it was at the beginning, with nothing proven, and Mr. Lyon still at the +mercy of any future surprise the woman might conceive a fancy of +springing upon him." + +But there was no means of changing this lofty gentleman's opinions, and +these interviews were always necessarily closed by the threat on my part +that I would have nothing further to do with the matter if I was not +allowed to conduct my operations according to my own judgment in the +light of my own large experience upon such matters, and Mr. Harcout +would depart in a most dignified and frigid manner, as though it were a +"positively last appearance," only to return the next day with more +objections and a new batch of suggestions, which were given me for +"what they were worth," as he would remark, and we would fight our +battles all over again, with the stereotyped result. + +I saw Mr. Lyon very seldom, and he always approached me in the timid, +reluctant way in which he had come into my office when the case was +first begun; but, contrary to what I had anticipated through Harcout's +injunctions to "push things" and crush the woman out, he approved of my +course throughout, and seemed wonderfully pleased that everything had +been conducted so quietly and yet so effectively. Of course he shrank +from the trial and the miserable sort of publicity all such trials +compel; but he was _more_ fearful of the woman's future unexpected and +sudden sallies upon him, which both he and myself were satisfied would +be made at her convenience or whim, and was only too glad to agree to +any course which would compel silence and peace. + +At Rochester everything was working smoothly. After Bristol had become +located, his first work was to secure the admission to Mrs. Winslow's +rooms of Fox, as Lyford, which was done by representing that, the same +day he had himself gone there, he had suddenly come upon a sort of +relative of his who was a book-keeper in a wholesale house on Mill +street, and who was boarding at the Osborn House, and would be glad to +make some arrangement whereby he might live comfortably, be near his +business, and take his meals when and where he pleased. Thinking he +would be more pleasantly situated, and, at the same time, be able to +economize somewhat, Bristol said he had recommended Mrs. Winslow's +rooms very highly and that Lyford had agreed to call and take a look at +the place, which he did, making a good impression, and arranging to have +his baggage sent the next day. + +The rooms were situated so that the two detectives in a measure had +their quarry surrounded, or, at least, completely flanked. The halls of +the floor intersected each other at right angles at the top of the +stairs, and Mrs. Winslow's reception-room was at the right, as the hall +was entered from the stairway, while her sleeping-room could only be +reached from this sitting-room, although being situated next the hall +running parallel with the front of the building, while Bristol had +shrewdly secured another sleeping-room fronting on St. Paul street, +similar in size to Mrs. Winslow's, adjoining hers, and also, like hers, +opening into the reception-room, which they had agreed to use in common, +as it seemed that the fair landlady was all of a sudden, for some +reason, becoming close and penurious. Fox's room was across the hall +immediately opposite Mrs. Winslow's, as he had expressed a strong desire +to be as near his cousin, Mr. Bristol, as possible, so that by chance +and a little careful work the parties were located with as much +appropriateness as I could possibly have wished for. The operatives each +paid a month's rent in advance, taking receipts for the same, and +immediately began paying particular attention to all parties who came in +and out of the building, circulated freely among the Spiritualists of +the city, and got on as good terms as possible with the charming +landlady, who seemed at times to be a little suspicious of her +surroundings, as it introduced altogether too many strange faces to suit +a person who had a no clearer conscience than she had. + +From the gay, dashing woman she had been, she became unpleasantly +suspicious. She explained this to Bristol and Fox as arising from +unfavorable visions and revelations from the spirits through the +different mediums she had employed to give her the truth about her case +with Lyon. The rooms had filled up rapidly with people whom the +operatives had taken pains to ascertain all about, and who, as a rule, +were honest folks; but Mrs. Winslow could not get it out of her mind +that some of them were spies from Lyon, and were watching her in +everything that she did. + +There had been nothing whatever done to alarm her on the part of my men; +but the fact alone that here were a dozen people all about her, any one +of whom might at any time spring some sudden harm upon her, began to +affect her as the fear she had all her life inspired in others had +affected them; and she began to form a habit of talking pleasantly on +ordinary subjects, and then turning abruptly and almost fiercely upon +Bristol and Fox, who were now the only persons left whom she would at +all trust--even distrusting them--with a series of questions so vital, +and given with such wonderful rapidity, that it required the best +efforts of the operatives to parry her home-thrusts and quiet her +regarding them. + +It was a question in my mind whether she had laid by a large sum of +money or not. Years before she had several thousand dollars; up to the +time she came to Rochester she had had the reputation of never paying a +bill, and, however hedged in she might be by justice, jury, constables, +or sheriff, she not only escaped incarceration, but beat them all +without paying any manner of tribute. She had done a fair business in +duping Spiritualists and other weak-minded people while in Rochester; +she had evidently levied upon Devereaux often and largely, and to my +certain knowledge had taken some thousands of dollars from Lyon, and I +was at a loss to know why she was growing so grasping and exacting as +the reports showed was true of her; for she soon complained of being +poor, levied additional assessment for care of the rooms, insisted upon +her tenants receiving sittings at a good round price from her, and in +general dropped the veneer which had formerly made her extremely +fascinating, and became, save in exceptional moments of good nature, a +masculine, repulsive shrew, who, with a slight touch of hideousness, +might have passed for a stage witch or a neighborhood plague. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + + Mrs. Winslow becomes confidential.-- Some of her Exploits.-- + Her Plans.-- A Sample of Legal Pleading.-- A fishy + Story.-- The Adventuress as a Somnambulist.-- Detective + Bristol virtuously indignant.-- Failing to win the + "Retired Banker," Mrs. Winslow assails Detective Fox with + her Charms. + + +After a time Bristol and Fox became Mrs. Winslow's only confidants. +Their business was to become so, and they successfully accomplished +their object. As Bristol said in one of his reports: "Only set her +tongue wagging, and she spouts away as irresistibly as an artesian +well." + +Had she been possessed of womanly instinct in the slightest degree, this +would have been impossible. But being a male in everything save her +physical structure, it was quite natural that she should hobnob with +those most congenial; and as she had antagonized all her lodgers save my +operatives, and they made a particular effort to keep up a good-natured +familiarity, the three were certainly on as easy terms as possible, and +passed the autumn evenings, which were growing long now, in conversation +of an exceedingly varied nature, with an occasional sitting or seance, +and not infrequently a visitation of spirits of more material character; +and the following are a few of the many facts in this way brought out, +and by Bristol and Fox transmitted to me at New York in their daily mail +reports. + +In one of Mrs. Winslow's peregrinations, probably for blackmail +purposes, she secured the indictment in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, +of one George Hodges, for swindling. He was not at that time arrested, +but a year or so after, finding that he was in Cincinnati, and claiming +that he was a non-resident, had him arrested as a fugitive from justice. +When the case was called before an obscure justice, no prosecuting +witness appeared, whereupon Hodges was discharged and at once secured a +warrant against her for perjury, but afterwards withdrew it. Meantime +the woman shook the dust of Cincinnati from her feet and repaired to St. +Louis, where she began several suits against parties there, notably one +against a leading daily newspaper of that city, from which she +afterwards secured one thousand dollars damages for libel. She +afterwards swung around the circle to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where +she obtained from the Governor of that State a requisition on the +Governor of Ohio, at Columbus, upon whom she waited and requested him to +designate her as the person to whom should be delegated the power under +the law to convey the fugitive, Hodges, to the Keystone State; but the +private secretary of the Governor of Ohio suspecting that the person who +had presented the papers, and for whose benefit they had been issued, +would make improper use of them, they were returned to the Governor of +Pennsylvania, whereupon she had made Columbus ring with denunciations +of gubernatorial corruption, and threatened to cause the impeachment of +Pennsylvania's Executive, although those two commonwealths were never +completely shattered by her. + +Again in conversation regarding her case, which now seemed never out of +her mind or off her tongue, she informed Bristol confidentially that she +intended keeping Lyon in the dark altogether, giving him and his counsel +no inkling as to what course she intended to pursue, which would so +worry him that he would be glad to settle for at least twenty-five +thousand dollars, rather than have the case come to trial and be exposed +as she would expose him; and if he did not settle at the last moment, +she would have subpÅ“nas issued for Lyon's mother-in-law, all his +children, several other women who, the spirits had revealed, had been +similarly betrayed, and even Lyon himself, and then she _would_ make a +sensation. + +At this stage she was positive he would settle, as she knew he was half +worried to death about the matter; and besides this, he knew that she +knew he had told a certain lawyer of the city that he had once loved her +better than any other woman on earth, and the only reason he had +discarded her was that he was sure her love had taken hold on his pocket +and forsaken himself. + +She had signed a release of all claims, but she would stoutly maintain +that it was fraudulently secured, which would only further establish the +fact that she had had a valid claim upon him. Nor did she fear the +opposing counsel. She was lawyer enough to attend to her own case, she +said. Her legal knowledge helped her through many a difficulty, and as +she had been lawyer enough to file a declaration, she could get a +rejoinder in shape whenever the answer should appear upon the court +records. Oh, she knew how to handle a jury; she had done it before! In +_this_ case she would say: "Gentlemen of the jury:--There are many who +believe that I merely seek for money. This is not true. I ask for a +verdict that I may gain a husband. For all of the injury that I have +received--lost time, lost money, lost reputation, years of suspense and +hope deferred--I only ask for a verdict in consonance with what a man in +Lyon's position should be compelled to give to one so grossly wronged. +Gentlemen, if you give me a heavy verdict, you give me Mr. Lyon. I say +this in all sincerity--yes, as a proof of my sincerity. I want the man, +not his money; and a heavy verdict gives me the man, for Mr. Lyon is so +penurious that he will marry me rather than pay the amount I claim. With +him, he has so won my whole being, even in poverty I would feel richer +than to live without him the possessor of millions!" + +In delivering this eloquent peroration, Mrs. Winslow in reality rose +upon a chair, and, figuratively, upon the giddy altitude of her dignity, +and tossing back her head, elevating her eyebrows, looking peculiarly +fierce with her great gray eyes, and flinging the back of her right hand +into the palm of her left with quick, ringing strokes, delighted her +audience of operatives, and male and female Spiritualists, who on this +occasion crowded the reception-room and cheered their hostess as she +descended from her improvised rostrum to order something to refill the +glasses which had been enthusiastically emptied to her overwhelming +success. + +When business was dull with the woman, she would be certain to retain +the company of the detectives, as it seemed that she was beginning to +avoid being left alone as much as possible, and would, under no +circumstances, allow them both to be absent at the same time. Though +ordinarily careful of, and close with, her money, to keep my men at home +on these, to her, dreary evenings, she would send for cigars, liquor, +and choice fruits, and after considerable urging they would remain, when +the conversation would invariably turn upon the Winslow-Lyon case, or +some incident in the fair plaintiff's eventful life, which the gentlemen +as invariably listened to with the closest interest and attention. + +On one occasion Spiritualism was being discussed, when Mrs. Winslow +touched on her early history, and the revelation then made to her which +in after-life convinced her of the possession of supernatural powers. +Her father had had several boxes of honey stolen from his bee-hives, +when she was but a little girl. Search was made for them in every +possible direction, but no trace of them could be found, whereupon she +conveniently went into a trance, the first she had ever experienced, +continuing in that state several hours, and finally awakening from it +terribly exhausted. But the trance brought the honey, for a wonderful +vision came upon her, wherein spirit-forms appeared clothed in +overwhelming radiance, and, after caressing her spiritual form for some +time, and making her realize that she was an accepted child of Light, +pointed their dazzling celestial fingers towards an old hollow stump +standing at the side of the road leading towards town. So powerful and +penetrating was the light which radiated from these spirits that it +seemed to permeate the stump, leaving its form perfect as ever, but +making it wholly translucent, so that she could see the boxes of honey +piled up within the stump as clearly as though she had been standing +beside it and it had been made of glass. She gave this information to +her father, who ridiculed the revelation, but was both curious and +desirous of getting the honey, and went to the old stump, where he found +the boxes uninjured and piled in precisely the same manner as described +by his precocious child; all of which was related as if thoroughly +believed--as it doubtless was--in a voice as hollow and mysterious as +the stump itself, while the operatives preserved the utmost gravity and +decorum, and impressed her in every way with their belief in her varied +and wonderful power. + +Her affection for Bristol continued for a few weeks unabated, and her +most powerful arts were used in endeavoring to compel him to reciprocate +it. These attempts went as far as a naturally lewd and naturally shrewd +woman dare go--so far, in fact, that in one and the last instance they +became absurdly ridiculous. There was no bolt upon the door of either of +their sleeping-rooms, and, besides, it was necessary for Bristol to +either retire first or step into Fox's room for a little chat, or a +sociable smoke, as Mrs. Winslow had an unpleasant and persistent habit +of disrobing for the night in the reception-room. + +One evening, after Mrs. Winslow had given a select seance to a few +admiring friends, including my detectives, Bristol had hurried off to +bed, being tired of the mummery, and after being obliged to listen for +some time to her tumblings and tappings about the room, had finally +fallen into a peaceful doze of a few minutes' duration, when he was +awakened by that undefinable yet irresistibly increasing sense of some +sort of a presence, which often takes from one the power of expression, +or action, but intensifies the mind's faculties. The gas in the +reception-room had been turned low, and his door had been softly opened. +The rooms were quite dark, but the light from the street-lamps were +sufficient to show him the plump outlines of a form which he felt sure +that if it had had an orthodox amount of clothing upon it he could +recognize. It certainly seemed to be the form of a woman, and her long, +dishevelled black hair fell all about her shoulders and below her waist, +while her _robe de nuit_ trailed behind her with fear-inspiring, +tremulous rustlings. On came the robust ghost, and in the weird gloaming +which filled the apartment, he saw the mysterious thing moving towards +him, and in a sort of frenzy of excitement yelled: + +"Who's that?" + +No answer; but the slow, firm pace of the apparition came nearer to +Bristol's bedside, and he partially rose upon his knees as if to defend +himself. + +"Say!--you!" shouted Bristol, "get--get out of here!" + +But the ghostly figure came on as resistless as fate until it reached +his bedside. By this time he had risen to his feet and was edging along +the wall to escape, when to his horror he saw the spectre bound into the +bed he had so expeditiously vacated and reach for him with a very +business-like grasp which he nimbly eluded, and with a series of bounds +and scrambles reached the floor. He stood where he had struck for a +moment, addressing some very decided and italicized remarks to the +lively ghost in his bed, and then, in one grand burst of virtuous +indignation, made an impetuous dive at the figure, caught it by one of +its very plump arms, brought the ghost from the bed with a mighty +effort, and securing its left ear with his right hand, trotted the +animated shadow out of his room and into the reception-room right up to +the pier-glass, and then turning on one of the jets at its side, said to +the magnificent ghost, in a voice husky from excitement and rage: + +"Woman! if you ever do that thing again, I'll--I'll--aren't you ashamed +of yourself, Mrs. Winslow?" + +At the sound of her name, and after a few moments' apparently bewildered +reflection, Mrs. Winslow opened her eyes, which had previously remained +closed, and in an affectedly startled way gasped: + +"Oh! where am I? what _have_ you been trying to do with me, Mr. +Bristol?" + +To have seen the couple thus in the full gaslight before the +pier-glass, which both reflected and intensified the odd situation--the +woman, held to the mirror so that she might more startlingly view the +result of her gauzy pretence at somnambulism, and the man, in his +night-shirt, his limp night-cap dangling from his neck upon his +shoulder, the ring of stubby gray hair around his head raised by +excitement until it almost hid the glistening baldness above, his legs +bare below the knees, but with a face so full of virtuous resentment at +the scandalous and shallow scheme of the woman to implicate him in +something disgraceful, that his uprightness clothed him as with fine +raiment--would have been to have witnessed the apotheosis of sublimely +triumphant virtue and the defeat of shame. + +"What have _I_ been trying to do with _you_?" shouted the now enraged +Bristol; "that's all very fine; but what have _you_ been trying to do +with _me_, madam?" + +"Why, didn't I ever tell you that I often walk in my sleep?" she asked +with apparent innocence; and then, as if noticing for the first time how +meagrely both herself and her companion were clad, gave vent to a +half-smothered "Oh!--shame on you, Mr. Bristol!" and broke away from +him, running into her own room, while Bristol, after walking back and +forth in a state of high nervous excitement for some time, muttering, +and shaking his fist towards her room, finally smoothed his rebellious +locks so as to admit of the readjustment of his night-cap, and trotted +fiercely to bed, never more to be disturbed by sleep-walking female +Spiritualists. + +There was nothing in all this save a quite common and silly attempt on +the part of the adventuress to get some of the hard-earned money of +which she thought he was possessed, and it disgusted her that he was no +more appreciative than to look upon her charms, that had set the heads +of so many other men all awhirl, with such a cool and impressionless +regard for them. + +This latter fact bothered her probably fully as much as in not being +able to get at his bank account, and she finally settled into a sort of +suspicious dislike of him, and turned her attention to Fox, who, being a +quiet sort of a fellow, with less brusqueness than Bristol, was not so +well fitted to keep her at arm's length, and was consequently +immediately the recipient of her torrent-like attentions, caresses, and +confidence. + +A book-keeper was the next thing to a retired banker--sometimes even +better off, Mrs. Winslow thought; and, believing that Fox was the +book-keeper he represented himself to be, she conceived the idea of +travelling during the pendency of the suit, and gave Fox glowing +accounts of the vast sums of money they could make if she only had so +presentable a man as he for a sort of agent, manager, and protector. + +One afternoon Fox came in early, and said that as he was suffering +severely from headache he had been excused from his duties, and had come +home for rest. He passed into his own room and laid down upon his bed, +where he was immediately followed by the woman, who threw herself +passionately into his arms, declaring that he was the only man whom she +had ever really and truly loved, and terminated her expressions of ardor +by a proposition that he should "get hold of a big pile down there to +the store," as she expressed it, and fly to some quiet spot where they +might revel in love and all that the term implies. + +Had he been a book-keeper instead of what he was, and able to secure any +large sum of money, she would have probably so bedevilled him that he +would have become a criminal for life for the sake of gratifying his +passion and her demands, and in a week after she would have had +nine-tenths of the money, and Fox would have been a penniless fugitive +from justice. + +He had more trouble than Bristol in dispossessing the mind of the +adventuress of the idea that he was not the man to allow her to become +his Delilah; but when this was done, and she disgustedly realized that +not all men were ready to sell themselves body and soul for her +embraces, while she was indignant and suspicious, yet a sort of easy +confidence was established between the mysterious three, which brought +out a good many strong points in her character, and at the same time led +to the securing of a large amount of evidence against her. In fact, it +seemed that so soon as she thoroughly understood the, to her, novel +situation of being in constant contact with two men who, though probably +no better than average men, were still from the nature of their business +compelled to be above reproach in all their association with her, her +self-assertion and consciousness of power, which she had been able to +assert over nearly every man with whom she came in contact, in a measure +left her, and she became, at least to my operatives, an ordinary woman, +whose inherent vileness, low cunning, and splendid physical perfection, +were her only distinguishing characteristics. This was all natural +enough, for I had compelled these men to be her almost constant +companions, and as they had been with her long enough to drive away any +superfluous constraint, and she had found both of them unassailable, +though sociable and agreeable, her conversation, which chiefly concerned +herself, became as utterly devoid of decency as her life had been, so +that no incident of rehearsed romance of herself lost any of its +piquancy by unnecessary assumption of modesty in its narration. + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + + A Female Spiritualist's Ideas of Political and Social + Economy.-- The Weaknesses of Judges.-- Legal Acumen of the + Adventuress.-- An unfriendly Move.-- Harcout attacked.-- + Lilly Nettleton and the Rev. Mr. Bland again together.-- A + Whirlwind. + + +One evening, after Mrs. Winslow had had a very busy day with her +spiritualistic customers, which had become quite unusual, she showed +herself to be more than ordinarily communicative, undoubtedly on account +of the spirits which had kept her such close company, and at once +started in upon an edifying explanation of her political views, and +confided to Bristol and Fox, as illustrative of her high political +influence, that certain officers of the Government only held their lease +of office through her leniency. + +From this she verged into political and social economy, stating her +earnest belief to be that every man should have a military education, +and that if they were found to be unfit physically to withstand the +rigors of a military life, they should be immediately condemned to +death, and thus be summarily disposed of. And so, too, with women. There +should be appointed a capable examining board, and wherever a woman was +found wanting in physical ability to meet every demand made upon her by +her affinities through life, she should also be instantly deprived of +existence. She maintained that there should be a continuous and eternal +natural selection of the best of these mental and physical conditions, +just the same as the stock-raiser bred and inbred the finest animals to +secure a still finer type, and that all persons, male or female, failing +to reach a certain fit standard of perfection in this regard, should be +condemned to death. She would have no marriage save that sanctioned by +the supreme love of one eternal moment; and shamelessly claimed that +passion was the real base of all love, and that, consequently, it was +but a farce on either justice or purity that men and women should be by +law condemned to lives of miserable companionship. In this connection +she held that not half the men and women were fit to live, and were she +the world's ruler she would preside at the axe and the block half of her +waking hours. + +These sentiments were quite in keeping with her expressions concerning +the late war, her gratification at Lincoln's assassination, and her +threats that she had President Johnson in her power through her +knowledge of some transactions in Tennessee. This was, of course, all +silly talk, but it showed the woman's tendencies and disposition, and +enabled Bristol and Fox to gradually lead her into narrations of +portions of her own career during and after the war. + +She boasted of her ability in fastening herself upon a command, or +military post, by getting some one of the leading officers in her power +so they dare not drive her beyond the lines, and then, when the +soldiers were paid off, getting them within her apartments, drugging +them, robbing them, and finally securing their arrest for absence +without leave. She claims that in this way she often made over five +hundred dollars daily, and would then buy drafts on northern banks, not +daring to keep the thousands of dollars about her which would frequently +accrue. + +Interspersed with these narratives were numberless tales of adventure +wherein Mrs. Winslow, under her _aliases_ of the different periods +referred to, had been the heroine, and where her shrewdness and daring, +she wished my operatives to understand, had brought utter dismay to each +of her opponents, all of which had for its point and moral that she was +not a person to be trifled with, as Mr. Lyon would eventually ascertain +to his sorrow. + +To more thoroughly impress this, in another instance the question of +being watched and annoyed by Lyon or his agents arose, when she insisted +to Bristol that Fox was a detective, and to Fox that Bristol was one, +and then abruptly accused them both of the same offence, expressing +great indignity at the assumed outrage; and when they had succeeded in +partially pacifying her, she turned on them savagely, saying that they +had better bear in mind that she did not care whether they were +detectives or not; that she was a pure woman--an innocent woman; but +still, she wanted not only them, if they _were_ detectives, but all the +world, to understand that she was capable of taking care of herself, +whoever might assail her. Evidently the good legal mind which the woman +certainly possessed had reverted to her criminal acts in other portions +of the country, for she asserted very violently that, should Lyon +undertake to have her conveyed to any other State upon a requisition to +answer to trumped-up charges for the purpose of weakening her case, she +would shoot the first man that attempted her arrest; and that, if +finally overpowered by brute force, she would still circumvent him by +securing a continuance of the trial at Rochester, and make that sort of +persecution itself tell against "the gray-headed old sinner," as she +most truthfully called him. + +She further remarked, with a meaning leer, that she never had any +trouble with the judges. They were generally old men, she had noticed, +and her theory was that old men, even if they were judges, had a quiet +way of looking after the interests of as fine-appearing women as she +was; and even if they did not have, her powers of divination were so +wonderful that she could at any time go into the trance state and +ascertain everything necessary to direct her to success, giving as an +illustration a circumstance where a certain St. Louis daily newspaper +had grossly libelled her, whereupon she had sued its proprietors for ten +thousand dollars, retaining two lawyers to attend to her case. When it +came to trial her counsel failed to appear. With the aid of the spirits +she grasped the situation at once, and, showing Judge Moody a receipt +for attorneys' fees amounting to two hundred dollars which she had paid +them, pleaded personally for a continuance until the next day, which he +granted, showing her conclusively that he was in sympathy with her. She +then went home, and, again calling on the spirits, they revealed to her +that she should win a victory. + +So she read all the papers in the case, in order to acquaint herself +with the leading points, and then subpÅ“naed her witnesses. Having +everything well prepared, she proceeded to the court-room the next day, +and on the case being called, the spirit of George Washington instantly +appeared. It had a beautiful bright flame about its head, and floated +about promiscuously through the upper part of the room. She was certain +that it was a good omen, but it was a long time before she could get any +definite materialization from the blessed ministering angel from the +other side of the river. After a time, however, George's kind eyes +beamed upon her with unmistakable friendliness, and the nimbus, or +flame, that shone from his venerable head in all directions, finally +shot in a single incandescent jet towards the head of the judge; and +immediately after, the gauzy Father of his Country placed his hands upon +the former's head, as if in benediction. This was a heavenly revelation +to her that the judge was with her, as afterwards proved true. + +George stayed there until the trial was ended, which she conducted in +her own behalf, constantly feeling that she herself was being upheld by +strong, though invisible hands. When the jury was being impanelled, the +flame, with an angry, red appearance, pointed to those men who were +prejudiced against her, to whom she objected, and they were invariably +thrown out of the panel; while all through the trial the judge insisted +that there should be no advantage taken of her, if she had been forsaken +by her counsel; and with the aid of Washington she won a splendid +victory, securing a judgment of one thousand dollars, which was paid; +and there are scores of lawyers and newspaper men in St. Louis who will +remember this case, that know of the woman and her almost ceaseless +litigation in that action, and who will also recollect that she did get +a thousand dollars from one of the leading newspapers there. + +Her cunning and shamelessness were largely commented upon at the time; +but it was reserved for Mrs. Winslow to inform the world, through my +operatives, that George Washington ever descended to this grade of +pettifogging. It can only be accounted for through a knowledge of that +peculiar system of religion which gives to the very dregs of society a +mysterious, and therefore terrible power, whether assumed or otherwise, +over its better elements for their annoyance, persecution, and downfall. + +There was also a poetical and religious element in the woman's +composition which very well accorded with her superstitiousness. This +was quite strongly developed by a liberal supply of liquor, which she +never failed to use whenever she became worried and excited over the +coming trial, both of which begat in her impulses for certain lines of +conduct exactly the reverse of those counselled by her more quiet, +calculating reflections. + +One pleasant October day, when suffering from a peculiarly severe attack +of romantic fancies, she conceived the idea of breaking through all her +stern resolves relative to not seeing Lyon, and making one more effort +to win him back to her altogether, or so affect him by her fascinating +appearance that he would be glad to settle with her at any reasonable +figure he might name--say twenty-five or fifty thousand dollars. + +It was a pleasant fancy, and Bristol and Fox were exceedingly interested +as they noticed her excited preparations for her expedition of conquest. +She sang like a bird, and the bright color came into her face as she +tripped about, busied in the unusual employment. All the forenoon she +dressed and undressed, posing and balancing before the pier-glass like a +_danseuse_ at practice, studying the effect of different colors, shades, +and shapes, until at last, having decided in what dress she should +appear the most bewitching, she retired for a long sleep, so as to rest +her features and give her eyes their old-time lustre. + +At about two o'clock she awakened, and, after dressing in a most +elaborate and elegant manner, at once started out upon her novel +expedition to the Arcade. + +The Arcade in Rochester is a distinct and somewhat noted place in that +city. It has nearly the width of the average street, and extends the +distance of a short block--from Main Street to Exchange Place--being +nearly in the geographical, as well as in the actual business center of +the city. It is covered with a heavy glass roofing, filled on either +side by numerous book and notion stalls, brokers' offices, and the +offices of wealthy manufacturers whose business requires a down-town +office, and is also, as it has been from almost time immemorial, the +location of the post-office; so that, as the thoroughfare leads directly +from the Union Depot to the uptown hotels, it is constantly thronged +with people, and is the spot in that city where the largest crowd may be +collected at the slightest possible notice. + +To Mrs. Winslow's credit it should be said that up to this time she had +kept so remarkably quiet that public scandal had nearly died away, and +as she had gone into the different newspaper offices with some of the +wicked old light burning in her eyes, and "warned" them concerning +libelling her, both she and her suit were no longer causing much remark; +but now, when she was seen majestically bearing down Main street, with +considerable fire in her fine eyes, determination in her compressed +lips, and the inspiration of resolve in every feature of her handsome +though masculine face, there were many who, knowing the woman, felt sure +there was to be a scene, and by the time she had turned from Main street +into the Arcade quite a number were unconsciously following her. After +she had got into the Arcade she attracted a great deal of attention in +sweeping back and forth through that thoroughfare, as in passing Lyon's +offices she gave her head that peculiarly ludicrous inclination that all +women affect when they are particularly anxious to be noticed, but also +particularly anxious to not have it noticed that they wish to be +noticed; and continued her promenade, each time brushing the windows of +Lyon's offices with her ample skirts, and growing more and more +indignant that nobody appeared to be interested in her exhibition, save +the lookers-on within the Arcade, who were increasing rapidly in +numbers. + +This seemed to exasperate the woman beyond measure, and finally, after +casting a hurried glance or two through the half-open door, she +apparently nerved herself for the worst and made a plunge into the +office, while the crowd closed about the door. + +Bristol had of course felt it his duty to inform Mr. Lyon of the fair +lady's intended demonstration, and the latter had judiciously found it +convenient to transact some important business in another part of the +city on that afternoon; but the elegant Harcout had bravely volunteered +to throw himself into the breach and bear the brunt of the battle--in +other words, sacrifice himself for his friend, and was consequently +sitting at Lyon's desk behind the railing, which formed a sort of a +private office at one side of the general office, as Mrs. Winslow, pale +with rage and humiliated to exasperation, came sweeping into the room. + +"Ah, how d'ye do, ma'am?" said Harcout blandly, but never looking up +from his desk, at which he pretended to be very busily engaged. "Bless +my soul, you seem to be very much excited!" + +"Sir!" said Mrs. Winslow, interrupting him violently, "I want none of +your 'madams' or 'bless my souls.' I want Lyon, you puppy!" + +"Ah, exactly, exactly," replied Mr. Lyon's protector with the greatest +apparent placidity, though with a shade of nervousness in his voice; +"but you see, my dear, you can't have him!" + +It was not the first time this man had called this woman "my dear," nor +was it the first time he had attempted to beat back her overpowering +passion. Had he known it as Mr. Harcout, or had she recognized him as +Mrs. Winslow, it would have made the interview more dramatic than it +was--perhaps a thread of tragedy might have crept in; as it was, +however, she only savagely retorted that she wouldn't have him, but she +would see him if he was in, whether or no. + +"Well, my dear good woman," continued Harcout soothingly, but edging as +far from the railing and his caller as possible, "he isn't in, and that +settles that. Further, you can't have, or see, him _or_ his money, and +that settles that. So you had best quietly go home like a good woman and +settle all this," concluded Harcout winningly and yet impressively, and +with the tone of a Christian counsellor. + +The crowd laughed and jeered at this grave and sarcastic advice, and it +seemed to madden her. Raising her closed sunshade and hissing, "_I'll_ +settle this!" she rushed towards Harcout, struck at him fiercely, +following up the attack with quick and terrific blows, which completely +demolished the parasol and drove him nimbly from place to place in his +efforts to avoid the effects of her wrath. + +For the next few moments there was a small whirlwind in Lyon's offices. +The railing was too high for Mrs. Winslow to leap, or she certainly +would have scaled it. Harcout could not retreat but a certain distance, +or he certainly would have sought safety in flight. So the whirlwind was +created by rapid and savage leaps of Mrs. Winslow, as if to jump the +railing and fall bodily upon her victim, and at every bound the woman +made, the shattered parasol waved aloft and came down with keen +certainty and stinging swiftness, upon such portions of the gilt-edged +gentleman as could be most conveniently reached. + +It is difficult to realize what the woman would have done in her mad +passion, had not a lucky circumstance occurred. She and Harcout had +never met since the time when, in the face of her robbery of him, she +had unblushingly compelled him to wed her to the credulous Dick Hosford +at the Michigan Exchange Hotel in Detroit; and had she now recognized +him as the villain who had made her what she was, it is a question +whether she would not have made a finish of him there and then. But some +one in the crowd raised the cry of "Police!" which sobered her at once, +and, giving the tattered remnant of her sunshade a wicked pitch into +Harcout's face, she turned quickly, shot into the Arcade as the crowd +made way for her and quickened her speed by wild jibes and taunts, until +she had reached the street, where, in a dazed, hunted sort of way, she +hailed a passing cab, sprang into it, and was driven rapidly away. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + + Mrs. Winslow, under the Influence of "Spirits" of an earthly + Order, becomes romantic, religious, and poetical.-- A + Trance.-- Detective Bristol also proves a Poet.-- A Drama + to be written. + + +When the evening came and Mrs. Winslow came with it, she was observed to +be in a high state of nervous and vinous excitement, and at such times +she contrived to inaugurate a series of actions which proved not only +interesting, but illustrative of her strange character. + +She declared to Bristol and Fox that the Lord was hardening Lyon's heart +as in the olden times the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, so that he +should rush upon his fated disgrace as the Egyptian king rushed upon his +fate while forcing the children of Israel into deliverance, and +destruction upon himself; and like the unrelenting Mrs. Clennam in +"Little Dorrit," had at command any number of scriptural parallels to +prove the righteousness of her sin. This sort of blasphemy is the most +pitiable imaginable, and to hear the woman in her semi-intoxicated, +semi-crazed condition, mingling her vile catch-words with scraps of +spiritualistic sayings, snatches of holy songs, couplets of roystering +ballads, and crowning the hideousness of the whole with countless Bible +quotations, was to be in the presence of supreme garrulousness, +temperamental religious frenzy, and superstitious vileness. + +It appeared that after she had escaped from the excitement she had +created in the Arcade, she had been driven to the apartments of every +clairvoyant of note in the city and had a "sitting" with each. In her +excited condition, and being noted for having plenty of money, it was +both easy to rob her and secure what was uppermost in her mind. +Consequently, it was revealed to her by every medium that Lyon would +settle with her for a large sum of money. + +One medium averred that in her vision Lyon was seen, as it were, bending +a suppliant at her feet, and, at the last moment, admiring her character +as much as fearing the nature of the testimony he knew she could bring +against him, he declared his love for her and begged that they might be +married in open court. + +Another depicted the sorrows she would be obliged to endure before her +affairs culminated. She would be watched, annoyed, harassed; but her way +would be well watched by the spirit-forms which were evidently floating +around promiscuously to protect the pests of society; and, whether she +got the man or not, she should share his fortune. This much could be +surely promised. + +Another was wonderfully favored with divine "spirit light" upon the +subject--so favored, indeed, that time without number her other-life had +insensibly and unconsciously wandered away in search of correct +information regarding the result of the Winslow-Lyon suit, and, without +her volition or bidding, it had delved into the mysteries for her +suffering sister. She could assure her suffering sister, the clairvoyant +said, that Lyon was spiritually at her feet. All the trouble had arisen +between them from Mrs. Winslow's standing upon a higher spiritual plane +than Mr. Lyon. He, as was natural to man, had more of the sensual +element beclouding his spirit-life. Now, pleaded the clairvoyant, +couldn't she adjust an average between them? She was certain--yes, the +spirits, who never lie, had positively revealed to her that all that was +needed was some one to properly discover each of these affinities to the +other. In any case, all would eventually be well, and there was peace, +prosperity, and a large amount of money in waiting for her. + +This sort of absurdity was related by Mrs. Winslow to an unlimited +extent that evening, as the three sipped the liquor she had provided, +and she insisted with great fervor that all these revelations strongly +corroborated the light she herself had received on the same subject. + +As a long pause ensued after one of these heated asseverations, Bristol +ventured to ask how she had been enlightened concerning the matter. + +Raising her flushed face towards the ceiling, then lifting her right arm +above her head and holding it there for a moment, she allowed it to +slowly descend with a coiling, serpentine motion, when she burst into a +sudden ecstasy of speech, movement and feature, and partly as in answer +to the inquiry, and partly as if struck with a swift and irresistible +inspiration, she said in a low, unearthly voice, and with weird effect: + +"Yes, yes, I hear your angel voices calling; I see your beautiful forms; +I feel your tender fingers touching my aching head; I am listening to +your sweet, soft whispers. Ah! what is it you say?--yes, yes, yes! You +_are_ with me. You will watch over and guard me. You will ward off the +evil influences that surround me, and despite the darkness which +envelops me, even as the glorious sun leaps from his couch of crimson +and with his burnished lances drives the grim hosts of shadows before +him with the speed of the light!--What! are you now leaving?" + +Here Mrs. Winslow gasped and kicked with her pretty feet alarmingly. + +"What--what is that?--that rosy, effulgent light that fills all space? +Ah, yes! I see they beckon for me to look up, to not be cast down or +despair. I _will_ look up. See! in their hands are long, feathery wands +with which they sweep the flaming sky, while across its burnished arc I +see, yes, I see in letters of purple that oft-recurring +legend--_Twenty-five thousand dollars!_" + +Now, although I am not arguing this question of Spiritualism, and am +only giving to the public the history so far as I dare of an +extraordinary woman and practical Spiritualist, I cannot resist asking +the question, or putting forward the theory, which, during the progress +of this case particularly, and a thousand times before and since in a +general way, has irresistibly forced itself into my mind. I give it in +all fairness, I am sure, and only with a view that it may dispel +certain feelings of squeamishness with which a good many people approach +the subject to investigate it. I may be accused of presenting it with +too little delicacy; but the public must recollect that the nature of my +business compels me _to get at the truth_ of things, and to do that, +matters must in a majority of cases be handled without gloves. This is +my only excuse, and perhaps it may be a good defence; but in any event +this is the question: Has there ever been a so-called Spiritual +"manifestation" that has not subsequently been explained as trickery by +persons more credible of belief than its medium or originator? After +that has been answered in the affirmative, for it can be answered in no +other way, all there is left of this Spiritualistic structure is, how +account for such exhibitions as that given by Mrs. Winslow and those +given by others of her craft, even granting their personal purity, which +is undoubtedly exceptional? + +This is the question which has oftenest come into my mind in my +necessarily almost constant study of these people, and the answers, +though continually varying, have all eventually forced upon me the +conviction that this religion, as it is sacrilegiously called, only +takes hold of people of abnormal or diseased temperaments--people +diseased in mind, in morals, in body, or in all; and if that is true, as +I sincerely believe it to be, the dignifying of a disease or infirmity +as a religion is simply an absurdity too foolish for even ridicule. + +She sat rigid as a church-spire for a few moments, as if the sight of +so much money, even if only in purple letters upon a burnished sky, had +transfixed her, and then, after a little hysterical struggling, became +as limp as a camp-meeting tent after a thunder-storm; and after a few +passes of her long, white and deft fingers over her eyes in a scared +way, asked, "Oh, gentlemen, where--where am I?" + +"On the boundaries of the spirit-land," gravely replied Bristol, pushing +the bottle of liquor to the side of the table. + +The woman was certainly exhausted, for she had worked herself into such +a state mentally--precisely the same as in all similar demonstrations, +whether visions are claimed to be seen, or not--that she was completely +enervated physically, and said in a really grateful tone, "Thank you, +Mr. Bristol," and, pouring out a large portion of liquor, tossed it off +at one gulp, like a well-practised bar-room toper. + +"Yes, yes," she continued languidly, "I have a certain promise of +eventually being victorious. When the good spirits are with one, there's +no cause for fear." + +"Not the slightest," affirmed Fox sympathetically. + +"But it seems," replied Mrs. Winslow in a discouraged, desolate tone, +"as though everybody's hand is raised against me--as though the dreary +days pass so slowly--and that I haven't a true friend in the world!" + +"My dear Mrs. Winslow," interrupted Bristol in a calm, fatherly, even +affectionate tone, "that melancholy's all very fine; but we are your +friends, and we will stand by you through thick and thin to the end of +the suit. A few fast friends, you know, are better than a thousand +sunny-weather friends." + +"Oh, yes; oh, yes," returned the woman in a tone of voice that said, "I +can't argue this, but I somehow _know_ you are both betraying me," and +then, closing her eyes, and clasping her hands tightly together, sang in +a weird contralto voice, cracked and unsteady from her excitement and +exhaustion, some stanza of an evidently religious nature, the burden of +which was: + + "I am weary, weary waiting + While the shadows deeper fall; + I am weary, weary waiting + For some holy voice's call!" + +Undoubtedly the song, though desecrated by the singer, the place, and +the occasion, was a wailing plaint from the depths of the woman's soul, +for moments of utter desolation and absolute remorse come to even such +as she. + +"Now," said Bristol, becoming suddenly interested, "I'm something of a +poet myself. When the seat of government was moved from Quebec to +Ottawa, I constructed a lampoon on the government that set all Canada +awhirl. Really, Mrs. Winslow, I'm surprised at your poetical nature." + +"Poetical nature?" repeated the woman excitedly. "Why! that is what Lyon +loved in me most. My trance-sittings are wonderful exhibitions of +poetical power. In that state I can compose poems of great length and +power." + +The gentlemen of course seemed incredulous at this statement, and +challenged her to a test of her poetical trance-power, which she +instantly accepted, the wager being a quart of the best brandy that +could be had in the city of Rochester. + +Putting herself in position, she asked: "What subject?" Bristol replied, +"Lyon," when she struggled a little in her chair, kicked the floor a +little with her heels, rubbed up her eyes, gasped, and after a moment of +rest began to incant in a kind of monotone tenor: + + "Oh, Lyon, Lyon! don't you run; + The suit's begun; we'll have our fun + Before we're done. I'll tell your son + That I have won, although you shun + Your darling one!" + + "Oh, Lyon, pray, why speed away? + To fight a woman is but play. + Although you're old, and bald, and gray, + Do right by your Amanda J.-- + You'll soon be clay!" + +Amanda J. Winslow, for this was the woman's assumed name in full, might +have continued in this divine strain for an indefinite period, had not +the operatives burst into loud and prolonged laughter at her ludicrous +appearance, which so disgusted the woman that, though communicating with +celestial spheres, as she assumed to be, and undoubtedly was doing as +much as any of her craft ever did, she jumped up with a bound, savagely +told the men they were a brace of fools, and with a lively remark or +two, which had something very like an oath in it, went to bed, leaving +the men to finish the bottle and the poetry as they saw fit. + +Mrs. Winslow was a thorough church-goer, and distributed the favor of +her attendance among the orthodox churches and the "meetings" of the +members of her own faith, quite fairly--perhaps, as was natural, giving +the Washington Hall Sunday evening Spiritualistic lectures a slight +preference; and soon after the Arcade affair, which had launched her +into poetry, she returned to the rooms one Sunday evening, declaring +that all her evil spirits had left her, and that her former passionate +love for Lyon had also departed, her only desire now being for his +money. + +To show how thoroughly she had been dispossessed of her evil spirits, +she remarked that she now thoroughly hated Lyon, but it would not do to +let this appear on trial, or she would lose the sympathy of the jury. +Every effort should now be bent towards compelling him to divide his +wealth with her, whom he had so deeply wronged. There should be no +compromise; she would not even be led to the altar by him now. She would +have from him what would most annoy him, and that was his money. + +Having resolved on this, the darkness that surrounded her was dispelled +and the spirits of light rallied as a sort of standing army; and in this +beneficent condition she wished to either go into the country to +recuperate for a few weeks, or seek the retirement of Fox's room and +there expend her superfluous brain and spirit power upon a play to be +entitled "His Breach of Promise." To this end she proposed removing the +elegant furnishings of her apartments and storing them in a spare room, +giving out to callers that she was absent from the city, and then, after +having secured Fox's room, she would be able to burn the midnight oil +unmolested so long as her inspiration might continue. + +She also favored Fox and Bristol with a sketch of the play, which was to +be a sort of spectacular comedy-drama, which, according to the lady's +description, would contain certainly seven acts of five scenes each, and +would be preceded by a prologue which would play at least an hour; in +fact, it seemed that the great play "His Breach of Promise" was to be +constructed on the Chinese plan, to be continued indefinitely, and +admission only to be secured in the form of course tickets. Outside of +these great aids to the popularity of the play, it was to have the +additional startling and novel attractions of representations of her +first meeting with Lyon, his regret because she was married, his copious +tears whenever in her presence, his securing her divorce, the death of +Lyon's wife, and every manner of pathetic and ludicrous incident +connected with the case; how they each wooed and won the other, +including a grand transformation scene typical of Lyon's subsequent +treachery, and her reward of virtue in a fifty thousand dollar verdict +for damages. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + + Mr. Pinkerton decides to favor Mrs. Winslow with a Series of + Annoyances.-- The mysterious Package.-- The Detectives + labor under well-merited Suspicion.-- "My God! what's + that?"-- The deadly Phial.-- This Time a Mysterious Box.-- + Its suggestive Contents.-- "The Thing she was."-- Tabitha, + Amanda, and Hannah assaulted.-- A Punch and Judy Show. + + +The reports which I had for some time received daily regarding Mrs. +Winslow's behavior satisfied me that the delay in reaching the +Winslow-Lyon case--which was at the bottom of the docket of the fall +term, and on account of a press of court business had been put over to +the winter term--the strict silence I had enjoined upon Mr. Lyon, and +the general suspicion which possessed her of everybody and everything, +were all having the natural effect of unsettling her completely, and I +determined upon a series of surprises and annoyances to the woman, +without in any way apprising Bristol and Fox of what was to be done; so +that although they might imagine from what source the unwelcome +"materializations" came, they would still be sufficiently uninformed to +share in the general surprise and escape the charge of complicity. + +I accordingly sent three additional men to Rochester with thorough +instructions and full information as to the madam's residence and +habits, with a description of her tenants, including Bristol and Fox, +who were unknown to the operatives sent. + +My object in doing this was a double one. I desired, first, to test the +woman's so-called spirit power; for, should these annoyances prove of +the nature of a persecution, she and her friends, the Spiritualists, +would be able to call celestial spirits to her aid, or, better still, +divine from whence the persecution came, and compel its discontinuance +by the means provided by ordinary mortals. In case she could not do +this, which was of course rather doubtful, I knew from her +superstitiousness and the guilty fear possessed by every criminal, which +she largely shared, that she would be quite likely to either make some +confessions which would implicate her in further blackmailing +operations, or force her into a line of conduct agreeing perfectly with +her true character, and which would compel her to show herself +thoroughly to the public; and further, I think I must confess to a +slight desire to assist a little in punishing her, after I had become so +fully aware of her villainous character. + +Accordingly, while Mrs. Winslow was still deep in the plot of her great +drama, but before the changes suggested--which would have made her a +sort of literary nun in Fox's room--had occurred, she was the recipient +of a large package of railway time-tables, with the farthest terminus of +each road underscored, and further called attention to by a hand and +index finger pointing towards it from Rochester, intimating that it was +either desired or demanded, on the part of somebody, that she should +leave Rochester for one of the points indicated. + +When Bristol and Fox returned "home," as they had come to call their +lodgings, that evening, Mrs. Winslow was at her escritoire, completely +immersed in time-tables and manuscript, and had all the air of an +important author struggling for fitting expressions with which to clothe +some suddenly inspired, though sublime idea. + +She looked at them closely a moment, as if she would read their very +thoughts. Whether seeing anything suspicious or not, she remarked very +pointedly: + +"Good deal of railroad rivalry nowadays, isn't there?" + +"Yes, considerable," replied Bristol pleasantly, and then asking, "Are +you going to introduce some rival railroads in your new play, Mrs. +Winslow?" + +"Not much!" she answered tersely. + +"I wouldn't," replied Bristol, taking a seat near the chandelier and +pulling a paper from his pocket; "they're dangerous." + +Mrs. Winslow paid no attention to this, but suddenly eyed Fox, and +sharply asked: + +"They like very much to sell through tickets, don't they?" + +"I believe they do--ought to pay better," he promptly rejoined, eyeing +her in return. + +"Well," said she, after a slight pause, and as if with something of a +sigh, "it's all right, perhaps; but if either of you should meet any +railroad agent who seems to be laboring under the delusion that I want +to found a colony in some far country, just tell him to expend his +energies in some other direction!" + +Of course my operatives were surprised, and demanded an explanation; but +the recipient of the circulars was quite dignified, and would only clear +the matter up by occasional little passionate bursts of confidence, as +if finding fault with them for not being able to unravel the mystery to +her. They protested they knew nothing about the matter, and she +undoubtedly believed them; but she ventured to inform them that if +anybody--mind you, anybody--supposed they could scare her away from +Rochester by any such hint as that, they were mightily mistaken, that's +all there was about _that_. + +My detectives allayed her fears as much as possible, but it was plainly +observable that she was really annoyed by the occurrence. There is +always a hundred times more terror in the fear of unknown evil than in +that which we can boldly meet, and this particularly applies to those +who know they _deserve_ punishment, as in Mrs. Winslow's case. + +The next evening they were all sitting discussing general topics and a +pint of peach brandy, and had become exceedingly sociable, particularly +over the railroad circulars, which Fox and Bristol had by this time +induced her to regard in the light of a huge joke, or error, when the +party were suddenly startled by some object which caused a peculiar +ringing, yet deadened sound, as it struck the partly-opened door and +then bounded upon the carpet where it glisteningly rolled out of sight +under the sofa where the thoroughly-scared Mrs. Winslow sat. + +"My God! what's that?" she screamed, rushing to the door and peering +down the staircase, as rapidly retreating footsteps were distinctly +heard; but not being able to discover anybody, scrambled back into the +room, shutting and bolting the door behind her. + +The woman was deathly pale, the color brought to her face by the brandy +having been driven from it as if by some terrible blow; but it came back +with her into the room, where Bristol and Fox _appeared_ nearly as +frightened as she. + +She looked at them a moment in a dazed, stupefied way, and then +demanded: "What does this mean?" + +"That's what I'd like to know!" returned Bristol, hunting for his +quizzers, which he had lost in his jump from his chair. "This is all +very fine, but it's pretty plain somebody here's sent for!" + +"And _I_ don't want to go!" chimed in Fox, climbing down from a safe +position upon the _escritoire_. + +The three looked at each other in an extremely suspicious way, and the +woman again demanded, this time threateningly, what it all meant. + +[Illustration: _The three looked at each other in an extremely +suspicious way.--_] + +"Something with a glitter, and it rolled under there," was all Bristol +could tell her about it. + +"Let's get it, whatever it is!" said Fox, with an apparent burst of +bravery and spirit. + +So Bristol at one end and Fox at the other end of the sofa, rolled it +out with a great show of caution, while Mrs. Winslow, though +preserving a good position for observation, kept nimbly out of the way. + +"What can it be?" she persisted excitedly. + +"A vial sealed with red wax, with a string attached, and containing some +clear liquid," said Fox, stooping to pick it up. + +"Don't--don't, Fox!" shouted Bristol, pushing him back impetuously; "the +devilish thing may burst and kill us all--nitro-glycerine, you know!" + +Mrs. Winslow shuddered, drew her elegant wrappings about her fair +shoulders, as if the thought chilled her like the sudden opening of some +cold vault, and looked appealingly at the two men. + +"Or might contain some deadly poison," said Fox, in a warning tone. + +"And the fiend who threw it in here expected the bottle to break and the +poison to murder us!" said Mrs. Winslow indignantly. + +"Things have come to a pretty pass when attempts like this are made on +people's lives!" said Bristol, adjusting his spectacles and edging +towards the mysterious missile. + +"I shall move at once," stoutly affirmed Mrs. Winslow. + +"Don't do any such thing," said Fox earnestly. "That will only show +whoever may be committing these indignities that we are alarmed by +them." + +"We?--_we?_" repeated the adventuress, with a peculiar accent upon the +word "we." "It isn't you men that is meant. It's _me_. This is some of +that Lyon's doings. Oh, I could cut his heart out!" + +The detectives saw that she was getting greatly excited, and Bristol, +with a view of quieting her as much as possible for the night, picked up +the vial by a string tied to it and hung it upon a nail, remarking that +he was something of a chemist himself and didn't believe it was +explosive, and also expressed a conviction that Mrs. Winslow should have +it analyzed. + +To this she acceded, and expressed a determination to "get even" with +the author of these outrages, in which laudable resolve the detectives +promised to assist her; but the peach brandy seemed the only relief +possible to Mrs. Winslow for the remainder of the evening, which was +chiefly passed in wild speculations and theories concerning the new +"manifestations," which she began to fear might be the result of jealous +clairvoyants and vindictive spiritualists, who had endeavored to +blackmail both herself and Mr. Lyon, and, failing in this, were now +persecuting her. + +The next day Mrs. Winslow went out quietly and secured the services of a +chemist under the Osborne House, who pronounced the contents nothing but +water, which proved a great relief to the agitated trio, but did not +remove from Mrs. Winslow's mind the anxiety and unrest that these +undesired and unlooked-for materializations were causing. + +About noon, after Fox and Bristol had come in from a little stroll and +they were all laughing over the scare of the previous evening, a step +was heard on the stairs, and soon after a little man with a big box on +his shoulder, and a slouched hat on his head which hid his face pretty +thoroughly, came to the head of the stairs, knocked at the door, and +without waiting for an invitation to come in, entered, and depositing +the box with the remark, "For Mrs. Winslow, from the Misses Grim," +spryly sprang back, shut the door, and clattered away down the stairs +and into the street before Mrs. Winslow could get a second look at him, +though she sprang after him, shouting, "Here! here! come back here or +I'll have you arrested!" But he only clattered away the livelier, and +she returned to the room raging and vowing that the box contained some +infernal machine for the purpose of distributing minute portions of her +anatomy all over the city of Rochester. + +This became more likely when Mrs. Winslow recollected that the Misses +Grim--Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah--were the three old maids from whom +she had thought she had secured a wealthy old banker to pluck; and +though he had proven to her a very ordinary man, somewhat infirm from +rheumatism, and a trifle quarrelsome, though eminently virtuous and +punctilious, she had never, of course, let them know how badly she had +been swindled; and as they yet regarded their lost boarder, Bristol, as +a priceless treasure, lost to them through her perfidy, it was no more +than natural, Mrs. Winslow thought, that in their chagrin and +disappointment they should concoct some diabolical plan to injure her. + +But still it might not be from them. She had other enemies, many of +them, and the Misses Grim's name might have been given to cover up some +other person's misdeeds. But whatever it might be, her curiosity soon +overcame her fear, and she requested Fox to open it. + +After securing a hammer from his room, the latter proceeded to open the +mysterious box; but after the cover had been partially drawn and it was +evident that the box had not been delivered for the purpose of +exterminating anybody, it occurred to its fair owner that there might be +something within it not desirable for her to let the gentlemen see, +whereupon she requested them to retire; but after Bristol had +grumblingly disappeared, and Fox had got to the door, she recalled the +latter and asked him anxiously if he would not open it for her. He +gallantly agreed to, and got down on his knees upon the carpet and began +taking off the cover. + +"I do wonder what it can be!" said Mrs. Winslow anxiously. + +"I can't find anything but bran," returned Fox, digging about the box +carefully. + +"Bran!" she exclaimed incredulously; "that box is too heavy for bran." + +Fox dug away for a little while longer and finally shouted, "I've got +something!" + +"And what is that something?" + +The question was answered by the thing itself, which now appeared from +the bottom of the box, vigorously lifted by Fox's hand and plumped +through the bran upon the carpet. + +"Well, what is it?" she demanded. + +"Vegetable," said Fox tersely. + +"Oh, pshaw! is _that_ all?" asked the disgusted woman. + +"Yes, that's all," he replied, after digging about in the bran for a +moment. Mrs. Winslow also satisfied herself that it was all by searching +in the bran, and the two then proceeded to investigate the vegetable. + +"It's a turnip, and somebody's been digging in it," said Mrs. Winslow. + +"I think you are mistaken," mildly interposed Fox. "It's something else +entirely." + +"What's this!" exclaimed the woman; "sure as I live, a cross-bones and +skull on one side, and on the other side, 'D-e-a-d'--dead!" + +"It isn't dead turnip!" interrupted Fox. + +"Dead beet?" she asked musingly, a sudden crimson flooding into her +face. + +"Shouldn't wonder," he answered. + +Biting her lips she glided to a window. It was a cold autumn day, and +the panes rattled drearily as she seemed to shrink and hide between them +and the heavy curtains, while the color came and went hotly in her face. +It hurt her, wounded her, showed her to be the thing she was in a way +that could never have been effected by ten thousand innuendoes or direct +charges; and she pressed her face against the cold panes as if to force +and drive away the hideous picture that a momentarily honest glimpse of +herself had revealed to her, and continued standing thus, buried in the +memories which build remorse, until, noticing the thing in her hand +which had caused this humiliation, she flung it violently across the +room, and rushing into her sleeping-room, hastily prepared for going +out, then dashing through the reception-room, she passed into the hall, +and meeting Bristol, said: + +"Bristol, I want you to come with me!" + +Bristol immediately complied, but was given a lively chase, for Mrs. +Winslow was strong of limb, fleet of foot, and, on this occasion, was +impelled by a burst of spirit which, if rightly directed, would have led +a conquering army. + +She started directly for Main Street, and turned up that thoroughfare at +a pace which attracted considerable attention. After rapidly walking two +blocks she swept across the street, and after having waited for Bristol +to come up with her, plunged into the little restaurant under Washington +Hall, with my operative close at her heels. + +The sudden entrance of the couple caused a great commotion in the quaint +little eating-room, and the drowsy customers smiled when they saw the +unaccustomed form of the woman whom the Misses Grim--Tabitha, Amanda and +Hannah--had taken no trouble to prevent being known as her deadly enemy. + +Tabitha, the most ancient, at once bristled up and took a position +behind her neat counter, her wrinkled head trembling with so much +excitement that her sparse curls created a kind of quivering nimbus +about it. + +"Well, ma'am and what can _I_ do for _you_?" asked Tabitha with a flaunt +of her head and a sarcastic tinge in her voice. + +Mrs. Winslow got to the counter in two or three quick jumps or starts, +and asked, husky with rage, "I--I just want to know which one of you old +straws sent that box to me?" + +"Box to _you_!" jerked out Amanda, the next less ancient of the Misses +Grim, who had just entered and at once stopped stock still to catch Mrs. +Winslow's remark; "box to you? Tush!--box to nobody!" and she too sidled +in behind the counter to reinforce, and tremble with, her very old +sister. + +"Oh, you can't play your innocence on me!" retorted Mrs. Winslow very +violently. "You wear very white collars, and very black caps and very +straight dresses, and look very saintly, but you're just three old +witches; that's what you are!" + +"Pooh, pooh!" snorted Tabitha and Amanda hysterically. + +"Pooh, pooh! if you like; but if I find out which one of you sent that +box, I'll--I'll shake every bone in her old body into a match!" shouted +Mrs. Winslow, dancing up and down against the counter and working her +fingers savagely. + +"Match?" responded Hannah, the least ancient and most fiery of the three +virgins, and who entered at this critical moment; "match indeed! you're +a match for anything villainous!" and then she too trotted behind the +counter to throw the weight of her presence into the conflict. + +By this time the interested customers had gathered around, and people +from the street, noticing the unwonted enthusiasm awakened in the +Washington Hall restaurant, were rapidly collecting upon the outside and +flattening their curious noses against the intervening panes. + +Mrs. Winslow could no more control herself than could the old maids, and +quickened by the presence of the increasing crowd, burst into a +screaming demand for the person who sent the "dead" beet to her. + +"Dead beat!--ha, ha, ha!" laughed the three sisters convulsively, at +once realizing the appropriateness of the joke and excitedly enjoying +it; "dead beat, eh? we didn't do it!" "But," added Hannah, maliciously, +"if you do find the person as did send it, Mrs. Winslow, and will send +'em around, we'll board 'em for a month free!" + +There was war, direful war, imminent; and no one could imagine what +might have resulted had the conflict of tongues culminated in a conflict +of hands. But to have seen the three ancient, prim, and trembling women +on the one side, and the ponderous, though handsome Mrs. Winslow on the +other--the old maids either with arms akimbo or with hands firmly +clenched upon the counter's edge as if to compel restraint, their bodies +weaving back and forth, their heads bobbing up and down, and their stray +frills and curls wildly dancing as if each particular hair was in a mad +ecstasy of its own; and Mrs. Winslow, upon her side of the counter, in a +perfect frenzy of excitement, stamping her feet, jumping backward and +forward, bringing her clenched hand down upon the counter with terrible +force for a woman, and shaking it furiously at the agitated row of old +maids, would be to have witnessed a marvellous improvement upon any +form of the Punch and Judy show ever exhibited. + +[Illustration: _"A marvelous improvement over any form of the Punch and +Judy show ever exhibited."--_] + +Bristol saw that unless they were separated he would become implicated +in a case of assault and battery, and after great effort pacified the +women sufficiently to enable him to pilot his landlady out of the +restaurant, through the streets and finally into her own apartments, +where she passed the remainder of the dreary day in weeping, storms of +baffled rage, or protracted applications to the spirits which can be +controlled, whether one is a spiritualist or not, so long as money lasts +and total prohibition is not enforced. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + + Cast down.-- "Trifles."-- A charitable Offering.-- + Dreariness.-- Going Crazy.-- An interrupted Seance.-- A + new Form of the Devil.-- The Red-herring Expedition and + its Result.-- A mad Dutchman.-- Desolation.-- An order for + a Coffin.-- The sympathizing Undertaker, Mr. Boxem. + + +Mrs. Winslow now began to show great perturbation of spirits. In +conversation with my detectives, who endeavored to cheer her up and lead +her to regard these surprises as mere jokes not worth any person's +notice, she constantly argued the opposite, and thus arguing, conjured +up countless possibilities of harm, gradually working herself into that +condition of mind where every little unusual noise or movement of any +person in the building or upon the street was a signal for some +querulous inquiry or complaint. + +She was also very much worried concerning her suit, and went about among +the Spiritualists seeking their advice and encouragement, and giving and +receiving a good deal of scandal concerning the case. From one she would +hear that Lyon was employing certain other mediums in his behalf, and +that she had better look out for them. Another would inform her that +Lyon had several other mistresses, among them a Miss Susie Roberts, and +a Madame La Motte, both Spiritualists and mediums, from whom Lyon +intended to prove her bad character, and whom she, in turn, vowed she +would have subpÅ“naed in her own behalf, and impeach their testimony +through what she could compel them to admit of both themselves and Lyon. +At other places she learned that these persecutions were Lyon's work +entirely, or rather, the work of his agents, principal among whom were +the two ladies mentioned. And, in fact, wherever she went she heard or +found something to give her uneasiness or cause her unrest. + +"Yes," she said sadly to my operatives, "I can't stand this sort of +thing much longer." + +"Oh, nonsense!" rejoined Bristol; "you haven't been hurt, have you?" + +"No; but I can't tell when I shall be. That's what I can't bear." + +"But I thought you were a woman of too great force of character to allow +trifles to trouble you," exclaimed Fox tauntingly. + +"Trifles!" said she hotly; "trifles! Is expecting every moment to be +murdered, or blown up, a trifle? Is fearing that everything you taste +will poison you, or everything you touch do you deadly harm, a trifle?" + +"People will think you deserve to be annoyed if you show them you are +annoyed," argued Fox. + +"I have long since ceased to care what people think. Sometimes I am sure +I hate every human being; and I do believe the more the world hates me, +the more money I make. If these things are not stopped soon, I tell +you," she continued in a tone of voice that seemed to say they could +stay the annoyances if they would, "I'll go to St Louis and attend to my +cases there!" + +This opened the eyes of my operatives, and they simultaneously conveyed +the intimation to each other that careful working might secure some +information about any St. Louis cases the woman might have which would +be desirable; and in a short time, by gradually leading Mrs. Winslow on, +they discovered that the brazen adventuress, according to her own story, +had pending no less than seven cases in the Circuit Court at St. Louis, +every one of them being suits on some trivial, trumped-up charge. + +It seemed fated that Mrs. Winslow should leave Rochester, if her +remaining depended upon these mysterious offerings ceasing, for while +they were yet in conversation upon the subject, a colored porter called +with a great basket-load of provisions, and without a word, after +spreading a newspaper upon the carpet, began unloading his store. + +"In heaven's name, who sent you here with those?" she entreated of the +colored gentleman. + +"It's all right; it's all right," he said soothingly, and winking hard +at my operatives. + +"But it isn't all right; it's all wrong!" she retorted, warming. + +"Guess not, missus; lemme see: Quart split peas, quart beans, one +punking, jug m'lasses, 'n a mackerel. Done got 'em all, sure!" + +"Where did they come from, you black imp?" the woman demanded, +advancing threateningly. + +He grabbed his basket quickly, and, slowly retreating towards the door, +winked again very knowingly at Bristol and Fox, tapped his forehead and +shook his head deploringly, and then nodded towards Mrs. Winslow, very +plainly saying in pantomime, "Poor thing!--badly demented!" and, as Mrs. +Winslow, in the excess of her anger, made a dive at him, he sprang back +through the door, ejaculating, "Lo'd, _ain't_ she crazy, though!" and +made good his escape, laughing with that expression of complete +enjoyment which only an Ethiopian can give. + +Mrs. Winslow was now thoroughly convinced that the two men who had been +her constant companions of late had had something to do with annoying +her, and she cunningly followed the negro to the store where he was +employed, where she at once sharply questioned the proprietor, who told +her just as sharply that only a few minutes before, a ministerial-looking +man, claiming to be city missionary for some church up-town, called and +purchased the goods, remarking that they were for some crazy woman +living in the block next to Meech's opera-house, whom he had just +visited, and found to be possessed of the peculiar mania that she would +receive no provisions save in full dress in the presence of her +physicians, and that it was his desire to so humor her. So he had +entrusted the errand to the colored man, who had carried out the +instructions given him; and that that was all there was about it. + +When she returned crestfallen to the apartments, and Bristol and Fox +had heard her story, they so derided it, claiming that the groceryman +had fallen in love with her and invented the story upon the spur of the +moment, fearing to disclose his languishing affection, she now believed +that they were innocent of complicity in the matter and seemed to lapse +into a bewildered sort of condition, where she would wander about the +rooms, suspiciously pass and repass my operatives and searchingly +scrutinize their faces, and for long periods stand at the dreary window +peering into the street as if into a dead blank, never noticing the +scurrying snow-flakes which were coming as a silent prelude to another +winter, and only occasionally breaking the silence by murmuring, "Crazy? +crazy? Yes, I _shall_ become so if these terrible things are not +stopped!" + +But Mrs. Winslow had seen too much of life and was too hard a citizen +generally to be terribly borne down by these manifestations for any +great length of time, though they completely overpowered her at their +occurrence, and she was allowed to become quite cheery before being +favored with another materialization, which came in the following +manner. + +They were having a pleasant little seance in the rooms one evening soon +after the colored grocery porter had accused Mrs. Winslow of being +crazy, and the several ladies and gentlemen collected there were engaged +in communing with the Spiritualistic heaven in the old and very common +table-rapping method. They were, as a rule, lank, lean people, the +ladies wearing short hair, and the gentlemen wearing long hair. This, +with a few other affectations and irregularities, was nothing against +them, had it not been equally as true that, according to my operatives' +subsequent inquiries, every member of this company was either living in +open adultery or practising all manner of lewdness without even the +convenient cloak of an assumption or pretension that the marriage +relations existed. But, good or bad as they were, they were at the +threshold of heaven, and had very appropriately darkened the room to get +as near to it as possible without being seen, and only the faintest +possible jet flickered in the chandelier. They had all, save Mrs. +Winslow, been served with a message, and she was now the inquirer, +solemnly asking of another medium some information from the dear +departed from over the river. + +"Shall I soon receive word from an absent friend?"--(evidently meaning +Le Compte, who had disappeared a month or two previous). Three +affirmative raps followed. + +"Shall I succeed in my case against Lyon?" The spirits were certain that +she would. + +"Shall I be rewarded for all my trouble?" she asked, waiting tremblingly +for an answer. + +To this inquiry three thundering raps were heard at the door. + +What could it mean? + +The members of the little circle were completely unnerved. And it was +not strange either. Here were nearly a dozen people closely huddled in +the centre of a room so dark that only the dim, indistinct outline of +any person, or thing, could be seen in the ghostly gloaming. They +believed, pretended they believed, or acquiesced in the belief or +pretension, that they were in direct communication with the spirit-land. + +In the most ridiculous condition of mind which any person might enter +into such a performance, the secrecy and mysteriousness of the seance, +the hushed silence, the darkness, and that tension of the mind caused by +a constant expectation of some startling manifestation, will compel in +the most sceptical mind a strange feeling of solemnity akin to awe; so +that when Mrs. Winslow's last inquiry was answered so pat, as well as +with such an alarming loudness, the entire company sprang to their feet, +and on this occasion there was genuine surprise in the faces of my +detectives. + +Bang, bang, bang! came the second series of raps, which promised Mrs. +Winslow she should be "rewarded for all her trouble." + +But the answer, in the way it came, didn't seem to satisfy her. Somebody +stepped to the chandelier and turned on the light, which showed all the +company to have been considerably startled; but the hostess was white +from fear. + +"Won't _somebody_ see what new form of the devil has been sent here to +annoy me?" she asked passionately. + +Fox, as "somebody," stepped briskly to the door and turned the key just +as the first "Bang!" of another series of raps was begun, and opening +it quickly discovered a dapper young fellow with a big black bottle held +by the neck in his hand, which was raised for the purpose of giving the +door bang number two. + +In response to Fox's loud and sharp inquiry as to what on earth was +wanted, he reversed the position of the bottle with the dexterity of a +bar-tender, took from the floor a huger basket than that brought by the +colored porter, and slipping into the room, nodded familiarly to Mrs. +Winslow, and then coolly to the company, after which he quietly +proceeded to unload his store. + +"Great heavens!" said she despairingly, "I _don't_ want those things +left here. I have no need for anything of the kind. I take my meals at +the Osborne House!" + +"Gettin' 'toney' lately!" responded the intruder with a shrug, piling +the packages up neatly in one corner and taking no heed of her expressed +wish concerning them. + +There was no response to this, and he resumed in a light and airy tone: +"Times has changed, Mrs. ----; eh? What _was_ it at Memphis and Helena, +anyhow?" + +This reference to the less aristocratic, though quite as respectable, +vocation of a female camp-follower, though it caused the woman to change +color rapidly, only brought from her the remark, "I don't know what you +mean, sir! I'll get even with whoever is responsible for this +outrage"--here she glared around upon the company as if to ascertain +whether any one present was guilty--"if it costs me a thousand dollars!" + +The new-comer only smiled sarcastically at this and checked off his +packages, concluding the operation by carefully counting two dozen red +herrings, whose aroma was sufficient to announce their presence if he +had not exhibited them at all; while members of the company looked about +them and at each other as if for some explanation of the strange +proceeding. + +Finally, Mrs. Winslow, with a mighty effort to restrain herself, +advanced and asked the young man if he would not please give her the +name of the person to whom she was indebted for the articles. + +He arose, and smiling blandly, remarked, "You didn't used to be so +particular about presents and such things!" Then he added with a meaning +leer: "At Helena and St. Louis, ye know, old girl!" + +"Old girl!" the ladies all screamed. "Why what _does_ this mean, Mrs. +Winslow?" + +"Nothing, nothing!" she replied hastily; and then she hurried the too +talkative young fellow away, and came back into the room with a show of +gayety. But it broke up the little party, and soon after the ladies, +with frigid excuses about not having very much time, and the gentlemen, +with peculiar glances out of the corners of their eyes towards the woman +who had been so familiarly termed an "old girl," took their departure, +leaving Bristol, Fox, Mrs. Winslow and the melancholy pile of packages +surmounted by aromatic red herrings in a state of solemn, moody silence. + +Bristol was first to break the stillness, which he did by asking rather +testily: + +"You think Fox and I have had something to do with this, don't you?" + +She looked at him a moment as if she would read his innermost thoughts, +and replied: "No, I don't! It comes from some of those strumpets of +mediums, and I would give a good deal--a good deal, mind you, +Bristol!--to know who it was. I'd--I'd----" + +"What would you do?" asked Fox, putting her on her mettle for a savage +answer. + +"I would either burn them out, poison them, push them over the falls, or +lie in wait for them and shoot them!" + +Mrs. Winslow said this with as much sincerity and coolness as if giving +an estimate on any ordinary business transaction, and evidently meant +it. + +"Oh, you wouldn't kill anybody, Winslow," replied Fox airily. + +"Wouldn't I, though, Mr. Fox?" she rejoined with the old glitter in her +eyes and paleness upon her upper lip that had at an earlier period +worried the Rev. Mr. Bland; "wouldn't I? If you had fifty thousand +dollars in your trunk, I would kill you, appropriate the money, cut you +up and pack you in the trunk and ship you to the South--or some other +hot climate by the next express!" + +She was just as earnest about the remark as she would have been in +carrying out the act; and after Fox had congratulated himself, both +aloud cheerfully and in his own mind very thankfully, that neither his +trunk, or for that matter his imagination, contained any such gorgeous +sum, he went to his own room for the night, leaving the very excited +Mrs. Winslow and the very calm Mr. Bristol to contemplate the groceries +and each other. + +After a few minutes' brown study she suddenly turned to her companion +with: "Bristol, you and I are pretty good friends, aren't we?" + +"Certainly," he replied. + +"And haven't I always treated you pretty well?" + +"Yes; with one exception." + +"What is that?" + +"The sleep-walking you did in my room." + +"Oh, that's nothing, Bristol. Never happened but once, and won't occur +again. Otherwise I have treated you pretty well, haven't I?" + +Bristol felt compelled to confess that she had. + +"Well, then," she continued wheedlingly, "will you do me a favor?" + +"What is it?" + +"I want you to take a walk with me." + +"Pretty late, Winslow, pretty late; nearly ten o'clock," replied the +detective, looking at his watch. + +"The later the better," she replied earnestly. "I want to use those +herrings." + +"Use those herrings! Why, there are at least two dozen. How on earth +will you use them all?" + +"Some of these humbug mediums," replied Mrs. Winslow in a style of +expression that showed her to be very familiar with the Spiritualists, +"or old Lyon himself, have sent me these things. I'm going to adorn the +door knob of every one of their places with a string of herrings. In +that way I'll hit the right one sure. Come, won't you go?" + +Bristol saw that the woman would go anyhow, and fearing that she might +get into some trouble that would cause her arrest and thus expose him +and Bristol to public notice, which a capable detective will always +avoid, consented to accompany the woman, which so pleased her that she +immediately sent out for brandy, and not only imbibed an inordinate +amount of it herself, but also pressed it upon Bristol unsparingly. + +Her mind seemed filled with the idea that Lyon had become the "affinity" +of nearly every female medium of prominence in the city in order to +further his designs against her; and to remind them that they were +watched, she had Bristol write "Lyon-La Motte," "Lyon-Roberts," "Lyon- +----," etc., upon about a half-dozen couples of herrings, and upon all +the rest, save those intended for the Misses Grim, which were labelled +"Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah," she had written the names of the +different ladies who, in her imagination, had supplanted her, and tied +all the herrings so labelled together with one very dilapidated herring +marked "Lyon." It is needless to say that the latter bundle of sarcasm +was intended for the ornamentation of Mr. Lyon's residence. + +Bristol felt like a very bad thief, and Mrs. Winslow acted like a very +foolish one. The moment they gained the street she began a series of +absurd performances that well-nigh distracted Bristol and greatly +increased the danger of police surveillance. She laughed hysterically, +chuckled, and expressed her delight in a noisy effort to repress it, +until the tears would roll down her face. Occasionally they would meet +or pass parties who knew her, who would say to companions, in the tone +and manner with which they would have probably spoken of other +sensations, "There's the Winslow!" when she would shrink and shudder up +to Bristol's side, begging for the shelter and protection of his +capacious cloak. Again, imagining she saw somebody following them, or +was sure that loungers lingering in deserted doorways or at the entrance +to dark hallways or alleys were detectives on their trail, she would +give the patient Bristol such nudges as nearly took his breath away, +and, at his lively protest, would whimper and tremble like a querulous +child. + +Their first work was to be done on State Street, near Main, and when +they had arrived at a certain hallway, Mrs. Winslow insisted that +Bristol should accompany her to the rooms which she desired to decorate. +This he flatly refused to do, when she began moaning something about +want of spirit, and then, with a sudden gathering of the admirable +quality for her own use, stole quietly up stairs and in a moment after +came plunging down, as if the inmates of the entire block had turned out +to give her chase. But this was not the case, and the expedition +progressed without any developments of note, Mrs. La Motte, Miss Susie +Roberts, and the Misses Grim being properly remembered, until they +arrived at Mr. Lyon's residence, some little distance from the thickly +settled portions of the city. + +The house was one of the rambling, moss-covered buildings of ancient +style and structure, and was set back from the road some distance among +a score of trees quite as grand and ancient as the mansion itself; and +the old pile did have a gloomy appearance to the adventurous couple that +paused breathlessly before the gates. + +"Bristol," said Mrs. Winslow shiveringly, "do you know that sometimes, +when I see that great black pile up there, I'm glad he didn't marry me?" + +"Why?" her companion impatiently asked. He was getting cold and tired, +and was in no condition to appreciate maudlin melancholy. + +"Because I'm sure I'd die in the old rack-o'-bones of a place; and +besides that, I'm sure there are spooks there!" + +"Pooh, pooh!" sneered Bristol angrily; "go along and attend to your +business, or I'll go back and leave you!" + +Thus admonished, the sentimental lady proceeded with her work. + +For some reason the gate was very hard to open, and considerable time +was consumed in getting into the grounds. Then it was a long walk to the +house. Bristol anxiously watched the woman move slowly along the broad +walk until she disappeared in the shadows which surrounded the house and +the darkness of the night; and it seemed an age to him, as he stamped +his feet as hard as he dare upon the stone pavement and whipped his +hands about his shoulders to drive away the chilliness which he found +creeping on. + +He heard her footsteps first, then saw her emerge from the gloom, and +finally saw her stop as if to listen. He also listened very intently, +and thought he heard somebody moving about the house; and was +immediately satisfied of the correctness of his hearing by noticing that +Mrs. Winslow suddenly turned towards the road and made remarkably good +time to the gate, which, feeling sure of trouble, he made strenuous +efforts to open. + +"For heaven's sake, Bristol," she gasped, "why _don't_ you open this +gate. I'll be eaten up with the dogs, and we'll both be caught!" + +The last clause of Mrs. Winslow's remark roused Bristol to a vigorous +exercise of his muscle. He tugged away at the gate, shook it, threw +himself against it from one side, and his companion threw herself +against it from the other side; but all in vain. Not a moment was to be +lost. Lights were seen flashing to and fro in the great mansion, angry +voices came to them, with the by nowise cheering short, gruff, savage +responses of loosened bulldogs, and in a moment more the front door was +passed by two men and as many dogs that came dashing out in full +pursuit. + +Matters at the gate were approaching a crisis. The gate could not be +opened, and Mrs. Winslow must pass it or get captured. + +"Climb or die!" urged Bristol, reaching through the pickets of the +gate, which was a high one, and lifting on the portly form of the +excited woman. + +"I will, Bristol!" she returned, with a gasp. + +And she did climb! + +[Illustration: _"And she did climb!"--_] + +It was best that she did so, as a good deal of trouble was coming down +that brick walk like a small hurricane, and it would logically strike +her in a position and from a direction that would not enable her to +respond; and if either or both of those dogs had been able to have +grasped the situation, partially impaled as she was upon the pickets, +the fascinating Mrs. Winslow would have fallen an easy prey. + +She was very clumsy about it, but in her desperation she in some way +managed to scale the gate, leaving a good portion of her skirts and +dress flying signals of distress upon the pickets, and finally fell into +Bristol's arms. It was a moment when silk and fine raiment were as +bagatelle in the estimate of chances for escape, and it was but the work +of an instant for Bristol to tear her like a ship from her fastenings +and make a grand rush towards home. + +Those portions of Mrs. Winslow's garments which were left flaunting upon +the gate not only set the dogs wild, but served to detain them. The men +were also halted a minute by the natural curiosity they awakened, after +which they made a furious onslaught upon the gate, that only yielded +after sufficient time had elapsed to enable the culprits to get some +distance ahead, when the men and dogs started pell-mell down the street +after them. + +Bristol fortunately remembered that when they were nearing Lyon's +house, he had noticed that the door leading to an alley in the rear of a +pretentious residence had been blown open and was then swaying back and +forth in the wind. With the advantage in the chase given by the dog's +criticism upon Mrs. Winslow's wearing apparel and the men's hinderance +at the gate, they were able to seek shelter here, which they did with +the utmost alacrity, fastening the gate behind them, where they +tremblingly listened to the pursuers tearing by. + +Mrs. Winslow insisted on immediately rushing out and taking the other +direction, but Bristol, feeling sure that the party would go but a short +distance, held on to her until the two men returned with the dogs, +swearing at their luck, and telling each other wonderful tales of +burglaries that never took place, while Bristol thoughtfully put in the +time by making Mrs. Winslow's skirts as presentable as possible, by the +aid of the pins which every prudent man carries under the right-hand +collar of his coat, and hurriedly ascertaining from her that she had +unfortunately tied the herrings upon the door-bell instead of the +door-knob, thus involving pursuit. + +After everything had become quiet, and Bristol had made several +expeditions of observation to doubly assure himself of the coast being +clear, the couple stole cautiously out of the alley into the deserted +street, and after much precaution and many alarms, caused by the +creaking of signs, the sudden flaring of gas-lamps, and the fierce gusts +of wind dashing after and into them around the sharp corners of +buildings, they at last arrived at home past midnight; and, having +ordered it as they neared the block, for a half-hour longer they sipped +hot toddy by a rousing coal fire, recounting their exploits of the +night, and eventually retiring with something of the spirit of +conquerors upon them. + +Down came the snow and the wind next morning, two things which will +usually in early winter call a whole cityful out of bed, and set the +human tides in a rapid motion. Fox and Bristol had long before got into +the streets and had heartily enjoyed some newspaper items, one +recounting racily the outrage of labeled herrings being hung to the +door-knobs of the houses of many respectable citizens, and another, +under glaring head-lines, giving the minutest details of a desperate +attempt at burglary of Mr. Lyon's house, and a double-leaded editorial +which agonizedly asked in every variety of form, "Where are our police?" +But Mrs. Winslow, from her adventures and toddy of the previous night, +slept late and long, and when she did come creeping out into the +sleeping-room, half dressed and altogether unlovely in disposition and +appearance, she looked out upon the snow-flakes and the crowds of people +without any emotion save that of anger at being aroused. + +The only thing to be seen of anything like an unusual object was a very +large load of hay standing at the entrance of the building; but of +course this had no particular interest to a Spiritualist. She had had a +half-formed impression that she had heard knocking at the door, and she +turned from the window to ascertain whether that impression had been +correct. Throwing a shawl about her head and shoulders, she unlocked the +door and peered out cautiously. There was nobody there, and the wind +whistled up the stairs so drearily that she closed the door with a slam, +and after starting up the fire, which was slumbering on the hearth, she +crept into bed again. + +She had no more than got at the drowsy threshold of dreamland than she +was startled by a loud knocking, this time proceeding from something +besides an impression of the mind, each knock being accompanied by some +lively expression of German impatience. The demonstration was +intelligible, if the words were not, and Mrs. Winslow bounded out of her +bed and into the reception-room in no pleasant frame of mind. + +On protecting her form as much as her indelicate disposition +required--and that was not much--she flung the door open and savagely +asked: + +"What's wanted?" + +"Ef you keep a man skivering and frozing to died mit der vind und +schnow-vlakes, I guess mebby I charge more as ten dollars a don for +'em!" + +He was all smiles at first, but he resented her brusque manner as +swiftly and severely as he could with his broken brogue. He was an +honest, broad-shouldered, big-headed German farmer, and though wrapped +and wound from head to foot in woollens, the only thing that seemed warm +about him was his glowing pipe and his disturbed temper. He shook his +head at the woman, and again began a stammering recital of his wrongs, +when she cut him short with: + +"You're crazy!" + +"Grazy? Of I make a foolishness of a fellar like as you do--well, dot's +all right!" and he stood up very straight and puffed great clouds of +smoke past her into her elegant room. + +She had got a stolid customer on hand, and she saw it. So she asked him +civilly what he wanted at _her_ door. + +"Yust told me vere ish der parn, und I don't trouble you no more." + +"Whose barn?" + +"Vere der hay goes." + +"Hay? What hay? I don't know anything about any hay," she replied, +laughing at his perplexity. + +"I shtand here an hour already, und ven I got you up no satisfagtion +comes. Py Shupiter, dot goes like a schwindle!" + +He was very mad by this time, and walked back and forth in front of her +door, shaking his fists and gesticulating wildly; and to prevent a +scene, which might cause a collection of the inmates of the building, +she quieted him as much as possible, and ascertained that some obliging +person, more enthusiastic about the amount than the character of some +token of esteem, had taken the trouble to order a load of hay to be +delivered at her number, describing the place, room, and woman so +minutely that there could be no possibility of mistake, where the owner +was to collect all additional charges above two dollars, which had been +paid. + +It took Mrs. Winslow a long time to persuade the farmer that she owned +no barn, kept no animals, had no use for hay, and that there had been +some mistake, or that some person had deliberately played a joke upon +_him_, but finally, after a shivering argument of fully fifteen minutes, +and the expenditure of a dollar bill, with the seductive offer that she +would give him ten dollars if he would find and bring to her the man who +ordered the load, her obstinate visitor departed, roundly swearing in +good German that he would have the _Gottferdamter schwindler_ brought up +by der city gourts and hung, to which Mrs. Winslow groaned a hearty +approval as she shut the door of the--to her--desolate room. + +If there had previously been any doubts in her mind as to there being a +preconcerted plan to annoy and exasperate her beyond endurance, they +were now entirely removed, and the woman broke down completely, wringing +her hands in mute expression of bitter anguish. The storm without was +not half so violent as the storm within, and the blinding flakes which +swept from the bitter sky raged upon a no more barren, frozen, desolate +soil than her own selfish heart. + +There may be a kind of pity for such a woman; there should be pity for +every form of human suffering, or even depravity; but in my mind there +should be none to verge from pity into palliation and excuse for this +woman. Great as was her mental suffering, there was in it not a single +touch of remorse. Terribly as her mind was racked and tortured with +doubt, uncertainty, fear, and despair, there was in it no trace of the +womanhood which, however low it may descend, is still capable of regret. +She was not heart-sick for the life she was leading, but dreaded the +punishment she knew it deserved. Her nature had never shrunk from the +countless miseries she had entailed on others, and her heart never +misgave her only in the absence of her kind of happiness or in the +superstitious fear of the evils which she felt assured were constantly +her due. She was, as far as I ever knew, or can conceive, a soulless +woman whose troubles only produced vindictiveness, whose utter aim in +life was social piracy, whose injuries only begat hate, and whose +sufferings only concentrated her exhaustless hunger and thirst for +revenge. + +After the first burst of rage and passion, she settled down into a +condition of deep study and planning, and about the middle of the +afternoon began passing in and out and visiting various places, in a way +which, though it might not particularly attract attention, yet betokened +some business project being resolutely and quietly carried out. + +During one of the periods when she was within her apartments, quite a +commotion was raised in the lower story, the stores of which were +occupied by a tobacconist and milliner, by a call from a prominent +undertaker of Main Street, who with a mysterious air exhibited the +following note, at the same time asking whispered conundrums about it. + + "MR. BOXEM: + + "DEAR SIR--Please quietly deliver a full-sized coffin at No. + -- South St. Paul Street, at the first room to the right of + the stairway as it reaches the third floor. Enclosed please + find five dollars, in part payment. Will make it an object to + you to ask no questions below, and deliver the coffin as soon + after dark as possible. + + (Signed) "MRS. A. J. W----." + +Mr. Boxem was by no means a solemn man; but he had a heavy bass voice, +which he used to such great effect in asking questions below stairs, +that he succeeded in creating a fine horror there, so that by the time +he had proceeded to Mrs. Winslow's rooms, it was settled in the minds of +the tobacconist and the milliner, their employees, and any customers of +either who had happened in during Mr. Boxem's preliminary investigation, +that each and every one's previous solemn prediction as to "_something_ +being wrong upstairs" had now come true, as they each and every one +reminded the other that "Oh, I told you so!" + +Mr. Boxem, finding Mrs. Winslow's door ajar, quietly stepped in and +reverently removed his sombre crape hat. + +"Evening, ma'am," he said politely, but with a professional shade of +sympathy in the greeting. + +"And what do _you_ want?" she asked in a kind of desperation, noticing +an open letter in his hand. + +"Your order, you know," he replied tenderly; "these things are sad and +have to be borne. Can't possibly be helped, more 'n one can help coming +into the world." + +Mrs. Winslow could not reply from rage and anger, and hiding her face in +her hands, walked to the window. + +"No, it's the _way_ of the world," continued Boxem, with a sigh; +"ah--hem!--might I ask if _it_ is in there?" he concluded, producing a +tape-line case. + +"It?--in God's name, what _it_!" sobbed the woman. + +"Why--the--the"--stammered her visitor somewhat abashed, "the body--the +corpse, you know! Have come to measure it. Painful, I know; but business +is business, if it's only coffin business; and I can't possibly do a +neat job without I get a good measure. Something like the tailoring +trade, you see!" + +"Body?--corpse?--come to measure it? Oh, I shall go wild, I shall go +wild," persisted the woman, half frantic at the intimation which came to +her that a corpse was not only in her place, but in the very room where +she slept, and that this fiend who was pursuing her--this Nemesis, who +struck her pride, her ambition, her desires, her very life, at every +move she made, had actually sent an undertaker there to measure the dead +body. + +It is hard to tell what would have happened if the good sense of the +undertaker had not come to the relief of the situation; and, hastily +answering her that there had probably been some mistake, that the order +was probably meant for the next block, and offering other similar +excuses while hastily apologizing for the intrusion, Mr. Boxem very +sensibly went back to his business and his coffins, five dollars ahead +until more promising inquiries should bring to light the friend of the +alleged dead, and the owner of the money, who, fortunately for Mr. +Boxem, has not appeared to this day. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + + Breaking up.-- Doubts and Queries.-- Suspected + Developments.-- The Detectives completely outwitted.-- On + the Trail again.-- From Rochester to St. Louis.-- A + prophetic Hotel Clerk.-- More Detectives and more Need for + them.-- Lightning Changes. + + +Bristol and Fox happened around in time to participate in the general +excitement which the undertaker's visit had awakened, and after getting +as full particulars as possible from the people below, who refused to +believe that some dark deed had not been committed upstairs, they +proceeded to the rooms, where they found the door to Mrs. Winslow's +private apartment closed, and the two, finding no opportunity to +converse with their landlady, shortly went out for supper. + +On their return they found Mrs. Winslow in a remarkably pleasant frame +of mind, and quite full of jokes about the order for a coffin--so much +so, in fact, that my operatives were quite surprised at the change from +her previous demeanor under similar circumstances. Altogether they +passed one of the pleasantest evenings since they became the woman's +tenants. Several ladies that lived in the same building were invited in, +refreshments of wines and some rare fruits out of season were served, +singing, card-playing, and piano-playing with some waltzing were +indulged in, and it was noticed by the two men that Mrs. Winslow was +almost hysterically happy, as if she had decided upon some exceedingly +brilliant and satisfactory plan, the execution of which was being +preluded in this way. + +At the close of the evening she casually announced that the next time +she had any company she hoped to show them a better place. + +Somebody at once inquired if she was going away, whereupon she gayly +replied that instead of going away she was going to make better +arrangements for staying. She had intended all along, she said, tidying +up the place, but had been so lazy that she had kept neglecting it until +it was really too bad, and now she had decided to begin tearing up +things to-morrow. + +In answer to Bristol and Fox's inquiries as to what was to be done with +them in the meantime, she said that she had already arranged that, and +had secured a pleasant room at the Osborn House, where they were to +remain without additional expense to themselves until she had concluded +her changes. This rather dashed the operatives, but they made no further +remark upon the subject until the company had dispersed, when they urged +the propriety, both on the grounds of economy and convenience of +"doubling up," as Bristol termed it, in one room until another was +finished, and then removing to that, until their respective apartments +had been renovated. But Mrs. Winslow was obdurate, alleging that on +account of these annoyances she had become weak and nervous of late, +and did not desire to be annoyed with either the argument or +arrangement. + +So that early on the next morning, when Mrs. Winslow announced to the +detectives that an express wagon was in waiting to convey their baggage +to the Osborn House, there was no alternative but to go, as the persons +engaged to do the renovating were on hand and had already begun their +work of turning the rooms into chaos. Mrs. Winslow assured them that but +a few days would elapse before they would all be together again in their +old quarters; and as they grumblingly went away complaining of short +notice and the like, she bade them a merry good-by, adding that she +should stay about with some of her Spiritualistic friends in the city, +and perhaps take a little trip down to Batavia; but in any event would +let them know the first moment that the rooms were ready for occupancy. + +While Bristol and Fox were settling themselves in their new quarters +they indulged in a very heated argument as to Mrs. Winslow's object in +this all but forcibly ejecting them from their rooms, which they had +occupied so long that they had come to consider them something of a +home; as to whether Mrs. Winslow meant to do without their presence +hereafter or not, Bristol feeling sure that the woman meditated some +future action which was to relieve herself of their society, if indeed +it did not mean more than that, while Fox felt equally as certain that +the whole affair was only one of the whimful woman's whims, that, being +satisfied, would result in their early recall. + +In any event in this way the combination of mediumistic and detective +talent was broken up. + +I was at once informed about the turn things had taken, and ordered that +extra diligence should be used in keeping the woman under notice, as I +felt apprehensive that making her rooms tidy was not her object at all. +I had no right to detain her, go wherever she might; but Lyon's counsel +had been for some time absent from Rochester, and some things in +connection with the defence had not yet received proper attention. The +depositions as to the woman's character and adventures throughout +Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri had not yet been taken, nor indeed had the +very necessary formula of serving notice upon Mrs. Winslow of the +proposed taking of such evidence been gone through; so that, as it would +require some time to take this evidence after notice had been served, it +was very desirable that she should be kept in sight. + +The next development, showing her to be a very shrewd woman, was in her +sending word over to the hotel, the same day that my operatives left her +rooms, that she had been taken suddenly and severely ill, and had been +obliged to turn over the work to a lady friend of hers, and might not be +able to resume the supervision of it for several days. + +Bristol called, ostensibly to tender his condolence, but was unable to +find Mrs. Winslow, being met by a very smart little lady, who informed +him that it would be impossible to see his former landlady, as she was +extremely ill and could not be at present disturbed; but that should +any change in her condition occur, both he and Fox should be promptly +informed. I had instructed them to do their best in watching the +premises, which I am satisfied they had done, and I had also put the two +other men, Grey and Watson, on the lookout, but none of them had +observed her either pass out of or into the place, and they began to be +convinced that she really was lying ill within the building. + +During this condition of things, and being somewhat anxious about the +matter, I went to Rochester myself, and held a consultation with my men, +having the block further examined under various guises and pretexts, +which proved beyond doubt that the woman was gone, and had probably left +the building a very few minutes after the operatives had departed; and, +for some reason best known to herself, but probably on account of the +mysterious annoyances which had been following each other very rapidly, +had either left the city entirely or was hiding very closely within it, +with a view to discover whether, with the two men out of her society, +and herself in peaceful retiracy, she could not ascertain from what +source her troubles came, or avoid them altogether. + +To my further annoyance, the magnificent Harcout appeared and kindly +offered me countless suggestions and theories, which were each one +considered by Mr. Harcout to be worthy of immediate adoption; and in +order to get rid of him, I was obliged to appear to acquiesce in an +imaginative theory of Mrs. Winslow's flight to New York, and represent +myself as so interested in his idea of how she could be traced to her +hiding-place, that I desired of him as a personal favor that he would +follow the trail, giving him a man, and the man a wink--and there never +was a finer picture of pomposity and assumption than when Harcout and +his man started for New York. Rid of him, I again turned to my work of +getting upon the right trail. + +I was sure the woman had left the city, and further inquiry at the rooms +convinced me that I was correct. The little woman finally acknowledged +flatly that she had gone, but would under no circumstances tell whether +she had left the city or not. She also exhibited a bill of sale of the +goods and a transfer of the lease, and wanted to know if _that_ did not +look as though she had gone? But she persisted in her refusal to give +further information, and that was the end of it. + +No one had seen any trunks or packages leave the place, nor could my +detectives get any trace of her having left the city over any of the +different roads. Inquiries made at all the leading livery stables, +express and hack-stands, of the city, failed to discover that Mrs. +Winslow had been conveyed to any near railroad station where she might +have taken a train; nor could it be by any means ascertained that such a +person had purchased a ticket at any of the adjacent towns for any point +to the east, west, or south. + +In fact, all trace of Mrs. Winslow was lost, and I was satisfied that +she had for some time been sure of the danger of her surroundings; and, +while not able to fasten any particular suspicious act upon Bristol or +Fox, undoubtedly intuitively felt that they were either directly +responsible for her troubles, or were in some unexplainable way +connected with their cause; and being enough of a professional litigant +to be aware of the necessity of service of notice upon her as to the +taking of evidence before such evidence could be taken, and that it +would be possible by a sudden disappearance and remaining secreted until +the case might be called, to defeat Lyon's attorneys from using this +mountain of evidence which she knew existed against her, whether she +knew we had collected it or not, the double motive for her mysterious +absence was plainly apparent. + +Remembering Bristol and Fox's reports as to her threat to go to St. +Louis and "attend to her cases" there unless the annoyances ceased, and +knowing from previous evidence already secured that she had figured +extensively in various capacities, but principally as Spiritualist, +blackmailer and courtesan in that city, I finally concluded that she had +gone there, though her mode of leaving Rochester, if she had left the +city, had certainly been such as to demonstrate ability worthy of a +better cause. + +I accordingly directed Bristol and Fox to return to New York, and +detailed the two men who had made it lively for Mrs. Winslow, and who, +of course, knew her, but whom she had not seen face to face, the +"materializations" having all been done for them by other parties, to +proceed to St. Louis in search of her, stopping at any point where +railroad divergences were made from the trunk lines between the east and +the west, and make extremely diligent inquiries for her, while I left +another man in Rochester for the purpose of watching for her +reappearance there, which would undoubtedly occur as soon as her former +tenants were gone, in the event that she was secreted in Rochester, +instead of being at the west, and to make this plan more certain, caused +Bristol to write a letter to Mrs. Winslow, stating that both he and Fox +had made numberless efforts to see her, but, failing to ascertain either +where she was, or the cause of her sudden disappearance, and both being +out of active business, they had concluded to go on to New York, but +would return to Rochester should she resume charge of the rooms and +desire them for tenants. I made arrangements also at the post-office to +ascertain whether any letters were reforwarded to her at any point, and +also at the express office regarding packages, so it could be hardly +possible for her to keep up any correspondence or relation of any kind +with parties in Rochester without disclosing her place of retreat. + +Having completed these arrangements, I returned to New York and +anxiously waited for some news from the West. + +No trace was found of the woman until Operatives Grey and Watson had +arrived at Chicago, where they immediately circulated among the +Spiritualists of that city, who are both numerous and of rather doubtful +moral standing. They ascertained that a woman answering her description +had been there, and advertised largely under another _alias_ than Mrs. +Winslow, but nothing definitely could be learned until in their reports +I discovered that the little Frenchman, Le Compte, was figuring as the +unknown lady's companion and business manager, when I telegraphed to +follow Le Compte and his woman, being morally certain that these two +were Monsieur the Mineral Locater and the celebrated plaintiff in the +Winslow-Lyon breach of promise suit. + +It was discovered after some trouble, and with the assistance of my +Chicago Agency, that Le Compte had suddenly left that city for some +southern or south-western point, possibly St. Louis, but no information +could be gained as to what direction Mrs. Winslow had taken, it being +evidently her plan to avoid pursuit, should there be any made. My +conviction still being strong that her objective point was St. Louis, I +ordered the men on there, without positively knowing that either of the +parties were there; but was gratified to learn that Le Compte had been +in the city, whether he was there or not on the operatives' arrival. The +operatives, Grey and Watson, at once searched the newspapers and found +no advertisements which would cover the desired couple, or either of +them; but, notwithstanding, visited all the mediums, clairvoyants, and +prominent Spiritualists of the city, but could find no trace of the +fugitives from that generally very prolific source, and began to have +the impression that her trip there, if she were in the city at all, was +one of pleasure or of blackmail business outside of her regular +clairvoyant line. + +The next move made by the men was to search about among the hotels and +boarding-houses, and really ferret her out. This was a tedious process, +and very little success was made in this endeavor for two or three days, +when one noon, as Grey was wandering about the city in a seemingly +useless endeavor to find the woman, he stepped into the Denver House, +formerly the old City Hotel, and began to search over the register. He +had not proceeded far when the clerk, eyeing him cautiously, said: + +"See here, Mister, ain't you lookin' for somebody?" + +"Certainly I am," he replied pleasantly. + +Grey looked at him a moment and saw that he would not drop the subject, +and immediately endeavored to mislead him by answering, "Of course I am; +I came in from the country this morning, and I don't know what hotel she +was going to." + +"Ah, ha," mused the clerk, as if at loss how to proceed, "I guess you +didn't know where to find her, and you haven't found her yet, have you?" + +"No," Grey replied quietly. + +"Is she big or little?" + +"Well, she ain't little," answered Grey. + +"Now, see here, my friend, that's all right; but I'm pretty sure you +didn't just come in from the country, and further, I think I can show +you the woman you've been hunting." + +Grey smiled and intimated that he was perfectly willing to be shown the +woman. + +"Well, you just let me have your hat; I'll put it on the hat-rack +inside the dining-room door, then you go to the wash-room and pass into +the dining-room as though you had forgotten your hat and had come back +for it. Look at the head of the first table over by the windows, and if +you don't find your woman with a little Frenchman, I'll treat!" + +Grey was surprised at the revelation, as there could be no possible +means for him to know of his mission; but the clerk's reference to the +"little Frenchman" convinced him that there was something worth +following up in the matter, and he followed his new friend's +instructions implicitly, passed into the dining-room, took his hat from +the rack, turned and got a good view of the fair Mrs. Winslow and the +faultless Monsieur Le Compte, who were evidently enjoying life as +thoroughly as perfect freedom from restraint, and spiritualistic free +love, would enable them. + +He expressed no surprise, however, at seeing the woman, and remarked to +the clerk as he passed into the hall, "Why, that isn't any friend of +mine!" + +"Nor anybody else's!" said the clerk with a leer. "But really, now," he +anxiously added, "_ain't_ you after her?" + +"Certainly not," Grey stoutly replied; but as the clerk took him into +the bar-room to treat him according to agreement, which he submitted to +unblushingly, he admitted that he had a curiosity to know something +about her, as he had either seen her, or heard of her, previously. + +Then the clerk told him a good deal about the woman, unnecessary for me +to recite to my readers, which only further showed her vile character, +and so worked upon my operative's curiosity and interest that he decided +to come to the hotel for a few days; but as he was informed that Mrs. +Winslow's intentions were to remain there the remainder of the week, and +the clerk promised to keep a good lookout for her, he concluded to hunt +up his companion, inform him of his good fortune, and transfer their +baggage to that hotel. + +As it was now about two o'clock, Grey did not find Watson before six, +and it was fully eight o'clock before they got settled at the Denver +House. But their eyes were not gladdened by a sight of the fugitive on +that evening, nor was she at breakfast next morning. The operatives +began to be alarmed lest the bland clerk had taken them in, and were +particularly so, when, at their request, for the purpose of ascertaining +whether she was in her room, he knocked at her door, and after a few +minutes returned with a blank, scared face, saying that the Jezebel had +left, and more than that, that she owed the hotel over fifty dollars for +board and wine furnished on the strength of her elegant and dashing +appearance. + +On further examination of the room it was evident that the woman had not +occupied it at all during the previous night, but had left the hotel +immediately after dinner whether from a previous decision to do so, or +from one of those sudden impulses, quite contrary to the general rule of +human action, which made her an extraordinarily difficult quarry to +follow, or still, from some suspicion that she was being followed. + +Grey felt quite crestfallen that he had lost Mrs. Winslow by one of her +characteristic manÅ“uvres, and at once made inquiries concerning her +baggage, ascertaining from the clerk that she only had a portmanteau +with her at the hotel, but had had a trunk check which she had exhibited +when asking some question about the arrival and departure of trains. + +Grey sent Watson to intersections of prominent streets to keep a lookout +for parties, while he at once proceeded to the "Chicago Baggage Room," +as it is called, under the Planters' House, where he ascertained, after +considerable trouble and representing himself as an employee of the +Chicago, Alton, and St. Louis road, looking for lost baggage, that Mrs. +Winslow had come there personally about two o'clock the day previous and +presented the check for her trunk, which had been taken away by an +expressman with "a gray horse and a covered wagon." + +The next step, of course, was to find the expressman with the gray horse +and covered wagon, who had taken the woman's trunk, and this was no easy +matter to do. There were plenty answering that description, but Grey +labored hard and long to find the right one, and finally found it this +way. + +Being an Irishman himself, and a pretty jolly sort of a fellow, he was +not long in finding a compatriot the owner of a gray horse and a covered +wagon, of whom he asked: + +"Did you move the big woman with the big trunk at two o'clock +yesterday?" + +"An' if I did?" said the expressman, on the defensive. + +"Nothing if you did; but _did_ you?" replied Grey. + +"It's chilly weather," replied the expressman, winking hard at a saloon +opposite. + +"Yes, and I think a drop of something wouldn't hurt us," added Grey, +following the direction of the expressman's wink and thought quickly. + +They stepped over to the saloon and were soon calmly looking at each +other through the bottom of some glasses where there had been whiskey +and sugar. They looked at each other twice this way, and finally they +were obliged to take the third telescopic view of each other before they +could resume the subject. + +Then the expressman looked very wise at Grey, remarking musingly, "A big +'oman with a big trunk, eh?" + +"Yes, a pretty fine-looking woman, too." + +"Purty cranky?" + +"Yes." + +"And steps purty high wid a long sthride?" + +"Exactly." + +"'N has clothes that stand up sthiff wid starch 'n silk 'n the makin'?" + +"The very same," said Grey anxiously. + +"I didn't move her," said the expressman, shaking his head solemnly. + +Grey felt like "giving him one," as he said in his reports, but +repressed himself and said pleasantly that he was sorry he had troubled +him, and turned to go away, knowing this would unloosen his companion's +tongue, if anything would. + +"Sthop a bit, sthop a bit; you didn't ax me did I know ef any other +party moved her?" + +"That's so," said Grey, smiling and waiting patiently for developments. + +"Av coorse it's so." Then looking very knowingly, he said mysteriously, +"The man's just ferninst the Planters',--not a sthone's throw away. He's +a big Dutchman, 'n got a dollar fur the job." + +They were both around the corner in a moment, and Grey at once made +inquiries of the German owner of a "grey horse and a covered wagon" as +to what part of the city he had removed the trunk. + +He was very secretive about the matter, and refused any information +whatever. + +"Come, come, me duck," said the Irishman, "me frind here is an officer, +'n ef ye don't unbosom yerself in a howly minit, ye'll be altogether +shnaked before the coort!" + +He said this with such an air of pompous sincerity, as if he had the +whole power of the government at his back, that the German at once began +relating the circumstances in such a detailed manner that he would have +certainly been engaged an entire hour in the narrative, if Grey had not, +as he himself expressed it, "out of the tail of his eye" seen Mrs. +Winslow, not twenty feet away, sailing down Fourth street, towards the +Planters'. In another moment she would pass the corner of the +court-house square, where she could not help but see the little crowd of +expressmen, hackmen and runners, his inquiries, and the statement by his +companion that he was an officer, had attracted. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + + Still foiled.-- Mr. Pinkerton perplexed over the Character of + the Adventuress.-- Her wonderful recuperative Powers.-- A + lively Chase.-- Another unexpected Move.-- The Detectives + beaten at every Point.-- From Town to Town.-- Mrs. + Winslow's Shrewdness.-- Among the Spiritualists at Terre + Haute.-- Plotting.-- The beautiful Belle Ruggles.-- A wild + Night in a ramshackle old Boarding-House.-- Blood-curdling + "Manifestations."-- Moaning and weeping for Day.-- + Outwitted again.-- Mr. Pinkerton makes a chance + Discovery.-- Success. + + +Grey took in the situation at once, and was equal to the emergency. He +knew if the German saw Mrs. Winslow, and thinking him an officer who +might arrest him for complicity in something wrong, he would probably +shout right out, "There she is, now!" He was also just as sure that his +new-found Irish acquaintance, in the excess of his friendliness, would +rush right over to Fourth street and stop the woman. So in an instant he +created a counter-attraction by calling the German a liar, collaring +him, and backing him through the line of wagons out of sight, and as +Mrs. Winslow passed farther down Fourth street, backed him through the +line of teams in the opposite direction, while the German protested +volubly that he was telling only the truth; and just the moment Mrs. +Winslow's form was hid by the Planters' House, he released the now +angry expressman, flung him a dollar for "treats," and running nimbly +around the block, fell into a graceful walk behind Mrs. Winslow, keeping +at a judicious distance, and following her for several hours through the +dry-goods stores, to the Butchers and Drovers' Bank, where she drew a +portion of the amount which she had secured from the prominent St. Louis +daily as damages, and which had remained undisturbed in that bank until +this time; into several saloons, where she boldly went, and, in defence +of the theory of women's rights, stood up to the counter like a man, +ordering and drinking liquor like one too; to the Four Courts, where she +at least _seemed_ to have considerable business; to numberless +Spiritualist brothers and sisters, including, of course, the mediums; +and finally to a very elegant private boarding-house kept by a +respectable lady named Gayno, whom the adventuress had so won with her +oily words and dashing manners, accompanied by her large Saratoga trunk, +that not only she, but a little French gentleman named Le Compte--whom +Grey had hard work to avoid, as he had followed Mrs. Winslow at a +respectful distance, and as if with a view of ascertaining whether any +other person besides himself was following the madam--had managed to +secure quarters in an aristocratic home and an aristocratic +neighborhood, for all of which the experienced female swindler had no +more idea of paying, unless compelled to, than she had of paying her +fifty-dollar hotel bill at the Denver House. + +On receipt of this information, I directed Superintendent Bangs to +proceed to Rochester and hurry up Lyon's attorneys in securing the legal +papers necessary to avail ourselves of the large amount of evidence +already discovered, and serve notice upon her while she was still in +sight, and before her suspicions of being watched and followed, which it +was evident was now growing upon her, had forced her into still more +artful dodges to evade us. + +It was certainly her determination to clothe all her acts with as much +mysteriousness as possible, and in this manner work upon Lyon's feelings +and fears until she would compel him, through actual disgust of and +shame at the long-continued public surveillance of his affairs, to end +the worrying tension upon his mind by a compromise that would yield her +a large sum of money. + +That she was able, and had the means to make these quick moves and +sudden changes, was equally as certain, though it was a question in my +mind then, and has been to this day, how much money she might have had +at command. I know that at times she must have had almost fabulous sums +in her possession. I was also often quite as sure that she was +absolutely penniless, when, of a sudden, she would carry out some bold +scheme that required a great deal of money, which invariably came into +requisition from some mysterious source in the most mysterious manner +possible. Whatever might have been the woman's pecuniary resources, I +must confess that in nearly every instance I underrated her, and in fact +that, in every respect, the more I endeavored to analyze her the more of +an enigma she became. + +Like nearly all women of disreputable character, she was terribly +extravagant, reckless, and improvident; but as an offset to this she was +supreme in the meanness ordinary courtesans are above--that petty but +never-ceasing swindling so terribly annoying to the public. + +With all these things in her favor, so far as being an ingenious pest is +concerned, she was also possessed of the power of physical as well as +financial recuperation to a wonderful degree; and to whatever depth of +temperamental dejection or physical exhaustion and degradation she might +descend, she would of a sudden reappear, fresh and blooming, with no +perceptible trail of her vileness upon her, in which condition she would +remain just so long as would conserve her interests. + +While Superintendent Bangs was on his way to St. Louis, Grey and Watson +were being led a lively chase about the city by Mrs. Winslow, and the +bland clerk of the Denver House was devoting nearly all his time in +tracking her from place to place to enforce the collection of his +employer's bill. + +Her first exploit was to borrow twenty dollars from Mrs. Gayno on her +baggage, who was thus prevented from turning her out of doors when her +true character was learned; and as a further illustration of her +shrewdness, after she had remained at the house as long as she desired, +she left between days, without refunding the borrowed money or paying +her bill, and in some mysterious way also spirited away all her baggage. + +This of course caused more trouble in finding her, and she was finally +discovered in furnished rooms. Even here she suddenly made her presence +so unbearable to the landlord that he gladly paid her a bonus to depart, +which she did equally as mysteriously as on the previous occasion, when +she was lost again, and the third time found at a Spiritualistic +gathering at the hall near the corner of Chestnut and Seventh streets, +where she was one of the speakers of the evening and did herself and the +cause justice. + +In this way--following her while she was securing abstracts of her many +cases against the people of St. Louis, the number and trivial character +of which had become a matter of public scandal, newspaper comment, and +universal condemnation among members of the bar, keeping track of her in +numberless conditions and localities, and listening to endless tales of +the woman's reckless conduct during her previous residence in the +city--Mrs. Winslow gave the two men all they could possibly attend to. + +One Wednesday morning about eleven o'clock, when Grey had just stepped +out upon the street from a late breakfast at the Planters'--having been +out until nearly morning the night previous on a fruitless attempt to +keep the woman under surveillance for a few hours, that detective was +looking up and down the street quite undecided as to what course to +pursue--he saw Mrs. Winslow just leaving an expressman at the +court-house square, who immediately jumped into his wagon and drove off. + +Grey ran quickly down Fourth street, and after a few minutes' chase +succeeded in overtaking the vehicle. Halting it he asked the driver: + +"Are you going to move that woman?" + +He checked his horse with an air that plainly said that kind of +interruption was neither profitable nor desirable; but driving on at a +brisk pace, there was jolted out of him the remark: "My friend, I'm +working for the public. Sometimes it pays better to keep one's mouth +shut than to open it, especially to strangers." + +Grey hurrying on at the side of the wagon, and holding to it with his +left hand, with his right he found a greenback. Handing this to the +driver, he sprang into the seat beside him, saying, "Sometimes it pays +better to open one's mouth!" + +"That's so," replied the driver stuffing the bill into his pocket and +elevating his eyebrows as if inquiring what Grey wanted him to open his +mouth for. + +"I want you to drive slowly enough for me to keep up with you. Mind, you +needn't _tell_ me anything unless you have a mind to." + +"Oh, I'd just as leave tell you as not," he replied. "She's going over +to East St. Louis to try and get the 'Alton Accommodation,' if it hasn't +gone yet. The Chicago train's way behind, and the 'Alton' don't go until +the 'Chicago' comes; ye see?" + +Grey knew this was partially true, for he had but a few moments before +received a telegram from Mr. Bangs, stating that he was aboard the down +train which had been belated; so that the best thing to do was to take +the expressman's number, so that he could find him again in case of a +mistake, or any deception being practised, which he did. He then +returned to the Planters', paid his bill, wrote notes to both Watson and +Superintendent Bangs stating how matters stood, went to the levee, and +in a few minutes had the pleasure of seeing the trunk put on board the +ferry, where its owner shortly followed. + +Grey went on board, taking a position near the engines, where he could +have an unobstructed view of the stairs, so that if this should prove to +be another ruse of the madam's to get him started across the river and +then glide off the boat to take up still more retired quarters, he could +beat her at her own game. But Mrs. Winslow remained on the boat, and +just as it was pushing off for the Illinois shore the landlord of the +Denver House, accompanied by a constable, came rushing on board. + +Seeing Grey, he immediately applied to him for information as to whether +the woman was on board. He replied by pointing her out where she was +leaning over the guards immediately above them. The landlord and his man +at once proceeded to interview the woman, threatening all sorts of +things if that bill was not paid, to all of which she gave evasive +answers until the Illinois shore was reached, when she reminded them +that she was outside the jurisdiction of the State of Missouri, and that +if either of them laid their hands upon herself or her property, she +would feel compelled to cause a St. Louis funeral, as she was a good +shot, and when in the right did not hesitate to shoot; which so +frightened the hotel man and "the little minion of Missouri law," as +Mrs. Winslow called the constable, that they retreated empty-handed and +with a confirmed disgust at the active exponents of modern Spiritualism. + +Grey was now in a quandary as to what to do. The Chicago train was +reported as over two hours late, and he was informed by the conductor of +the Alton Accommodation that though his train could not leave St. Louis +until the Chicago train had arrived, yet that he dare not hold the train +a moment after that time. This precluded Grey's informing Mr. Bangs of +his whereabouts, as the train was now too near the place to admit of his +being reached by a telegram; and should he risk losing the woman to +apprise Mr. Bangs, it might be impossible to find her again at all. +Fortunately he learned that the passenger train stopped at the Baltimore +and Ohio railroad crossing, and, interesting a brakeman in his behalf, +he arranged with him to go up to the crossing, board the train, rush +through it and call out for Mr. Bangs as he went, directing the latter +to pay the brakeman two dollars for his trouble, then jump off the +train, walk rapidly back to the crossing and there board the Alton train +as it was going out, if possible; which latter plan would have +succeeded, no doubt, had not Mr. Bangs been chatting upon the rear +platform of the rear car, and failed altogether to hear the extremely +loud inquiries made for him. + +Mrs. Winslow recognized Grey as a person in somebody's employ who was +following her, and the moment he seated himself in the single +passenger-car attached to the train, the woman began such a terrible +tirade of abuse against him that he was made to feel that the +detective's life is not altogether one of roseate hue, and so annoyed +the other passengers that a large-sized brakeman was selected as a +delegation of one to quiet her. It was evident she had been drinking +heavily, and she kept this brakeman pretty well employed for some time +in not only endeavoring to quiet her termagant tongue, but to keep her +in her seat, as she would often rise in the ecstasy of her wrath and +denounce poor Grey, who meekly bore it all with a patient smile, until +the conductor again appeared, when Grey showed him his thousand-mile +employee's ticket and claimed that he was an employee of that road +looking up lost baggage; that it was suspected that Mrs. Winslow had +stolen the trunk she had with her, and that he had been ordered to +follow her for a day or two until he got further instructions from +headquarters. This put him all right with the trainmen, and caused the +conductor to compel the woman into some sort of civility and silence. + +At about two o'clock the train arrived in Monticello, where Mrs. Winslow +left the train, and the detective followed. The agent informed Grey that +it was at least a mile to a telegraph office uptown, but that no train +save a "wild-train" would pass either way until after he would have time +to send a dispatch and return. He immediately went uptown and sent a +telegram to the agent at East St. Louis to please inquire for a Mr. +Bangs about the depot, and if there, to have him answer; also one to +Mr. Bangs himself at the Planters'. + +Returning to the depot, the agent informed Grey that Mrs. Winslow had +also been uptown, which was quite evident, as she had donned an entirely +different suit of clothing, evidently with some inebriated sort of an +idea that this might change her appearance enough to enable her to +escape him. She finally bought a ticket to Brighton, and got her trunk +checked to that point. + +On their arrival at Brighton, Grey saw several ladies get off the rear +platform of the ladies' car, among whom was his unwilling travelling +companion, and watched until they had passed into the depot. In order to +make sure that she was to stop here, he ran rapidly to where the baggage +was being unloaded, where he found that her trunk had been put off. He +waited there until he saw the trunk wheeled into the little +baggage-house, when he leisurely walked back to the depot and stepped +into the ladies' waiting-room, to keep the company of the adventuress. + +What was his surprise to see it almost deserted, no Mrs. Winslow there, +and no surety of anything at all. He rushed into the gentlemen's room, +galloped around the depot, looked in every direction, only to turn +towards the train with the startling suspicion that he had again been +outwitted by the shrewd Spiritualist who made her livelihood by villainy +and shrewdness, which was quickly confirmed as he made an ineffectual +attempt to overtake the departing train, only to see the face of Mrs. +Winslow pressed hard against the rear window of the ladies' car, and +almost white with a look of fiendish enjoyment and hate at the useless +attempts of her relentless pursuer whom she had so neatly foiled. + +Mrs. Winslow had slipped a detective--and a good detective, too--again, +was gone, and all Grey could do was to wait at Brighton until +Superintendent Bangs could overtake and counsel with him. + +By telegrams to and from conductors it was speedily ascertained by +Superintendent Bangs, who had come on to Brighton and directed Watson to +report at the Chicago Agency, that the woman had gone to Springfield, +Ills., and, after arranging with the station-agent at Brighton to send +information to Chicago regarding any call that might be made for her +trunk, or as to any orders that might be received to have it forwarded, +Mr. Bangs and Grey went at once to Springfield, where a trace of the +woman was found at the St. Nicholas Hotel. + +It was ascertained that she had remained at the hotel over night, and +the clerks thought it probable that she was then at the house, her bill +not having been paid; but a thorough search for her only developed the +fact that she was at least absent from the hotel, whether with an +intention of returning or not. + +Mr. Bangs directed Mr. Grey to remain at the St. Nicholas, keeping on +the alert for her, while he visited the more elegant houses of +ill-repute with which that capital abounds during legislative sessions +and which were just at this time getting in readiness to receive +lawmakers and lobbyists; and also the other and less respectable +establishments for piracy, managed by professed mediums, astrologists, +fortune-tellers, and all the other grades of female swindlers; and after +a considerable time spent in investigation, found a certain Madam La +Vant, astrologist--who professed to cast the horoscope of people's lives +with all the certainty of the famous Dr. Roback--who was descended from +the vikings and jarls of the Scandinavian coast, but in reality kept a +house of assignation, that most dangerous threshold to prostitution. + +Madam La Vant at once acknowledged that Mrs. Winslow _had_ been there; +even showed Superintendent Bangs a bundle she had left with her. She +stated that she had called there early in the morning and left the +package, with the promise to return about three o'clock in the +afternoon, when she was to occupy a room she had engaged there, and had +already paid in advance for its use. Mr. Bangs did not feel exactly at +rest about the matter, but could not do otherwise than return to the +hotel for his dinner, promising to call in the afternoon, and alleging +that he had information to give the woman regarding certain persons who +had been, and then were, following her; for if she were then in the +house she would remain there, and he had no legal authority to molest +her or search the place without Madam La Vant's consent, which he could +not of course get if she was shielding her, which she undoubtedly was; +and if Mrs. Winslow was really away from the house, the madam would take +some means of preventing her return. + +He went to the hotel as quickly as possible, found Grey, whom he +immediately sent to watch for the ingress or egress of the adventuress, +took a hasty dinner, and then relieved my operative so that he might +dine, after which the two watched the house until dark. + +But their closest vigils over the place failed to cause the discovery of +Mrs. Winslow, who was doubtless by this time many miles away from +Springfield, enjoying peace and quiet in some other city. Superintendent +Bangs called on Madam La Vant as soon as the evening had come, and that +lady expressed great surprise that he had not seen his "friend, Mrs. +Winslow," as she expressed it; following this remark by the explanation +that she had returned to her house not over a half-hour after he had +left it, and had stated that she had decided to go on to Chicago +immediately, whereupon Madam La Vant had refunded her the money advanced +for the room, and the woman had taken her bundle and departure +simultaneously. + +The detectives were satisfied that the astrologist was squarely lying to +them, and that she had in some way aided the fugitive to escape, or had +effectually secreted her--the former opinion being the most reasonable; +and when I had been apprised of the turn things had taken, I was +satisfied that Mrs. Winslow was in Madam La Vant's house at the very +time that Mr. Bangs was first there; that her friend, the madam, way +merely carrying out her instructions in stating that she had been there, +was then out, but would return, and that at the very moment Mr. Bangs +had started for the St. Nicholas she had left La Vant's, and, as soon as +possible thereafter, the city. + +I immediately concluded that as I had no authority to arrest or in any +way detain the woman--which put my men at a great disadvantage, +preventing their telegraphing in advance for her detention, or securing +and using official assistance of any kind for the same purpose--that I +had better recall Mr. Bangs at once, which I did, and trust to Grey's +doggedness in following her, instructing him particularly to if possible +prevent being seen by her, or in any way alarming her, hoping either for +her speedy return to Rochester, on the principle that the guilty mind +constantly reverts and is drawn towards its chief topic of thought, and +that strive to keep away from it as much as she might, she would be +irresistibly drawn to it; or that through the former plan I might get +her into some little village or secluded spot, or quiet town, where, +upon Grey's announcement, Mr. Bangs or some other deputized person might +cautiously reach her before she was aware of her danger, and serve the +notice that would make the legal fight not only possible, but a stormy +one on account of the vast amount of crushing evidence I had secured for +Mr. Lyon against her. + +It was more and more apparent that the woman's plan was to beat us in +this way, and thus by long and unbearable suspense, mysteriousness of +action, and constant annoyance in the shape of threatening letters, +which now continually poured in upon Mr. Lyon, not only from Rochester, +but from other portions of the country, compel him to settlement; and I +saw that the whole supreme and devilish ingenuity of the Spiritualistic +adventuress was being aimed at avoiding legal process, and to the +accomplishment of this result. + +So much time had now elapsed that it was necessary for Lyon's attorneys +to go into court to explain the difficulties attendant upon reaching the +woman, and secure an extension of time in serving the papers; and by the +time this was accomplished, Grey had tracked her from town to town and +city to city, all through Central Illinois, riding on the same train +with her times without number, doubling routes and meeting her at +unexpected points, travelling at all hours and in all manner of +conveyances, never sleeping for days, eating from packages and parcels, +with scarcely time for personal cleanliness or care, which often +debarred him from admission to places where a woman, by that courtesy +which is due to her for what she ought to be, was admitted and very +properly protected from such hard-looking citizens as Grey had become; +so that finally the two came into Terre Haute together, the adventuress +as fresh as a daisy, and perfectly capable of another grand expedition +of the same extent, and the detective completely worn out and entirely +unfit for further duty. + +Anticipating something of this kind and knowing that the woman might +quite naturally gravitate to that point, I had ordered Operative Pinkham +to proceed from Chicago to Terre Haute, and there assist Grey, or +relieve him altogether, as occasion required, and continue the trail +east towards Rochester, to which point the woman seemed gradually +drifting, though evidently determined to prolong her journey so as to +arrive in Rochester not more than a day or two before the time set for +trial of the Winslow-Lyon breach of promise case. + +Arriving at Terre Haute, Mrs. Winslow immediately went to Mrs. Deck's +boarding-house, and upon telling that sympathetic old lady a harrowing +tale about her persecutions, was received with open arms, and it was not +long before her pitiful story had drawn a crowd of attenuated automatons +to sympathize, suggest, and harangue against the entire orthodox world. + +So impressed were these people with the woman's pitiable condition, that +word was immediately passed among them that the persecuted lady should +lecture to them at Pence's Hall, after which a sort of a general +love-feast should be held, to be followed by seances and a collection +for the benefit of the now notorious plaintiff. + +That winter afternoon a quiet gentleman dropped into Mrs. Deck's and +secured accommodations for a few days' stay, representing himself as a +commercial traveller from Cincinnati. Mrs. Deck was absent working +energetically in the interests of her spiritualistic guest, and the +quiet man was obliged to transact his business with the handsome Belle +Ruggles. He was a pleasant, winning sort of a fellow, young, shapely, +and adapted to immediately gaining confidence and esteem. + +From a little conversation with her the quiet man, who was none other +than Detective Pinkham from my Chicago Agency, was sure that he could +trust the girl, whom he at once saw had no sympathy with these people or +their crazy antics. He saw that she was full of spirit, too, capable of +carrying out any resolve she had made, and altogether the single oasis +of good sense in this great desert of unbalanced minds. + +So it was not long before he had her sentiments on Spiritualism, on +Spiritualists, and on Mrs. Winslow, whom she denounced with tears of +anger in her eyes as a disgrace to womanhood and to their place, and he +had not been three hours in the house before the young lady and himself +had entered into a conspiracy to give the woman such a scare as she had +not recently had, and drive her from the pleasant though quaint old home +her presence was contaminating. + +The snow and the night came together, and the storm shook the old house +until its weak, loose joints creaked, and every cranny and crevice +wailed a dismal protest to the wind and the driving snow. It would take +more than that though to keep people of one idea at home, and the entire +household departed at an early hour for Pence's Hall, from which, +whatever occurred there, Mrs. Deck's large family did not return until +nearly midnight, by which time Operative Pinkham and Belle Ruggles had +concluded their hasty preparations for a little dramatic entertainment +of their own, and were properly stationed and accoutred to make it a +brilliant success. + +"Good-night, my poor dear!" said the kind-hearted old body as she +ushered Mrs. Winslow into her best room, a long antiquated chamber, +full of panels, wardrobes set in the wall, and ghostly, creaking +furniture. "I have to give you this room, we are so full. My first +husband died there, but you don't care for anything like _that_. I never +sleep there, the place scares me; but I know you will like it, you are +so brave!" + +Whether brave or not, Mrs. Winslow seemed all of a shiver when she had +entered the room where Mrs. Deck's first husband had died. + +She closed the door carefully, and putting her candle upon a grim old +bureau, began a thorough and seemingly frightened examination of the +room. The storm had not gone down, and as it beat upon the old place +with exceptionally wild and powerful gusts, the feeble structure seemed +to shrink from them and tremble in every portion. + +On these occasions doors to the wardrobes and closets of the strange +room would open suddenly as if sprung from their fastenings by unseen +hands, while panels would slide back and forth, cracks in the ceilings +and walls would open alarmingly, until, in fact, to the woman's vivid +imaginations every portion of the lonely old chamber or its weird +furnishings seemed possessed of supernatural life or motion. The fact +is, Mrs. Winslow was trembling like the house itself; but after a few +moments she snuffed the waning candle which the frugal Mrs. Deck had +given her, and in its flickering rays hastily began preparing for bed. + +Just as she bent over to blow out the candle, some invisible assistant +did the work for her, and at the same moment a hissed "_Beware!_" caused +her to start with a scream and plunge for the bed, into which she +scrambled after upsetting a chair or two, when she pulled the covering +over her head and groaned with fright. + +And now the blessed materializations began. + +A sudden click and then a sliding sound above her head announced that +the "control" had begun operations, and in a moment a few grains of +plastering and some strange and weird combinations of musical sounds +seemed to simultaneously fall into the room. The plaster, of course, +came right down, some of it upon exposed parts of the trembling medium's +person; but the music, which seemed to be badly out of harmony, appeared +to have the power of circling in the air, which it did for some little +time, and as suddenly ceased as it had begun, when from these mysterious +upper regions came a long, low, tremulous, unearthly groan, that died +away into a ghastly sigh as the storm clutched the decayed old mansion +and shook it until it rattled and rattled again. + +"My God!" quavered the half-smothered woman, "that's Mrs. Deck's first +man's ghost; he'll kill me! Mur----!" + +She had begun to shout "Murder!" but a still more awful voice proceeding +from the direction of the bureau bade her keep silence. + +She was silent for a moment, but the storm wailed about the house so +dismally that the "poor dear," who, according to Mrs. Deck, was brave +enough to cheerily retire in what had been the bed-chamber of the dead, +could bear the horror of her position no longer, and began a vocal +lamentation which gave promise of attracting more than a spirit +audience, when the materialized spirit of "Mrs. Deck's first man," or +whatever owned the voice, laid a heavy hand upon the trembling woman, +sepulchrally warned her to desist from her outcries, and then read her +such a lecture from the Other World as she had never transmitted in her +most effective "seances;" after which she was ordered, on pain of +instant death, to leave Mrs. Deck's and Terre Haute as soon as morning +should come, and a pledge being secured from her to the effect that she +would, and that she would under no circumstances leave the room for the +night, the spirit--which had very much the appearance of Detective +Pinkham, the commercial traveller from Cincinnati--left the room by the +door in a twinkling, very like a mortal, and still very like a mortal, +quietly stole upstairs and helped extricate Miss Ruggles from her gloomy +position, where she had done "utility" business as a groaning garret +ghost. + +All that dreary night the wicked woman moaned and wept for day. Her +coward heart shrank from the evil she knew she deserved. The storm never +ceased, but rose and fell as if keeping pace with her terrors, and the +old place furnished her crazed imagination untold horrors. + +At last the dawn came, but she had found no moment's sleep, and before +the household was astir the wretched woman crept out upon the street, +and plodding through the swollen drifts, followed by a very pleasant +appearing commercial traveller from Chicago, she staggered to the +station, and was rapidly borne away from her sympathizing friends +towards the east. + +Being apprised by telegraph of Pinkham's rather strange method of giving +her an impulse in the direction of Rochester, I at once proceeded to +that city with Superintendent Bangs, anticipating her arrival there +shortly after our own; but was again disappointed, the adventuress +having doubled on the detective, and so successfully avoided him, that +the third day after leaving the Hoosier City he arrived in Rochester +with a long face and in an extremely befogged condition. + +After having directed Mr. Bangs and Pinkham to remain and watch every +incoming train, one stormy evening, as I was about returning to New +York, by the merest chance I espied the woman cautiously emerging from +the Arcade, and following her I soon housed her in the apartments of an +old mediumistic hag on State street. Calling a carriage I was rapidly +driven to the Osborn House, where I found Mr. Bangs, and with him and +the legal papers returned to the place in less than fifteen minutes from +the time I had left it. + +Cautiously approaching the room, we listened and heard low, earnest +voices within. Through the transom we could see that the light inside +was turned very low, and rightly judged that somebody was being given a +"sitting," for, carefully trying the knob, I found that the place was +secured against ordinary intrusion, and throwing my weight against the +door it flew from its old and rusty fastenings, and in an instant we +were within the medium's room. + +"That is the woman!" said I, pointing to Mrs. Winslow, who had sprung +from her chair white with fear, while the wretched-looking medium, +though previously in the "trance state" stared at us with protruding +eyes. + +[Illustration: _"That is the woman!" said I, pointing to Mrs. Winslow +who had sprung from her chair, white with fear.--_] + +"And who are _you_?" she gasped, looking from one to the other in +dismay. + +"Persons whom you will give no more trouble after the service of these +papers," gallantly replied Mr. Bangs, passing the legal documents into +her hands, which closed upon them mechanically; and after I had politely +handed the medium sufficient money to repair the damage I had caused her +door, we bade the two spiritualists a cheery good-night and left them to +a consideration of the contrast between mortal and immortal +"manifestations." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + + Shows how Mrs. Winslow makes a new Move.-- Also introduces + the famous Evalena Gray, Physical Spiritual Medium, at her + sumptuous Apartments on West Twenty-first Street, New + York.-- Reminds the Reader of the Aristocratic Classes + deluded by Spiritualism.-- Describes a Seance and explains + the "Rope-trick," and other Spiritualistic Sleight-of-hand + Performances. + + +Mrs. Winslow was quite crushed by her failure to evade service of the +notice to take evidence in just those sections of the country where she +had been too well known for her present good, and for a few days seemed +to be in that peculiar mental condition where one may be easily led, or +driven, into committing a desperate act for mere relief from a too great +conflict of emotions. + +She flitted about the city in a state of great unrest for a little time, +not being able to dispossess her mind of the fear or feeling of being +pursued; stealing into the houses of those of like belief, and with an +air of great secrecy insisting that they should give her refuge and +protection from Lyon's minions, who, she claimed--and perhaps had come +to believe--would yet in some way do her bodily harm; mysteriously +gliding about the Arcade and in the vicinity of his house, as if +expecting by some occult power to be able to divine what might be the +rich man's plans concerning her; and like the very evil thing that she +was, hiding in uncanny places, scared at her own voice or footsteps, +until the spell had left her. + +About this time New York city dailies, and many of the newspapers of +large circulation throughout the interior of the State, were publishing +the following advertisement: + + "Immense Success!--Miss Evalena Gray, the celebrated Spiritual + Physical Medium, lately from the Queen's Drawing-room, Hanover + Square, London, also Crystal Palace, Sydenham, and assisted by + Mlle. Willie Leveraux, from Paris, will give one of her + marvellous seances this evening at her elegant parlors, No. 19 + West Twenty-first street, opposite the Fifth Avenue Hotel, at + 7:30 P.M." + +New York city knew Miss Evalena Gray as a new aspirant to the honors and +emoluments derived from her ability to do mysterious things very +gracefully. She was as beautiful a woman as had ever come into New York +on this kind of business, and those who considered her a true medium +were in ecstasies over the magnificent contortions and superb evolutions +which her "great spiritual power" enabled her to execute with +bewildering rapidity, while disbelievers in the source of these +phenomena originating in celestial spheres could not resist her +fascinating powers; and the consequence was that her adroitness and +beauty had created a great sensation, so much so in fact that +respectable people had begun arguing about her, which answered just the +purpose sought. + +New York also knew her as a woman so full of soul--that latter-day +substitute for brains and personal purity--as to have readily confused +and silenced great throngs in Europe wherever she had appeared; and she +had invariably challenged investigation, and that, too, with as much +audacity as success, which had in every instance been wonderfully marked +and complete. + +Mrs. Winslow knew her as a little sprite she had met three years before +at Chardon, Ohio, a pleasant little village of about 3,000 inhabitants, +twelve miles south of Painesville, where Mrs. Winslow had been giving +seances. Miss Gray was then just starting in her Spiritualistic career, +and Mrs. Winslow, seeing her aptitude and general fascinating qualities, +endeavored to persuade her to accompany her. + +Miss Gray evidently believed in her own powers, at least had considered +the proposition unfavorably; but the two had become warm friends, and +Mrs. Winslow had cheerfully imparted to the demure novitiate all her +supply of manifestations, which she had rapidly acquired, and the two +had parted with the promise to meet again at the very first opportunity, +each drifting away to fulfil her traitorous course against society and +blasphemous satire upon respectability. + +So, Mrs. Winslow, being in that condition of mind wherein its possessor +_must_ have some person's confidence, saw this advertisement, and +feeling sure that Miss Evalena Gray had been in clover, concluded that +she could go to her for rest and consolation; accordingly, she threw off +the clouds which had seemed to settle upon her, gathered her baggage +together from various secret places where it had been deposited, took +rooms at the National Hotel for a few days in quite a rational manner, +and after a week of perfect rest and physical care, which told +wonderfully in her favor, in connection with her great recuperative +powers, and having provided a wardrobe of no mean character, left +Rochester for New York as handsome and attractive a woman as one would +meet in a day's journey. + +I was apprised of her departure by telegraph, and had a spry little +operative at the Hudson River depot at Thirty-first street, ready to +play the lackey to her. She at once proceeded in a carriage to the Fifth +Avenue Hotel, where she secured fine apartments overlooking the entrance +to Miss Evalena Gray's elegant parlors at No. 19 West Twenty-first +street; and although I had no previous information as to what called +Mrs. Winslow to New York, I was for several reasons satisfied that it +was for the purpose of communicating with Miss Gray, and at once took +measures for securing the substance of the interview. + +As Mrs. Winslow had arrived late in the afternoon, I thought probably +she would make no move until the following day, but took the precaution +to secure a room adjoining hers for the use of an operative, sending +another detective to Miss Gray's seance at half-past seven, to ascertain +whether Mrs. Winslow was at any time present, and also, if necessary, to +devise some means to remain in the house until the two women had met, +should they do so. + +The detective sent to Miss Gray's place was barely able to secure +admission, on account of having come on foot, that fact alone laying him +liable to suspicion. For an hour's time, splendid equipages, at short +intervals, rolled up to the mansion, and their occupants were turned +over to a negro butler of such gigantic proportions and gorgeous livery +as to give the ordinarily aristocratic place an air of oriental +splendor, the interior appointments being fully in keeping with the +promise of sumptuousness which the reception always gave. Once entered, +my operative had an opportunity to study these appointments. + +The carpets were of such rich and heavy texture that they gave back no +sound to the foot-fall, and by an ingenious arrangement, beneath the +lambrequins adorning the windows, two noiseless fan-like blinds opened +or closed instantly, lighting or darkening the room as suddenly, and +evidently for use during day seances, which were sometimes given; while +opposite, two broad parlors led away, _en suite_, to a raised dais at +the rear, upon which Miss Evalena Gray, assisted by Mlle. Leveraux, from +Paris, gave her wonderful spiritual manifestations. + +At either side of the centre of the first room, and on a level with the +floor, was a fountain cut in marble, back into the basin of which the +water fell with a dreamy, tinkling sound which suggested poetical +luxuriousness. Rare statuary filled every accessible niche. Heroic +paintings of the olden times, and the softer, more sensual paintings of +the late French schools, blended together until they gave the walls a +rosy glow. Flowers loading the air with fragrance, warmed the room with +the color and life which flowers only can give. Hidden music-boxes gave +forth the rare and blended melodies of sunny, southern climes; while +rich divans, arranged with that pleasant kind of taste that bespeaks no +arrangement at all, were scattered negligently about the room, now +rapidly being filled with the aristocratic people who had arrived and +were constantly arriving. + +My operative, having gained a good point for observation, now turned his +attention to the rapidly-increasing assemblage. Almost without +exception, they were men and women of evident wealth and leisure, but +with scarcely a face denoting culture and refinement. They were +representatives of that numerous class who, after the rapid acquirement +of money, have found no good thing with which to occupy their minds, or, +what is more probable, have no minds to be thus occupied; and, while not +giving Spiritualism any public endorsement, secretly follow its, to +them, fascinating superstitions and mysteries, and practice, in an easy +way that prevents scandal or infamous notoriety, the sensualities which +inevitably result from its teachings or association with those +hangers-on of society professing its belief, all the time building a +hope that a lazy, sensuous heaven may be reached without effort or +struggle by merely cherishing a secret faith in what most satisfies +their animal nature, and yearning to live hereafter as they most desire +to live here--were it not for the voice of society--in a brutal freedom +from restraint, utterly devoid of moral and social purity, and without +the slightest semblance of that law, written and unwritten, which, from +the creation of man and woman, has built about the domestic relations a +protection and defence of sacred oneness and sanctified exclusiveness +which no vandal dare attack without eventually receiving some just and +certain punishment. + +A conscientious detective will allow but little to escape his attention, +and my operative, who had already had considerable experience with these +illusionists, noticed a few arrangements which the spirits had evidently +insisted on being made to insure the success of Miss Gray's seances, +which were varied in their character, and "never comprised her entire +repertory," as the actors would say, so that she was able to continue an +attraction for some time to those persons who came to see her and +witness her manifestations out of mere curiosity. + +The frescoing of the walls of the back parlor had been done in lines and +angles, which admitted of any number of apertures being cut and filled +with noiseless pantomime doors, so neatly as to almost defy detection. +The semi-circular platform was raised fully three feet, sloping +considerably to the front, and--whether it did or not--might have +contained a half-dozen "traps" such as are used for stage effects; +while, as is contrary to all rules for lighting places for public +entertainment, the front parlor was lighted very brilliantly, the back +parlor scarcely at all, while but a few glimmering rays fell from the +chandeliers over the platform, where the spirits, like certain "star" +actors, could not appear unless under certain conditions. + +Shortly Mlle. Leveraux conducted Miss Gray through a side door to the +platform, and as the latter smiled recognition to the large number +present, exclamations of "Isn't she sweet?" "How beautiful!" "Almost an +angel as she is!" and other expressions of extreme admiration, filled +the room. + +A deft little woman was Evalena Gray; a sprite of a thing, light, airy, +graceful, and with such a gliding, serpentine motion when walking, +glistening with jewels as she always did, that one instinctively thought +of some lithe and splendid leopard trailing along the edge of a jungle +with an occasional angry flash of sunlight upon it. From her feet, both +of which could have rested within your hand, and given room for just +such another pair, to her shoulders, which were sloping and narrow +though beautifully symmetrical, she was as straight as an arrow. Then +her slender, faultless neck carried her head a little forward, with a +slight bend to the side, which gave her face a half-daring or wholly +appealing expression, as people of different temperaments might look at +it, though it always attracted and held an observer, for it was as +strange a face as its owner was a strange woman. The chin stood there by +itself, though shapely, and at the point was prettily depressed by a +little dimple, just needed to save the lower part of the face from a +shrewish look. Above this the lower lip curved gradually to the edge of +the carmine point, but was stopped there by a sort of drawn look, which +with her dazzling white, though slightly irregular teeth, thin upper lip +quickly parting from the lower, at either pleasure or anger, rather +large, thin nostrils, which noticeably expanded and contracted with the +rise and fall of her not over large bosom, and her languid blue eyes, +one a trifle more closed than the other, but both looking demurely from +under lashes of wonderful depth of sweep and length--all gave the face, +which was witchingly attractive notwithstanding these marked features, +either a plaintively spiritual appearance, or a wickedly fascinating +expression beyond the power of description; while her hair, of that +nameless color which might be formed of gold and silver, mingled and +fell from her fine head, half hiding her delicate ears--pretty and +faultless ears they were--in wonderful richness and profusion. + +Never were seen more beautiful hands and fingers than those belonging to +Miss Gray, and they had a way of assuming all manner of positions in +harmony with the changes of her expressive face and the motions of her +supple form, while her little body was a mere bundle of pliable bones +and elastic sinews, which could compel all manner of contortions without +change of posture, by mere will-power. She was not a beauty; but +altogether, with her real or assumed languor, her strange eyes that +might mean lasciviousness or might arouse your pity, her parted lips +which would seem to protest of weariness or be ready to whisper a +naughty secret to you, with her elf-like form that made her appear at +once a dainty innocent thing and a pretty witch--she was a woman +possessing a terribly fascinating power and capable of any devilish +human accomplishment. + +When the murmurs of admiration had died away, she arose, and in her +languid manner especially prepared for the public, told her audience a +long, though interesting fabrication, of how she first discovered she +was possessed of this blessed spirit-power; how she had at first doubted +it, and endeavored to free herself from its possession; but finally saw +that it could not be forced from her. On thorough conviction that she +was a medium she had begun a laborious scientific investigation into the +subject, and finally resolved to fathom the remotest secret of +Spiritualism. + +But even to her the blessed gates had been barred when she came with +this spirit of unclean scepticism. Still, being assured that it had been +given to her to walk with celestials, her future course was only a +natural sequence. What had most sorely tried her in this life, she +remarked, was to be herself morally sure of these wonderful mediumistic +powers, and then realize how cruelly the world scoffed at her as well as +at all others who were anchored upon the same beautiful faith. To +prevent this and find use for her powers in the highest spheres, she had +travelled in Europe from Rome to St. Petersburg, and from Vienna to +London. + +In every instance the impossibility of any deception being practised in +her manifestations was admitted; but until she had arrived in London, +she had failed to find anybody of repute honest enough to speak the +truth. But there she had met a high-minded man who had broken through +the barriers of prejudice, and, in an open, manly way, fearless of the +sneers of the common herd, or of his business peers, had thoroughly +investigated her exhibitions, found that they had proceeded from +supernatural power, and had publicly stated his belief in their +genuineness. + +With such irrefutable evidence of the possession of this spirit-power, +she was now fulfilling her mission of convincing the public of the +existence of these heaven-inspired phenomena, explainable upon no other +possible theory than that of the inter-communication between this and +the other world of ministering angels, self-determining their actual +existence by more or less perfect materializations. + +With this and much more of the same sort, Evalena Gray began her +revelations, all of which had previously been performed and exposed as +ordinary tricks of an illusionary character, but which were given by the +languid, _spirituelle_ lady with such a show of her being on the +threshold of the celestial spheres, that the very atmosphere, already +charged with everything to provoke mystification and solemn curiosity, +now seemed filled with some weird, supernatural influence and presence. + +First the little lady, who was dressed in white muslin, with long +flowing sleeves exposing very pretty arms, came down from the platform +and seated herself in the centre of the back parlor, inviting the +forming around her of a circle of from twelve to fifteen persons, who +should sit so closely together that there could be no possibility of her +passing out of the circle, and, if the rest of the audience chose, they +might form a circle around the inner circle so that no confederates +might reach her. This was done, when she requested some gentleman to +place his feet upon her tiny feet to assure the audience that she did +not leave her chair. + +Members of the mystic circle then clasped hands, and the lights were +turned off completely. The stillness of death followed, broken only by a +low, shuddering sigh announcing the control of the medium by the +spirits, and immediately after came raps so loud and distinct as to +almost give the impression that an echo followed them. Then the medium +began patting her hands together _as an absolute proof that none of the +succeeding manifestations could by any possible means be produced by +her_. While this continued without interruption, in the face of some +came a whispered "God bless you!" others were patted caressingly upon +the face and head; whiskers and mustaches were delicately tweaked; +watches were taken from one pocket and put into another; a gent's +quizzers would be placed upon a lady's nose, and _vice versa_; music +floated about in the air over the heads of those composing the circle; +lights were seen to glitter like fire-flies above the medium's head, and +a score of other equally startling phenomena occurred. When silence, +with the exception of the soft and delicate, but never-varying +hand-patting, again fell upon the assemblage, a few raps announced the +departure of the spirits; and when the gas was turned on, the dainty +little medium sat in precisely the same position as when the circle was +formed, and the gentleman had taken good care to hold her neat little +feet between his own. A sceptical lady now held Miss Gray's feet--held +them as securely as only a sceptical lady could--when precisely the same +manifestations occurred. Again her feet were secured as before, with the +additional precaution of their being tied. She was then tied to her +chair securely, her hands tied firmly with a large handkerchief, and a +delicate wine-glass filled with water placed upon the floor several feet +from the chair. The lights were again turned off, the raps were heard as +before, and were in turn immediately followed by the hand-patting, and +when the room was again lighted the wine-glass of water was found +delicately poised upon Miss Evalena Gray's head. + +Many startling variations of the same general character were introduced, +and when this portion of the seance was concluded, the astounded company +gathered about the pale and interesting medium with expressions of +unbounded wonder almost amounting to awe, mingled with terms of +endearment; for she sweetly conversed with them for a little time, and, +with rare insight into character, gave each a pleasant word of +recognition especially fitted to every case, in a manner winning beyond +expression. + +She now retired for a short time, while Mlle. Leveraux entertained the +assemblage with selections from her companion's exceptionally +interesting European experiences, as put in form probably by some +enterprising, though impecunious, New York Bohemian. + +When Miss Gray returned she was attired quite differently. Instead of +wearing the white, soft muslin which had given her a peculiarly graceful +appearance, she had donned a closely-fitting basque of black rep silk, +heavily trimmed with the costliest of lace, while the skirts to her +dress were drawn very tightly around her form into a neat panier. + +It _might_ have been noticed by any other person in the room, as it +_was_ noticed by my operative, _that her bust and shoulders seemed to +have undergone considerable change during her absence_. She seemed much +more full across the breast, and her waist was certainly not so narrow +and graceful as when she was operating in muslin within the circle. But +then, the spirits might have caused this sudden growth, and she was +still physically handsome and shapely. + +A committee of gentlemen was then called for, and Miss Gray announced +that she would submit to being tied to a chair as securely as it was in +the power of the gentlemen selected by the audience to tie her; +whereupon Mlle. Leveraux walked about the room and exhibited the rope to +be used, which, though slender, seemed strong as a Mexican lasso. + +There could have been no deception or fraud about this rope. + +The three who had been selected to do the work then expressed their +determination to tie Miss Gray "so the devil himself would have to help +her," as one said, proceeding with the interesting operation in the +bright gaslight, while all the people gathered about as if anxious to +see that it was done properly, or curious to notice how the little woman +would bear the ordeal. They certainly did their work well, and as the +rope was wound around and about her, being drawn taut in every instance, +it seemed to sink into her delicate flesh in a cruel way that made her +wince and tremble, the operation calling forth numberless sympathetic +remarks from those present, which she acknowledged by a painful +martyr-like smile as she patiently bore the infliction until thoroughly +tied. At her special request, as she said, to prevent a stoppage of +circulation, her hands were tied at the wrist over a fold of silk to +prevent abrasion of the flesh; and after all the knots had been sealed +with wax, she was pronounced tied so securely that, without connivance +of confederates, it would require superhuman aid to release her. + +With a pleasant smile she looked around upon the wondering spectators +and said: + +"Good friends, I will absolutely and incontestably prove to you that I +am possessed of that kind of aid. I want you all to form a circle around +me. Every one in the room should join it. Stand so closely together, +clasping hands, that no living person can pass the circle either way." + +The circle was then formed as she had requested, half upon the platform +and half upon the floor, Miss Gray being at least ten feet from any of +the persons composing it. She then asked anxiously: + +"Are you all really satisfied--yes, convinced, that there can be no +shadow or form of deception about this?" + +Some hesitated about giving a decided affirmation to that belief, when +she swiftly singled out the doubters and pressed upon them not only the +privilege, but the desirability and necessity, if they sought the truth, +of personally examining the manner in which she had been tied. After +this had been done and all scepticism had been silenced, she bade them a +cheerful "Good-by!" and closing her eyes in a weary manner, seemed to +pass into a peaceful slumber, as the lights were gradually turned off, +finally leaving the room in total darkness, and with no sound to relieve +the painful stillness save the orthodox rappings announcing the arrival +of the spirits, the hidden music stealing softly to the hushed circle or +the still softer water-wimplings from the fountains making _their_ music +in the carved marble basins. + +It seemed a long time to the breathless people composing the circle, but +probably not more than ten minutes had elapsed when the raps again +startled the listeners, and in an instant the full light of the +chandeliers flooded the room. + +There sat the marvellous Physical Spiritual Medium utterly free, but as +if just recovering from a swoon--the ropes, their seals unbroken, lying +a few feet from the chair. + +[Illustration: _There sat the marvelous Physical-Spiritual medium, +utterly free, but as if just recovering from a swoon.--_] + +There was a simultaneous rush to where she was sitting apparently limp +and exhausted from the great struggle which the spirits had had through +her human personality, to release her from bondage, during which Mlle. +Leveraux took occasion to remark that the strain upon Miss Gray's +powers had been too great, and begged that the ladies and gentlemen +would excuse her at once, as the medium's condition would unfortunately +necessitate the immediate termination of the seance for that evening; +whereupon she left the room supporting the delicate Miss Gray in a +manner that would have done credit to any theatre in the world. + +There was no illusion and could have been no collusion. + +Every one in the parlors had seen the woman tied so firmly that the +ropes had sunk into her very flesh. The circle had been formed so +securely as to admit of the passage out or in of no person whatever. +They had all seen her sitting in the chair in a secure condition, and +could have heard any movement on the part of any person within the +circle who might have attempted to steal to her assistance. But there +were the ropes with unbroken seals, lying there, silent but absolute +evidence that no human agency had uncoiled them. + +In the face of all this, what were reasoning people to believe? + +They could not but believe the one thing that they generally did believe +after having visited Evalena Gray's seances, and that was that there +_does_ exist an intercommunication between this and the "Land of the +Leal;" that all persons at times feel these spirit forces working upon +or within them in different forms and with different degrees of +intensity; and that there are these fine organisms, so free from earthly +conditions or hinderances, as to almost permit the rehabilitation of +spirit-lives which, as truly friendly aids and assistants, often perform +what seem to the comprehension of ordinary mortals as past belief, +giving in their materializations many blessed glimpses of the +spirit-land. + +All of which would be thrillingly pleasant to believe and ruminate over +if it was not true that there are probably hundreds in this country +alone who can do this sort of thing without looking pale and interesting +over it; without necessitating the indorsement of a millionaire brewer +or anybody else; and who would consider it hardly fair to charge two +dollars admission, as Miss Gray did, for the utter humbug of sitting +within a circle as a woman dexterous enough to have her feet held and +then be able with the left hand to pat the right palm for a moment, then +the right arm--made bare from the wrist to the shoulder by the sudden +unloosening of a delicate elastic, clasped into the bracelet--or her +cheek, forehead, or neck, as necessity compelled, but making this +patting incessant and so like that of the two hands, that detection (in +the dark) would be a matter of impossibility; and with this same bared +right arm and hand producing all of these manifestations, ordinarily so +marvellous, even to taking a little music-box out of the pocket, +springing a catch to start the melody, "floating" it all about the heads +of those composing the circle, shutting off the music, and putting the +box in the pocket; or even neatly balancing a wine-glass of water upon +the head. + +And when this was all done, without claiming any particular nearness to +heaven regarding it either, I am satisfied that I have lady operatives +in my employ who can step into a room adjoining a seance-parlor, adjust +a rubber jacket, inflate it, hiding the tube of the same under a +closely-fitting collar, allow themselves to be tied so that the ropes +would seem to cruelly sink into the flesh; and that, after a room had +been darkened ten minutes they would be able to have allowed the air to +so escape from the rubber jacket, that, with the contraction of the form +possible to many, the ropes, with unbroken seals, would almost fall from +their forms of their own weight. + +This is precisely how Miss Evalena Gray performed her tricks. + +They did not reach to the dignity of respectable sleight-of-hand; and I +could go on endlessly multiplying these farces, which are so +continuously and disgustingly played upon the public for just what money +they will bring and nothing more; for who ever saw a Spiritualist that +went about the world bringing ministering spirits from heaven to earth +for the good such materializations might do? And further, who ever saw a +Spiritualistic medium, preacher or lecturer that did not make his +religious faith, assumed or otherwise, yield him his living, and provide +him his luxuries besides? + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. + + After the Seance.-- Daddy, the "Accommodation Husband."-- The + two fascinating Swindlers in Council.-- Miss Evalena's + European Career.-- How the Millionaire Brewer was baited + and played with.-- A Bit of Criminal History.-- A choice + Pair.-- Mrs. Winslow's Aspirations and Resolves. + + +It appeared that Miss Evalena Gray and Mlle. Leveraux, and their male +companions, or affinities, did not reside at No. 19 West Twenty-first +street, but in more modest quarters farther down-town; and after the +assemblage had dispersed, the two Misses, an attendant or two, a tall, +gaunt, meek-looking fellow, whom the no longer angelical Evalena called +"Daddy," and a very fascinating young man called in the advertisements +W. Sterling Bischoff, manager, were gathered in the front parlor +previous to being driven home, when W. Sterling said quickly, and as if +suddenly recollecting something which it would not be profitable for him +to forget: + +"See here, Gray; 'most forgot. Here's a note sent over from the Fifth +Avenue. None of your larks now!" + +The person addressed so familiarly as Gray was none other than the +interesting Evalena, who, putting her languor aside, and snatching the +note from the "manager," said: + +"Give it here, now! I'll lark if I like, and _you_ won't hinder." + +"But there's Mr. Gray," persisted the manager, nodding towards the meek, +gaunt man, whose lips seemed to move, though he ventured no remark. + +"Oh, Daddy don't mind, do you, Daddy?" + +[Illustration: _"Oh daddy don't mind:--do you daddy?"--_] + +"Daddy" was Miss Evalena Gray's husband, but was under such peculiarly +good spiritual "control" that he merely smiled a sickly smile and +murmured that he believed not. + +Miss Gray proceeded to examine the note without waiting for the timid +Mr. Gray's opinion, and suddenly exclaimed: + +"Gracious! I'm going right over there!" + +"What for?" inquired Bischoff anxiously, while Mr. Gray's lips pursed +into the form of an unspoken inquiry; "man or woman, eh?" + +"None of your business!" she answered promptly. "Here, Leveraux, help me +on with my wrappings. You drive home. A friend of mine that I haven't +seen for all the last three years is stopping over there, and wants to +see me. I may stay all night. If I shouldn't want to, I'll order a +carriage and come down in an hour or two." + +The three, who were elegantly supported by this woman's juggleries, +seemed to realize that there was no use of opposing her; and without +knowing whether it was a man or woman she intended visiting at that hour +of the night, went gloomily home, while a few minutes later Miss Gray, +unannounced, and at the unseasonable hour of eleven o'clock, was +knocking at the door of Mrs. Winslow's room. + +In a moment more, though Mrs. Winslow was on the point of retiring, and +was in that easy _déshabillé_ in which women love to wander about, doing +a hundred unmentionable and unimportant things before getting into bed +for good, Miss Gray was pushing her lithe form through the cautiously +opened door, and at once unlimbered her tongue and her reserve; the +result of which, as noted by my operative, showed the eminent vulgarity +of the two female frauds, and illustrated the fact that whatever +pretensions they might make, their conversation alone would serve to +discover the inherent and low vileness of their character. + +"Oh, you dear old fraud!" said Evalena, entering, after Mrs. Winslow had +virtuously given herself sufficient time to ascertain that there was no +evil-minded man at the door, and had gladly admitted her visitor; "if +you've got any other company, of course I won't come!" + +Mrs. Winslow laughed knowingly, and then told her visitor how really +glad she was to see her. She was sincere in this, and sincerity, even in +a bad cause, is a redeeming feature. + +"Well, well, you rascal," continued Miss Gray in a jolly, rollicking +sort of a way, "couldn't wait until to-morrow. Where _have_ you been, +what _have_ you been doing, and how _are_ you, anyhow? Come, now, tell +me all about yourself!" + +Saying this in a kind of a rush of excitement, Miss Gray settled +herself in a corner of the luxurious sofa, pulled her feet under her to +get a more comfortable position, and like an interested philosopher, +waited for and listened to the narrative which comprised many of the +facts I have given; but instead of telling the whole truth, only gave +that part of it which made her appear to have been eminently successful +in her swindling operations, and showed life with her to have been +floating calmly upon one continuous, peaceful stream. + +"And now, Evalena," said Mrs. Winslow, rounding off her story with a +great flourish over what she was to make out of Lyon, whom she described +as still madly in love with her, "where have _you_ been, and what have +_you_ been doing since I saw you at Chardon?" + +The glib tongue of the marvellous Physical Spiritual Medium began at +once, and she rattled away at a terrible rate. + +"Well, I've got the same husband----" + +"Oh, pshaw!" interrupted Mrs. Winslow half contemptuously. + +"But he's such a dear, good old fool that I can't throw him over. Why, I +can make him shrink from six feet two to two feet six by just looking at +him! Money couldn't hire such a devoted servant anywhere. He'll do just +anything I tell him; and if I want him out of the way for a few days," +she continued with a comical wink, "I just give him a fifty-dollar bill +and say: 'Daddy, you don't look well; take a run into the country, and +I'll write for you when I want you!' He goes away then with his face +about a yard long. But he goes; and he never made a rumpus in his life!" + +"Oh, that's quite another thing," said Mrs. Winslow, evidently relieved +to know that Miss Gray had had so good a reason for living so long a +time as three years with the same man. + +"Yes, he's what I call an 'accommodation husband.' He accommodates me, +and I--" here Miss Gray sighed piously--"accommodate myself!" + +"Exactly," remarked Mrs. Winslow, beginning to appreciate the pleasant +nature of such an arrangement. + +"Well," resumed the marvellous medium, "we went all through the Ohio +towns giving _exposés_; went out through Chicago, and then down to St. +Louis. But the _exposé_ business didn't pay. We found that people would +pay more money to be humbugged than to learn how some other person might +be deluded!" + +"Every time!" tersely observed Mrs. Winslow. + +"So at St. Louis we resolved to become Spiritualists." + +"The very best thing you could have done!" said Mrs. Winslow +approvingly. + +"And at Quincy," resumed Evalena, "we blossomed out. Oh, but didn't the +papers go for us, though!--called us everything." + +"D----n the newspapers, anyhow!" exclaimed Mrs. Winslow in a burst of +indignation over her own wrongs. + +"Oh, no, no, no! _that_ won't do. Make huge advertising bills. That's +better--much better. That's what _we_ did, and we made big money too. By +and by we came on here to New York, made a huge show, took in a vast +pile, and then went to Europe. Oh, that's the only way to do it!" + +"Yes," said Mrs. Winslow with a deep sigh. "I have often felt the want +of that peculiar tone which going to Europe gives one." + +"Well, we did have a gay time, though," said Miss Gray in a dreamy way, +as if ruminating over her conquests; "and at Venice--oh, that delicious, +ravishing, dreamful Venice!--I bilked a swarthy nobleman from the +mountains out of five thousand dollars. At Rome I did a swell American +out of everything he had. At Vienna, a Hungarian wine-grower fell, and I +trampled upon him as his brutes of peasants beat out the grapes in +vintage-time. At Berlin a German student killed himself for me; and at +St. Petersburg I fooled the Czar himself. But when I got back to London +I got better game than him." + +"Bigger game than the Czar? Oh, my!" exclaimed Mrs. Winslow, thinking +how she had wasted her sweetness on two detectives like Bristol and Fox. + +"Well, bigger game this way," pursued little Miss Gray, reasoning it out +slowly. "This Spiritualistic business can only be played on low, +ignorant people ordinarily. Get the recognition of so big a man as one +of the wealthiest brewers in Great Britain, and then, if Miss Gray has +money and can open sumptuous parlors in so fashionable a vicinity as +Madison Square, and can own a quarter of a column of the New York papers +every day, Miss Evalena Gray's fortune is made. Do you see?" + +Mrs. Winslow did see, but wanted to know how she had secured such +approval. + +Her companion looked at her a moment in blank astonishment; then drawing +down the corners of her mouth as if protesting against such verdancy on +the part of so old a Spiritualistic soldier as Mrs. Winslow, gave a very +expressive series of winks, broke into loud laughter, and then suggested +that if she wanted anything like _that_ explained it would be no more +than fair to order either Krug or Monopolé to help her through so dreary +a recital; whereupon the latter did as requested, and after the two had +washed down a ribald toast with wine, the angelic Miss Gray continued: + +"Well, you see, we came directly from St. Petersburg to London, and got +up a big excitement there right off. The _Times_ denounced us, and we +replied savagely through the _Telegraph_ at a half-crown a line. We kept +this up until all London was engaged in the controversy, and our rooms +were constantly thronged." + +"What luck!" sighed Mrs. Winslow, sipping her wine. + +"By and by the 'nobbies' got discussing the matter at the clubs. We +challenged examination by committees everywhere, of course, and one day +a batch of M.P.s, clergymen, merchants, and all that, came down upon us. +I picked out one man named Perkins--a brewer from the Surrey side, and +one of the wealthiest men in all England, and a man of education and +standing, too--for game right off." + +"Must be lots of fools over in London," remarked Mrs. Winslow, as if +she would like to help pluck them. + +"Yes," answered Miss Gray, "and millions in this country. We're going to +take a run over to Washington this winter." + +"I would if I had your talent," replied her companion. + +"Well," resumed the medium, "I saw Perkins was an easy-going fellow, and +I wrote him, saying it was something unusual for me to do, but as the +'spirits'"--here Miss Gray winked very hard at Mrs. Winslow, who +snickered--"had revealed to me that he was an arrant unbeliever, but at +the same time a fair, honorable man, magnanimous enough to be just--I +wished him to make a private investigation." + +"'Private investigation's' good!" said Mrs. Winslow, laughing heartily. + +"Certainly good for me," continued the little medium in a self-satisfied +way. "He came, though, and I gave him my tricks in my best possible +style. I pretty nearly scared him to death. Then I let him tie me, and +the old man's hands trembled as he put the ropes around my waist and +over my bosom. 'Miss Gray,' said he tenderly, 'I shall injure you!' 'Mr. +Perkins,' I replied, also tenderly, 'the good spirits will protect me. +Pull the ropes tighter!' + +"He pulled the ropes tighter and tighter, and finally got me tied. Then +he darkened the room and in a few minutes I was entirely free of the +ropes of course, and I told him to raise the curtain. As soon as he did +so I left, telling him I was ill; and as soon as I could change my +dress, came back and sat down with him. I got close to him--as close as +I am to you now, Mrs. Winslow--and then, putting my right hand on his +knee, and my left hand on his shoulder----" + +"Splendid!" interrupted Mrs. Winslow, pouring more wine for the +ingenuous Miss Gray, and taking some herself. + +"Then," continued Miss Gray, laughing in a peculiarly wicked manner, "I +got my face pretty close to his and asked: 'Mr. Perkins, I want you to +give me an answer that you are willing to have made public. On your +honor as a man, do you not now believe in the genuineness of these +spiritual manifestations produced through me?' 'I do,' he said +passionately, throwing his arms around me, and--and I don't know what he +would have done had not Leveraux entered the room at that supreme +moment!" + +[Illustration: _"Leveraux entered the room at that supreme moment."--_] + +"Oh, _I_ see!" murmured the other blackmailer. + +"Think of it, Mrs. Winslow!" added Miss Gray tauntingly; "think of it! +In the arms of a man who can draw his check for a million sterling--and +poor little me from Chardon, Ohio!" + +"My! but you are a little rascal, though!" said Mrs. Winslow admiringly. +"I always knew you'd make an impression somewhere." + +"'Leveraux!' said I indignantly, and springing from Perkins's embrace +after I had kissed him in a way that set him shaking again, 'if you ever +breathe a word of this, or annoy Mr. Perkins in any manner under heaven, +I'll kill you! Go!' + +"Poor Leveraux knew her cue and replied hotly, 'I'd kill myself before +I'd do so disgraceful an act!' and then flounced out of the room." + +"_What_ a pair!" exclaimed Mrs. Winslow. + +"He thought I was just perfectly splendid after that; kept coming and +coming, indorsed me publicly, got wild over me; but I held him at arm's +length for months, until I thought the man would really go crazy; and +finally--well, you know I told you Daddy was an 'accommodation husband,' +and if he hadn't been one after I had tripped up one of the richest men +in all England, I would have just hired somebody to have dumped him into +the Thames, sure!" + +The sparkling flow of Miss Gray's experience was here interrupted by +Mrs. Winslow's ordering another bottle of wine, and after the couple had +partaken of the same, the spicy narrative was continued: + +"But now comes the fun, Winslow. I can't tell you _how_ my rope trick is +done. I've got a little addition to it that makes it a regular +sensation. It don't hurt me a particle, and allows the strongest men to +pull away with all their might." + +"I'd give a thousand dollars for it, Evalena," said her friend warmly. + +"No good; no good for you," replied Miss Gray, critically looking over +Mrs. Winslow's splendid physical completeness. "Fact is, Winslow, you +aren't built exactly right for that kind of work. There's too much of +you to do the rope trick with eminent success. I played Daddy as my +brother, and myself for an innocent, so neatly that Perkins honestly +thought he had made a wonderful conquest. He believed it all, for he was +one of those honest fools--in fact, came near being too honest for me." + +"Why, how?" + +"Well, he installed me as his mistress in grand style; but, of course, I +insisted in giving seances and compelled public recognition through +_his_ public recognition of my 'wonderful spirit-power.' The man was so +infatuated that he bored me terribly with his visits. Why, I could +hardly get time to attend to business. You know we always have a stock +of ropes on hand in the seance-rooms, so that when any one objects to +the one I ordinarily use, there are always other ropes at hand that I +_can_ use. One night some fellow broke my best rope, and the next day I +was carelessly practising with another with my door unsecured. Perkins +had been down to Brighton for a week or two, and of course had to rush +over to see me the minute he got in London--to give me a 'happy +surprise,' I suppose. There I sat when he suddenly bolted into the room +and saw the thinness of the whole thing in an instant." + +"What did he see?" asked Mrs. Winslow abruptly. + +"You _are_ shrewd, Winslow, but you can't catch me that way; no, no, no! +But he did see the whole trick as dear as a June day. Do you think I +fainted?" + +"Not much," said her companion tersely. + +"No; but _he_ nearly did. He reeled and staggered as though he had been +struck by a sledge-hammer, and I saw in his face a determination to rush +from the room and denounce me to all London. It was make or break with +me then, Winslow, and with a bound I got to the door, turned the key, +and sent it crashing through a five-pound pane of glass into the street +below. Then I just whipped out this little derringer," she continued, +producing a beautifully mounted, though diminutive weapon, "just run it +right up under his eyes, and backed him into a seat." + +"'Great God!' he whimpered, 'I'm undone! I'm undone!--what a very devil +you are!' + +"My heart did go thumping to see the man used up so; but I had to be +rough, and said: 'Yes, I _am_ a devil, Perkins, and you must pledge me +your word--yes, you must take a solemn oath before that God you have +called upon, that you will never expose me, or I will blow your brains +out!'" + +"Splendid! splendid!" ejaculated Mrs. Winslow. "Did he do it?" + +"I should say he did do it! He got down on his knees and begged like a +baby. And do you know, my blood was up so then, and I so despised him +for his want of manliness, that I came within an ace of killing the +infernal booby!" + +"He deserved it!" said Mrs. Winslow sympathetically. + +"After I had him nearly scared to death," resumed the marvellous medium, +"I began reasoning with him, and, by being excruciatingly tender, +convinced him that by exposing me he would gain nothing, but would lose +in everything that a man of spirit prided in--honor, social reputation, +and business standing, and drew a lively picture of his disgrace at the +clubs and in social circles, and of the cartoons which would certainly +appear in _Punch_ and the other comic papers; and the result was that I +held on to his affection and his purse-strings by compelling him to feel +that my detaining him in the room and threatening to shoot him was the +only thing which prevented him from rashly ruining both. Altogether, +Winslow, I got over two thousand pounds out of him. He wasn't deprived +of a first-class mistress while I remained in London, and--and we are so +good friends now that every little while I get a splendid remittance +from him; and if I ever should want to go back, I could have the very +best in all England!" + +"Well, well, well!" murmured Mrs. Winslow for the want of something +better with which to express her admiration. + +"I _do_ think I played it pretty well," resumed Miss Gray; "and I made +him swallow it all, too. He really believed everything from the moment I +fell into his arms until he caught me with the ropes. I was his +spirit-wife--" another hard wink--"and he my only affinity. Leveraux +helped me in the whole thing splendidly. + +"Who is Mlle. Willie Leveraux?" inquired Mrs. Winslow. + +"She is a sister of Ed. Johnson, the 'bank-burster,' and a keen girl, +too," answered the medium. + +"How did you happen to get hold of her?" + +"Well, you see, Ed. Johnson, Mose Wogle, Frank Dean--'Dago Frank'--and +Dave Cummings, with Chief of Police McGillan and Detective Royal, of +Jersey City, put up a job on the First National Bank there. McGillan was +to keep everybody away from them; and he, or Royal, was to always remain +at headquarters to let the boys off if they got nabbed. They played it +as plaster-workers--Italians, you know--and began working from a room +over the bank down through the ceiling into the vault; but an old +scrub-woman about the place got suspicious, and had them arrested one +day when both McGillan and Royal happened to be in Philadelphia. They +had promised the boys help to break jail, but they failed everywhere; +and Willie, thinking to get Johnson off, went to the bank officers and +told them the whole story. They promised to help her brother, but said +her evidence would have to be corroborated. So she sent for McGillan and +Royal, got them into her rooms, then over on Thirty-seventh street, and +had a Hoboken official in a closet, with a stenographer, who took all +the conversation, which amounted to a complete confession of their +complicity. It never did any good, though. McGillan and Royal got the +most swearing done, and got clear; while Johnson and the rest of the +boys got fifteen years' solitary confinement in the New Jersey +penitentiary. It almost broke Willie down; but she is splendid help +now." + +Mrs. Winslow drew a long sigh, and the two drank again to drown the +doleful feelings raised by this recital; for even high-toned and +uncaught criminals do not find the contemplation of stone walls and iron +bars by any means pleasant and refreshing; and with this lively history +of herself and her companions, the "Marvellous Physical Spiritual +Medium" called a servant, ordered a conveyance, and was driven home, +after having promised to call with her own carriage on the next day; +while Mrs. Winslow, after surveying her own magnificent physique as +reflected in the pier-glass, muttered: + +"_I'll_ make an effort, go to Europe, and, like so many others, win fame +too!" + +Then with a resolute toss of her head the adventuress plumped into her +bed, where, for aught we know, she carried on her vile conquests and +miserable villainies in her dreams the whole night long. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + + Mrs. Winslow demonstrates her Legal Ability.-- The "Breach of + Promise Trial."-- A grand Rally of the Spiritualistic + Friends of the Adventuress.-- The Jury disagree.-- Mrs. + Winslow convicted at St. Louis of Common Barratry.-- An + honest Judge's Rebuke.-- A new Trial.-- The Spiritualistic + Swindler overthrown.-- Remorse and Wretchedness. + + +Mrs. Winslow's stay in New York was rather an interruption to Miss +Evalena Gray's business, as those two champions of the theory that earth +and heaven are connected by a spiritual hyphen only adjustable, or to be +made serviceable, by the brainless imbeciles or the remorseless sharks +of society, to the exclusion of people of purity and worth, indulged in +several lapses from sobriety, and in spiritual love-feasts of such +remarkable length and enthusiasm that W. Sterling Bischoff, Mlle. +Leveraux, and the mournful accommodation husband, "Daddy," became quite +alarmed for the result, were obliged to discontinue the marvellous +seances at No. Nineteen West Twenty-first Street--on account of the +"alarming illness of the fascinating little medium," as the manager was +careful to see that the truthful newspapers announced--and at the close +of a term of spirituous rapture of remarkable intensity and duration, +the three who were vitally interested in Miss Gray's recovery from her +peculiarly alarming illness, managed to part the loving couple, induce +the languid Evalena to return to her fascinations and fools, and sent +Mrs. Winslow to Rochester and her roguery. + +Although her trip to New York had been one of prolonged dissipation, +Mrs. Winslow had evidently gained courage from it from the assurance of +Miss Gray's friendship, and through that ingenious little woman's +recitals of daring and conquest now applied herself with new vigor and +dash to her infamous work. + +During her absence in New York, Superintendent Bangs and a legal +gentleman from Rochester had proceeded to the West and were rapidly +gathering in the harvest of evidence I had reaped, and which +subsequently became so serviceable. + +Mrs. Winslow, seeing she had been outwitted, began diligently arranging +matters for the coming trial, and having lost the main point of +dependence which she had hoped to make in our inability to use the +evidence which she was sure Lyon's counsel could get by a liberal +expenditure of money, which she also knew must be at hand, she began the +tactics of delay, and secured a change of venue from Rochester to +Batavia, on the ground of prejudice; and, without the assistance of +counsel, boldly manÅ“uvred her case nearly as carefully and judiciously +as the most proficient of criminal lawyers. + +Ascertaining that Lyon's counsel had secured damaging evidence against +her in those sections of country where she had previously been the +spiritualistic harlot that she was, she rapidly followed Mr. Bangs and +his companion, and through her wonderful personal magnetism, physical +force, consummate bravado, and skilful manipulations, succeeded in +securing numberless affidavits--not that she was a pure woman, but that +as far as the affiant knew, she was not a bad woman. + +Some, who had given Lyon's counsel depositions comprehensive enough to +have crushed her in court, were compelled by her to depose under oath +that their previous depositions given Mr. Bangs were made under a +misapprehension of facts. Others were induced to swear that they were +mistaken in her identity, which would naturally have the effect of +breaking the chain of evidence connecting her with her numberless +different aliases, and therefore with her numberless offences against +the laws and society; so that unless our work had been, in this respect, +anything but faultless, Mr. Lyon would have certainly suffered defeat. + +As the date of trial at Batavia neared, however, although the woman had +showed great skill in her management of her own case, and had got things +into as good shape for herself as nearly any lawyer in the country could +have done, she suddenly changed her decision regarding conducting the +case personally, and engaged the services of a Rochester lawyer of good +repute, who certainly would not have pleaded her cause had he at first +been aware of her character in the slightest degree. + +At last the case came to trial at Batavia, Judge Williams presiding, and +was considered of sufficient importance to command the quite general +attention of newspapers, and a large number of reporters were in +attendance, while the little city had never before attracted such a +crowd of curious people, brought there and kept there by the great +interest which the trial had awakened. + +Mr. Lyon seldom appeared in court, being detained in Rochester by the +faithful and still voluble Harcout, where the latter busied himself in +predicting Mrs. Winslow's downfall on account of the thorough manner in +which he had conducted matters, and in constant trips to the newspaper +and telegraph offices for the latest news concerning the progress of the +case. + +At Batavia Mrs. Winslow had in some unexplainable manner worked up quite +a feeling in her behalf, and had busily engaged herself, laboring day +and night, in all the little things that form public opinion as well as +cause the application of law to individual preferences, whether justice +enters into such decisions or not. + +Especially was her business ability shown in securing a jury a portion +of whom she brazenly boasted _dare_ not find for the defendant. She had +evidently given up all expectation of a verdict in her favor; but, in +perfect accord with her line of policy to annoy her victim into a +settlement, had arranged matters in every respect so that there would be +delay, that as much as possible nauseating scandal should reach the +public to react upon Lyon, and that in every way the outcome of the case +would be to belittle, bemean and disgrace him, for having had to do in +any way with so bad a woman as she knew herself to be. + +The latter was a point most people's pride would prevent them from +making. She had lost that, but her active mind saw how revolting it all +would be to him, and her cupidity, greed and vindictiveness made the +prosecution a persecution that had a measure of fiendish pleasure in it +for her. + +Here her mental and her pecuniary resources were again demonstrated in a +way that surprised everybody at all cognizant of her habits and history. +The cost of carrying on a case of this importance was very large. Money +had unquestionably been largely used in bribery. Many of the affidavits +she had so expeditiously secured had been purchased outright. The court +costs were no inconsiderable sum. Her lawyer, feeling somewhat doubtful +of her character, and wholly satisfied of her irresponsibility, demanded +his fee--and it was a large one--in advance. But every demand, save +those that would not injure her case by refusing, was promptly met, and +the mysterious source of supply seemed as exhaustless at the end as at +the beginning; though at all times she was a female combination of the +Artful Dodger and Job Trotter, capable of compelling confidence and +sympathy. During the progress of the trial she also had time for the +practice of her spiritualistic mummeries, and so worked upon the +ignorance, passions, and pockets of a few wealthy farmers, who were in +attendance at court, that she drove a thriving trade in revelations and +prophecies that, whatever other effect they might have, certainly +brought her large sums of money. + +Although the larger amount of evidence on both sides was of a +documentary character, the case occupied nearly a week, and public +interest was wrought up to the highest possible pitch of excitement as +day after day some startling episode or dramatic incident was developed; +and finally, when Judge Williams charged the jury and that body retired +for consultation, both sides of the case had been so ably conducted, +such a terrible flood of vileness had been launched upon the community, +and so intense was the feeling against the woman on the part of the +public--who condemn with a terrible intensity when once made aware of +the danger in the heart and life of a social assassin, that the pretty +city of Batavia was all awhirl from agitation and excitement. + +All this had been greatly increased by the following dispatches from St. +Louis to the Rochester papers, which had, of course, been received and +widely read in that section, and were all preceded by an item clipped +from the Detroit _Tribune_, to the effect that the notorious female, +Mrs. Winslow, had been indicted in St. Louis as a common scold, and +several public speakers therein named had better take warning. The first +dispatch read: + +"The trial of Mrs. Winslow, charged with common barratry, has been +proceeding in the Four Courts all day. Scores of lawyers are here from +all parts of the West, as witnesses for the prosecution. The case +excites great interest, a similar one never having occurred in St. Louis +before." + +The second and final dispatch from St. Louis on the subject was: + +"The case of the notorious Mrs. Winslow, indicted for common barratry, +terminated to-day. The jury assessed her punishment to be six months' +imprisonment in the county jail." + +These dispatches, with the editorial comments they evoked, had been +received during the progress of the case, and though it was too late to +offer the facts in evidence as to the woman's character, they had +intensified the feeling against her until Mrs. Winslow was given an +opportunity of realizing something of the depth of human scorn. + +A day passed, but no agreement. What could it mean? the public asked. +The second day, being Sunday, passed slowly over the town, for no news +of the jury could be obtained; and though it was a raw winter's day, the +streets were full of people anxious to learn the result. Monday came and +went, and still the jury were out. Whispers of bribery now began to fly +about the city, and when the fourth day had passed with no agreement and +with repeated requests from the jury that they might be discharged, the +whole city was filled with indignation, while public resentment ran so +high that it was with some personal risk that this exponent of +Spiritualism passed to and fro between the court-room and her hotel. + +Finally, it being ascertained that the jury disagreed irreconcilably, +they were called into court for their discharge, and filed solemnly into +their box. After a silence that could be felt had settled upon the vast +audience, Judge Williams wheeled around, and, facing the jury--many of +whom shrank from his severe and penetrating glance--in a voice of quiet +power, his whole bearing being one of dignified scorn, he delivered with +great solemnity the following well-deserved rebuke and protest against +the corruption of the power of the jury, and its contempt of justice and +the sacred dignity of the Court: + +"GENTLEMEN OF THE JURY--I had hoped you would agree upon a verdict. The +cause is a plain one, and there is no need of a disagreement. Another +trial would be expensive to the county, and would occupy much time. A +second trial would again crowd this court-room with a throng of +auditors, who would listen day after day to the disgusting depositions +which are on file in this cause. One trial such as this is too much for +the decency and morality of any community, and another jury should never +be called to pass upon this case. It is the policy of all courts to +secure agreements from juries, and in such a case as this, more than in +almost any other, a disagreement should not be allowed. + +"You are, after being out four days, irreconcilably divided. Some of +you, I know, are determined to be only guided by the evidence and the +law, as given to you by this Court. For your long and persistent +resistance of all attempts on the part of some of your number to prevent +justice, you are entitled to my sincere thanks and those of all +right-minded men in this community. Others there are upon this jury who, +I am bound to believe, have consulted only their passions and +prejudices; have deliberately ignored the evidence and the instruction +of the Court, and are anxious to perpetrate what they know or might +have known, was gross injustice. If there are such men upon this jury, +their conduct merits severest condemnation. I have great respect for the +honest convictions of jurors, even when I think they are wrong. I could +not censure jurors for honest prejudices; but I can have no respect for +men who, from base and unworthy motives, seek to secure unworthy ends. + +"If any one was to look leniently upon the plaintiff, it would, of +course, be her counsel. But to make twelve honest men ever see that she +was entitled to a verdict of even one cent, is a work that transcends +human ability. + +"One of the plainest principles of law applicable to all civil cases, is +that the plaintiff can only recover where there is a fair preponderance +of evidence in his favor. Upon the principal question in this case--that +is, whether or not there was an agreement of marriage between plaintiff +and defendant--they were the only witnesses. Supposing both to be +equally credible, how can the plaintiff recover when every act affirmed +by her is denied by the defendant? But are they equally credible? The +defendant is proved by the evidence to be a man of character, +reputation, and social position. Who is the plaintiff? By her own +evidence she is one who years ago deserted her husband and three +children in Wisconsin, and commenced the life of an itinerant +fortune-teller. Since then, as a clairvoyant, a mesmerist, a medium, she +has perambulated the country, professing in her handbills to predict +future events and to cure all manner of diseases by her occult arts. + +"She has assumed in her travels those invariable proofs of guilt, +_aliases_. She has been proven, by her own writing, daily conversation, +and every-day conduct, to be grossly profane and indecent. By the +testimony of several unimpeached witnesses, produced by defendant, she +is shown to have been an inmate of a house, or houses, of ill-fame, and +to have committed acts of the most shocking indecency and lewdness. And +yet this is the woman whose testimony some of you have received with +absolute verity, while rejecting the testimony of the defendant as of no +value in comparison with it. The question before you was, whether +between this woman and the defendant there had been a binding contract +of marriage. There is no one of you so low that you would have entered +into such an obligation with this woman. You would have started back in +horror at such a proposition; and yet you have been so lost to decency +that you have seemed determined, by your verdict, to thrust such a +disgrace and outrage upon the defendant! + +"You were told by the Court that if the plaintiff was married at the +time when she said the defendant agreed to marry her, such a promise was +absolutely void. The plaintiff had herself sworn that the promise was +made in 186--, and that she was then, and had remained for nearly two +years thereafter, a married woman. Did not the Court tell you that such +a promise was void? The Court told you that no subsequent ratification +of such a promise could make it binding. The Court further instructed +you that if the plaintiff was unchaste at the time of the promise of +marriage, and her unchastity was not known to defendant, that the +marriage contract, if entered into, was not binding. The entire record +in this case teems with the history of her licentiousness. No witness +has been so reckless as to swear that within the last ten years she has +had either virtuous habits or virtuous associations. That she was +virtuous in 1860, or rather, that if then vicious, her character in this +regard was then unknown to her neighbors in Indiana and Wisconsin, is +rendered highly probable from the evidence. But there was a period +preceding this by many years, when the maiden merged into the woman, +that the almost exhaustless evidence produced by the defendant shows to +have been a time without shame, and when her keen shrewdness and wicked +nature had already been developed to a degree of depravity beyond human +belief; and there has since been a period when the vilest inmate of the +lowest den of prostitution was happy in her virgin purity in comparison +with this woman! + +"Previous to the first-mentioned time the plaintiff had followed the +army of the Southwest in its weary marches--not, however, as the +evidence discloses, for any honest purpose. She had wandered infinitely +further from purity than from her Northern home. And yet you have at +tempted to render a verdict that after all these wanderings, and after +this incomparably vile career, she is fit to become the wife of a +respectable citizen of Rochester, the mistress of his mansion, and the +sharer of his large fortune. + +"You were further instructed that if a promise of marriage had been +made, and if the plaintiff had at that time been virtuous, and had +subsequently become unchaste the defendant was released from the +obligation of such a promise; what regard, in view of the evidence in +this case, have you paid to that instruction? + +"Am I too severe, then, when I say that when, through four long days and +nights in your jury room, some of this jury have attempted to force a +verdict in favor of the plaintiff, notwithstanding she was not entitled +to it, and the defendant's witnesses had proven that she was utterly +unworthy of it, you have been actuated by passion and prejudice, and +have attempted to pervert justice? Had you been able to infect all your +comrades with your pestilential breath, and had a verdict in her favor +been rendered, I should certainly have set it aside immediately. + +"I cannot but express my severest censure at the result of this cause at +your hands, knowing, as I cannot but know, that the same vile +machinations which have left a hideous trail of this female monster over +every portion of the land, have brought about this disagreement which is +a shame and a disgrace to yourselves, to Genesee County, and this +Court!" + +The suit necessarily went over to the next term of court, over which +Judge Williams also presided, when no developments worthy of note +occurred, the same evidence being introduced, the same tactics on the +part of Mrs. Winslow--who, however, had been obliged to secure new +counsel--being attempted, and the same crowd of morbid curiosity-seekers +being in attendance. + +But the woman had by this time become too well known for the slightest +hope of success, or even to enable her to receive the ordinary +consideration and protection of the Court. + +Without leaving their seats the jury found for the defendant, and the +woman, defeated yet insolent and daring, passed out into the +summer-decked streets of the little city of Batavia a scorned, dreaded +being, driven from everything but infamous memory. + +I was never sufficiently interested in Le Compte to trace his future, +but it is safe to say that he never visited "La belle France" and +"Paris, the beautiful, the sublime, the magnificent," in company with +the once fascinating Mrs. Winslow. + +Harcout is still the pompous henchman of the harassed millionaire, Mr. +Lyon, and quite covered himself with glory from having claimed the +entire work of securing the evidence that caused the overthrow of the +adventuress. + +Were I a novelist, rather than a detective and obliged to relate facts, +I could have made an effective climax by a tragic meeting between +Harcout and Mrs. Winslow, where Lilly Nettleton would have recognized +the Rev. Mr. Bland and wreaked summary vengeance upon him; but, so far +as I am aware, they never met, and the much-named social scourge is now +wearing out an inconceivably vile and wretched old age--the irrevocable +result of her course of life--an outcast and a wanderer among the lowest +classes that people portions of the Pacific Slope cities, with remorse +and wretchedness behind, and utter hopelessness beyond; while Mr. Lyon, +now a feeble old man, who has atoned, through regrets and humiliations, +for his part of the wrong launched through his as well as her sin upon +society, has at least become thoroughly satisfied of the thousands of +evils following in the trail of this so-called spirit-power, his fulness +of knowledge of its workings having been gained through this particular +experience with THE SPIRITUALISTS AND THE DETECTIVES. + + +THE END. + + + + +G. W. DILLINGHAM, Successor. + +1889. 1889. + +G. W. CARLETON & CO. + +NEW BOOKS + +AND NEW EDITIONS, + +RECENTLY ISSUED BY + + G. W. DILLINGHAM, Publisher, + Successor to G. W. CARLETON & CO., + 33 West 23d Street, New York. + +*** + + The Publisher on receipt of price, will send any book + on this Catalogue by mail, _postage free_. + +*** + +All handsomely bound in cloth, with gilt backs suitable for libraries. + + +Mary J. 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Steel Portraits, + 2 vols. 4 00 + Fifty Years among Authors, Books and Publishers--By J. C. + Derby. 2 00 + Children's Fairy Geography--With hundreds of beautiful + illustrations. 1 00 + An Exile's Romance--By Arthur Louis. 1 50 + Laus Veneris, and other Poems--By Algernon Charles Swinburne. 1 50 + Sawed-off Sketches--Comic book by "Detroit Free Press Man." + Illustrated. 1 50 + Hawk-eye Sketches--Comic book by "Burlington Hawk-eye Man." + Do. 1 50 + The Culprit Fay--Joseph Rodman Drake's Poem. With 100 + illustrations. 2 00 + Frankincense--By Mrs. Melinda Jennie Porter. 1 00 + Love [L'Amour]--English Translation from Michelet's famous + French work. 1 50 + Woman [La Femme]--The Sequel to "L'Amour." Do. Do. 1 50 + Verdant Green--A racy English college story. With 200 comic + illustrations. 1 50 + Clear Light from the Spirit World--By Kate Irving. 1 25 + For the Sins of his Youth--By Mrs. Jane Kavanagh. 1 50 + Mal Moulée--A splendid Novel, by Ella Wheeler Wilcox. 1 00 + A Northern Governess at the Sunny South--By Professor J. H. + Ingraham. 1 50 + Birds of a Feather Flock Together--By Edward A. Sothern, the + actor. 1 50 + The Mystery of Bar Harbor--By Alsop Leffingwell. 1 00 + Longfellow's Home Life--By Blanche Roosevelt Machetta. + Illustrated. 1 50 + Every-Day Home Advice--For Household and Domestic Economy. 1 50 + Ladies' and Gentlemen's Etiquette Book of the best Fashionable + Society. 1 00 + Love and Marriage--A book for unmarried people. 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Do. 1 00 + Swiss Family Robinson--Illus. 1 00 + Debatable Land--R. Dale Owen. 2 00 + Threading My Way. Do. 1 50 + Spiritualism--By D. D. Home. 2 00 + Princess Nourmahal--Geo. Sand. 1 50 + Northern Ballads--E. L. Anderson. 1 00 + Stories about Doctors--Jeffreson. 1 50 + Stories about Lawyers. Do. 1 50 + + +Miscellaneous Novels. + + Doctor Antonio--By Ruffini. $1 50 + Beatrice Cenci--From the Italian. 1 50 + The Story of Mary. 1 50 + Madame--By Frank Lee Benedict. 1 50 + A Late Remorse. Do. 1 50 + Hammer and Anvil. Do. 1 50 + Her Friend Laurence. Do. 1 50 + Mignonnette--By Sangrée. 1 00 + Jessica--By Mrs. W. H. White. 1 50 + Women of To-day. Do. 1 50 + The Baroness--Joaquin Miller. 1 50 + One Fair Woman. Do. 1 50 + The Burnhams--Mrs. G. E. Stewart. 2 00 + Eugene Ridgewood--Paul James. 1 50 + Braxton's Bar--R. M. Daggett. 1 50 + Miss Beck--By Tilbury Holt. 1 50 + A Wayward Life. 1 00 + Winning Winds--Emerson. 1 50 + A College Widow--C. H. Seymour. 1 50 + An Errand Girl--Johnson. 1 50 + Ask Her, Man! Ask Her! 1 50 + Hidden Power--T. H. Tibbles. 1 50 + Two of Us--Calista Halsey. 75 + Cupid on Crutches--A. B. Wood. 75 + Parson Thorne--E. M. Buckingham. 1 50 + Errors--By Ruth Carter. 1 50 + Unmistakable Flirtation--Garner. 75 + Wild Oats--Florence Marryat. 1 50 + The Abbess of Jouarre--Renan. 1 00 + The Mysterious Doctor--Stanley. 1 50 + Doctor Mortimer--Fannie Bean. 1 50 + Two Brides--Bernard O'Reilly. 1 50 + Louise and I--By Chas. Dodge. 1 50 + My Queen--By Sandette. 1 50 + Fallen among Thieves--Rayne. 1 50 + Saint Leger--Richard B. Kimball. 1 75 + Was He Successful?--Kimball. 1 75 + Undercurrents of Wall St. Do. 1 75 + Romance of Student Life. Do. 1 75 + To-day. Do. 1 75 + Life in San Domingo. Do. 1 75 + Henry Powers, Banker. Do. 1 75 + Led Astray--By Octave Feuillet. 1 50 + Lava Fires--Smith. 1 50 + The Darling of an Empire. 1 50 + Confessions of Two. 1 50 + Nina's Peril--By Mrs. Miller. 1 50 + Marguerite's Journal--For Girls. 1 50 + Orpheus C. Kerr--Four vols. in one. 2 00 + Spell-Bound--Alexandre Dumas. 75 + Purple and Fine Linen--Fawcett. 1 50 + Pauline's Trial--L. D. Courtney. 1 50 + Tancredi--Dr. E. A. Wood. 1 50 + Measure for Measure--Stanley. 1 50 + Charette--An American novel. 1 50 + Fairfax--By John Esten Cooke. 1 50 + Hilt to Hilt. Do. 1 50 + Out of the Foam. Do. 1 50 + Hammer and Rapier. Do. 1 50 + Kenneth--By Sallie A. Brock. 1 75 + Heart Hungry--Mrs. Westmoreland. 1 50 + Clifford Troupe. Do. 1 50 + Price of a Life--R. F. Sturgis. 1 50 + Marston Hall--L. Ella Byrd. 1 50 + Conquered--By a New Author. 1 50 + Tales from the Popular Operas. 1 50 + Edith Murray--Joanna Mathews. 1 50 + San Miniato--Mrs. C. V. Hamilton. 1 00 + All for Her--A Tale of New York. 1 50 + L'Assommoir--Zola's great novel. 1 00 + Vesta Vane--By L. King, R. 1 50 + Walworth's Novels--Seven vols. 1 50 + + + + +MRS. MARY J. HOLMES' WORKS. + +*** + + TEMPEST AND SUNSHINE. + ENGLISH ORPHANS. + HOMESTEAD ON HILLSIDE. + 'LENA RIVERS. + MEADOW BROOK. + DORA DEANE. + COUSIN MAUDE. + MARIAN GREY. + EDITH LYLE. + DAISY THORNTON. + CHATEAU D'OR. + QUEENIE HETHERTON. + BESSIE'S FORTUNE. + DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT. + HUGH WORTHINGTON. + CAMERON PRIDE. + ROSE MATHER. + ETHELYN'S MISTAKE. + MILLBANK. + EDNA BROWNING. + WEST LAWN. + MILDRED. + FOREST HOUSE. + MADELINE. + CHRISTMAS STORIES. + GRETCHEN. (_New._) + +OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. + +"Mrs. Holmes' stories are universally read. Her admirers are numberless. +She is in many respects without a rival in the world of fiction. Her +characters are always life-like, and she makes them talk and act like +human beings, subject to the same emotions, swayed by the same passions, +and actuated by the same motives which are common among men and women of +every-day existence. Mrs. Holmes is very happy in portraying domestic +life. Old and young peruse her stories with great delight, for she +writes in a style that all can comprehend."--_New York Weekly._ + +THE NORTH AMERICAN REVIEW, vol. 81, page 557, says of Mrs. Mary J. +Holmes' novel "English Orphans":--"With this novel of Mrs. Holmes' we +have been charmed, and so have a pretty numerous circle of +discriminating readers to whom we have lent it. The characterization is +exquisite, especially so far as concerns rural and village life, of +which there are some pictures that deserve to be hung up in perpetual +memory of types of humanity fast becoming extinct. The dialogues are +generally brief, pointed, and appropriate. The plot seems simple, so +easily and naturally is it developed and consummated. Moreover, the +story thus gracefully constructed and written, inculcates without +obtruding, not only pure Christian morality in general, but, with +especial point and power, the dependence of true success on character, +and of true respectability on merit." + +"Mrs. Holmes' stories are all of a domestic character, and their +interest, therefore, is not so intense as if they were more highly +seasoned with sensationalism, but it is of a healthy and abiding +character. The interest in her tales begins at once, and is maintained +to the close. Her sentiments are so sound, her sympathies so warm and +ready, and her knowledge of manners, character, and the varied incidents +of ordinary life is so thorough, that she would find it difficult to +write any other than an excellent tale if she were to try it."--_Boston +Banner._ + +*** + +☛The volumes are all handsomely printed and bound in cloth, sold +everywhere, and sent by mail, _postage free_, on receipt of price [$1.50 +each], by + + G. W. DILLINGHAM, Publisher, + _Successor to G. W. CARLETON & CO._, + 33 W. 23d St., NEW YORK. + + + + +CHARLES DICKENS' WORKS. + +A NEW EDITION. + + +Among the many editions of the works of this greatest of English +Novelists, there has not been until _now_ one that entirely satisfies +the public demand.--Without exception, they each have some strong +distinctive objection,--either the form and dimensions of the volumes +are unhandy--or, the type is small and indistinct--or, the illustrations +are unsatisfactory--or, the binding is poor--or, the price is too high. + +An entirely new edition is _now_, however, published by G. W. Carleton & +Co., of New York, which, in every respect, completely satisfies the +popular demand.--It is known as + +"Carleton's New Illustrated Edition." + +COMPLETE IN 15 VOLUMES. + +The size and form is most convenient for holding,--the type is entirely +new, and of a clear and open character that has received the approval of +the reading community in other works. + +The illustrations are by the original artists chosen by Charles Dickens +himself--and the paper, printing, and binding are of an attractive and +substantial character. + +This beautiful new edition is complete in 15 volumes--at the extremely +reasonable price of $1.50 per volume, as follows:-- + + 1.--PICKWICK PAPERS AND CATALOGUE. + 2.--OLIVER TWIST.--UNCOMMERCIAL TRAVELLER. + 3.--DAVID COPPERFIELD. + 4.--GREAT EXPECTATIONS--ITALY AND AMERICA. + 5.--DOMBEY AND SON. + 6.--BARNABY RUDGE AND EDWIN DROOD. + 7.--NICHOLAS NICKLEBY. + 8.--CURIOSITY SHOP AND MISCELLANEOUS. + 9.--BLEAK HOUSE. + 10.--LITTLE DORRIT. + 11.--MARTIN CHUZZLEWIT. + 12.--OUR MUTUAL FRIEND. + 13.--CHRISTMAS BOOKS.--TALE OF TWO CITIES. + 14.--SKETCHES BY BOZ AND HARD TIMES. + 15.--CHILD'S ENGLAND AND MISCELLANEOUS. + +The first volume--Pickwick Papers--contains an alphabetical catalogue of +all of Charles Dickens' writings, with their exact positions in the +volumes. + +This edition is sold by Booksellers, everywhere--and single specimen +copies will be forwarded by mail, _postage free_, on receipt of price +$1.50 by + + G. W. DILLINGHAM, Publisher, + _Successor to G. W. CARLETON & CO._, + 33 W. 23d St., NEW YORK. + + + + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + +Transcriber's Note: + + +Minor punctuation errors (e.g. missing or misprinted periods, commas, +and quotation marks) and poorly printed letters have been corrected +without note. Other than the corrections listed below, all spelling +variants have been left as in the original. + +The following changes were made to the text: + +Front Matter: EXPRESSMEN to EXPRESSMAN (6.--EXPRESSMAN AND DETECTIVES.) + +p. 21: smoothy to smoothly (smoothly-shaven face) + +pp. 32, 38, and 45: Lily to Lilly + +p. 38: unmanagable to unmanageable (she became almost unmanageable) + +p. 62: wildet to wildest (the wildest affection) + +p. 68: wherupon to whereupon (whereupon she had raised) + +p. 78: Bang's to Bangs's (put in Mr. Bangs's hands) + +p. 94: povety-stricken to poverty-stricken (and the poverty-stricken +hovel) + +p. 106: Waverly to Waverley (After taking dinner at the Waverley,) + +p. 114: deshabille to déshabillé (_en déshabillé_) + +p. 127: interspering to interspersing (interspersing it with a few) + +p. 153: role to _rôle_ (she had assumed the _rôle_) + +p. 158: removed duplicated "to" (better wife 'n she was to me) + +p. 168: _role_ to _rôle_ (continue the _rôle_) + +p. 176: removed extra "a" ("a this morning's paper" to "this morning's +paper") + +p. 278: havn't to haven't (you haven't found her) + +p. 311: Evalina to Evalena (upon which Miss Evalena Gray) + +p. 325: Evelena to Evalena (how Miss Evalena Gray performed) + +pp. 334-335 (Illustration caption), 338 and 341: Levereaux to Leveraux + +Advertisements (end of book): Agusta to Augusta (Augusta J. Evans' +Novels.), Expressmen to Expressman (Expressman and Detectives), "and +Detectives" to "as a Detective" (Claude Melnotte as a Detective), +Marryatt to Marryat (Wild Oats--Florence Marryat.) + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Spiritualists and the Detectives, by +Allan Pinkerton + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SPIRITUALISTS AND THE DETECTIVES *** + +***** This file should be named 32007-0.txt or 32007-0.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/2/0/0/32007/ + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, S.D., and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was +produced from images generously made available by The +Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/32007-0.zip b/32007-0.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..65d9ff2 --- /dev/null +++ b/32007-0.zip diff --git a/32007-8.txt b/32007-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5a6635e --- /dev/null +++ b/32007-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,10626 @@ +Project Gutenberg's The Spiritualists and the Detectives, by Allan Pinkerton + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Spiritualists and the Detectives + +Author: Allan Pinkerton + +Release Date: April 16, 2010 [EBook #32007] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SPIRITUALISTS AND THE DETECTIVES *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, S.D., and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was +produced from images generously made available by The +Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + + + + + +ALLAN PINKERTON'S + +DETECTIVE STORIES. + +*** + +VOL. V. + +THE SPIRITUALISTS AND DETECTIVES. + + + + +ALLAN PINKERTON'S + +GREAT DETECTIVE BOOKS. + +*** + + + 1.--MOLLIE MAGUIRES AND DETECTIVES. + 2.--STRIKERS, COMMUNISTS, AND DETECTIVES. + 3.--CRIMINAL REMINISCENCES AND DETECTIVES. + 4.--THE MODEL TOWN AND DETECTIVES. + 5.--SPIRITUALISTS AND DETECTIVES. + 6.--EXPRESSMAN AND DETECTIVES. + 7.--THE SOMNAMBULIST AND DETECTIVES. + 8.--CLAUDE MELNOTTE AS A DETECTIVE. + 9.--MISSISSIPPI OUTLAWS AND DETECTIVES. + 10.--GYPSIES AND DETECTIVES. + 11.--BUCHOLZ AND DETECTIVES. + 12.--THE RAILROAD FORGER AND DETECTIVES. + 13.--BANK ROBBERS AND DETECTIVES. + 14.--BURGLAR'S FATE AND DETECTIVES. + 15.--A DOUBLE LIFE AND DETECTIVES. + + *** + + These wonderful Detective Stories by Allan Pinkerton are + having an unprecedented success. Their sale far + exceeding one hundred thousand copies. "The + interest which the reader feels from the outset + is intense and resistless; he is swept along + by the narrative, held by it, whether + he will or no." + + *** + + All beautifully illustrated, and published uniform with this + volume. Price $1.50 each. Sold by all booksellers, and + sent _free_ by mail, on receipt of price, by + + G. W. CARLETON & CO., Publishers, + New York. + + + + + THE + SPIRITUALISTS + AND + THE DETECTIVES. + + BY + + ALLAN PINKERTON, + + AUTHOR OF + "THE EXPRESSMAN AND THE DETECTIVE," "CLAUDE MELNOTTE AS + A DETECTIVE," "THE SOMNAMBULIST AND THE DETECTIVE," + "THE MODEL TOWN AND THE DETECTIVES," ETC. + + [Illustration] + + NEW YORK: + _G. W. Dillingham, Publisher_, + SUCCESSOR TO G. W. CARLETON & CO. + LONDON: S. LOW, SON & CO. + MDCCCLXXXIX. + + + COPYRIGHTED, 1876, BY + ALLAN PINKERTON + + TROW'S + PRINTING AND BOOKBINDING CO., + PRINTERS AND STEREOTYPERS, + _205-213 East 12th St._, + NEW YORK. + + + + +CONTENTS. + +*** + + +CHAPTER I. + + "Kal'm'zoo!"-- The Home of the Nettletons.-- Lilly + Nettleton.-- A wild Heart and a burning Brain. 13 + +CHAPTER II. + + The "Circuit-Rider."-- Mr. Pinkerton and these Gospel + Knights-Errant in the early Days.-- The Rev. Mr. Bland + appears.-- "And Satan came also!"-- A "charge" is + established.-- A Compact "where the golden maple-leaves + fall."-- Bland departs.-- "The scared form of a young + Woman steals away from her Home!" 19 + +CHAPTER III. + + Lilly in Detroit.-- First and last Remorse.-- The reverend + Villain and his Victim enjoy the Hospitality of the + Michigan Exchange Hotel.-- A Scene.-- "Bland, am I to go + to your Mother's, as you promised?"-- The Clergyman(?) + "crazed."-- Everything, save Respectability.-- A Woman's + Will.-- And a Man's Cajolement. 27 + +CHAPTER IV. + + Tells how the Rev. Mr. Bland preached a Funeral Sermon.-- + Shows a dainty Cottage, holding more than the Neighbors + knew.-- Installs Lilly as a Clergyman's Mistress.-- + Reverts to a Desolate Home.-- Introduces Dick Hosford, a + returned "Forty-Niner," who begins a despairing Search.-- + And shows that unholy, as well as true Love, does not + always run smoothly. 33 + +CHAPTER V. + + Reckless Fancies.-- The "Cursed Church Interests."-- Bland's + "little Bird" becomes a busy Bird.-- Merges into a great + Raven of the Night.-- Gathers together Valuables.-- And + while a folded Handkerchief lies across the Clergyman's + Face, steals away into the Storm and the Night.-- Gone!-- + "Are ye all dead in there?"-- Drifting together.-- "Don't + give the Gal that Ticket!"-- A great-hearted Man.-- The + Rev. Bland officiates at a Wedding.-- Competence and + Contentment. 39 + +CHAPTER VI. + + Mr. Pinkerton is called upon.-- Mr. Harcout, a + ministerial-looking Man, with an After-dinner Voice, + appears.-- A Case with a Woman in it, as is usually + the case.-- Mr. Pinkerton hesitates.-- An anxious + Millionaire. 47 + +CHAPTER VII. + + In Council.-- Mr. Lyon the Millionaire, with Mr. Harcout the + Adventurer and Adviser, appear together.-- How Mr. Lyon + became Mrs. Winslow's Victim.-- "Our blessed Faith" and + the Woman's strange Power.-- A Tender Subject.-- Deep + Games.-- A One Hundred Thousand Dollar Suit for Breach + of Promise of Marriage.-- A good deal of Money.-- All + liable to err.-- A most magnificent Woman.-- The "Case" + taken. 55 + +CHAPTER VIII. + + The Case begun.-- Mr. Pinkerton makes a preliminary + Investigation at Rochester.-- Mrs. Winslow, Trance + Medium.-- A Ride to Port Charlotte.-- Harcout as a + Barnacle.-- Much married.-- Mr. Pinkerton visits the + Mediums.-- Drops in at a Washington Hall Meeting.-- Sees + the naughty Woman.-- And returns to New York convinced + that the Spiritualistic Adventuress is a Woman of + remarkable Ability. 65 + +CHAPTER IX. + + "Our Case."-- Harcout's Egotism and Interference.-- The + strange Chain of Evidence.-- A Trail of Spiritualism, + Lust, and Licentiousness.-- Superintendent Bangs locates + the Detectives.-- A pernicious System.-- Three Old Maids + named Grim.-- Mr. Bangs baffled by Mr. Lyon, who won't be + "worried."-- One Honest Spiritualistic Doctor.-- The Trail + secured.-- A Tigress.-- Mr. Bangs "goes West." 75 + +CHAPTER X. + + Rochester.-- A Profitable Field for Mrs. Winslow.-- Her + sumptuous Apartments.-- The Detectives at Work.-- Mrs. + Winslow's Cautiousness.-- Child-Training.-- Mysterious + Drives.-- A dapper little Blond Gentleman.-- Two Birds + with one Stone.-- A French Divinity.-- Le Compte. 87 + +CHAPTER XI. + + The Half-way House.-- A jolly German Landlord.-- Detective + Fox runs down Le Compte.-- A "Positive, Prophetic, Healing + and Trance Medium."-- Harcout the Adviser reappears, and + is anxious lest Mr. Lyon be drawn into some terrible + Confession.-- Mr. Pinkerton decides to know more about Le + Compte.-- And with the harassed Mr. Lyon interviews him.-- + Treachery and Blackmail.-- "A much untractable Man."-- + Light shines upon Mrs. Winslow.-- Another Man.-- Mr. + Pinkerton mad. 98 + +CHAPTER XII. + + The Raven of the Detroit Cottage in another Character.-- Mrs. + Winslow yearns for a retired Montreal Banker.-- Love's + Rivalry.-- A mysterious Note.-- The Response.-- Another + Trip to Port Charlotte by four Hearts that beat as one.-- + What Mr. Pinkerton, as one of the party, sees and hears.-- + "Jones of Rochester."-- Le Compte and Mrs. Winslow resolve + to fly to Paris, "the magnificent, the beautiful, the + sublime!"-- "My God, are they all that way?" 114 + +CHAPTER XIII. + + Mr. Pinkerton again interviews Le Compte.-- And very much + desires to wring his Neck.-- A Bargain and Sale.-- Le + Compte's Story-- "Little by Little, Patience by + Patience."-- A Toronto Merchant in Mrs. Winslow's Toils.-- + Detective Bristol, "the retired Banker," in Clover.-- + Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah individually and + collectively woo him.-- Ancient Maidens full of Soul.-- + A Signal. 128 + +CHAPTER XIV. + + Mr. Bangs on the Trail in the West.-- Terre Haute and its + Spiritualists.-- Mrs. Deck's Boarding-house.-- The + Nettleton Family broken up.-- Back at the Michigan + Exchange.-- Mother Blake's Recital.-- Through Chicago to + Wisconsin.-- A disheartening Story.-- The practical result + of Spiritualism. 141 + +CHAPTER XV. + + A Chicago Divorce "Shyster."-- Hosford found.-- His pathetic + Narrative.-- More Facts. 151 + +CHAPTER XVI. + + Mrs. Winslow's Signal answered.-- She endeavors to win + Bristol, and shows that they are "Affinities."-- Detective + Fox mystified.-- An Evening with the One fair Woman.-- + Closer Intimacies.-- A Journey proposed.-- Detective + Bristol as a Lover. 162 + +CHAPTER XVII. + + Careful Work.-- Bristol's Trick on the Bell-boy at Queen's + Hotel, Toronto.-- The old Merchant.-- In the Toils.-- A + Face at the Transom.-- A cowardly Puppet before a brazen + Adventuress.-- The Horrors of Blackmail.-- "Furnished + Rooms to Rent." 175 + +CHAPTER XVIII. + + Harcout again.-- "Things going slow."-- A Bit of personal + History.-- A new Tenant.-- Detective Generalship.-- + Mrs. Winslow fears she is watched.-- Mr. Pinkerton + cogitates. 186 + +CHAPTER XIX. + + Mrs. Winslow becomes confidential.-- Some of her Exploits.-- + Her Plans.-- A Sample of Legal Pleading.-- A fishy + Story.-- The Adventuress as a Somnambulist.-- Detective + Bristol virtuously indignant.-- Failing to win the + "Retired Banker," Mrs. Winslow assails Detective Fox with + her Charms. 197 + +CHAPTER XX. + + A Female Spiritualist's Ideas of Political and Social + Economy.-- The Weaknesses of Judges.-- Legal Acumen of the + Adventuress.-- An unfriendly Move.-- Harcout attacked.-- + Lilly Nettleton and the Rev. Mr. Bland again together.-- A + Whirlwind. 209 + +CHAPTER XXI. + + Mrs. Winslow, under the Influence of "Spirits" of an earthly + Order, becomes romantic, religious, and poetical.-- A + Trance.-- Detective Bristol also proves a Poet.-- A Drama + to be written. 220 + +CHAPTER XXII. + + Mr. Pinkerton decides to favor Mrs. Winslow with a Series of + Annoyances.-- The mysterious Package.-- The Detectives + labor under well-merited Suspicion.-- "My God! what's + that?"-- The deadly Phial.-- This Time a Mysterious Box.-- + Its suggestive Contents.-- "The Thing she was."-- Tabitha, + Amanda, and Hannah assaulted.-- A Punch and Judy + Show. 230 + +CHAPTER XXIII. + + Cast down.-- "Trifles."-- A charitable Offering.-- + Dreariness.-- Going Crazy.-- An interrupted Seance.-- A + new Form of the Devil.-- The Red-herring Expedition and + its Result.-- A mad Dutchman.-- Desolation.-- An order + for a Coffin.-- The sympathizing Undertaker, Mr. + Boxem. 244 + +CHAPTER XXIV. + + Breaking up.-- Doubts and Queries.-- Suspected + Developments.-- The Detectives completely outwitted.-- On + the Trail again.-- From Rochester to St. Louis.-- A + prophetic Hotel Clerk.-- More Detectives and more Need for + them.-- Lightning Changes. 269 + +CHAPTER XXV. + + Still foiled.-- Mr. Pinkerton perplexed over the Character of + the Adventuress.-- Her wonderful recuperative Powers.-- A + lively Chase.-- Another unexpected Move.-- The Detectives + beaten at every Point.-- From Town to Town.-- Mrs. + Winslow's Shrewdness.-- Among the Spiritualists at Terre + Haute.-- Plotting.-- The beautiful Belle Ruggles.-- A wild + Night in a ramshackle old Boarding-House.-- Blood-curdling + "Manifestations."-- Moaning and weeping for Day.-- + Outwitted again.-- Mr. Pinkerton makes a chance + Discovery.-- Success. 285 + +CHAPTER XXVI. + + Shows how Mrs. Winslow makes a new Move.-- Also introduces + the famous Evalena Gray, Physical Spiritual Medium, at her + sumptuous Apartments on West Twenty-first Street, New + York.-- Reminds the Reader of the Aristocratic Classes + deluded by Spiritualism.-- Describes a Seance and explains + the "Rope-trick," and other Spiritualistic Sleight-of-hand + Performances. 307 + +CHAPTER XXVII. + + After the Seance.-- Daddy, the "Accommodation Husband."-- The + two fascinating Swindlers in Council.-- Miss Evalena's + European Career.-- How the Millionaire Brewer was baited + and played with.-- A Bit of Criminal History.-- A choice + Pair.-- Mrs. Winslow's Aspirations and Resolves. 326 + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + + Mrs. Winslow demonstrates her Legal Ability.-- The "Breach of + Promise Trial."-- A grand Rally of the Spiritualistic + Friends of the Adventuress.-- The Jury disagree.-- Mrs. + Winslow convicted at St. Louis of Common Barratry.-- An + honest Judge's Rebuke.-- A new Trial.-- The Spiritualistic + Swindler overthrown.-- Remorse and Wretchedness. 341 + + + + +PREFACE. + + +I wish to anticipate any adverse criticism that may be made upon the +following pages, by being as frank with the public as I trust the +critics will be fair with me. + +Therefore I must say at the beginning that I expect many well-meaning +people to differ with me as to the propriety of giving this book to the +public; but I am exceedingly hopeful that that difference will not +amount to a serious condemnation. Nor can I think it will when I +earnestly assert that I have caused its publication out of as honest a +motive as I ever possessed; and I am sure that whatever the American +people have come to think of me in other respects, they are pretty +certain of my honesty. + +The incidents related are true, though, out of a proper regard for my +patrons and many who do not sustain that relation, but who unavoidably +become identified in numberless ways with my operations in ferreting out +crime and criminals, I have deemed it best to locate the story in a city +several hundred miles from the place where the occurrences really +transpired, and, for the same reason, have given the characters +fictitious names; but the incidents are exact parallels of the original +facts, and in many cases are literal transcripts of, while in every +instance they agree with, the records of the case as minutely reported +during its progress. + +By way of further explanation, I desire to remind my readers how very +difficult it is for those not familiar with the detective business to +realize the masses of iniquity we are often obliged to unearth, +unpalatable as the work may be and is. But while, from the nature of my +business, my records are necessarily so exhaustive, and have been made +so thoroughly minute, as to contain simply everything, good or bad, +regarding an operation, and are, therefore, as records, reliable and +true--though they thus become repositories of much that is vile--I have +striven in every instance, while relating the truth and nothing but the +truth, to speak of unpleasant things in as delicate a manner as +possible, and in a way which, while plain enough to convey with proper +force and directness the moral lessons that these developments cannot +fail to impress upon the minds of all readers, might still leave no +unclean thought behind them; and the only sense in which a charge that +my "Detective Stories" were in any respect untrue might be sustained, +would be in the fact that I have in numberless instances, for the very +good reason mentioned, told immeasurably less, and never more, than the +whole truth. + +I make no assumption of having given in this book an exhaustive _exposé_ +of modern spiritualism, and I wish it as well remembered that I have no +more prejudice against the good there is in that ism than I have +against the good there is in any other ism; but my experience with these +people, which has been large, has invariably been against their honesty +or social purity. + +So far as there being anything about Spiritualism to compel awe or +attract any but weak-minded or "weak-moraled" people, the assumption is +simply absurd; for the few illustrations given in the following pages +will show how utterly preposterous the claim of supernatural power is, +as applied to the _cause_ of these "manifestations," which are not, in +themselves, first-class tricks, but which, when made mysterious and +enshrouded with the element of superstitious fear--which all of us in +some measure possess--lead crowds of inconsiderate people into unusual +eccentricities, if not eventually into insane asylums, as in some +painful instances of which the public are already well aware. + +In my exceptionally strange avocation I have been enabled to view this +entire matter from the side which the public cannot reach--the side +where the fraud of it all is so apparent that it becomes disgustingly +monotonous and common; and as a matter of duty to those who are half +inclined to accept Spiritualism as a divine revelation and blessed +experience, I have given but a single case--a sample of hundreds of +others--which illustrates the despicable character of many, if not a +majority, of Spiritualism's public champions and private disciples; only +adding that in this instance the picture does not show a thousandth part +of the hideousness of the original. + +The Judge Williams mentioned as having presided at Batavia, N. Y., is +no myth, but an eminent jurist at present sitting upon the bench of one +of the most important courts in the country. He has not only furnished a +copy of his scathing remarks to the Winslow-Lyon jury upon their +disagreement, as related, but will vouch for the correctness of much of +this narrative, as most of the facts mentioned came under his personal +observation. + +I have given them to the public trusting they will fill some good place +in the world, and assist in removing from the minds of those who are +occupying the debatable ground regarding the question of the genuineness +of Spiritualism and Spiritualistic "manifestations" the superstitious +fear and the sensuous fascination which have heretofore bound and held +them. + + ALLAN PINKERTON. + +CHICAGO, January, 1877. + + + + +THE SPIRITUALISTS + +AND + +THE DETECTIVES. + +*** + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + "Kal'm'zoo!"-- The Home of the Nettletons.-- Lilly + Nettleton.-- A wild Heart and a burning Brain. + + +Most commercial and uncommercial travellers filling the swift shuttles +of transit between the East and the West will remember that while +passing through Michigan, over the Central road, the brakeman has +shrieked the legend "Kal'm'zoo!" at them as the train rushed into one of +the prettiest little cities in the country. There is nothing +particularly picturesque about Kalamazoo, unless the wondering face of +some harmless lunatic, on parole from the Asylum which stands so +gloomily among the hills beyond the town, the solemn visage of some +Baptist University student, who with his toast, tea and Thucydides, has +become grave and attenuated, or the plump form of some "seminary girl" +who _will_ look at the incoming trains, and flout her handkerchief too, +in spite of parents, principals, and all the proprieties, and the +ordinary ebb and flow of the life of a stirring provincial town, may be +so considered. Neither is there anything particularly interesting about +Kalamazoo, save its native, quiet beauty. It meets life easily, and, +like a happily-disposed tradesman, takes its full measure of traffic and +enjoyment with undisturbed tranquillity, cultivating neat yards and +streets, the social graces, and occasionally the arts, with a lazy sort +of satisfaction that is pleasant to look upon and contemplate. + +Standing at any street-corner of the city, you will see wide avenues of +fine business houses or elegant residences, and, where the latter, a +wealth of neatly-trimmed shrubbery, and long lines of overarching maple +trees merging into pretty vistas which seem to invite you beyond to the +beautiful hills, uplands and valleys, with their murmuring streams, +sloping farms and well-kept homes, where both plenty and contentment +seem to be waiting to give you a right hearty welcome. + +About twenty-five years ago, when the country was much newer, and the +sturdy farmers that have made this great West blossom so magically until +it has become the whole world's storehouse, were held closely to their +arduous work by the hard hand of necessity and toil, a few miles up the +river from the then little village of Kalamazoo might have been seen a +comfortable log farm-house which nestled within a pretty ravine sloping +down to the banks of the lazily-flowing stream. It was a plain, homely +sort of a place, but there was an air of thrift and cleanliness about +the locality that told of earnest toil and its sure reward. + +The farm was of that character generally described as "openings;" here a +clump of oak, beech, and maple trees, there a rich stretch of +meadow-land; beyond, a series of hills extending to the uplands, the +bases of which were girted with groves, and whose summits were composed +of a warm, rich, stony loam, where the golden seas of ripening grain, +touched by passing zephyrs, waved and shimmered in the glowing summer +sun; while where the river wound along towards the villages below, there +was a dense growth of elm, maple, and beech trees, standing there dark +and sombre, save where the glintings of sunlight pierced their foliaged +armor, like grim sentinels of the centuries. + +This was the home of Robert Nettleton, a plain and uneducated farmer, +who had several years before removed from the East with his family, and +with them was slowly accumulating a competence for his declining days. + +Robert Nettleton's family consisted of himself, his wife, and their +three children. He was looked upon by his neighbors as somewhat erratic +and strange, being repelling in his manner, and at times sullen and +reticent. He went about his duties in a severe way, and at all times +compelled the strictest obedience from each member of his family. On the +contrary, his wife was a meek-eyed little woman, patient and +long-suffering, and was looked upon in the neighborhood as a nonentity +from her unresisting, broken-down demeanor, save in times of sickness +and trouble, when she was immediately in great demand, as she had little +to say, but much to do, and had an effective method of noiseless, tender +watching and nursing at command, which was at all times ungrudgingly +employed. + +The children consisted of one boy and two girls, the eldest of whom, now +in her eighteenth year, little dreamed of the despicable commotion she +was to create in after-life, and was the reigning belle of the +community, though she always kept the country bumpkins at a respectful +distance and was feared by fully as many as she was admired, from her +impetuous, imperious ways, that brooked no opposition or hinderance. One +would have to travel a long distance to find a more attractive figure +and face than those possessed by this country girl. She was somewhat +above the medium height, a living model for a Venus, supple and lithe as +the willows that grew upon the banks of the winding stream, and so +physically powerful that she had already gained some notoriety among her +acquaintances through having soundly shaken the pedagogue of the +district school, and afterwards pitched him through the window into an +adjacent snow-drift, where he had remained buried to his middle, his +legs wildly waving signals of distress, until she had just as +impulsively released him. + +Although somewhat strange and unusual, her features, while not +strikingly beautiful, were still singularly attractive. Her head, which +was large and seemingly well provided with faculties of quick +perception, was covered with a wondrous wealth of black hair, so heavy +and luxurious as to be almost unmanageable, and which, when not in +restraint, fell about her form, hiding it completely, nearly to her +feet. Her forehead was full and prominent, while her eyes, large and +rather deeply set, and fringed with heavy lashes, were of that peculiar +gray color which at times may be touched by all shades, while a trace of +blue always predominates. There was nothing worth remarking about other +portions of her face, save that, critically examined, too much of it +seemed to have got into her chin, and her upper lip had a strange habit +of hugging her brilliantly white teeth too closely, and then curling +upward before meeting the lower one, where sometimes crimson and ashy +paleness played like quick and cruel lightning, a key to the slumbering +devils within her. At these times, too, there was a certain light in her +eyes that an observing person would feel a peculiar dread of awakening, +though usually her face showed a complete repose, and it would have been +difficult to decide whether she was a very ordinary or a very +extraordinary character. + +Still, with her magnificent figure and strangely attractive face, she +was a young woman to strongly draw just two classes of men towards +her--students of character and students of form. The first she +invariably disappointed and repelled, always awakening the indefinable +dread I have mentioned, while her presence among the latter class as +swiftly opened the floodgates of passion to swiftly sweep the better +nature and all good resolves before it. So, with her peculiarly +unfortunate construction, it is not strange that, on arriving at that +period of life when the almost omnipotent power of a self-willed woman +begins to develop and hint at the possibilities beyond the threshold of +the strange life her inexperienced feet had just reached, Lilly +Nettleton should have felt an oppressive sense of littleness in the +quiet community in which she lived, and experienced a burning desire to +cast these humble associations from her, to compel admiration and +conquer whoever and whatever she might meet in the wide, wide world +beyond. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + + The "Circuit-Rider."-- Mr. Pinkerton and these Gospel + Knights-Errant in the early Days.-- The Rev. Mr. Bland + appears.-- "And Satan came also!"-- A "charge" is + established.-- A Compact "where the golden maple-leaves + fall."-- Bland departs.-- "The scared form of a young + Woman steals away from her Home!" + + +During the summer the presiding elder of the Kalamazoo district decided +to bid for the benighted souls that dwelt in Mr. Nettleton's +neighborhood, and made arrangements to "supply" the school-house at the +corners where Lilly had distinguished herself in giving the schoolmaster +a cold bath in the snow-bank, with circuit-riders, or with young +clergymen who had just graduated and were supposed to be in training for +more extended fields of labor. + +At that time the system of salvation as carried on by the Methodist +Church--which must certainly be credited with a vast amount of push and +energy in furthering its peculiar plan of redemption--outside of the +large cities was almost exclusively one which necessitated the +employment of circuit-riders, as they were then called, and are now +called in some portions of the extreme west. They were usually men of +great suavity of manner, personal bravery, unbounded zeal, and +remarkable religious enthusiasm. They trusted principally in the Lord, +but also placed implicit confidence in the extraordinary hospitality of +the plain pioneer people with whom they came in contact, who, if not +prepared to accept everything told them, responded to their strenuous +efforts for their salvation by an unqualified welcome; so that the +appearance of the circuit-rider, or "supply," was not only cause for +unusual Bible catechism and hymn reading, but also a signal for culinary +preparations on a grand scale, to which, as a rule, the hen-roost +materially contributed. + +Time and time again, in the early days, have I journeyed with these +Gospel Knights-errant, listening to their interesting adventures, almost +as strange as my own, and their simple tales of blessed experiences; +often tarrying with them at their "stations," and for some good purpose, +best known to myself, joining in their efforts to sow seed meet unto +repentance as we crossed the beautiful streams and broad prairies of +Illinois; and as we journeyed along so pleasantly together the thought +that my comrade was giving his whole life to the work of saving sin-sick +souls, while mine was as irrevocably devoted to bringing many of them to +summary justice, has flashed across my mind with such startling force, +that the dramatic nature of the life we live was presented to me more +powerfully than I have since seen it shown before the footlights of any +of the grandest theatres of the world. + +As the Nettleton family had belonged to that church in the East, and had +also attended service at the village when the roads and weather were +favorable, they were, of course, leaders in the plan to secure +"meetings" nearer home; and when the good brother made his appearance +one pleasant autumn Saturday afternoon, as was natural, he directed his +faithful Rozinante to the comfortable log-house by the river, where both +it and its reverend rider were given a genuine welcome. + +The new preacher was none of your soiled, worked-out, toiling +itinerants. He was a young clergyman, scarcely thirty years old, and +just from college; tall, well-formed, with a florid, smoothly-shaven +face, and plenty of hair and hallelujah about him. He could tell you all +about the stars, and just as easily point out the merits or demerits in +your plate of mutton or porter-house; and, being of this tropical +nature, if there were two things above any other two things in life for +which he had a penchant, they were a spirited nag and a spirited woman. +In fact, he had accepted the ministry just the same as he would have +accepted any other profession, merely as a makeshift, and had submitted +to being ground through the theological mill, and afterwards to this +backwoods breaking-in process, simply because his widowed mother, a +Detroit lady, was immensely pious and also immensely wealthy; and if he +should become a noted minister, he would get all her property, which +otherwise would go to the good cause direct, but which, once in his +hands, would enable him to gratify his elegant tastes and do as he +pleased generally. + +So, being a thorough judge of women, he was at once more interested in +Lilly Nettleton than in the welfare of the souls of the Nettleton +neighborhood; and after a bountiful supper had been disposed of, and +the family were gathered upon the verandah for a pleasant chat with the +minister in the long, hazy September sunset, and the Rev. Mr. Bland--for +that was the young clergyman's name--had flattered Mr. Nettleton on the +merits of his pretty farm, Mrs. Nettleton upon her elegant cooking, and +the younger children upon their various degrees of perfection, he passed +directly to the subject which most occupied his mind, and in a +patronizing way, evidently with a view of attracting Lilly's attention +without arousing the suspicions of her honest parents, said: + +"By the way, Mr. Nettleton, your beautiful daughter here--ah, what may I +call her? thank you, Lilly; and a very appropriate name, too--is the +perfect image of a very dear friend of ours--my mother's and my own--in +Detroit." + +There was certainly a flush on Lilly's face deeper than could have been +put there by the red glow of the setting sun. Mr. Bland did not fail to +notice it either; and as there was no response to his remark, he +continued, occasionally glancing at Lilly, who, though apparently only +interested in her needle-work, drank in every word that fell from the +reverend gentleman's lips. + +"In fact," said the minister, "the resemblance is quite striking, though +I really think your daughter Lilly is the finer-looking of the +two--indeed, has quite an intellectual face, and would, I am sure, make +a thorough student." + +"But she won't go to school here," interrupted Mr. Nettleton; while the +strange light came into Lilly's eyes and the crimson and ashy paleness +played upon the curled lips. + +"But, Brother Nettleton, you must remember that we are not all similarly +created. The world must have its hewers of wood and drawers of water, +but it must also have its grand minds to direct----" + +"I can do all the directin' necessary here," bluntly persisted Mr. +Nettleton. + +"Of course, of course," pleasantly continued Mr. Bland, talking _at_ +Lilly, though answering her father; "but I hope Lilly can some time have +those advantages which would certainly cause her to shine in +society----" + +"And despise her home!" said Mr. Nettleton, bitterly. + +The storm was still playing fiercely over Lilly's face, and her heaving +bosom told how hard a struggle was necessary to restrain her from then +and there saying or doing some reckless thing, and then rushing away +into the woods and the night to escape the restraint that set so heavily +upon her imperious spirit. + +"No, I think not," replied Mr. Bland soothingly. "I am a pretty good +judge of human nature, though a young man, and am sure that Lilly has a +kind heart and will prove a blessing to your later years. Our dear +Detroit friend was also a little spirited, but she is now one of the +leaders of Sunday-school and church society, and is much sought +after--yes, much sought after," repeated Mr. Bland slowly, as he saw its +effect upon Lilly. + +The clergyman's good opinion of their daughter made the simple parents +really happy; but she knew as well as he what it was all said for, and +she already hated the flippant Mr. Bland, for her quick woman's +instinct--they never reason--had analyzed him thoroughly. But her heart +throbbed at the idea of being considered "fine-looking," and her brain +burned with the desire to also become "sought after." Yes, young and +inexperienced as she was, she was old in the crime of impure thought and +unbridled ambition, and was ready to lend herself to any scheme, however +questionable, that might offer release, or give promise of the +gratification of her passion for notoriety, and ruling or ruining +anything with which she came in contact. + +After this the evening passed pleasantly to the old people, who, after a +time, went into the house to attend to their several duties; and also to +the young people, Mr. Bland and Lilly, who, without any effort on the +part of either, had arrived at a thorough understanding--so much so, +indeed, that when the voice of Mr. Nettleton was heard apprising Mr. +Bland that he would show him to his room whenever he desired to retire, +he quietly stepped near to where Lilly was sitting in the weird +moonlight, and taking her pretty, warm hand within his own, said +rapidly, but in a low voice: + +"My dear Lilly, I have a deep interest in you; your people cannot +understand it, and, should they know it, would only suspect me, and +watch and restrain you. _Make_ an opportunity for us to be together +alone. I will remain until you accomplish it; and--" Mr. Nettleton's +step was now heard in the hall--"quick, Lilly! do we understand each +other?" + +She gave him a look that would have withered any but a lecherous +villain as he was; but he met it in kind, as she whispered "Yes!" and +added, disengaging herself as Bland stealthily stepped back and +carelessly leaned against the door: + +"What book did you say?" + +"Ah, yes--'hem! 'Young's Night Thoughts.' It is a pure book, and would +not only cultivate your mind, but aid you in the common duties of life. +I will send it to you, and you can read it aloud to your parents. I know +they will enjoy it too! Ha! Mr. Nettleton, excuse me Lilly, of course +you will join us at prayers?" + +She had been taught her first lesson, was an apt scholar, too; and as +the man of God on his bended knees prayed that all blessings might +descend upon this happy home, however much his cursed soul might have +been stung by the devilish hypocrisy of the hour, there was not a pang +of remorse in her heart for the bold step she knew she had taken. + +Lilly did not attend service at the school-house on Sabbath, and made +her appearance but once or twice during the day, feigning illness; but +on Monday she was about the house fresh and rosy as ever, and the first +opportunity that offered suggested to Bland the propriety of asking her +out for a boat-ride on the river, which he did in the afternoon during +Mr. Nettleton's absence, his meek wife thinking it a great honor to the +family, and in her poor mother's heart, no doubt, praying that the good +man might so soften her proud daughter's heart that she might be +bettered, and eventually led to the source of all good. + +Whether he did or not, if the reader of this book could have followed +the couple up the winding river to a secluded spot where the golden +maple-leaves fell upon the stream and were borne away in silence, +whatever of mad passion or reckless guilt might have been discovered, +just before they stepped into the boat to float with the tide back to +the dishonored home, a certain Rev. Mr. Bland might have been seen +placing in Lilly Nettleton's shameless hand a roll of bills, and heard +to say to the same person: + +"Be sure, now--next Sunday night. Row down to Kalamazoo in this boat, +and take the late night train for Detroit. Go to the Michigan Exchange +Hotel, where I will meet you Monday evening!" + +So the little neighborhood had had its "religious supply," but had also +had its loss; for, as the weird moonlight of the next Sunday evening +fell upon the quiet log farm-house, built strange forms among the +moaning, almost leafless trees, and pictured upon the river's bosom a +thousand ghostly figures, the scared form of a young woman stole away +from her home, glided to the murmuring stream, sprang into the little +boat, and was borne away to the hell of her future just as noiselessly +but just as resistlessly as the river itself pushed onward to the great +lakes, and was swept from thence to the ultimate, all-absorbing sea! + + + + +CHAPTER III. + + Lilly in Detroit.-- First and last Remorse.-- The reverend + Villain and his Victim enjoy the Hospitality of the + Michigan Exchange Hotel.-- A Scene.-- "Bland, am I to go + to your Mother's, as you promised?"-- The Clergyman(?) + "crazed."-- Everything, save Respectability.-- A Woman's + Will-- And a Man's Cajolement. + + +To the imagination of the wayward country girl Detroit was a great city, +and as she was whirled into the depot, where she saw the rushing river +beyond, and was hustled hither and thither by the clamorous cabmen, a +sense of giddiness came upon her, and for the first, and undoubtedly +last time, she yearned for the quiet of the old log farm-house by the +pleasant river. + +Perhaps the old forms and faces called to her imploringly, pleading with +her, as only the simple things of home, however plain and commonplace, +can plead with the wandering one; and in a swift, agonized longing for +the restfulness which the meanest virtue gives, but which had forever +fled from her, the thought, if not the words: + + "Of all sad words of tongue or pen + The saddest are these: It might have been"-- + +sped through her mind in a pitiful way; but just as she had almost +resolved to return to her parents, ask their forgiveness, and disclose +the character of the reverend villain, a man approached her, who, +saying he was "from Bland," conducted her to a carriage in waiting and +conveyed her to the Michigan Exchange Hotel, where she was fictitiously +registered, and the clerk informed that her brother would call for her +in the evening. + +She had been assigned a very pretty room, elegantly furnished, and the +windows gave her a view of the river and the shipping, with Windsor and +the bluff hills of Canada beyond. It was all beautiful and wonderful to +her--the hotel a palace, the river, with its great steamers, vessels, +and ferries--a fairy scene; and Windsor, with the broken country beyond, +all covered by the soft, blue, gossamer veil of early autumn--a +beautiful dream! + +With her thoroughly unprincipled nature there was a lazy sort of +enjoyment in all this; and when her dinner was brought to her room, as +had been previously ordered by the hackman, and she was gingerly served +by an ordinarily nimble waiter, but who took every possible occasion to +illustrate the fact that he was cultivated and she was not, she received +the attention in as dignified a manner as though born to rule, and had +been accustomed to the service of menials from infancy. + +The afternoon wore away, and as the gas-lights began to flare out upon +the city, a gentle tap was heard at her door, and a moment after, before +an invitation to enter had been given, the oily Bland slid into Lilly's +apartment, closed the door after him, and turned the key in the lock. +Then he walked right over to where Lilly was sitting upon the sofa, and +took her in his arms, saying: + +"Well, I see my dearest Lilly has kept her word." + +She allowed him to fondle her just long enough to dare to repel him +gently, and answered: + +"After what passed by the river, I could not do otherwise than keep my +word. Yes, your 'dearest Lilly' has kept her word. And what now, Mr. +Bland?" + +Seeing that she was disposed to ask leading questions, he changed the +subject laughingly. + +"Why, some supper, of course," and immediately rang the bell, ordering +of the servant, who appeared directly, a sumptuous spread, not +forgetting a bottle of wine. + +During the preparation of the meal Lilly stepped to the window, and +pressing her restless face against the panes, seemed intently regarding +the dancing lights upon the broad river, while Bland whistled softly, +and warmed his delicate, pliable hands at the coals in the fireplace, +which gave to the chilly evening a pleasant, cheery glow. Suddenly she +stepped close to him, leaned her head in her left hand, her elbow +resting upon the marble mantel, while with her right hand she firmly +grasped his shoulder. She then said, in a quiet, determined way: + +"Bland, am I to go to your mother's, as you promised?" + +[Illustration: _"Bland, am I to go to your mother's as you +promised?"--_] + +She said this in such a resolute, icy way, and her hand rested upon his +shoulder so heavily, that, for the first time, he looked at her as if +satisfied that he had a beautiful tigress in keeping, and it might +possibly require supreme will force to control her. + +"No, Lilly, you will not go to my mother's." + +"Then I will go home." + +"You will not go home. You will remain here." + +"Bland, no person on God's earth shall say 'will' to me. That is just as +certain as the course of that river!" and her long, trembling forefinger +swept towards the rushing stream. + +The appearance of the waiter with supper quieted the conversation, which +was becoming stormy, and it was only resumed when Bland saw that Lilly +was mellowing under the influence of the wine, which thrilled through +her veins, pushing the rich, healthy blood to her cheeks, and lighting +her great gray eyes with a wonderful lustre. It could not be said that +he loved the girl, but he had a mad passion for her which was simply +overwhelming at these times when, untutored and uncultivated as she was, +she became truly queenly in appearance. + +It was a dainty little supper served upon a dainty little table, and +they were sitting very closely together, and Bland, after feasting his +eyes upon her magnificent form for a time, drew her into his arms +impulsively, kissing her again and again, calling her endearing names, +and promising her everything that could come to the tongue of a talented +man made wild by wine and a woman. + +"Lilly, you have crazed me--ruined me!" he said, excitedly. "You know +what I profess to be--a Christian minister! God forgive me for my cursed +weakness, but you have me in your power!" + +Although her face rested against his, and their hot cheeks burned +together, the old wicked light gleamed in her eyes, and the crimson and +ashy paleness played upon the curled lip. If it all could have been seen +by the reverend gentleman, it would have sobered him. The words "in your +power" had flung the lightning into Lilly Nettleton's face. Power, +power, power! No matter how secured; no matter what the result. The very +word maddened her, made a scheming devil of her, but also made her ready +for any proposition Bland might offer, as it swiftly came into her mind +that the deeper she sank with him the greater would be her power over +him. + +"Well?" she said, reassuringly. + +"'Well?'--I am at your mercy. A knowledge of what has passed between us +would be my ruin; your ruin also. We have done what cannot be undone; +yes," he continued passionately, and drawing her closer to him, "what I +would not undo!" + +"Well?" It was tenderly said, and gave him courage. + +"I am rich, or will be, Lilly." + +"If you are careful," she added with a light laugh. + +"Exactly. I can do a great deal for you, and will----" + +"Conditionally?" + +"Yes, conditionally. The conditions are that you live quietly at an +elegant place to which we will shortly be driven. You will be mistress +of the place; that is, you will have everything you can desire----" + +"Save respectability, Mr. Bland?" + +She was shrewder than he--in fact, his master already; but hinted at +the sale of her soul so heartlessly that it shocked even him. + +"You had 'respectability' at home, Lilly; and," glancing at her plain +garments, which were a burlesque upon her beautiful figure, "and old +clothes, and surveillance, and restraint, and----" + +"Bland," she said, springing to her feet with such violence as to send +him sprawling to the floor, from which he stared in amazement at her +magnificent form, which trembled like a leaf, while the wicked lightning +gleamed from her eyes, and swift shuttles of color flashed back and +forth upon her lips; "Bland, be careful! Never speak to me again of the +meanness of my home. The meanness of your black heart is a million times +greater. You have something more than a country girl to deal with, sir; +you have a woman and a woman's will. It is enough that I have sold my +body and soul for what you can, or might, give me. I bargained for no +contempt; and, Bland," she continued, advancing towards him fiercely as +he regained his feet and retreated from her in dismay, "as sure as there +is a heaven, and as sure as there ought to be a hell for such as we, if +you begin it, I will kill you! Yes," she hissed, "I will kill you!" and +then, woman-like, having passed the climax of feeling and expression, +she threw herself on the bed for a good cry, while Bland, with wine and +words and countless caresses, soothed her wild spirit, bringing her back +to pliant good nature, where she was as putty in his dexterous hands. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + Tells how the Rev. Mr. Bland preached a Funeral Sermon.-- + Shows a dainty Cottage, holding more than the Neighbors + knew.-- Installs Lilly as a Clergyman's Mistress.-- + Reverts to a Desolate Home.-- Introduces Dick Hosford, a + returned "Forty-Niner," who begins a despairing Search.-- + And shows that unholy, as well as true Love, does not + always run smoothly. + + +Shortly afterwards a closed cabriolet containing two persons was rapidly +driven from the Michigan Exchange up Wisconsin street, from thence into +Griswold, and out towards the suburbs, finally drawing up before a neat +cottage-house, where the lights, peeping around the edges of the drawn +curtains, showed the place to be in a state of preparation. + +A man and a woman quickly alighted from the carriage, and as the woman, +apparently a young one, though closely veiled, stepped to the gate, +opened it and waited for her escort, the gentleman said in a low tone to +the coachman: + +"James, drive to the house and inform mother that while down town this +evening I received an unexpected call to Ann Arbor, to preach a funeral +sermon over the remains of an old student-friend at the University, and +that I may not be home until late to-morrow evening;" then, after +handing James some coin, "you understand, James?" + +James thought he understood, grinned grimly, put the money in his pocket +and drove away. + +"Remember, Lilly," said Bland, stepping to the gate and taking her arm, +"you are Lilly Mercer here." + +"Yes, Bland." + +"And you are never to mention anything regarding yourself to the lady +who owns this place." + +"I think I can keep my own counsel." + +"And, if any inquiries are made here, by any person whatever, regarding +myself, you are to be innocently and utterly ignorant." + +"And what are you to do?" asked Lilly, naïvely. + +"I?--why I am to do well by you." + +"Just so long as you do that, Bland, you are perfectly safe!" + +She had taken to dictating also; but it was a pretty little cottage and +grounds, and a feeling of satisfaction at being their mistress, even if +it necessitated being his mistress, came over her that made her affable +and winning, if she did occasionally say things that hinted at a stormy +future. + +They strolled up the broad brick walk, he thrilled with his magnificent +capture, and she just as satisfied with the power she had attained over +one so high socially, and who stood in such near prospect of obtaining +vast wealth. Instead of entering the house at its little front door with +its highly ornamented porch, they opened the door of a little +trellis-worked addition to the cottage, which was now covered by an +almost leafless mass of vines, and passed to a side entrance, where a +gentle pull of the bell caused the immediate appearance of a very fat +and very flabby woman of middle age, who at once conducted them to a +suite of rooms, consisting of a parlor and a large sleeping-room, +between which, in place of the original folding-doors, had been +substituted rich hangings sufficiently drawn apart to admit of the +passage of one person, and which, with the tastefully draped windows, +the deeply-framed pictures, the vari-colored marble mantels and +fireplaces, the heavy, yielding carpet giving back no sound to the +foot-fall, and the great easy-chairs into which one sank as into pillows +of down, gave the rooms the hintings of such luxuriousness that Lilly +was completely dazzled and bewildered with the unexpected elegance, and +the, to her, never before realized splendor. + +"Mother Blake," said Bland, "this is Lilly Mercer, who is my friend, and +whom you are to make comfortable." + +Mother Blake, as if realizing that her duties began whenever Bland +spoke, majestically crossed the room, sat down beside Lilly and +immediately kissed her very affectionately, merely remarking, "And a +very nice girl she is, too, Mr. Bland." + +"That'll do, mother. You may get us a small bottle of wine, and then go +to bed. It's getting late, and you know you need a good deal of sleep." + +Mother Blake chuckled, and shook from it as though her enjoyment of any +sort of pleasantry came to the surface only in a series of ripples over +her great fat body, instead of in echoes of enjoyment from her great fat +throat. But it might have been merely a habit with its origin in the +necessities of her quiet mode of life; and, doing as requested, only +lingered to fasten back the curtain so that the low, luxurious bed came +temptingly into view, after which she beamingly backed out of the room, +wishing the couple "a pleasant night, and many of 'em!" + +If shame hovered over this pretty place, it did not pale the amber glow +of the sparkling wine; it came not into the ruddy coals upon the hearth, +which gave forth their glowing warmth just as cheerily as from any other +hearth in the broad land; it never dimmed the light from the gilded +chandeliers; it put no crimson flush upon the faces which touched each +other with an even flow of blood, nor quickened the pulses of the hands +that as often met; and God only knows whether, when, as sleep came down +upon the city, and the man and woman rested in each other's arms upon +the bed beyond the rich curtains (which, as the light in the fireplaces +grew or waned, never contained one ghostly rustle or semblance), there +was even a guilty dream to mark its presence! + +But what of the inmates of the old log farm-house by the pleasant river? + +The morning came, and the agonized parents found that their daughter had +gone. Robert Nettleton set his teeth and swore that he would never +search for her, while his poor wife was completely broken and crushed as +much from the agonized fears that flooded into her heart as from the +actual loss of her child. + +The most dejected member of the household, however, was a new-comer, one +Dick Hosford, who years before had drifted into the Nettleton family and +had been brought up by them until, becoming a stout young man, he was +borne away in the gold excitement with the "Forty-niners" to California, +where by hard work and no luck whatever, being an honest, simple soul, +he had got together a few thousand dollars; with no announcement of his +proposed return, had come back as far as Terre Haute, Indiana, where he +had purchased a snug farm, and immediately turned his footsteps towards +Mr. Nettleton's, arriving there the very morning after Lilly's +departure, as he said, "to marry the gal, but couldn't find her +shadder." + +He was simply inconsolable, and it took off the keen edge of the +parents' grief somewhat to find that another shared it with them, and +even seemed to feel that it was all his own. + +So it was arranged that the inquisitive neighbors should only know that +Lilly had "gone to town for a week or two," while Dick Hosford should go +to Chicago, and then back east as far as Detroit, making diligent search +for something even more tangible than the "shadder" of the lost girl; +and as he said good-by to the Nettletons with quivering lips and +suspiciously dimmed eyes, he added: + +"Bob Nettleton, and mother--for you've always been a half-dozen mothers +to me--don't ye never expect to see me back to these yer diggin's +'thout I bring the gal. I've sot my heart onto her; and" with an oath +that the Recording Angel as surely blotted out as Uncle Toby's, for it +was only the clinching of a brave determination, "I'll have her if I +find her in a----" He stopped suddenly as he saw the pain in their +faces, shook their hands in a way that told them more than his simple +words ever could have expressed, and trudged away with as little +certainty of finding whom he sought, save by accident--or, if found, of +securing the prize for himself, unless through her whim--as of ever +himself becoming anything save the honest, faithful, gullible soul that +he was. + +At Detroit, Mother Blake had orders to provide Lilly Mercer, her latest +charge, with a suitable wardrobe and some fine pieces of jewelry, which +was accordingly done; and in the novelty of her transformation, which +really made her a beautiful young woman, her ardor of fondness for Bland +was certainly sufficient to gratify both his vanity and passion to the +fullest extent. But, to some women, both passion and finery must be +frequently renewed in order to insure constancy; and while Bland was as +hopelessly in her toils as ever, as she had always despised him and now +despised his offerings, which were neither so numerous or costly as at +first, she became almost unmanageable, caused Mother Blake great +perturbation of spirit, and led Bland a deservedly stormy life. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + + Reckless Fancies.-- The "Cursed Church Interests."-- Bland's + "little Bird" becomes a busy Bird.-- Merges into a great + Raven of the Night.-- Gathers together Valuables.-- And + while a folded Handkerchief lies across the Clergyman's + Face, steals away into the Storm and the Night.-- Gone!-- + "Are ye all dead in there?"-- Drifting together.-- "Don't + give the Gal that Ticket!"-- A great-hearted Man.-- The + Rev. Bland officiates at a Wedding.-- Competence and + Contentment. + + +A few weeks later, one November evening, the first snow-storm of the +year came hurrying and skurrying down upon the city. The streets seemed +filled with that thrilling, electric life which comes with the first +snow-flakes, and as they tapped their ghostly knuckles against the panes +of Lilly Mercer's boudoir, the weird _staccato_ passed into her restless +spirit and filled her mind with wild, reckless fancies. The storm had +beaten up against the cottage but a little time until it brought Bland +with it. + +He came to tell his Lilly, he said, that the cursed church interests +would compel him to go to the West, to be absent for several weeks. In +mentioning the fact he sat down by the fireplace and gave her some money +for use while he was away, and also counted over quite an amount which +he had provided for his travelling expenses. + +He also told her that he should leave the next evening, and would, +after a little time, of course, return for the night, as he could never +go on so long a journey without spending the parting hours with his +little bird, as he had come to call her. + +His little bird had sat remarkably passive during all this, but now +fluttered about him with cooings and regrets innumerable, and seemed to +still be in a flutter of excitement when he had gone; for, after walking +up and down the rooms for a time, she flung some wrappings about her, +and quickly glided out among the pelting flakes that hid her among the +hurrying thousands upon the streets and within the shops, until she as +rapidly returned. + +Within the warm nest again, there was a note to be written, and several +feathery but valuable trifles to be got together. In fact, Bland's +little bird was a busy bird, until when, at a late hour, he came back to +its unusually tender ways and wooings, and was soon slumbering beside +it. + +Then the little bird became a great raven of the night, and stole +quietly about the apartments, gathering together, quite like any other +raven, everything that pleased its fancy, including even the money that +was to have been used in the "cursed church interests," and the gold +watch that ticked away at its sleeping owner's head, but not loud enough +to awaken him, for he slept with a peculiar heaviness, and, strangely +enough, with a folded handkerchief across his face. But the raven of the +cottage, in a quiet way that ravens have, never ceased gathering what +pleased it, until the early hours of morning, when, kissing its beak to +the bed and the sleeper, and flinging upon the bed a little note which +read: + + _A double exposé if you like._ + + LILLY "MERCER."-- + +took itself and its gathered treasures out into the storm and the night. + +The storm was gone when the chloroformed man awoke, and the bright sun +pushed through the shutters upon his feverish face. Slowly and with +great effort he groped his way back to consciousness, and with a thrill +of fear reached out his hand for his little bird, and to reassure +himself that what was flooding furiously into his mind was untrue, and +was but some horrible nightmare that her dear touch would drive away. +But the place where she had lain was as cold and empty as her own +heartless heart; and as he faintly called, "Lilly! oh, Lilly!" the very +realistic voice of Mother Blake was heard in the hall, and her very +realistic fists banging away against the door. + +"Say, Bland, are ye all dead in there? Lord! it's broad noon!" + +All dead? No; but far better so, as the Rev. Mr. Bland with a mighty +effort sprang from the bed and saw the gas-light struggling with the +sunlight, the dead ashes in the fireplace, and himself in the great +mirror, a dishonored, despoiled, deserted roué, drugged, robbed and +defied by the simple maiden from the log farm-house by the pleasant +river. + +The same evening two persons on wonderfully different missions drifted +into the depot and transfer-house at Detroit, and mingled with the great +throng that the east and the west continually throw together at this +point. One was a handsome, apparently self-possessed young lady, who +attended to her baggage personally, and moved about among the crowds +with apparent unconcern; though, closely watched, her face would have +shown anxiety and restlessness. The other was a gaunt, though solidly +built young fellow, whose clothes, although of good material, had the +appearance of having been thrown at him and caught with considerable +uncertainty upon his bony angles. He wandered about in a dejected way, +looking hither and thither as if forever searching for some one whose +discovery had become improbable, but who should not escape if an honest +search by an honest, simple fellow as he seemed to be, could avail +anything. By one of those unexplainable coincidences, or fatuities, as +some are pleased to term them, these two persons--the one desirous of +avoiding a crowd, and the other anxious to ascertain whom every throng +contained--approached the ticket-office from different directions at the +same moment. + +He at the gent's window heard her at the ladies' window say to the +agent, "Yes, to Buffalo, if you please;" and he jumped as though he had +been lifted by an explosion. He peered through the window and saw her +face at the other window, and without waiting to step around to her, +yelled to the agent like a madman: "Say, you, mister!--don't give the +gal that ticket. It's a mistake. She's going 'tother way;" and shoving +his gaunt head and shoulders into the window and wildly gesticulating to +the young lady, as the agent in a scared way saw the muscular intruder +hovering over his tickets and money-box, he continued excitedly: + +"Say, Lil, old gal! Lil Nettleton!--Dick--Dick Hosford, ye know! Ain't I +tellin' the truth? ain't it all a mistake, and ain't you goin' the other +way--with _me_, ye know--yes, 'long with Dick?" + +[Illustration: _"Say, you?--mister?--don't give the gal that ticket! +It's all a mistake!"--_] + +Lilly Nettleton, for it was no other, nodded to the agent--who returned +the money--and quickly stepped around to help Dick disengage himself +from the window, and then quickly drew him away from the crowd which the +little episode had collected, sat down beside him, and, heartily +laughing at his ludicrous appearance, said, "Why, Dick, where under +heaven did _you_ come from?" + +"Lil, gal," said poor Dick, wiping the tears of joy out of his eyes, "I +come all the way from Californy fur ye, found ye gone and the old folks +all bust and banged up about it. Fur six weary weeks I've been huntin', +huntin' ye up and down, here and yon, and was goin' back to Terre Haute, +sell the d----d farm I bought fur ye, and skip back to the Slope to kill +Injuns, or somethin', to drown my sorrow, fur I told the old folks I'd +bring ye back, or never set foot in them diggin's agin'!" + +Lilly looked at the great-hearted man beside her in a strange, +calculating kind of a way, never touched by his tenderness and simple +sacrifice, but moving very closely to him in a winsome way that quite +overcame him. + +"And I come to marry ye, Lil," persisted Dick, anxiously. + +"To marry me, Dick?" + +"Yes, and bought ye a purty farm at Terre Haute." + +"A farm, Dick?" + +"Yes, Lil, a farm, with as snug a little house as ye ever sot eyes on." + +"But where did you get so much money? You never wrote anything about +it." + +"No, I wanted to kinder surprise ye; but I got it honest--got it honest; +with these two hands, Lil, that'll work for ye all yer life like a +nigger, if ye'll only come 'long with me and never go gallavantin' any +more." + +"And won't you ask me any questions or allow them--at home, Dick--to ask +any, and take me just as I am?" + +"Just as ye are; fur better, or fur wus, Lil." + +"And marry me here, now, before we go home?" + +"Marry ye, Lil? I'd marry ye if I'd a found ye in a----; I won't give it +a name, Lil. I didn't to them, and I won't to you." + +She gave him her hand as firmly and frankly as though she had been a +pure woman, and said, "I'm yours, Dick. We'll be married here, +to-morrow." + +She took charge of all the arrangements; called a cab which took them to +the Michigan Exchange; sent Dick off to his room with orders to secure a +license the first thing in the morning; wrote two notes to a certain +person, one addressed to Mother Blake, and the other to _his_ +post-office box, ordering them posted that night; and went to her room +to sleep the sleep of the just, which, contrary to general belief, also +often comes to the unjust. + +Early in the morning, Dick came with the license and suggested securing +the services of a preacher; but Lilly said that she had arranged that +matter already, and had got a clergyman who, she was sure, would not +disappoint them; and promptly at two o'clock in the afternoon +courteously admitted the Rev. Mr. Bland, whom she had given the choice +of officiating or an exposure, and who performed the ceremony in a pale, +trembling way as the wicked old light gleamed in her great, gray eyes, +and the swift shuttles of color played over her curled lip. + +That night found the newly-wedded couple whirling back to Kalamazoo, +where they arrived the next morning and were driven out to the +farm-house, where they were joyfully welcomed, and where Dick Hosford in +his blunt way announced that he had "found Lil workin' away like a good +girl, had married her and took a little bridal 'tower,' and had come +back to have no d----d questions asked." + +So in a few days the young couple bade the Nettletons good-by and were +soon after installed in the pleasant farm-house near Terre Haute, where +the years passed on happily enough and brought them competence and +contentment and three children, who for a long time never knew the +meaning of the strange light in the eyes, or the swift colors on the +lips, of the mother who cared for them with an apparent full measure of +kindness and affection. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + + Mr. Pinkerton is called upon.-- Mr. Harcout, a + ministerial-looking Man, with an After-dinner Voice, + appears.-- A Case with a Woman in it, as is usually the + case.-- Mr. Pinkerton hesitates.-- An anxious Millionaire. + + +One hot July afternoon in 186-, I was sitting in my private office at my +New York Agency, located then, and now, at the corner of New Street and +Exchange Place, in the very heart of the money and stock battles of +Gotham, pretty well tired out from a busy day's work in carrying to +completion some of the vast transactions that had accumulated during the +war, and which were in turn waiting for my professional services to +unravel. + +It had been a terribly hot day, and the city seemed like a vast caldron +filled with a million boiling victims; and now that the day's labor was +nearly over, I was principally employed in an attempt to keep cool, but +finding it impossible with everybody about me, settled myself in my +easy-chair at the window to watch the Babel of brokers below. + +From such an altitude, where one can look down soberly upon these madmen +and see their wild antics, when for the moment they are absolutely +insane in their thirst for gold, never halting at the most extreme +recklessness even though they know it may compel wholesale ruin, it is +easy to realize how isolated cases occur where the whole human nature +yields to greed, and sweeps on to the certain accomplishment of crime +for its satisfaction. + +Just after a particularly heavy "rush" had been made, resulting in a few +broken limbs and numberless tattered hats and demolished garments, and +the bulls and bears were gathered about in knots excitedly talking over +their profit and loss, and wiping the great beads of perspiration, from +their lobster-like faces, I noticed an important-looking gentleman turn +into New Street from the direction of Broadway, and after edging through +the crowds, occasionally halting to ask a question in the politest +possible manner--the replies and gestures to which seemed to indicate +that he was seeking my agency, which afterwards proved true--this vision +of precision and politeness passed from my sight into Exchange Place, +and in a few moments after I was informed that a gentleman desired to +see me on very important business. + +After ascertaining who the gentleman was, and already knowing him to be +a harmless sort of an adventurer, and under the particular patronage of +a wealthy Rochester gentleman, I admitted him and he was introduced as +Mr. Harcout, of Rochester and New York. + +Mr. Harcout was a character in his way, and deserving of some notice. He +was a tall, heavily-built, obese gentleman of about forty-five years of +age, impressive, important, and supremely polite. His face was a strange +combination of imbecility and assumption; while his head, which was +particularly developed in the back part, indicating low instincts that +were evidently only repressed as occasion required, was consistent with +the formation of his square, flat forehead, which sloped back at a +suspiciously sharp angle from a pair of little, gray, expressionless +eyes, which from the lack of intelligence behind them would look you out +of face without blinking. His nose was straight and solidly set below, +like some sharp instrument, to assist him in getting on in the world. +His lips, though not unusually gross or sensual, had a way of opening +and closing, during the pauses of conversation with a persistency of +assertion that had the effect of keeping in the mind of the average +listener that great weight should be attached to what Mr. Harcout had +said, or was about to say; and at the same time, as also when he +patronizingly smiled, which was almost constantly, disclosed a set of +teeth of singular regularity and dazzling whiteness. A pair of very +large ears, closely-cut and neatly-trimmed hair, and a whitish-olive +complexion that suggested sluggish blood and a lack of fine +organization, complete the sketch of his face, but could never give the +full effect of the grandeur of his assumption and manners, which were a +huge burlesque on chivalric courtliness. As he entered the room his +gloved hand swept to the rim of his faultless silk hat, and removed it +with an indescribably graceful gesture that actually seemed to make the +hat say, "Ah! my very dear sir, while I belong to a gentleman of the +vastest importance imaginable, be assured that we are both +inexpressibly honored by this interview!" Nor were these all of his +strikingly good points. He was a man that was always dressed in a suit +of the finest procurable cloth, most artistically fitted to his +commanding figure, and never a day passed when there was not an +exquisite favor in the neat button-hole of his collar. When he had +become seated in a most dignified and engaging manner, he had a neat +habit of showing his little foot encased in patent leather so shining +that, at a pinch, it might have answered for a mirror, by carelessly +throwing his right leg over his left knee, so that he could keep up an +incessant tapping upon his boot with the disengaged glove which his left +hand contained; and, with his head thrown slightly back and to one side, +emphasized his remarks in a graceful and convincing way with the digit +finger of his soft white right hand. Altogether he would have passed for +a person of considerable importance and good commercial and social +standing; but to one versed in character-reading he gave the impression +that he might at one time have been an easy-going clergyman, who had +lapsed into some successful insurance or real estate agency that had +been unexpectedly profitable; or, at least, was a man who had thoroughly +and artistically acquired the science of securing an elegant livelihood +through the confidence he could readily inspire in others. + +"Ah! Mr. Pinkerton, I am very glad to see you--very glad to see you; in +fact, I take it as a peculiar honor, though my business with you is of +an unpleasant nature," said Mr. Harcout, settling into his chair with a +kind of bland and amiable dignity. + +I saw that he was making a great effort to please me, and told him +pleasantly that it was quite natural for people to visit me on +unpleasant business. + +"Thank you, thank you," he replied in his rich, after-dinner voice, that +seemed to come with his winning smile to his lips through a vast measure +of good-fellowship and great-heartedness. "I feel that I am occupying a +peculiar position, both painful and embarrassing to me: first, as the +friend and agent of a wealthy man who is also an acquaintance of yours, +and operates on the Produce Exchange, here; and second, in being obliged +to ascertain whether you will take our case without your becoming too +fully aware of the particulars, in the event of your refusal." + +"Well," said I encouragingly, highly enjoying his embarrassment and +assumed importance, "if you will give me a general outline of the +matter, I will take it into consideration; and, in any event, you can +rest assured that our walls have no ears to what our patrons have to say +within them." + +"Well, then," replied Harcout with a winning smile, "to be honest with +you, Mr. Pinkerton, there's a woman in our case; yes--though I'm very +sorry to say it--the case is almost entirely a woman case." + +"In that event, Mr. Harcout, I must plainly say to you that I don't like +those cases at all. I have all the business that I can attend to, and +even more than I sometimes desire; and I really think you had better +secure the services of some other person." + +"Pray don't say so; pray don't say so, Mr. Pinkerton. Ah! what _could_ +induce you to take the case?" + +"No sum of money," I replied, "unless I was fully assured that it was +all right--that is, had the right on your side. Almost without exception +these cases with women in them, where men become jealous of their +mistresses, mistresses of their men, wives of their husbands, husbands +of their wives, or when the lively and vigorous mother-in-law lends +spice to life, and, indeed, all those troubles arising from social +abuses, are a disgrace to every one connected with them." + +Harcout seemed quite disappointed that I did not express more avidity to +transact the business he proffered, but continued in his blandest +manner: + +"Still, supposing, although we were not altogether in the right, we were +endeavoring to defend ourselves against a vile woman who had manipulated +circumstances so that she had us greatly in her power?" + +"I should still feel a great reluctance in taking the case. All my life +I have had one steady aim before me, and that has been to purify and +ennoble the detective service; and I am sure that all this sort of +business is degrading in the extreme to operatives engaged upon it." + +"Very good, very good. But, Mr. Pinkerton, supposing the person pursued +was worth two or three millions of dollars; that after the parties had +met in a casual way, and, through a strange and unexplainable feeling of +admiration mingled with awe which she had compelled in him, she had +acquired a familiarity with his habits, business, and vast wealth, and +had from that time schemingly begun a plan of operations to entrap him +into marrying her, working upon his rather susceptible temperament +through his peculiar religious belief, in order to gain power over him, +and then, failing to secure him as a husband, had for some time pursued +a system of threats and quiet, persistent robbery, constantly becoming +more brazen and impudent, until he could bear it no longer, when he had +refused to see her or submit to further blackmail, whereupon she had +heartlessly attempted his social and financial ruin, by bringing a suit +against him for $100,000 damages for breach of promise of marriage?" + +This extended conundrum flushed Harcout, and his magnificent silk +handkerchief came gracefully into use to very gently and delicately +absorb the perspiration that had started upon his porous face. + +"Mr. Harcout," I still insisted, "I should then require to be +unqualifiedly assured that the woman in question was not a young woman +who had really been led to believe the promise of some man old enough to +be her father, and who should accept the consequences of his +indiscretion philosophically." + +"Exactly, exactly," responded Harcout, quite uneasily, though with an +evident endeavor at pleasantry; "and quite noble of you, too, Mr. +Pinkerton! Really, I had not anticipated finding such delicate honor +among detectives!" and he laughed a low, musical laugh which seemed to +come gurgling up from his capacious middle. + +I told him he might term it "delicate honor" or whatever he liked; that +I had made thorough justice a strict business principle, and found that +it won, too; but that, with the understanding that he had fairly +represented the case, I would give it my consideration and apprise him +of my decision the next day, giving him an appointment for that purpose; +after which, while verbosely expressing the hope that I would assist +him, he bowed himself out in a very impressive manner, passed into the +street, which was now nearly as quiet as the Trinity Church-yard close +by, and immediately went to the St. Nicholas, where he flourishingly +reported the interview to the anxious millionaire, who thanked fortune +for such a powerful and majestic friend. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + + In Council.-- Mr. Lyon the Millionaire, with Mr. Harcout the + Adventurer and Adviser, appear together.-- How Mr. Lyon + became Mrs. Winslow's Victim.-- "Our blessed Faith" and + the Woman's strange Power.-- A Tender Subject.-- Deep + Games.-- A One Hundred Thousand Dollar Suit for Breach of + Promise of Marriage.-- A good deal of Money.-- All liable + to err.-- A most magnificent Woman.-- The "Case" taken. + + +In the meantime I had a conversation on the subject with my General +Superintendent, Mr. Bangs, in which we weighed the case thoroughly in +all its bearings. I held, as I always do in such cases, if further +investigation proved that the woman was one whose youth, or even +inexperience, was such as to make it probable that she had been met by a +man whose position had dazzled and bewildered her, and who, from his +wealth and opportunities for exerting the immense influence of wealth, +had led her to believe that he loved her, and had had such attention +lavished upon her as had awakened in her heart an affection for him +which should deserve some consideration, and that finally, after +accomplishing his purpose, he had flung her from him, as was an +every-day occurrence, it was a case which I could under no circumstances +touch; its justice ought only to be determined in the courts. + +On the other hand, I argued that if this troublesome woman was grown in +years, had arrived at a mature age, and had deliberately planned to +secure a certain power over Harcout's friend in the questionable manner +ascribed--had, in fact, used the "black arts" upon him, and in every +manner possible fascinated him irresistibly, and wrung from him promises +and pledges which no man in his sane moments would give, in order +through this dishonorably-gained power to secure him for a husband--or +worse, in the event of failing in this, of levying upon his wealth for +the dishonor she had herself compelled, it was a case where I had a +right to interfere in the best interests of society, as the professional +female blackmailer is below pity, ought to be beyond protection of any +sort whatever, has forfeited all the actual and poetical regard due her +sex, and should be in every instance remorselessly hunted down. + +This conclusion was easily arrived at; for at each of my agencies all +that is necessary for a decision upon a desired investigation is that my +local superintendent shall sift the matter, to prove beyond the shadow +of a doubt that the vast power of the detective service under my control +shall not, under any circumstances, be prostituted to the assistance of +questionable enterprises, or the furtherance of dishonorable schemes. + +Accordingly, when Mr. Harcout wafted himself into my office the next +day, like a fragrance-laden zephyr of early summer, I informed him that +he could depend on my assistance to discover the history and antecedents +of the woman; but that I should have to reserve the privilege of +discontinuing the service, should it at any time transpire that my +operatives were being employed for the purpose of discouraging a +defenceless woman in securing the justice due her. + +It was arranged that Harcout was to call the next day with his patron, +the persecuted millionaire, and he also expressed a desire to defer a +settlement of the case in detail until that time, which was quite +agreeable to me, as I wished to see the parties together and closely +observe them, as well as their statements. + +The next afternoon Mr. Harcout's elegant card was delivered to me, with +the message that his friend was also with him. I ordered that they +should be at once admitted, and in a moment the two gentlemen were +ushered into my private office. I immediately recognized the elder of +the two as J. H. Lyon, one of the wealthiest elevator owners and millers +of Rochester, a quiet, shrewd, calculating business man, who had amassed +vast wealth, or the reputation of its possession, and its consequent +commercial respect and credit. + +He was a short, small-sized man, dressed in plain but rich garments, and +wore no jewelry save a massive solitaire diamond ring. His head, which +seemed to contain an average brain, was solidly set on a great, heavy +neck, that actually continued to the top of the back of his head without +a curve or depression. His hair, and beard--which was shaven away from +his lower lip to the curve of his chin--had a shaggy sort of look, +though generally well kept, and were considerably tinged with gray; +while his eyebrows were remarkably long, irregular, and forbidding. His +eyes were medium-sized, of a grayish-brown color, and under the heavy +shade of the brows somewhat keen and restless. His cheek-bones were +quite prominent, and below them his cheeks sank away noticeably, which +served to more strikingly show the upward turn of his nose and his full +lips and broad, sensual mouth, which, with its half-shown, irregular +teeth and ever-present tobacco-stains (for he smoked or chewed +incessantly), gave him a face quite unlike those ordinarily supposed to +be captivating to women. With his broad, bony hands, large, ill-shaped +feet, and retiring, hesitating way, as if never exactly certain of +anything, he was truly a great contrast to the pompous, elegant +gentleman who seemed to have taken him under his fatherly protection. + +Lyon slid into his seat in a nervous, diffident way; while Harcout, who +had just drawn his chair between us, as if he desired it understood that +he did not propose to yield his office of general manager of this +vitally important affair under any circumstances, beamed on his friend +reassuringly. + +After a few remarks on the current topics of the day, and before they +were themselves aware of it, we were getting along swimmingly towards an +understanding of the subject-matter--Lyon, who had removed his cigar, +fairly eating an immense amount of fine-cut as the voluble Harcout +rattled away about the bold, bad woman who had entrapped him. + +"Why, my dear Mr. Pinkerton, it's a terrible matter--an infamous +affair! My friend here, Mr. Lyon, is quite nettled about it--I might +say, quite cut up. You can see for yourself, sir, that it's wearing on +him." This with a deprecating wave of his hand towards Lyon, who +nervously gazed out of the window from under his shaggy brows. + +I merely said that these things _were_ sometimes a little wearing. + +"But you see, Mr. Pinkerton, this is a peculiarly cruel case--a +peculiarly cruel case. Hem! _I_ know what is cruel in this respect, as I +was once victimized by very much the same sort of a female, though she +was _much younger_. Why, do you know, sir," and here the sympathetic +Harcout's voice fell into a solemn murmur, "that my friend's beloved +wife was scarcely at rest beneath the daisies when this Mrs. Winslow +began worming herself into the confidence of my somewhat impressible +friend here?" + +I made no answer, and only took a memorandum of the facts developed, not +forgetting Harcout's statement that he had once been victimized by very +much the same sort of a female. + +"She came to Rochester as a shining light among the exponents of our +blessed faith----" + +"And what may your religion be?" I asked. + +"We believe in the constant communication between mortals and the +occupants of the beautiful spirit home beyond the river." + +"Exactly," said I, noticing the remarkable development at the back of +their heads and about their mouths. + +"And our friend here, Mr. Lyon," continued Harcout, with his eyes +devoutly raised to the ceiling, "met her at one of our pleasant +seances." + +I made another note at this point. + +"To be frank--'hem! it's my nature to be frank--" then turning his face +to me and raising his eyebrows inquiringly--"I suppose, Mr. Pinkerton, +it is quite desirable that I should be so?" To which I responded, +"Necessarily so," when he resumed: "To be frank, then, Mr. Lyon was +wonderfully interested in her. In fact, the woman _has_ a strange power +of compelling admiration and even fear--shall I say fear, Mr. Lyon?" + +"Guess that's about right," said Mr. Lyon tersely. + +"Admiration and fear," repeated Mr. Harcout, as if thinking of something +long gone by, while Lyon chewed more fiercely than ever. "Indeed, Mr. +Pinkerton, she's a superb woman--a superb woman; but a she-devil for all +that!" + +I noticed that Harcout's fervor seemed to have come from some similar +experience, and I noted both it and his heated estimate of Mrs. Winslow, +although he remarked that he had never met her. + +"Well, my friend here was irresistibly drawn to her, and he has told me +that for a time it seemed that he had found his real affinity. You felt +that way, didn't you, Lyon?" + +Lyon nodded and chewed rapidly. + +"But for a long time the more my friend endeavored to secure her favor, +the more she seemed to draw away from and avoid him, though constantly +making opportunities to more deeply impress him with her most splendid +physical and mental qualities. My friend recollects now, though he gave +it no attention at the time, that she shrewdly drew from him much +information regarding his family affairs, habits, business relations, +and wealth; and as she was, or pretended to be, a medium of great power, +at those times when he sought her professional services she worked upon +his feelings in such a peculiar manner as to completely upset him." + +Here Mr. Lyon offered an extended remark for the first time, and said: +"The truth is, Mr. Pinkerton, this is a subject that I am particularly +tender upon. I think under certain circumstances I could really have +made the woman my wife;" then turning to his agent, he said, "Harcout, +cut it short." + +"But," Harcout protested, "we can't cut it short. Mr. Pinkerton wants +facts--he must have facts. Well, at one time Mr. Lyon felt a real +affection for the woman, which does him honor--is no disgrace to him; +but after a time began to suspect, and eventually to feel sure, that +Mrs. Winslow was playing a deep game; indeed, had originally come to +Rochester for that purpose; and while he still regarded her highly on +account of her fine qualities, refrained from seeking her society, which +at once seemed to awaken a violent and uncontrollable passion for him in +her heart. She sought him everywhere and compelled him to visit her +frequently, lavishing the wildest affection upon him, which he +delicately repelled--delicately repelled; and, as she represented +herself in straitened circumstances, charitably assisted her just as he +would have done any other person in want--any other person in want; but, +you see, Mrs. Winslow presumed upon this, accused him of having broken +her heart, and was now cruelly deserting her after he had taught her to +worship him." + +Mr. Lyon's nervous face presented a singular combination of pride at his +own powers, chagrin at his predicament, and a general protest that the +tender privacies of a millionaire should be thus disclosed. + +"In this way," continued Harcout, "she so worked upon his kindly +feelings that he really gave her large sums of money--large sums of +money." + +"A good deal of money," interrupted Mr. Lyon. + +"But finally," pursued Harcout, "my friend saw that he must discontinue +his charity altogether, and through my advice--hem! through my advice, +he did. Mrs. Winslow then became very impudent indeed, and annoyed my +friend beyond endurance, until he was forced to refuse to recognize her, +and gave orders that she should be denied admission to his office. But, +being a very talented woman----" + +"She _is_ talented," said Lyon, with a start. + +"She has found means to continue her operations against him incessantly, +demanding still larger sums of money, and has engaged counsel to act for +her. Hem!--under my advice, quite recently Mr. Lyon, by paying her five +thousand dollars, secured from her a relinquishment of all claims +against him, rather than oblige a public scandal. But now Mrs. Winslow +claims that this was secured by fraud, and after making another +fruitless demand for ten thousand dollars, which--hem! Mr. Lyon resisted +through my advice, last week began suit against him for one hundred +thousand dollars for breach of promise of marriage. And a hundred +thousand dollars is a big sum of money, Mr. Pinkerton." + +"A big sum of money," echoed Lyon. + +"But of course," continued Harcout, inserting his thumbs in the +arm-holes of his vest and looking the very picture of injured virtue, +"Mr. Lyon cares nothing for that amount. It is the principle of the +thing. It is the stain upon his good name that he desires to +prevent--and these juries are confoundedly unreliable." + +"Confoundedly unreliable," repeated Lyon, chewing nervously. + +"Therefore," said Harcout, "really believing, as we do, that we--hem! +that is, Mr. Lyon, of course--is the victim of a designing woman who +really means to wrongfully compel the payment of a large sum of money +and ruin my friend in the estimation of the public, we are anxious that +you should set about ascertaining everything concerning her for use as +evidence in the case." + +After asking them a few questions touching facts I desired to ascertain, +the interview terminated with the understanding that Harcout should act +for Mr. Lyon unqualifiedly in the matter, and call at my office as +often as desirable to listen to reports of the progress of my +investigations into the life and history of Mrs. Winslow. I was +satisfied that not half the truth had been given me, and I was more than +ever convinced of this fact when Lyon called me to one side as the +lordly Harcout passed out, and said to me hurriedly: + +"Don't be too hard upon the woman, Mr. Pinkerton. You know we are _all_ +liable to err; and--and, by Jupiter! Mrs. Winslow is certainly a most +magnificent woman--a _most_ magnificent woman," and then chewed himself +out after his courtly henchman. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + + The Case begun.-- Mr. Pinkerton makes a preliminary + Investigation at Rochester.-- Mrs. Winslow, Trance + Medium.-- A Ride to Port Charlotte.-- Harcout as a + Barnacle.-- Much married.-- Mr. Pinkerton visits the + Mediums.-- Drops in at a Washington Hall Meeting.-- Sees + the naughty Woman.-- And returns to New York convinced + that the Spiritualistic Adventuress is a Woman of + remarkable Ability. + + +As the interview related in the previous chapter occurred on Friday, and +I could not attend to the matter at once, I was obliged to wait until +the following Sunday evening, when I quietly took the western-bound +express, which brought me to Rochester the following noon, where I +engaged rooms at the Brackett House under an assumed name, and +immediately began a preliminary examination on my own account, having +directed my New York Superintendent to inform either Lyon or Harcout, in +the event of their calling at the agency, that I could not be seen +regarding their matter for a few days, as I had suddenly been called +South on important business. + +My object in doing this was to look over the ground at Rochester myself, +and get an unbiased idea of the whole matter, so that I could properly +proceed with the work, being satisfied that this was the only way to +secure a basis to operate upon, as I was sure that I had not got at the +bottom facts in the late interview. I invariably insist on having all +the facts, and always take measures to secure them before any decided +move is made. + +As a rule, however, in cases of this kind, it is almost impossible to +secure what the detective absolutely needs from the parties from whom +the information should come; as it is a principle of human nature +possessed by us all, to be very frank about our merits, and quite +careful about mentioning anything that might be construed into either a +lack of judgment or principle. + +I found that the New York papers were already publishing specials +concerning the matter, with solemn editorials regarding the perfidy of +man, the constancy of woman, and the general cussedness of both; and +that at Rochester the knowledge of the commencement of the suit had just +got into the papers, and consequently, into everybody's mouth; and was +creating a great sensation, as Lyon was known to the whole city as one +of its richest citizens, "though a little off on Spiritualism lately," +as the talk went; and Mrs. Winslow had also become quite notorious from +her magnificent figure and winning manner, her equally notorious +mediumistic powers, and through her prominent connection with the more +_material_ believers in spiritual phenomena; or, to be plain, that vast +majority of so-called spiritualists whose only visible means of support +are in excellently humbugging their brethren or sisters, or any other +portion of the gullible world with whom they come in contact. + +Nearly every Rochester paper contained the advertisement of Mrs. +Winslow, trance medium, and I concluded that either the lady had been +unusually successful in her trance business, or that her levies upon +Lyon had been remunerative--perhaps both--to pay for such extensive +advertising. + +After dinner I took a stroll and found that the lady occupied very +luxurious apartments on South St. Paul street, near Meech's Opera-house, +a location well adapted for her business. I also ordered a carriage and +drove out to Port Charlotte--a magnificent drive through a lovely +country dotted with fine farm-houses and the splendid suburban +residences of wealthy Rochester citizens--and, as a casual stranger, +inspected Lyon's warehouses and elevators, the largest and most +expensive at the Port, returning to the Brackett House in time to eat a +hearty supper. + +After supper, without any effort, and without disclosing my identity, I +got into conversation with the genial landlord of the house, who gave +me--as a part of my entertainment, I presume--a rich account of Lyon's +business relations, and particularly of his personal habits, painted in +entirely different colors than by the blarneying tongue of Harcout; and +also spoke of the latter as "a d----d barnacle," who had in some +unexplainable way fastened himself upon Lyon and was living like a +prince off the "old fool," as he called him. He also told me +confidentially that he believed Mrs. Winslow to be a woman of +questionable character; as, when she first came to the city, she had +stopped at his hotel, and had advertised her mediumistic powers so +largely that it had brought a class of men there whom he thought, from +his personal knowledge of their habits, to be more interested in +inquiries into the mysteries of the _present_ than of the hereafter, +until he had become so anxious as to the reputation of his house that he +had informed the lady of the preference of her absence to her company; +whereupon she had raised such a storm about his ears that he was only +too glad to compromise by letting her go, bag and baggage, without +paying her bill, which was a large one and of a month's standing. + +I also gained from him the opinion that she had been married a +half-dozen times, or as often as had suited her convenience; and that he +had only a day or so previous conversed with a gentleman from some part +of the West, who had told him that somebody in Rochester had assisted +her in procuring her a divorce from her husband. I made a note of all +these points after I had retired to my room, and felt quite satisfied +with the day's work. + +The next day, with a gentleman at the hotel with whom I had become +acquainted, representing myself as a person of means who might possibly +make an investment at Rochester, I visited Lyon's mills, and +incidentally became quite well informed as to his financial and social +standing. + +The latter was a little peculiar. His wife, a most estimable lady, had +died a few years previous, and it appeared that during her life the Lyon +family were among the aristocrats of the city; but at her death, and +Lyon's subsequent dabbling in Spiritualism, they had been gradually +dropped from the visiting lists, and nothing remained of the former home +circle save a gaunt, grim mother-in-law, who vainly waged war against +the loose habits, laxity of morals, and general degeneracy that had come +with the new order of things. + +I also secured the addresses of all the professional mediums, +fortune-tellers, and astrologers of the city, and during that day and +the next visited their rooms, claiming to be a devoted believer in +Spiritualism, having my fortune told at various places, and picking up a +good deal of information regarding the fascinating Mrs. Winslow, which +tended to prove her a remarkably talented woman, capable of not only +attending to her mediumistic duties, but also of carrying on litigation +of various kinds in different parts of the country. My investigations +also showed that these different "doctors" and "doctresses," claiming to +perform almost miraculous cures and their ability to foretell the fates +of others through the aid of this supernatural spirit-power, were quite +like other people in their bickerings and jealousies, and, as a rule, +they gave each other quite as bad names as the public generally gave +them; and that Mrs. Winslow could not have been considered exactly the +pink of perfection if judged even by those of her own persuasion, as one +vaguely hinted at her having played the same game on other parties. +Another was sure she had been a camp-follower during the war. Another +assured me that she had similar suits at Louisville, Cincinnati, and St. +Louis. Still another was quite certain that she was only a common +woman. Altogether, according to these reports, which were easily enough +secured, as her case against Lyon was the engrossing subject of the hour +at Rochester, it appeared that the ravishing Mrs. Winslow held her +place, such as it was, in the world more through her supreme will power, +and the respect through fear she unconsciously inspired in others, than +through any of the tenderer graces or a superabundance of personal +purity. + +From cautious inquiries and the wonderful amount of street, saloon, and +hotel talk which the affair was causing, I also ascertained that Mrs. +Winslow had made her appearance in Rochester some years before; some +said from the east, and some from the West, but the preponderance of +evidence indicated that it had been from the West; that she had at once +allied herself with the spiritualists of the city, and Lyon had first +met or seen her at one of their seances or lectures; that he had at once +yielded to her charms, and begun visiting her for "advice," as it was +sarcastically reported, continuing the visits with such frequency and +regularity as to hasten the death of his wife, after which event he had +given his new affinity nearly his entire attention until she had come to +be commonly considered as his mistress; that she had frequently boasted +among her friends that she was to become Lyon's wife, and was even by +some called Mrs. Lyon, to which pleasant designation she made no murmur; +that she had made a common practice of visiting Lyon at his offices in +the Arcade, where she had been treated with considerable deference and +respect by his employees; and that during this period Mrs. Winslow had +made several trips to the West, evidently at Lyon's instigation, and +through his financial aid. + +I found also that she was as truly a believer in the farces others of +her profession enacted for her benefit as she was in the mediumistic +power she had persuaded herself that she possessed, and was consequently +a regular attendant at all the meetings and seances held in the city; +and as there was one to be held that evening at Washington Hall, I +decided to attend for the purpose of getting a good view of the lady +with whom, for a time, we should be obliged to keep close company. +Accordingly, at half-past seven o'clock I found the hall, which is but a +few blocks above the bridge on Main Street, and after purchasing a +ticket of a sleek, long-haired individual with deft fingers and a +restless eye, passed into the room, where there was already quite a +number of the faithful, all bearing unmistakable evidences of either +their peculiar faith, or the character of their business. + +As the exercises of the evening had not yet begun, those present were +gathered about the hall excitedly discussing the great sensation of the +hour, which was particularly interesting to them, as the parties to it +were both of their number, and from what I could gather they were about +evenly divided in their opinion as to the merits of the case--the male +portion of the assemblage warmly espousing the cause of Mrs. Winslow, +and the female portion as eagerly sympathizing with "poor dear Mr. +Lyon," and roundly condemning the naughty woman who had ensnared him and +was so relentlessly pursuing him. + +I was sure the naughty woman had now arrived, as there was a sudden +twisting of necks and buzzing of "That's her--that's her!" "There's Mrs. +Winslow!" and "Yes, that's Mrs. Lyon!" and the females that had given +Mrs. Winslow such a bad reputation a few moments before, now pressed +around her with sympathizing inquiries and loud protestations of regard, +quite like other ladies under similar circumstances. But the lady +appeared to be quite unconcerned as to their good or ill feeling towards +her, and swept up the aisle with a regal air, taking a seat so near me +and in such a position that I was able to make a perfect study of her +while apparently only absorbed in the wonderful revelation that fell +from the trance-speaker's lips. + +She appeared to be a lady of about thirty five years of age, and of a +very commanding appearance. She was not a beautiful woman, but there was +an indescribable something about her entire face and figure that was +strangely attractive. It was both the dignity of self-conscious power +and the peculiar attractiveness of a majestically formed woman. It could +not be said that there was a single beautiful feature about her face, +though it attracted and held every observer. Her head was large, well +formed, and covered with a wavy mass of black hair marvelous in its +richness of color and luxuriance. Her complexion was a clear, wax-like +white, singularly contrasting with her hair, delicately arching +eyebrows, and long, dark lashes, which heavily shaded great gray eyes +that were sometimes touched with a shading of blue, and occasionally +glowed with a light as keen, glittering, and cold as might flash from a +diamond or a dagger's point, which seemed to work in sympathy with the +rapid movement of her thin nostrils, and the swift shuttles of crimson +and paleness that darted over her curled upper lip, which, +notwithstanding this singularity, touched the full, pouting lower one +with a hint of wild and riotous blood. + +Although Mrs. Winslow was a woman who, being met in the better circles +of society, would have wonderfully interested every one with whom she +came in contact, in the circle within which she moved, and which, +unconsciously, seemed to be far beneath her, she surely commanded a +certain kind of respect, with a touch of fear, perhaps; and in any +circle of life was undoubtedly one in whom the ambition for power was +only equalled by the remorseless way with which she would wield it after +it had been gained. + +Not once during the whole evening did she by any movement of her person +or motion of her features give any further indication of her character; +and I could only leave the hall and return to my hotel, and from thence +immediately to New York, with the thorough conviction that Mrs. Winslow +was a remarkably shrewd woman; had systematically fastened herself upon +Lyon with the view of becoming his wife, or compelling him to divide his +immense wealth with her; would give us plenty to attend to, and had +easily gained a wonderful power over Lyon; which, even after her +repeated piracies upon him, and the evident knowledge he possessed of +her villainous character, was yet strong upon him. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + + "Our Case."-- Harcout's Egotism and Interference.-- The + strange Chain of Evidence.-- A Trail of Spiritualism, + Lust, and Licentiousness.-- Superintendent Bangs locates + the Detectives.-- A pernicious System.-- Three Old Maids + named Grim.-- Mr. Bangs baffled by Mr. Lyon, who won't be + "worried."-- One Honest Spiritualistic Doctor.-- The Trail + secured.-- A Tigress.-- Mr. Bangs "goes West." + + +On my return to New York I found that the splendid Harcout had been +using the interim in a succession of heated rushes from the St. Nicholas +Hotel to the Agency, where he had given my superintendents and clerks +voluminous instructions as to how the investigation should be conducted, +and, in explaining his idea of how detectives should work up any case, +permeated the entire establishment with his fragrant pomposity. He was +also quite impatient that nothing had been done in "our case," as he +termed it, and I could only pacify him by assuring him that it should be +given my immediate attention. + +As soon as I could dispose of Harcout I held another consultation with +my General Superintendent, during which the information I had secured at +Rochester was analyzed and recorded, and which, with some other facts +already in possession of the Agency bearing on the case, we decided to +be sufficient to warrant a conclusion that Mrs. Winslow was not Mrs. +Winslow at all, but somebody else altogether, and had had as many +_aliases_ as a cat is supposed to have lives. It was also quite evident, +the more we looked into the matter and searched the records, that +certain other cities of the country had suffered from the much-named +Mrs. Winslow, and in many instances in a quite similar manner to that of +the Rochester infliction. + +Running through all the strange chain of evidence that the records of +our almost numberless operations gave, there were also found items which +told of a female not altogether unlike Mrs. Winslow, and there were in +them all traces of a woman absolutely heartless, cold, calculating, +cruel; now here under one name and in one guise, now there under another +name and in another guise, but forever upon that unrelenting search for +power and with that remorseless greed for gold, and also showing as +truly a trace of spiritualism, of lust, and of licentiousness. + +Of course the result of it all was only a question of time; only a +question of duration in villainy and shrewd human deviltry; a mere +question of how long supreme depravity would wear in a constant war upon +fairness, purity, and the conscience of society. It never wins--it +always loses, and, as certain as life or death, good or evil, reaches +its sure punishment here, whatever may be the result in that +undiscovered territory of the future which the preachers find happiness +and good incomes in quarrelling over. But as my long experience with +crime and criminals had proven to me the fact that one desperately bad +woman brings upon society vastly more misery than a hundred equally as +bad men, and being equally as certain that Mrs. Winslow was an +exceptionally bad woman, I felt no regret whatever in becoming her +Nemesis, and even experienced a peculiar degree of satisfaction in +inaugurating a crusade against her as a pitiless, heartless, dangerous +woman, utterly devoid of conscience, and without a single redeeming +trait of character. + +I accordingly detailed two of my operatives, Fox and Bristol, to proceed +to Rochester in charge of Superintendent Bangs, whom I gave instructions +to locate the men so that they could keep Mrs. Winslow under the +strictest surveillance, and make daily reports in writing to me +concerning her habits and associates, and operations of any character +whatever, using the telegraph freely if occasion required. I also +instructed him, after the men were located in Rochester, and he had +followed up the clue I had got for him as to Mrs. Winslow's western +exploits, to proceed to the West, taking all the time necessary, and +ascertain everything possible favorable or unfavorable to the woman; as +I held it to be not only a matter of utmost importance to thorough +detective work, but also a principle of common justice, that any +suspected person should receive the benefit of whatever good there is in +them. + +For these reasons I have always fought against the system of rewards for +the capture and conviction of supposed criminals. There could be nothing +more absolutely unjust. Under that system, through a combination of +circumstances, an innocent party is often deemed guilty of crime, and +the detective, anxious to secure professional honor and large +remuneration for small work, begins with the presumption of guilt, and +industriously piles up a mountain of presumptive and circumstantial +evidence that times without number has sent innocent persons to the +felon's cell or the hangman's noose. + +On arriving at Rochester the following Monday, Bangs took rooms at the +National Hotel, opposite the court-house--a house more a resort for +persons in attendance at the courts, and people visiting Rochester from +neighboring towns, than for fashionable people or commercial travellers; +while Fox settled himself at a little hotel nearly opposite Mrs. +Winslow's rooms on South St. Paul street, and Bristol found a home at a +little saloon, restaurant and boarding-house, kept by three old maids +named Grim, who were firm believers in Spiritualism--probably from never +having got any satisfaction out of life from any other religion--under +Washington Hall, on East Main street, a place given up to variety shows, +masked balls, sleight-of-hand performances, seances, and other +questionable entertainments; so that they were all within easy +communication, and could work to advantage. It was also arranged that +the reports of Fox and Bristol should be put in Mr. Bangs's hands, by a +mode of communication which would prevent their being seen together, +before being forwarded to me, so that their observations might be of +assistance in his securing necessary information for his western tour. + +While Bristol and Fox were watching the movements of the gay madam, +familiarizing themselves with the city, and getting on an easy footing +at their boarding-houses, Mr. Bangs set to work to ascertain if possible +in what part of the West Mrs. Winslow had operated. + +He first visited Mr. Lyon at his office in the Arcade, introducing +himself as Mr. Clement, one of my operatives, not giving his correct +name, as the newspaper reporters were flying around at a great rate for +items, and the appearance of a man so well known by reputation as Mr. +Bangs would have given their overcharged imaginations an opportunity to +flood over several columns of their respective papers. After being +seated in Lyon's private office Mr. Bangs, as Mr. Clement, began the +conversation: + +"Mr. Lyon, I am directed by Mr. Pinkerton to ascertain if possible from +you whether Mrs. Winslow has ever informed you of having at any previous +time resided in the West?" + +Lyon gave Bangs a cigar, lighted one for himself, and after puffing away +vigorously for a little time, replied: "Mr. Clement, I think she has +done so, but I can't recollect what the information was." + +"Couldn't you call to mind anything that would be of some little +assistance to us, Mr. Lyon?" + +"No," he nervously answered; "no, I think not. I have put this whole +matter away from me as much as possible." + +"We have positively ascertained," continued Bangs, looking searchingly +into Lyon's face, "that she recently secured a divorce from a former +husband. We also know that some one here in Rochester rendered her +substantial assistance. That person found, tracing her history would be +comparatively an easy matter." + +Lyon moved about uneasily, and finally through the clouds of smoke about +his head puffed out, "Indeed!" + +"Yes," replied Bangs, "and, Mr. Lyon, if we could get at the exact truth +about this part of it, I am sure it would not only greatly facilitate +our work, but also greatly lessen the expense of the operation." + +Lyon sat for a little time twisting his shaggy gray whiskers, and +finally said: "Mr. Clement, I insist on not being worried about this +business; perhaps Harcout didn't make that point quite clear. Harcout +_is_ a little flighty, but a noble fellow though, after all. I don't +hardly know what I would do without Harcout, Mr. Clement; he takes the +whole thing off my shoulders, as it were." + +Bangs saw that Lyon could have given him just what information he +needed, and also saw with equal certainty that he had fully decided to +throw the matter off his mind entirely, and compel us to gain whatever +necessary by hard work. He was also now satisfied of the truth of my +conviction, that Lyon had assisted Mrs. Winslow in this divorce matter, +and had been very much more intimate with her than he even desired us to +know. So he bade him good-day, returned to his hotel, and telegraphed +for instructions. I directed him to go ahead and use his own judgment +altogether, also suggesting that he should visit the different +clairvoyants and mediums, with a view of getting further information +which might be secured from their almost ceaseless chatter upon the +subject. + +As Rochester is as full of mediums as a thistle of thorns, this was a +kind of investigation which necessitated the expenditure of considerable +time, and three days had elapsed before any information of a +satisfactory nature was secured. He had expended quite a little fortune +in having his "horoscope cast," his fortune told, and his fate pointed +out with such unerring certainty by male and female seers of every name, +appearance and nature, that if any two of these predictions had borne +the slightest possible resemblance to each other, he would have been +horrified enough to have taken a last leap into the surging Genesee like +poor Sam Patch. But he persisted in the face of these terrible +revelations until he had found a certain Dr. Hubbard, who proved to be +one of the jolliest of the profession he had ever met. The Doctor was a +pleasant gentleman, and proved more pleasant than ever when Mr. Bangs +informed him that he did not desire any fortune-telling, predictions or +horoscopes, but was interested in the subject of Spiritualism, and had +been directed to him as one likely to give some information that could +be relied on, for which he would liberally remunerate him. + +As Mr. Bangs had some choice cigars, which he divided with the Doctor, +and the Doctor had some choice brandy, which he divided with Mr. Bangs, +they at once became easy together, and taking seats at the window +overlooking Main street, while watching the crowds below, were soon +chatting away quite unlike two people very badly affected with +spiritualistic tendencies. + +After a little time, however, the Doctor looked pretty sharply at Bangs, +and suddenly asked: "Well, who are you, anyhow?" + +"Who am I?" returned Bangs smilingly, "well, to be frank, I am Professor +Owen, of the Indiana State University." Bangs never blushed at the libel +on the kind old man bearing that name and title, and continued, "It is +our vacation now, and I am travelling a little in the East investigating +this subject. My brother is an enthusiastic believer in it, but I wished +other testimony." + +The Doctor seemed to think that the Professor took to the brandy and +cigars quite too familiarly for an educator, but the explanation +satisfied him, and he asked: "Professor, you want the whole truth, don't +you?" + +"Nothing but the truth," responded Bangs. + +Doctor Hubbard blew out a long series of rings and expressively followed +it with "Humbug!" + +"It can't be possible," persisted Bangs. + +"It oughtn't to be possible," urged the Doctor, "for a man of your +probable talent and position to be engaged in investigating what one +visit to any one of us should show to be the most infernal fraud ever +practised upon the public!" said the Doctor heatedly. + +Bangs expressed himself as surprised beyond measure. + +"Well," continued the Doctor earnestly, "you came to me like a man, +didn't you?" + +Bangs assured him that he was quite right. + +"And you came fair and square, without any ifs and ands, didn't you?" + +"All of that," responded Bangs. + +"And," continued the Doctor helping himself to the brandy, then excusing +himself and pushing it towards Bangs, who partook sparingly, "you didn't +want any fortune told, or predictions, or horoscopes, or any other +nonsense?" + +"Exactly," said Bangs. + +"And you said you'd pay me liberally for information, didn't you?" + +"Yes, and I'll be as good as my word," replied the assumed professor. + +"Well, then," continued the Doctor in a burst of good feeling, brandy +and honesty, "you see in me an unsuccessful physician, a disciple of +Æsculapius without followers. I graduated with high honors, hung out my +sign, sharpened my tools, moulded my pills, drank a toast to disease, +but waited in vain for patronage. As this became monotonous," continued +the Doctor, taking another pull at the brandy bottle, then wiping the +mouth and passing it to Mr. Bangs, who excused himself, "I glided into a +'specialist.' It required too much money to advertise, and the papers +slashed me villainously besides. _Then_ I became a Spiritualist--it's +the record of every one of us. You can see," and the Doctor waved his +hand towards the cosy appointments in a satisfied way, "I am pretty +comfortable now." + +"Yes, quite comfortable," said Bangs, wondering what the Doctor was +driving at. + +"So I am an enthusiastic Spiritualist," resumed the happy physician, +"for its profession has provided me with necessities, comforts, and even +luxuries." + +"Do you really effect any of the marvellous cures you advertise?" + +"Most assuredly," he replied. + +"And may I ask how?" interrogated Mr. Bangs. + +"In the good old-fashioned way--salts, senna, calomel, and the +blue-pill," said the Doctor, laughing heartily. + +"And is not the aid of the spirits essential to your cures?" + +"A belief, or _faith_, that such an agency is used, does the whole +thing, Professor." + +"And is there no such thing?" persisted Bangs. + +"Just as much of it as there is faith in it; no more and no less." + +"Then the whole thing's a humbug, as you say?" + +"Just as thoroughly as is that woman," said the Doctor stoutly, pointing +to Mrs. Winslow, who at that moment was seen in the street below, being +driven towards the suburbs in a neat phaeton. + +Bangs, becoming suddenly interested, though repressing himself, +carelessly asked, "Who is she?" + +Here the Doctor executed a grimace which might mean a good deal, or +nothing at all, and said tersely: "She's a bouncer; don't you know her?" + +"No." + +"Why, that's Mrs. Winslow, old Lyons' soothing syrup; and old Lyon's +one of the children--'teething,'" added the Doctor with a hearty laugh. +"But she's a tigress!" + +Mr. Bangs leaned out of the window, took a good look at the tigress, and +then, as if endeavoring to recollect some former occurrence, said: "I +believe I have seen her somewhere before." + +"Quite so, quite so; undoubtedly you have." + +"And I think in the West, too," replied Mr. Bangs, trying hard to +remember, and handing the doctor a fresh cigar. + +"Exactly--Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Louisville--everywhere, in +fact. One might call her a social floater, and not be far out of the way +either. She used to live at Terre Haute." + +"Terre Haute? Why, of course! I knew I had seen her somewhere." + +"Yes, she lived a few miles out, up the Wabash river, for years. Her +husband's name was Oxford, or Hosford, or something of the kind." + +"Yes?" said Bangs. + +"Yes," replied the Doctor; "I didn't know her personally, but I knew +_of_ her there. That's where she first went off the hook--and--and +became one of us." + +"Is she a remarkable character?" asked Mr. Bangs. + +"A remarkable character? Why, sir, she's a wonderful woman--a perfect +Satan. I wouldn't have her get after me," said the Doctor, shaking his +head protestingly "for ten thousand dollars! Why, sir, that woman has +ruined more men and broken up more families than you could count." + +"And is _she_, too, a spiritualist?" asked Mr. Bangs. + +"A spiritualist? Why, of course she is; and, what is more, I sometimes +think she really believes in her own mummeries." + +"What has become of her family?" asked Bangs. + +"Oh, gone to the devil, I presume, just like everybody she has had +anything to do with--just as old Lyon is certain to do, too." + +"Then this Oxford or Hosford is not living at Terre Haute now?" + +"Couldn't tell you that," replied the Doctor; and then, suddenly +returning to the subject and putting the brandy-bottle into a little +closet with a slam as footsteps were heard coming up the stairs, "can I +be of any further service to you?" + +Mr. Bangs thought not, handed the good Doctor a five-dollar bill while +remarking that he would call again, both of which evidences of good +feeling pleased the latter immensely, and took his departure quite well +pleased with the result of his inquiries into the wonderful subject of +modern Spiritualism. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + + Rochester.-- A Profitable Field for Mrs. Winslow.-- Her + sumptuous Apartments.-- The Detectives at Work.-- Mrs. + Winslow's Cautiousness.-- Child-Training.-- Mysterious + Drives.-- A dapper little Blond Gentleman.-- Two Birds + with one Stone.-- A French Divinity.-- Le Compte. + + +While Superintendent Bangs is on his hunting expedition in the West, we +will follow the fortunes of Mrs. Winslow in the beautiful city of +Rochester. + +There is hardly a city in the country better adapted for either the +pursuit of pleasure or wealth than Rochester. Everything combines to +make it so. It nestles in one of the most beautiful valleys in the +world, like the nest of a busy bird in a luxuriant meadow. There is the +sound of pleasant waters, the roar of a mighty cataract, the din of two +score busy mills, the music of the spindles, the cogs and the reels, the +clash and the clangor of the factories, the thunderings of the forges, +and the footfalls of a hundred thousand happy, contented people who have +wrung competence and even luxury from the hard hand of necessity and +toil. + +From the summit of Mount Hope Observatory, an elevation of nearly five +hundred feet above the lake, there is a grand picture whereon the eye +may rest. At your feet, and to the north, lies the busy city with the +noble Genesee winding rapidly through it, lending its half-million +horse-power force to the needs of labor, then plunging a hundred feet +downwards, eddying and rushing onward, plunging and eddying again and +again, until it sobers into a steady current northward towards Ontario +through a deep, dark gorge, looking like an ugly serpent trailing to the +lower inland sea where can be seen the city of Charlotte, formerly +called Port Genesee, the port of Rochester, beyond which, on a clear +day, may be seen countless dreamy sails, and steamers with their +trailing plumes of smoke, and still beyond appears the dim outlines of +the far-off Canadian shore. To the east, as far as can be discerned, +lies a country of the nature of "openings"--beautiful groves of trees, +magnificent farms, with the almost palatial homes of the owners, who +have become rich from the legacies of their ancestors with the added +thrift of scores of fruitful years. Southward for a half hundred miles, +stretches the beautiful valley of the Genesee, dimpled by lesser valleys +and a hundred sparkling brooks, and dotted by field and forest and +numberless groups of half-hidden houses, with outbuildings full to +bursting with the fruitage of the fields; while to the west along the +lake are low ranges of sand-hills, and south of these extending nearly +to Lake Erie is a beautiful prairie country, while with a glass can be +traced the ghostly mist perpetually hovering above Niagara. + +If this scene be inspiring to the looker-on, the intrinsic beauty of the +city, its unusual life, its fine public buildings, business houses, and +splendid private residences; its clean macadamized streets and broad, +brick walks, shaded with the trees of half a century's growth as in many +of the famous Southern cities; its numberless little parks or "places," +owned in common by the proprietors of the handsome residences which +surround them, and filled with rare shrubs, flowers, beautiful fountains +and costly statuary; the vast _parterres_ of flowers in the suburbs, +sending in upon every summer wind an Arabian wealth of exquisite +fragrance; the large summer gardens, where beer and Gambrinus reign +supreme; the enticing promenades, and the splendid drives in every +direction from the city--would give any one not completely at war with +every pleasant thing in life a genuine inspiration of pleasure and a +more than ordinary thrill of enjoyment. + +It is little wonder, then, that Mrs. Winslow found Rochester a +profitable field for operating in her peculiar double capacity of a +dashing adventuress and a trance medium. She found there not only men of +vast wealth, but of vast immorality, as is quite common all over the +world, and hundreds of firm believers in spiritualism, which was a +special peculiarity to Rochester. Among the first number there were many +who sought her for her charms of figure and manners, which were +certainly powerfully attractive, and which yielded her an elegant income +without positive public degradation, as no man of wealth and position +feels called upon to make known his own peccadilloes for the sake of +exposing the sharer of them, even though she be a dangerous woman; and +consequently there was only that universal verdict of evil against her +which society quite generally, and also quite correctly, pronounces on +forcibly circumstantial evidence. + +Her apartments were elegant, and even sumptuous; and though there was a +quite general understanding of her character among the epicurean +gentlemen of the city, she held them aloof with such freezing dignity +that they seldom presumed upon her acquaintance, and were even possessed +of a certain respect for her unusually rare shrewdness in preserving her +reputation, such as it was; so that her rooms, so far as the public were +able to ascertain, were only frequented by those who believed her to be +able to allay their sufferings, or open the gates of the undiscovered +country to their anxious, yearning eyes. + +A large amount of money had been paid her by Lyon to prevent a scandal. +The last sum was known to have been five thousand dollars, and it was +quite probable that if there had been an intimacy so ripe as to have +warranted the payment of this amount, still larger sums had doubtless +been expended in maturing so tender a relation. In any event it was +ascertained by Bristol and Fox that Mrs. Winslow had for some time been +living in elegance, though at the same time carefully, being given to no +particular excesses, and it was a matter for considerable speculation +whether she was now in the possession of much money or not. + +Fox affected the quiet, well-bred gentleman, expended sufficient money +among the boarders to make them talkative, and even confidential, and +in this way learned a great deal about the madam's habits and +peculiarities that was afterwards useful, though of no particular moment +at that time; while Bristol, who was a florid, well-kept Canadian +gentleman of about forty-five years of age, of a literary and poetical +turn, and with an easy habit of falling into the manner and brogue of an +Englishman, Scotchman, or Irishman, made himself immensely popular with +the old maids under Washington Hall, who in turn were enamored with his +good physical parts and blarneying tongue, and were at any time ready to +confide to him all they knew, and, in fact, a great deal more; so that, +as he professed to be an ardent Spiritualist, he was enabled to become +well informed concerning the leading persons of that persuasion in the +city, of whom he forwarded a complete list, with something of a history +of each; and while not becoming known to or personally familiar with any +one of them--which would have destroyed his usefulness, he was yet able +to keep track of nearly all that was said or done within the charmed +circle; as after each lecture, or seance, the economically-built and +antiquated maidens would retire to a little snuggery behind the +restaurant, to which they would invite the sympathetic Bristol, who was +old enough to protect them from scandal, and then and there, while +easing their by no means ravishing forms of portions of their garments +preparatory to the night's virtuous repose, over strong toast and weak +tea would rattle on in such a bewildering way about the events of the +evening and the good or bad characteristics of the faithful, that +Bristol figuratively, if not in fact, sat at the feet of a trinity of +oracles. + +His reports showed that while Mrs. Winslow was accepted among their +number without question, still there was but little known about her +previous history. I felt satisfied that this was true, and had only +stationed Bristol and Fox at Rochester for the purpose of keeping me +informed of her every movement, knowing well enough that after Bangs had +got a good start he would follow up her trail in the West as +remorselessly as I myself would have done. + +Mrs. Winslow seemed to be absolutely without associates, either from a +confirmed habit of suspicion of everybody which she seemed to possess, +or from a resolve to maintain as good a character as possible until the +Winslow-Lyon case should be heard in court, so that her evidence, and +particularly her reputation, might not be impeached or broken down; and +it required the constant attention of both Bristol and Fox to discover +in her anything of even a suspicious character, as the nature of her +mediumistic business--allowing as it did scores of visitors daily access +to her rooms, only one being admitted to the trance-room of her +apartments at a time--gave her a vast advantage over them. + +It was evident that she had in a measure persuaded herself that she had +a genuine cause of action against Lyon; or, that if she had not, she had +fully determined to make a big fight under any circumstances, as both +the prestige secured by the presumption of some shadow of a claim which +the mere pressing of it in court would give, and the assistance to her +which even a tithe of the damages she claimed would be, would not only +give her a degree of importance and respectability which would greatly +assist her in future operations, but would also yield her the means for +future comfort, without this terrible continued struggle for gold and +the happiness it is supposed to command. + +How vain such a hope! and how strange that, with the bitter reminder of +countless never-realized ambitions before them, the adventurer and the +criminal will go on and on, still clinging to the shadow of a hope that +by _some_ exceptional freak of fortune in their favor they may gain the +peace and quietness they so agonizedly long for, but which is just as +irrevocably decreed to be forever beyond their reach as were the +luscious fruits to escape the touch and taste of the condemned and +tortured Phrygian king. + +And right here, were I a preacher--being only a _doer_, however--I would +show the criminal neglect of parents, teachers and preachers in forever +warring for reformation, and never battling against the numberless packs +of little foxes of pride and covetousness of society, which drive weak +natures into a constant struggle to excel in power and display, eating +away at the vines until the life, like the fields, is left barren and +desolate, or is only a vast waste of thorns and noxious weeds. My +records are full of lives wrecked upon the glittering rocks built by +false pride and vanity and the greed for gold which society, and even +the aristocratic systems of modern religion compel. Whatever may be +preached, all this cursed assumption of what is not possessed without +years of honest, sturdy toil, is practised in the pulpit, the pew, the +palace, and the poverty-stricken hovel, permeating every stratum of +business, society and religion, until honorable action is at discount, +dishonesty commands a premium of gain and lachrymose sympathy, and the +whole world is being swiftly driven into a surging channel of fraud, +crime and debauchery that will require generations of something besides +splendid hypocrisy and luxurious cant to restrain and purify. + +With this digression, which I cannot well avoid, as it contains the +convictions based upon long years of close observation and peculiar +experience, I will return to the woman whom my operatives found so +difficult to analyze and trace out. + +Bangs's visit to Dr. Hubbard showed that she had a habit of driving out. +Bristol and Fox became acquainted with this fact at once and transmitted +it in their reports. It appeared that the carriage and driver were +secured at a livery stable near the opera house, a short distance from +her rooms and Fox's boarding-house. I instructed Fox to ascertain to +what points these trips were made, and if any one ever accompanied her. +Careful inquiries at this stable elicited nothing, as Mrs. Winslow's +custom was valuable, and even her driver proved close-mouthed upon the +subject. Accordingly, after Fox had discovered the general direction +taken by Mrs. Winslow and the usual streets frequented at starting, he +strolled out State Street and from thence into Lake View Avenue, which +is but a continuation of State Street. After he had walked some little +distance he was pleased to find that he had company in the person of a +dapper little blond gentleman who was somewhat in advance of him, but +who, though apparently enjoying the morning air, seemed both +apprehensive of being followed, and desirous of the appearance of some +one for whom he was waiting. His make-up gave him something of a foreign +air, and was the most exquisite imaginable. He was a slender, tender +nymph of the male order of fairies, with a face as delicate as a +woman's, with large, blue, expressive eyes, long, luxuriant hair, and as +neat a little moustache as was ever waxed to keep it from melting away +altogether. If his face and figure were neat enough for a millinery +window, his clothing was a model even for a Poole. His lustrous silk hat +scarcely outshone in richness his faultless dress-coat, which was +buttoned low, exposing a perfect duck vest, a spotless shirt-front and a +low, rolling Byron collar, with a delicate flowing tie; while his +pantaloons, which were of a mellow lavender color, seemed only to +increase the effect of his shapely legs, and by their graceful swell at +the instep only to stop to disclose a foot perfect enough for a model. +His jewelry consisted of a modest solitaire diamond pin, and a large +seal ring which he wore upon the little finger of his left hand. + +For some reason Fox felt interested in him, and resolved, though +looking for a quite different person, to watch him closely. So he passed +him without giving him an opportunity of seeing his face, and, taking a +position in the bar-room of a small beer-garden a little way beyond, +where he had a good view of the avenue, waited for developments which +were not long in taking place, as the neat little fellow arrived at the +garden a few minutes after Fox, and shortly after Mrs. Winslow's +carriage was seen coming from the direction of the city. Fox saw that he +was bringing two birds down with one stone, and anxiously watched Mrs. +Winslow and the little fop, feeling satisfied that their meeting at the +garden was pre-arranged, for as soon as her carriage came in sight, he +had noticed a look of satisfaction come over the man's face, and when it +was driven up to the door he stepped out nimbly, smiling and bowing like +a brisk wax figure at a show. + +The driver was at once discharged, and after watering the horse, +immediately started towards town on foot, occasionally looking over his +shoulder with a sardonic smile on his face, as if pleased at the loving +meeting at the garden, as that sort of thing probably brought him many +an honest penny; but no sooner had the driver turned his back on the +place than Mrs. Winslow said: + +"Come, Le Compte, get me a glass of brandy." + +Fox thought that pretty strong for a lady who had been damaged a hundred +thousand dollars by breach of promise of marriage, but held his peace, +and a paper before his face, while her admirer danced into the bar and +procured two glasses of brandy, which he took to the carriage upon a +little tray. + +"My dear, you were a little late, eh?" said Le Compte. + +"Ah, a French divinity," thought Fox. + +"Le Compte," replied Mrs. Winslow, handing him a bill with which to pay +for the refreshment, and paying no attention to the little fellow's +remark, "tell that d----d Dutchman that if he don't get some better +brandy, I'll never pay him another penny!" + +Fox also thought this pretty strong for the pure, broken-hearted maiden +Mrs. Winslow's bill of complaint against Lyon showed her to be, and he +accordingly made a note of the same, as her friend returned to the +bar-room and paid for the liquor, while saying to the landlord that the +madam desired him to say that the brandy was perfectly exquisite in +flavor. + +Presently Mrs. Winslow called out, "Come, Le Compte, get in here!" when +he ran out with the alacrity of a carriage spaniel, sprang into the +carriage, took the reins, and drove away towards the country, looking +like a pretty daisy in the shade of a gigantic sunflower. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + + The Half-way House.-- A Jolly German Landlord.-- Detective + Fox runs down Le Compte.-- A "Positive, Prophetic, Healing + and Trance Medium."-- Harcout the Adviser reappears, and + is anxious lest Mr. Lyon be drawn into some terrible + Confession.-- Mr. Pinkerton decides to know more about Le + Compte.-- And with the harassed Mr. Lyon interviews him.-- + Treachery and Blackmail.-- "A much untractable Man."-- + Light shines upon Mrs. Winslow.-- Another Man.-- Mr. + Pinkerton mad. + + +Many other conveyances were passing to and fro, and Fox's first impulse +was to secure a seat in some one of them and follow the couple in the +direction they had taken. But he recollected that it might cause either +Mrs. Winslow, or the little fellow at her side to know him again, which +would prove disastrous, and he was consequently obliged to apply his +pump to the important little Dutchman who owned the half-way house, and +who was busying himself around the cool, pleasant bar-room, making the +place as attractive as possible, and singing lustily in his own +mother-tongue. + +"Good morning to you!" said Fox cheerily, stepping to the bar in a way +that indicated his desire to imbibe. + +"Good mornings mit yourself," answered the lively proprietor, getting +behind the bar nimbly; "Beer?" + +"Yes, thank you," replied Fox, "a schnit, if you please. Won't you +drink with me?" + +"Oh, ya, ya; I dank you; I dank you;" and there were as many smiles on +his honest face as bubbles upon his good beer. + +The glasses touched, Fox said, "Here's luck!" and the landlord met it +with "Best resbects, mister!" + +In good time two more schnits followed, and as the landlord was each +time requested to join with Fox, he was so pleased with his liberality +and apparent good feeling that he beamed all over like a sunny day in +June. + +"You have a beautiful place here," said Fox. + +"Oh, so, so!" answered the landlord with a quick, deprecatory shrug +which meant that he was very well satisfied with it. + +"I was never here before." + +"No?--So? I guess mebby I don't ever have seen you. Don't you leef py +Rochester?--no?" + +"No, I live in Buffalo, and I just came over to Rochester on a little +business. Having plenty of time, I thought I would stroll out a bit this +morning." + +"Ya, I get a good many strollers dot same way. Eferypody goes out by der +Bort." + +"The Bort?" + +"Ya, ya, der Bort--Bort Charlotte." + +"Is this the way to Charlotte?" + +"To be certainly. When you come five miles auf, den you stand by der +Bort, sure." + +"And so that is where the big woman and the little man were going?" +asked Fox carelessly. + +"Sure, sure," said the landlord with a knowing wink; and then taking a +very large pinch of snuff, and laying his forefinger the whole length of +his rosy nose, added with an air of great importance and mystery, "I +tell you, py Jupiter, I don't let somebody got rooms _here_!" + +"That's right, old fellow!" said Fox, slapping the honest beer-vender on +the shoulder. "Be unhappy and you will be virtuous!" + +"Vell," continued the Teuton, excitedly lapsing into his own vernacular, +"_es macht keinen unterschied_; I don't got mein leefing dot way. I--I +vould pe a bolitician first!" + +Fox expressed his admiration for such heroism, and purchased a cigar to +assist the landlord in his efforts to avoid the necessity of either +renting rooms to ladies and gentlemen of Mrs. Winslow's and Le Compte's +standing, or of accepting the more unfortunate emergency of becoming a +"bolitician." + +Then they both seated themselves outside the house, underneath the +shaded porch, and chatted away about current events, Fox all the time +directing the conversation in a manner so as to draw out the genial +Teuton on the subject which most interested him, and was successful to +the extent of learning that Le Compte was what the landlord termed a +"luffer," evidently meaning a loafer; that several months before, they +came there together desiring a room, which had been refused; but he had +directed them to the Port, where they had evidently been accommodated, +as they had after that, until this time, regularly went in that +direction, always stopping at his place for a glass of his best brandy; +and that they had also always came there together until within a few +weeks, since when, for some reason, this Le Compte had walked out to the +hotel, where she had overtaken him with her carriage and driver, when +the driver would be sent back to the city, and Le Compte taken in for +the drive to Charlotte, as Fox had seen. He also learned that on their +return, which was generally towards evening, the driver met them at the +same place, when the latter took the reins, and Le Compte, somewhat +soiled from his trip, walked into the city. + +Fox concluded that there would be no better time than the present to +learn something further concerning Le Compte, and after enjoying himself +in the vicinity for a short time, came back to the hotel, took a hearty +German dinner, and after another stroll secured a room for a short nap, +as he told the landlord, but really for the purpose of observation. +About six o'clock he saw the driver coming to the hotel from towards +Rochester, and in about a half an hour afterwards noticed the carriage +containing Mrs. Winslow and Le Compte coming down the road from +Charlotte. The couple seemed very gay and lively, and drove up to the +hotel with considerable dash and spirit. They both drank, as in the +morning, while the driver resumed his old place by the side of Mrs. +Winslow; and as they were about to depart, Fox heard the woman say to +Le Compte: "No, not again until Saturday; I'll try to be a little +earlier." Then the carriage went away, Le Compte loitering about for a +few minutes, after which he started off on a brisk walk towards town. + +As the evening was drawing on, Fox hurried down to the bar-room, paid +his bill, and bidding his host good-by, trudged on after the little +fellow, keeping him well in sight, though remaining some distance behind +to escape observation, but gradually closing in upon him, until, when +they had arrived within the thickly settled portion of the city, they +were trudging along quite convenient to each other. + +The lamps now began to flare out upon the town, and the gay shops were +lighted as Fox followed his man in and out, up and down the streets. Le +Compte first went to a restaurant just beyond the Arcade in Mill street, +where he got his supper, and afterwards promenaded about the streets in +an aimless sort of a way for some little time, after which he returned +to the Arcade and seemingly anxiously inquired for letters at the +post-office. He got several, but was evidently either disappointed at +what he had received, or at not receiving what he had expected. In any +event he cautiously peered into Lyon's closed offices, as if hoping to +find some one there. Disappointed in this also, he went directly to +State Street, near Main, where, after looking about for a moment, he +suddenly disappeared up a stairway leading to the upper stories of a +large brick block. Fox quickly followed, and was able to catch sight of +the little fellow just as he was entering a room at the side of the +hall. He waited until everything was quiet, and then approached the +door. The light from the single jet in the hallway was not sufficient +for the purpose, but with the aid of a lighted match he was able to +trace upon a neat card tacked to the door the inscription: + + B. JEROME LE COMPTE, + POSITIVE, PROPHETIC, HEALING AND TRANCE MEDIUM. + Psychrometrist, Clairvoyant, and Mineral Locater. + +As Fox had succeeded in "locating" his man, he returned to his +boarding-house, wrote out his report and posted it, and after carelessly +dropping into the restaurant under Washington Hall, where he took a dish +of ice-cream and found means to inform Bristol of the latest +development, he returned and retired for the night well satisfied with +his day's work, and fully resolved to be on hand for Saturday's sport at +Charlotte. + +I received Fox's report the next noon, and not a half-hour afterwards +the splendid Harcout came rushing in. + +"Pinkerton, Pinkerton," he exclaimed excitedly, "here's something which +we must attend to at once--at once, mind you, or--bless my soul! I'm +afraid I left it at the St. Nicholas. How could I be so careless!" + +Harcout grew red in the face and plunged into all his pockets wildly, +utterly regardless of his exquisite make-up, until quite exhausted. + +"Why, Harcout, you're excited. Tell me what's the matter, my man," said +I, reassuringly. + +"Matter? matter? everything's the matter. Here's something which should +be acted upon at once, and like an ass I've left it at the hotel. I'll +go back and get it immediately." + +"Get what?" I asked him. + +"Get a letter that I just received from Lyon. He's there all by himself, +and they will draw him into some terrible confession. But I--I must get +the letter," and Harcout grabbed his hat and gloves and started. + +"Hold on, Harcout," I called to him, "what is that you have in your +hand?" + +"In my hand? Oh, just a private note I got in the same mail." + +"Just look at it before you go," I suggested. + +Harcout stopped in the door, examined the letter, pulled another from +the inside of the envelope, and blurted out sheepishly: "Ah, bless my +soul!--Pinkerton, this is just what I wanted. Here, quick, read them +both." + +I took the letters as Harcout sat down and fanned himself with his +glove, and saw that they were dated from Rochester on the previous day. +The first one was from Lyon, in which he stated that he had received the +enclosed letter in the morning, probably shortly after Fox had strolled +out Lake View Avenue, also expressing a desire that Harcout should +submit it to me for advice as to the best course to be pursued, and have +the reply telegraphed. The enclosed letter was from Le Compte to Lyon, +insisting that he should immediately come to his rooms to receive +information of the greatest importance. I did not let Harcout know that +I had any information concerning Le Compte, but I saw that that portion +of Fox's report which stated that he had followed Le Compte to the +Arcade the previous evening, where the latter had anxiously inquired for +mail, and after that had taken a peep into Lyon's offices, agreed with +Lyon's letter as to the time when Le Compte probably expected an answer +from him. + +I was at loss to know what the dapper little fellow was driving +at--whether he and Mrs. Winslow were after further blackmail, or whether +he had secured some confession from her while she was lavishing her +favors and money upon him, which the treacherous little villain was +endeavoring to make bring a good price through Lyon's superstitious +faith in the power of those who claimed supernatural powers and a +profession of Spiritualism. + +I at once decided to go to Rochester and interview this new apparition +in the field in company with Lyon, and accordingly told Harcout that I +would do so, and would immediately telegraph to Lyon to that effect; +upon which he trotted away, announcing his determination to also +telegraph, so that Lyon might see that he was "attending closely to our +case," as he termed it. + +As soon as he had left, I indicted a dispatch to Lyon, asking him to +make an appointment with Le Compte for an interview on the next +afternoon, when I would be there to accompany him; and after getting my +supper, took the evening train and arrived at Rochester the next noon. + +After taking dinner at the Waverley, I immediately proceeded to Lyon's +offices. He seemed worried and anxious to see me, and felt extremely +alarmed about the whole matter, having as yet kept it from his attorney. +I had him send a message for him at once, and in a few minutes we were +all three in consultation. His attorney, a Mr. Balingal, thought we were +doing just right, and, on leaving, privately informed me that in no +event should I allow any person that professed mediumistic powers to +remain with Lyon alone, as he would be certain to do something which +would in some way compromise the case. + +A few minutes after Lyon's attorney had left, we took different routes, +arriving at the hallway leading to Le Compte's rooms on State street at +about the same time, ascending the staircase together. A negro, who had +borne a second and a more imperative message to Lyon, was in waiting at +the top, and smilingly showed us along the hall in the direction of +Number 28, which afterwards proved to be Le Compte's seance-room. The +little fellow himself here stepped out of an adjoining room with a very +insinuating smile upon his face, which suddenly changed to a look of +disappointment as he saw that Mr. Lyon had rather solidly-built company. + +As Mr. Lyon entered the room, this Monsieur Le Compte undertook to close +the door in my face; but I shoved myself into the room, and told the +mineral locater, etc., that I was a friend of Mr. Lyon's, and insisted +on being one of the party. + +Lyon began timidly looking around the gas lighted room--though it was +not after three o'clock--which was filled with the ordinary +paraphernalia for compelling awe and fear: "I understand you have some +business with me. My name is Lyon." + +"Yes, yes," he replied, "I have great business with you. But I can only +make you my _one_ confidant, Mr. Lyon." + +"Oh, well, well, now," I interrupted, with some assumed bravado, "this +sort of thing better play out before it begins. I am Mr. Lyon's friend, +and whatever you have to say to him will have to be said before me. +Isn't that so, Mr. Lyon?" + +Lyon assented feebly, and Le Compte asked: "Will you make me the +pleasure of your friend's name?" + +"No matter, no matter," said I quickly, for I knew how weak Lyon was. "I +am here as my friend's friend. He has nothing to say in this matter. You +will have to inform me of your business with Mr. Lyon." + +Le Compte suddenly arose from his chair, locked the door and put the key +in his pocket. He then went to the windows, which were slightly raised +on account of the heat, closed them, and lowered the curtains so as to +shut out the light completely. Just as he had completed the work, which +took him but a moment, I said to him sharply: "See here, sir, you will +make this room uncomfortably warm for yourself as well as us, if you are +not careful. Don't send us to perdition before our time, Le Compte." + +He made no answer, and looked exceedingly meek; but I saw that he was +determined to endeavor to play upon Lyon's feelings for future profit, +even if the present interview offered none. He immediately seated +himself at a table opposite us, and said to Lyon: "The clairvoyant state +I will go into before anything I can reveal." + +"Mr. Le Compte," I interrupted, noticing that Lyon was already weakening +before the scoundrel's assumption, "if you have got anything to say to +Mr. Lyon, go on and say it with your eyes open, like a man. We won't be +humbugged by you or any one else!" + +He did go on now, and with his eyes open, and said: "Well, gentlemen, I +know of this lady who troubles Mr. Lyon, and learn of much witnesses for +his help. But the clairvoyant state gave it to me." + +"No, no, my young fellow," said I, "we don't pay for that kind of +evidence. If you have any evidence in your possession which will be of +benefit to Mr. Lyon, I am prepared to receive and pay for it; but +clairvoyant evidence isn't worth a cent!" + +"Well," he replied, somewhat ruffled, "I can go on the jury and swear +clearly of this!" + +I then told him I was satisfied that he did not know the first +principles of law and evidence, and that the probability was that he had +no evidence in his possession at all. I spoke in a very loud tone of +voice, and evidently frightened the little fellow considerably. + +"You are much intractable--a much intractable man," he responded. "I +could tell about you greatly to convince you of my power; but it is +impossible in double presence." + +"All right," said I. "Mr. Lyon, I don't see as you have anything to do +with this interview, and I want you to go right back to your office and +remain there until I come!" + +Lyon got up in a scared kind of way, and started hesitatingly towards +the door, looking appealingly at me; but I paid no attention to it, and +the little Frenchman instantly arose and politely showed him out, saying +in a low voice: "My dear Mr. Lyon, it will be for your great interest to +make appointment without the boor." + +"Lyon will do nothing of the kind, you little villain," I said, as I saw +he was shrewdly arranging for future business. "The 'boor,' as you are +pleased to term me, has the whole charge of this business, and you will +transact it with him or nobody." + +Le Compte flushed, closed the door without another word, locked it, and +put the key in his pocket. + +I turned on him savagely with: "My friend, what do you mean? If you make +a single treacherous motion, you'll never get out of this room alive!" + +I was now thoroughly mad, and am sure that the little jackanapes saw it +and felt that I might possibly serve him as he deserved, for he quickly +and tremblingly said, "Oh, if that is the case, I have no objection if +you the key hold; but in clairvoyant state we shall be alone and +locked." + +There was a bed in the room, and I suggested that he looked flurried +and had better take a rest upon it while going on with his story; but he +seated himself at the opposite side of the table, and began putting his +hands upon his eyes and drawing them away with an indescribably +graceful, though rapid gesture. This he continued for some little time, +when he brought his hands down upon the table with considerable force. +Then he began the old humbug about my having had trouble with some one, +somewhere in the United States, at some time or other about something; +that there was another man of uncertain size, peculiar complexion, +unusual hair, singular face, and a strange, general appearance; and that +this difficulty was about money, he thought it would amount to from five +hundred to one thousand dollars, and that I would receive this sum +within a few weeks. As I said that this was absolutely true, he was +greatly encouraged, and went on for some time in an equally silly and +foolish manner. I stood it as long as I could, and finally said: + +"See here, my friend, you and I must talk business!" upon which he was +wide awake and quite ready to enter into earthly conversation. + +"Well, sir, what _could_ you want?" + +"I want this nonsense stopped," I replied rising, at which he also +jumped up nimbly. + +"Well," he said, "this woman"--evidently referring to Mrs. Winslow, +though no name had been mentioned--"once lived in Iowa with wrong +names!" + +"Oh, nonsense!" I replied, "I know that already." + +"But," he continued quickly, "I can furnish you the name of another +man--very rich, very rich he is, too--who should be by law more her +husband." + +"Well," said I angrily, though now fully believing the little fellow for +the first time, "write this out fully; give me the man's name, business +or occupation; his place of residence, his standing, etc.; how he became +acquainted with this woman and under what circumstances they lived +together, and when and where; and when you give me the information, if I +find it reliable, I will pay liberally for it. If not, I won't pay you a +cent. Now, do we understand each other?" + +"I think we do," he answered timidly. + +"Le Compte," said I sternly, "there's no use of your practising this +clairvoyant game any longer. You won't get a dollar out of it; not a +dollar. I understand all about it as well as you do. Now, have a care +about yourself, sir, or one of these bright days you'll be coming up +with a sudden turn." + +I now started towards the door; but the persistent scamp seemed anxious +to still keep me, on some manner of pretext, and stood holding the key +in a confused, undecided way. + +"Open that door, you villain!" I demanded; "open it at once, or you'll +get into trouble." + +He started suddenly, put the key in the lock, and then turned to me and +asked: "Won't you give me opportunity to show you I do not swindle. Just +let me make some few little passes over your head. I will sure put you +to sleep quickly!" + +"I am not sleepy, nor do I need sleep now, thank you. I had a good nap +about an hour since," I answered, laughing at the little fellow's +annoyance. "Now open that door!" + +Le Compte shrugged his handsome shoulders despairingly, unlocked the +door, and as I passed out of the no less than robber's den--though under +the guise of a mediumistic and spiritualistic blackmailing +headquarters--he said: "Well, sir, I will think of this statement a +great deal; but you are a very untractable man; a very untractable +man--what might I call your name?" + +"Oh, anything you like, my little man!" I replied pleasantly; "but mind, +we won't have any more of this silly business. It won't pay, and you +will certainly get into trouble from it. You may send the statement to +George H. Bangs, at the post-office, by Monday noon, and if it is what +you represent it to be, and reliable, you will be paid for it; but you +may be very, very certain, Le Compte, that it will prove extremely +unprofitable to you if you attempt any more of this humbuggery upon Mr. +Lyon!" + +With this admonition I left Le Compte's, and soon found Lyon in his +office. We arranged that he should pay no further attention to either Le +Compte's or any other person's communications concerning this case, but +should at once turn them over to his attorneys, who should immediately +forward them to me after reading them, as I was satisfied that if Le +Compte had any evidence he would never swear to it when the case was +tried, and only desired to blackmail Lyon on his own account, while +playing the necessary male friend and confidant to Mrs. Winslow, who for +some reason seemed to have a strange and unexplainable liking for the +little Monsieur, although exercising great care that her passion for him +should not become a matter for public knowledge and comment. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + + The Raven of the Detroit Cottage in another Character.-- Mrs. + Winslow yearns for a retired Montreal Banker.-- Love's + Rivalry.-- A mysterious Note.-- The Response.-- Another + Trip to Port Charlotte by four Hearts that beat as one.-- + What Mr. Pinkerton, as one of the party, sees and hears.-- + "Jones of Rochester."-- Le Compte and Mrs. Winslow resolve + to fly to Paris, "the magnificent, the beautiful, the + sublime!"-- "My God, are they all that way?" + + +At last the promised Saturday came, and there were at least three people +in Rochester who looked forward to a pleasant day, and were up betimes +that they might get an early start. Mrs. Winslow, from her sumptuous +apartments, looked out upon the streets and the glorious morning as if +it had come too soon--as it always does to those who have not clean +hearts and clean lives--and, _en déshabillé_, gazed down through her +rich lace curtains upon the early passers stepping off with a brisk +tread to their separate labors, with a look of contempt. + +Nature had been wantonly generous with Mrs. Winslow, and as she stood +there in her loose morning robes, the first soft breaths that come with +the sun from the far-off Orient playing hide-and-seek among the +sumptuous hangings of her room, and giving just the least possible +motion to her matchlessly luxuriant black hair, while the mellow and +golden rays of the sun, which was just peeping over the roofs and the +chimneys, shimmered upon her through the curtains, lighting her great +gray eyes with a wondrous lustrousness, heightening the fine color of +her face, and giving to her voluptuous form an added grace--this utterly +lone woman had not in her heart an iota of tenderness for, or sympathy +with, the glories without, and was as dead to every good thing in life +as though carved from marble by some sculptor, as she really had been +carved from stone, or ice, by nature. As she stood there by the window, +regarding the passers with such a wise and ogreish air that Fox, behind +the blinds in his window opposite, could not but couple her in his +thoughts with some splendid beast of prey--if Mother Blake or the +voluble Rev. Bland could have seen her, the years that had passed would +have been swept away, and in the mature woman and the conscienceless +adventuress would have been recognized the raven of the Detroit cottage, +that, as Lilly Nettleton, in a habit that ravens have, glided +noiselessly about the other sumptuous apartments, gathering together +what pleased its fancy--not forgetting the money which was to have been +used in the cursed church interests, and a gold watch, which the raven +wore to this day--and then, kissing its beak to the heavily sleeping +man, for all the world like a raven, had passed out into the storm and +the night. + +In a few moments she retired from the window, and after dressing passed +out upon the street, and went to the falls for a short walk and an +appetite, and then went to the Washington Hall restaurant, where she had +quite frequently taken her meals since she had incidentally learned +that Bristol was a retired Montreal banker, as gossip had it now among +the Spiritualists; and it was evident that persons of that grade of +recommendation were of peculiar interest to Mrs. Winslow. For hours of +dalliance, the aristocratic though impecunious popinjay, Le Compte, +would more than answer; but when it came to a matter of serious work, +and when a new source of income was to be sought, Mrs. Winslow, being a +shrewd and able professor of the art of fascination which secured her an +independent and elegant livelihood, in connection with her ability to +compel a large number of people to pay her for guessing at what had +befallen them and what might befall them, she invariably sought +gentlemen on the shady side of life, with judgment and discretion, who +knew a good thing when they saw it, and who were both able and willing +to carry their bank accounts into their aged knight-errantry. + +Lyon was not a handsome man, but he had vast wealth. His weazen face, +his grizzly hair, his repulsive, tobacco-stained mouth, were naught +against him. His passion for her had brought her thousands upon +thousands of dollars--would bring her, she hoped, as much more. Here was +Bristol. He was not handsome, he was not a Canadian Adonis, he +incessantly smoked a very ugly pipe fully as old as himself. But he had +some way got the reputation of being "a retired Canadian banker" among +these people, and Mrs. Winslow's heart warmed towards him the way it had +towards a hundred others when she had wanted them to walk into her +parlor as the ancient spider had desired of the fly. + +So she had begun weaving a shining web of loving looks, of tender +glances, of dreamy sighs, and of graceful manoeuvres of a general +character about the unsuspecting Bristol, that resulted in pecuniary +profit to the old maids, who, nevertheless, with the quick instinct of +three jealous women of economical build and mature years, had already +begun to hate her as a rival, and pour into Bristol's alert ears sad +tales about the splendid charmer, all of which were properly reported to +me by the "retired Montreal banker," who had suddenly found himself a +prize worthy to be sought for, and fought for, if necessary, by four +determined women, one of whom hungered for his supposed wealth, and +three of whom possessed the more desperate, life-long hunger whose +appeasing is worth a severe struggle. + +After her breakfast, which, unfortunately, had not given her an +opportunity for bestowing a graceful nod or a winning smile upon +Bristol, whom the old maids had furnished a superb breakfast in his own +apartment, Mrs. Winslow returned to her rooms and seated herself at her +windows, where she read the morning paper for a little time. She then +disappeared from Fox's sight for a half-hour or so, when, just as he was +about leaving his watch at his window he noticed her descend the stairs, +and, after looking cautiously about for a moment, deposit a card behind +her own sign, which was attached to the frame of the outer doorway +leading to her rooms. As soon as she had retired, and before she could +have returned to her windows, Fox slipped down and out across the +street, and removing the card from its novel depository, saw written +upon it: + + "Le Compte:--Will be at the Garden with carriage at ten, + prompt. + + "MRS. W." + +Fox had no more than time to return the card to its place when he saw +the person to whom it was addressed turn into St. Paul street from East +Main. He accordingly got back to his old post as rapidly as possible, +and watched the young Frenchman saunter along towards the hallway as if +carelessly taking his morning walk. He was irreproachably dressed, as +usual, and was daintily smoking a cigarette with that inimitable grace +with only which a Frenchman or a Spaniard can smoke. After arriving at +the hallway, as if undecided whether he would go farther up the street +or not, he leaned carelessly against the sign, and in a moment had +deftly whipped the card out of its hiding-place. He then started up the +street saunteringly, and when about a half-block distant, read the card, +which seemed to give him much pleasure, as he smilingly wrote something +upon it, and after walking a short distance, turned suddenly and walked +rapidly back, dexterously depositing the card in its strange receptacle, +without scarcely varying his pace or direction, and quickly passed on to +Main street, turning down that thoroughfare. + +Fox noticed that Mrs. Winslow had witnessed this incident from her +windows, and at the moment when her form had disappeared, he swiftly +stepped across the street and read the reply, which ran thus: + + "Your announcement makes pleasure in your lover's soul, and + your name is saluted by the lips of + + "LE COMPTE." + +Fox had just time to slip into a tobacconist's for a cigar when Mrs. +Winslow came down stairs, took the card out of its resting-place, and +after going down the street for some slight purchase, returned to her +rooms and prepared for the drive to Charlotte. + +At half-past nine Mrs. Winslow's carriage arrived and in a few minutes +after she was leisurely riding down Main street, and from thence out +through State street and Lake View Avenue towards the Port. As I had +nothing to do until Monday's interview with Le Compte, and time hung +heavily upon my hands, I had decided to make one of the party. + +I knew the direction Mrs. Winslow would take, and so securing a position +on the corner of Main and State streets, I had but a little time to wait +before I saw the gay madam pass, and also noticed Fox at an opposite +corner evidently making sure of her direction; for, as soon as he saw +her carriage turn down State street, he immediately started for the +depot, from which a train left for Charlotte at ten o'clock, so that he +could be at that place, under any circumstances, some time before the +happy and unsuspecting couple should have arrived. + +At about train-time Fox bought a cigar and took a seat in the +smoking-car, while I purchased a cheap edition of one of Dickens's +stories and settled myself down in a ladies' car. + +The trip to Charlotte was soon made through a beautiful country where +the farmers were busy stacking their grain, threshing, and, in some +instances, turning the black loam to the sun that it might early mellow +for the next year's seed-time, and in a half-hour we were at Charlotte, +where the beautiful lake is seen at one's feet, with its rippling waves +dotted here and there by a hundred dreamy sails and lazy steamers from +as many waiting ports. + +Fox immediately made inquiries of the villagers where he could find the +road leading into Charlotte from Rochester, and started out towards it +from the depot at a brisk walk, while I waited until he had got well +under way, when I took a short stroll among the warehouses and shipping +of the harbor, and then went to the only hotel of any importance the +place contained, where I knew Mrs. Winslow and Le Compte would be likely +to stop, and engaged a room in the front part of the house, where I +resumed my story and waited, like Micawber, for "something to turn up." + +I had been engaged at my book but a short time when I saw Fox come up +the street towards the hotel at a rapid pace, flushed and perspiring +freely as from a very long and rapid walk, and but a moment afterwards +also saw the dashing Rochester turnout whirling up to the hotel. + +The arrival at the hotel of the couple bore out the truth of the +statement of the little Dutchman, contained in Fox's report of his trip +to the half-way house, as the habitués of the house seemed quite +accustomed to their presence and the employees stepped about nimbly, as +they generally do at hotels as a greeting to good customers, and they +generally do not when persons of common appearance arrive. + +As good luck would have it, after a few moments had elapsed, "Mr. and +Mrs. Jones, of Rochester," as Fox saw they had registered, were ushered +into a room adjoining my own, and between which, as is quite common at +hotels, there was a door, which might be opened for the purpose of +throwing the rooms _en suite_, as occasion required. + +Although I was prevented from seeing the couple, their voices, which +were both familiar to me, could not be mistaken; and I could not +restrain a smile as I listened to the little Frenchman's voluble and +peculiarly-constructed expressions of endearment, and the coarser, but +none the less tender, responses of the virtuous Mrs. Winslow, whose life +had been shattered, heart smashed to atoms, and good name defamed, by +the tyrant man in the person of the weak but wealthy Lyon, and to think +how much nearer I was to the quarry than Fox himself, who in this +instance was making noble efforts to bring down his game without +"flushing" it. + +For the sake of the public whose servant I have been for the last thirty +years, I would blush to put on paper what I know to have occurred in the +adjoining room, and which only served to further convince me of the +depths of infamy to which she had sunk; and I will pass on to those +things only necessary to acquaint the reader with my plan of operation +to bring her into the public notoriety and scorn which she had years +before only too richly deserved. + +But a short time had elapsed after Mrs. Winslow and Le Compte had been +given their room when I heard Fox's footsteps coming along the hall. He +passed their room slowly, evidently locating it, and after a few moments +stealthily returned and listened at the door. He then stole away, but +returned again with a bold, firm step, as though conscious of being on +legitimate business, walked right up to the door and gave the knob a +quick turn, as if he had intended to at once walk into the room. + +The door did not open, however, and Fox stepped back as if surprised, +saying: "Why, I can't be mistaken; the register surely said Room 30!" +while within there were quick, though smothered exclamations of +surprise, fright, and rage of an unusually profane nature. + +Fox immediately returned to the attack as if certain that he was in the +right, and knocked at the door sharply. + +There was no response but the quick hustlings about the room, from which +I, as an attentive listener with my ear close to the key-hole, learned +that the inmates were preparing for discovery. + +Fox knocked again, this time louder and more persistently than at first. + +I now plainly heard Mrs. Winslow ordering Le Compte under the bed among +the dust, bandboxes, and unmentionables, at which he protested with +innumerable "_Sacrés!_" But she was relentless, and finally, seeing that +he would go no other way, took him up like a recalcitrant cur and flung +him under bodily. + +Again Fox attacked the door, shook the knob furiously, and knocked loud +enough to raise the dead, following it up with: "Say you?--Jones? Why in +thunder don't you open the door?" + +At this Mrs. Winslow plucked up the courage of desperation, and asked in +a loud and injured voice, "Who's there?" + +"Why, me, of course; Barker, Jones's partner. I want to see Jones!" + +"What Jones do you want?" asked Mrs. Winslow, to get time to think +further what to do. + +"Jones, of Rochester, of course," yelled Fox. "Two ship-loads of spoiled +grain's just come in; don't know what to do with 'em." + +"Sink 'em!" responded Mrs. Winslow, breathing freer. + +"Where's Jones?" persisted Fox, banging away at the door again. + +"There's no Jones here, you fool!" answered the woman hotly. + +"Yes there is, too," insisted Fox. "Landlord told me so." + +"Well," parried the female, raising her voice again, "Jones ain't in the +wheat trade at all; he's a professor of music; and besides that, he +ain't in here, either." + +"Oh, beg pardon, ma'am," said Fox apologetically, "It isn't your Jones +I want _this time_, then. Hope I haven't disturbed you, madam," and he +walked away, having clinched the matter quite thoroughly enough for any +twelve honest and true men under the sun. + +Mrs. Winslow stuck her head out of the door, launched a threat, coupled +with a well-defined oath, against Fox, who was leisurely strolling along +the hall, to the effect that he ought to be ashamed of himself for +"insulting a defenceless woman in that way, and that if he came there +again she would have him arrested." To which he cheerily responded, "No +offence meant, ma'am; 'fraid the wheat'd spoil, ye see;" and as he went +whistling down the stairs, she slammed the door, locked it, drew the +trembling Le Compte from under the bed, and amid a chime of crockery set +him upon his feet again with a snap to it, and then threw herself into a +rocking-chair and burst into tears, insisting that she was the most +abused woman on the face of earth, and that Le Compte, with his +"_Sacrés!_" and "_Diables!_" hadn't the sense of a moth or the muscle of +an oyster, or he would have followed the brute and given him a sound +beating! + +Not desiring to be seen by Fox, I ordered my dinner sent to my room, as +did the unhappy couple in the adjoining apartment, who seemed to be +greatly put out by the intrusion, and who were for an hour after +speculating as to the cause of the interruption, and as to whether it +was accidental or not. + +"We mustn't come here any more, Le Compte," said the woman dolefully. + +"And for why, my angel precious?" anxiously asked the man. + +"Why, do you know," replied Mrs. Winslow with earnestness, "I sometimes +really believe I am being watched!" + +"No, that was impossible!" said Le Compte, with a start. + +"And sometimes," she continued, paying no attention to him, "it seems as +though I could not stand this terrible keeping up appearances any +longer." + +"You should have pleasure in the appearance," responded Le Compte +insinuatingly, "it breaks him down already. He is now like one weak +infant." + +"That's so, that's so," she answered quickly, in a tone of vengeful +joyousness. "I'll bring the old devil to my feet yet. I'll crush him out +and ruin his fortune, if it takes me all my life. I'll get the biggest +part of it, too; and then, Le Compte, we'll get out of this cursed +country and enjoy ourselves the rest of our lives." + +"Yes, in Paris, the magnificent, the beautiful, the sublime! Then we +will live in one heaven of love. Oh, beautiful, beautiful!" cried the +little Frenchman excitedly. + +"There, Le Compte," said his companion, suddenly becoming practical +again, "don't make a fool of yourself! Take this bill and go down and +get a bottle of wine; and mind you, don't keep the change either." + +As the train returned at two, and I had but little time to reach it, as +soon as Le Compte had come back with the wine and they had become +sufficiently noisy to admit of it, I quietly left my room, paid my bill, +went to the train, avoiding Fox entirely, and, with him, was soon again +in Rochester, leaving the roystering couple at the little hotel at +Charlotte building their vain dreams and air-castles about crushing out +Lyon--which would have been an easy matter if left to himself--their +beautiful, magnificent, and sublime Paris, and their "one heaven of +love" within it. + +As soon as Fox stepped from the train I quietly handed him a slip of +paper directing him to make his report to me at the Waverley House, +where I was stopping under an assumed name, which he assured me he would +do, without a word being spoken or even a look of recognition being +passed. + +Although the public may not be aware of it, this is an absolute +necessity in detective service. Though I employ hundreds of persons as +detectives, preventive police, and in clerical duties, at my different +agencies, on no occasion and under no circumstances is there ever on the +street, or in any public place whatever, the slightest token by which +the stranger might know that there had ever been any previous +communication between any of my people. + +On the next day, Sunday, Lyon called to see me at the hotel and brought +with him two notes from Le Compte--one having been received late +Saturday afternoon, and the other delivered at his house that +morning--both imperatively insisting that Lyon should come to his rooms +and leave that "untractable man" behind. + +I complimented him extensively on his having refrained from visiting the +winsome little villain who seemed determined to get Lyon within his +power. He solemnly pledged his word that he would have nothing whatever +to do with the man, and would bluff him in every advance that he made; +and in order to clinch it, I read him choice extracts from Fox's report +regarding the Charlotte party of the day before, interspersing it with a +few of the still choicer items that had come under my own observation. + +"My God!" exclaimed Lyon, as I concluded, "are they _all_ that way?" + +"Your experience and mine," I smilingly replied, "would almost point to +the fact that a very decided majority of them are." + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + + Mr. Pinkerton again interviews Le Compte.-- And very much + desires to wring his Neck.-- A Bargain and Sale.-- Le + Compte's Story.-- "Little by Little, Patience by + Patience."-- A Toronto Merchant in Mrs. Winslow's Toils.-- + Detective Bristol, "the retired Banker," in Clover.-- + Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah individually and collectively + woo him.-- Ancient Maidens full of Soul.-- A Signal. + + +No jury in the land would render a verdict against a man on the +unsupported evidence of a woman whose character was so vile as we had +already found Mrs. Winslow's to be; and I would have paid no further +attention to the little Frenchman, had I not suspected from his +expensive style of living, and from Mrs. Winslow's injunctions to him +regarding not swindling her in so small a matter as a bottle of wine, +that his necessities and cupidity might cause him to make some tangible +disclosure regarding her, that would give us a clue to other information +against her further than that which Bangs would probably secure in the +West, as I never use detective evidence when it can be avoided, and knew +that a perfect mountain of criminal transactions could be eventually +heaped up against her which could be secured from reliable parties, who +could have no other possible interest in her downfall than a desire to +promote the personal good of society. + +Le Compte did not desire to see me again, and had made strenuous efforts +to prevent it and secure a surreptitious interview with Lyon instead. +Failing in this, at the last moment, I had received a very terse note +from him to the effect that he did not desire to transmit any statement +by mail, but would take it as an honor, etc., if I would call at his +place at ten o'clock, Monday morning, which I did, finding the little +fellow in a gorgeous dressing-gown, freshly shaved, and in a neat and +orderly state generally. + +"Well, my young friend," said I, "I suppose you have decided to give me +some information this morning." + +"Do I get good pay?" he asked in response. + +"You will get good pay if you have a good article for sale," I replied. + +"Humph!" he responded, with a soft shrug of his delicate shoulders. + +"Are you ready to make such a sale?" I asked. + +"But where comes my money?" inquired Le Compte, suspiciously. + +"It is right here," I answered, slapping my pocket in a hearty way. + +"But suppose it shall stay there, then where is Le Compte?" he persisted +with a doleful look which was irresistibly funny. + +"It _will_ stay there," I replied, "in case you attempt to play any of +your tricks, my little fellow." + +"How shall I then know I am to be paid?" + +"You will have to take my word for it." + +"But I have not pleasure in your acquaintance; how can I be sure?" he +continued anxiously. + +"Le Compte, swindler as you are, you _know_ that I am an honest man. +This quibbling is utterly foolish and simple. I am acting entirely for +Mr. Lyon in this matter, and should you write to him or call upon him a +hundred times, you would get nothing from him but a bluff. Here are your +two notes," I continued, producing them, "one written Saturday, the +other yesterday. The only response you got to them was, silence--and +this interview. I thought we understood each other already." + +I saw that he was still undecided about saying whatever he might have to +say, and tenacious of sustaining his professional reputation as a +clairvoyant. I might have easily frightened him into submission by the +slightest reference to the occurrences of the previous day, but knew +that this would have the effect of putting Mrs. Winslow on her guard, as +she was already becoming suspicious and anxious, and preferred getting +at his communication in the ordinary way. After he had sat musing for a +time he suddenly asked: + +"How great will be my pay?" + +"What do you think the information is worth?" I said. + +He looked at me as if fixing a price in his mind that I would stand, and +replied: + +"Certain, a thousand dollars." + +"That is a good deal of money, Le Compte," I said pleasantly. "I +hardly think you can divulge a thousand dollars' worth. But if you can +give me reliable information of a satisfactory character, I think I +could pay you three hundred dollars. + +"Now?" he inquired, suddenly. + +"Oh, no, oh, no," I replied as quickly; "no, sir, _not_ until we find +the information you give is reliable." + +This dampened the little fellow wonderfully, but he finally said: "Well, +the evidence is certain, but I must offer it to you by clairvoyance," +and he immediately arose and began darkening the room as on the previous +interview, which act I interrupted by stepping to the window he had just +darkened, and jerking the curtain as high as it would roll, opening the +window, and flinging the blinds open with a slam. + +"You little villain!" I shouted, advancing upon him threateningly, "I +will wring your neck if you don't stop this contemptible nonsense!" +while he slunk into the corner, like the mean coward that he was. I +could scarcely keep my hands off the little puppy; but recollecting that +I was there for quite another purpose, I said: + +"Le Compte, this is the last time I shall come here, and it is the last +time you will have an opportunity of making a dollar out of any +information you may possess. Now, sir," I said, savagely, starting +towards the door, "you will give it to me, trusting entirely to my honor +to pay you for it, or you will never get a cent for it on earth." + +[Illustration: _"You little villain!" I shouted, advancing upon him +threateningly:--_] + +The little fellow turned towards me imploringly, with "Please don't go. +My dear sir, you are so greatly abrupt. We have no men like you in La +Belle France." + +"Heaven knows, I hope but few _like_ you," I responded. "Now, which is +it, yes, or no? I will give you just thirty seconds in which to answer," +and I timed him, thoroughly resolved to do as I had said. + +Before the expiration of the time mentioned, Le Compte sat down, and +with a despairing shrug of the shoulders, said "Yes." + +I immediately returned, sat down in front of him, and said, "Well, Le +Compte, now go ahead with your story like a man." + +"What must it be like?" he asked innocently. + +"What must it be like?" I repeated, aghast. "Why, you don't intend to +manufacture a story for me against this woman, do you?" + +"Oh, no, no, never. But I must know first how bad it must be, when it is +worth three hundred dollars, which you call such great money?" + +"Well," said I, all out of patience, "if you know of any occasion when +this woman has been with any man as his wife, or his mistress, and can +give names, dates, and places, and under what circumstances, and this +information on examination proves so reliable that we can get other +witnesses besides yourself--persons of credibility and reputation--to +testify to it, I will pay you three hundred dollars. Isn't that plain +enough?" + +"Will you put it to paper?" + +"No, sir, you have my word for it, that's all." + +Le Compte tapped the floor with his delicate foot a moment, and I saw +the impostor was in real misery. He had a sort of affection for the +woman, which she had more than reciprocated. He could lean on the +strong, daring nature she possessed, and go to her with all his troubles +and disappointments and get help. She had promised him that, as soon as +she had mulcted Lyon of the hundred thousand dollars, he should share it +with her in his own beautiful Paris. All his self-interest laid in and +with the woman; but need for money was pressing, and there were a +million other women as impressible to his charms as she had been. Here +was an opportunity to make a few hundred dollars by betraying her; but +in doing so he still might not get the money, and she might at once +discover from what source the information had come, and he knew enough +about Mrs. Winslow to be sure that she dared any mode of revenge that +best suited her fancy, and he had a wholesome fear of her. I could see +that all these things were flitting through his mind, as plainly as the +reader can see them upon this printed page, and to some extent pitied +his weakness and indecision. + +"Or," said I encouragingly, "as you undoubtedly know Mrs. Winslow +intimately, and are very much in her company, if you know of any +occasion when she had, while here in Rochester or in the vicinity, say +Batavia, Syracuse, or Port Charlotte, for instance, gone with some one +of her many favorites, and under an assumed name--Brown, Jones, or +anything of the kind--to a hotel where they had been assigned a room, +and had occupied it together for several hours, and you could put us on +track of persons of reliability who would be willing to come into court +and swear to such facts--I presume there are many persons who could and +would with whom you are acquainted--I would pay you the amount named at +once." + +This was cutting pretty close to a tender subject, and before I had half +finished my remarks he started, and looked me in the face in a +suspicious, apprehensive manner, eyeing me closely until I had finished. +But my manner and looks betraying no knowledge on my part of any such +facts hinted at, he relapsed into a puzzled, nonplussed look that was +really ridiculous. + +"No, no," he said slowly and cautiously. "I have no such valuable +evidence. That would be much more worth than a thousand dollars--much +more worth. But I can do what you first say, and rest me on the honor of +your word." + +"Go on, then," said I. + +"Well, we shall go back almost a year. I met first Mrs. Winslow at Port +Charlotte, when she was from Canada returning." + +"Did she formerly live in Canada?" I asked. + +"No, not for a great time; but has had much travel and friends there. I +first see her at Charlotte. I go there to take a boat. She comes from +the boat there. Lyon meets her, and I think her his wife, he is so much +happy. I like her so much that I do not take the boat. I follow her back +to the city here, and find her beautiful rooms, when I discover she is +not Lyon's wife, but his mistress; but I still have for her admiration, +and one day she comes to me for her future in clairvoyance." + +"And then she became your mistress?" I inquired, smiling at his +earnestness. + +"No, no, no--never!" he replied quickly, growing red as a rose; "I +became her _friend_!" + +Le Compte did not know how near he came to expressing the truth while +endeavoring to avoid it, but continued: + +"I became her friend, and we came to each other for advice. She has +great faith--great faith," repeated Le Compte, with much emphasis on the +expression, which seemed to please him, "in my clairvoyance powers. I +give her much comfort. She gives me great confidence of her affairs, and +shows me how rich Lyon makes her. I see her often--very often, at the +Hall and here in my apartments. She gives me much confidence of her +affairs still, and I am informed when she makes Canada some visits. She +goes much to Canada, and I ask her why? She does not tell me, but laughs +in my face, and shows me much money, which she ever brings back. I shake +my finger at her so (illustrating), and say to her: 'You cannot hide +from Le Compte,' which she answers: 'No, I will not. I go for money. +See!'--when she would shake many bills in my face--'I make him come +down, too!'" + +"Did she give you the man's name?" + +"I _got_ it," continued Le Compte proudly, "with much wine--_and_ +clairvoyance!" + +"Oh, confound your eternal clairvoyance!" said I. "I want the facts." + +"But I got facts _with_ clairvoyance," persisted the imperturbable Le +Compte. "Little by little, patience by patience, at the end I got +confession from her----" + +"Which was?"---- + +"Which was," continued Le Compte, taking his time, "that Mrs. Winslow +had got great power over a Toronto merchant with much wealth and great +family, by name Devereaux." + +"How long had she known him?" + +"I know not that--five, four, three years, I will think." + +"Did you ever see this Devereaux?" + +"Oh, no, no--never; but it is all certain that I speak. Here," continued +Le Compte, stepping nimbly to a secretary and producing a photograph, +which he handed to me, "here you will find the face of Devereaux. Many, +many times I have seen the color of his money." + +"And does Mrs. Winslow visit Canada for the purpose of meeting this man +still?" I asked. + +"Certain," he answered promptly; then, after a little pause, as if +doubtful of the propriety of what he was about to say, but finally +resolving to earn his money, if possible, "and she shall go there once +more in the next week." + +I began to think that the little Frenchman had really a good article for +sale, and made full memoranda of all the main points. I asked him some +further questions, the answers to which showed conclusively that Mrs. +Winslow had made a full confidant of him concerning the Canadian +affair, at least; that she had secured a vast amount of money from +Devereaux at the same time that Lyon was breaking her heart; and that, +whether Devereaux was fated to go through the same final experience as +Lyon, or not, that he had undergone and was undergoing the same +preliminary experience. + +At the close of the interview I informed Le Compte that his information +was quite satisfactory, and that it only remained for me to prove its +correctness in order to permit the payment of the money, which, however, +should necessarily be on the additional condition that he at once +secured for us information as to the date on which the madam was to make +her profitable little pleasure-trip to Toronto. + +This he agreed to do, and I left him; not, however, until he had +anxiously requested to know more about me, and where and when he was to +receive his money. I told him that I was a travelling man; that I had no +permanent residence, was here and there all over the country; but that +the moment we ascertained the truth of his statements, which would be +very soon, he should be compensated. + +I communicated to Lyon the facts elicited during this interview, which +completely overwhelmed him with the perfidy of human nature in general, +and woman in particular; but gave him considerable encouragement +concerning the progress of our work; and after directing Bristol, +through the post, to continue playing the _rôle_ of the banker, and to +keep himself in preparation for telegraphic instructions, returned to +New York. + +All this time Bristol was in clover. The three old maids, Tabitha, +Amanda, and Hannah, had looked him over and saw that he was a good man +to tie to. Here was a man, they agreed, who had come in among them a +perfect stranger, and yet so possessed was he of a frank, winsome way, +and such a reliable, honorable demeanor had he exhibited towards them, +three lone and defenceless women as they were, that they had +instinctively felt that they could trust him; nay, even more, they were +sure that they could lean upon him, as it were; take him into their +confidence; share their joys with him, rely on him to sympathize with +them in all their sorrows--in fact, make of him a sort of an +affectionate Handy Andy--a good-natured and attractive attaché to their +affections, and a profitable sign-post to their business. + +Neither had any man ever before received such signs and tokens of a +deep-seated and ineradicable affection. + +Every morning he was awakened from his virtuous slumbers by the +delicious music of a bird training organ, which was wound in turn by the +maidens and set inside his door, where, "in linked sweetness long drawn +out," it galloped over the harmonies with: "Then you'll remember me," +"Don't be angry with me, Darling," "Who will care for Mother Now?" +"Bonnie Charlie's Noo Awa'," "Annie Laurie," and like tender airs, until +the poor man cursed the Three Graces of Washington Hall restaurant, and +the detective service, threadbare. + +After this delicious reminder of languishing love he was served with a +breakfast fit for a king, at which Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah in turn +presided, and which was always graced by a large bouquet of flowers +whose language and fragrance only breathed of love. + +On these occasions the conversation never failed to turn upon Bristol's +merits, the old maids' loneliness, and the superiority of women without +physical beauties, but full of soul, over those more fortunate in flesh +but wanting in spirituality. This was an advertisement for their own +establishment, and a drive at Mrs. Winslow; and Bristol always +acknowledged the force of the argument. + +Whenever Mrs. Winslow took a meal at the restaurant, which had now +become a frequent occurrence, just so certain was Bristol's +corresponding meal served in the little snuggery, where, however busy +they might be, one of the ancient ladies kept him good company and +quickened his digestion with sparkling humor and witty jest, such only +as can course through the flowery avenues of an aged spinster's mind, +made fresh and blooming by the wild fancy of the second childhood of +love's young dream; and at night, when the busy day was over and the +vulgar public shut out by the well-bolted front door, the little +snuggery always held the same wise old company, where Bristol, ripe in +age and experience, passed an hour with the ladies over tea and +sweetmeats, or wine and waffles, surrounded by the thrilled and blushing +trio, who, preparatory to retiring, discovered to him as many of their +combined charms as modesty would allow, and in their tender hearts +built plans for the future when they would bodily possess Bristol--at +least one of them, if the laws of society did prevent his making a sort +of blessed trinity of himself for their benefit. + +This course of procedure angered Mrs. Winslow. _Her_ heart also yearned +for the retired banker, and when she saw how securely he was being kept +from her grasp by the wily old maids, she immediately began preparing a +plan the execution of which would foil them, and eventually give her the +coveted game all to herself. To this end she walked to and fro past the +restaurant, and finally attracted the attention of Bristol while the old +ladies were busily engaged elsewhere, and motioned to him in so +imperative a way and with such earnestness, that he slipped out of the +place, and at a careful distance followed her in the direction of the +Falls Field Garden, where lovers often met and where there was no danger +of interruption. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + + Mr. Bangs on the Trail in the West.-- Terre Haute and its + Spiritualists.-- Mrs. Deck's Boarding-house.-- The + Nettleton Family broken up.-- Back at the Michigan + Exchange.-- Mother Blake's Recital.-- Through Chicago to + Wisconsin.-- A disheartening Story.-- The practical result + of Spiritualism. + + +Superintendent Bangs arrived at Terre Haute in good time, and found +himself in one of the greatest centres of Spiritualism in the world. + +The very air seemed charged and surcharged with the permeating power. +People watching incoming trains had a listless, far-away look, as though +watching for the dim spirits which were constantly expected from the +other land, but which never came. The clamorous cabmen raised their +sing-song voices as if only expecting, though more than desiring, only +shadowy freight. The regular loiterers had long hair, cadaverous faces, +and large, lustrous eyes, and where females appeared, they were +generally in pinched faces, flowing hair, long pantaloons and short +gowns, as if ready for a grand Amazon-march upon the gullible public. + +On the way to the hotel every other stairway held the sign of one or +more clairvoyants, mediums, or astrologists, and every manner of +business seemed to have the ghostly trail upon it. The pedestrians upon +the streets, the men at their counters, the workmen at their trades, the +women at their various employments, the common laborers at their most +menial toil, each and every, from the highest to the lowest, seemed to +have a weary, listless air, as if constant wrestling with communicating +spirits healthier and more robust than themselves, had left a chronic +exhaustion upon and with them. + +At the hotel the register was thin and ghostly, the office was deserted +and dreary, the meals were served in a listless, dreamy way, as if the +guests were ghosts and the waiters not so good. In fact, the whole place +and everything in it was tinctured with the common craziness, and gave +the healthy, wide-awake stranger the impression of having suddenly come +upon a community of mild lunatics, who were quite happy in the +conviction that they were directing the affairs of both earth and +heaven, and establishing pleasant, intramural relations between their +chosen Hoosier City and the beautiful City beyond the River; all of +which would be very pleasant and profitable if anybody had ever come +back from the undiscovered country to give us its geographical outlines, +define its limits, or explain any profit that has accrued from becoming +a monomaniac on a subject that has no relation whatever to the common +needs and duties of life, and has never been known to give to the world +or its society a single healthful, helpful nature or intellect. + +Mr. Bangs was neither pleased with the hotel, or able to get much +information while there, and consequently changed his quarters to Mrs. +Deck's boarding-house, a long, rambling brick building, that at one time +had been a fine residence after the Southern style. It was covered with +moss and vines, and had a snug, pleasant appearance, while everything +about the house had an air of quaint, attractive restfulness. Every +person who has ever been in Terre Haute for a few days' stay, as Bangs +was, will remember the genial old soul who presided over the destinies +of this particular boarding-house--the fat, garrulous, whimpering, but +kind-hearted Mrs. Deck; her charming daughter, the blooming Belle +Ruggles, by a former and more fortunate marriage, with her fair face and +wealth of golden hair, flitting about the house--which was also the +abode of spirits, mysterious materializations and unexplainable +rappings--like a good, sensible spirit that _she_ was, and letting her +good sense and kind ways into the cobwebbed rooms and dark places, like +an ever-changing though constant flood of sunlight; and "Old Deck," as +the boys called him, who believed in another kind of spirits still, and, +when opportunity offered, became so full of them that he held a grand +and extended "seance" on his own account. + +People not only sought Mrs. Deck for good board, but for reliable +neighborhood gossip; and Mr. Bangs, learning of her reputation as a +repository of news as well as a liberal dispenser of creature comforts, +changed his quarters from the hotel to her place, and found from a few +days in her company that she was a sort of historian, having at her +tongue's end numberless incidents connected with the growth of the city +and the family relations of every class of people in or near it. + +He learned from her where the Hosfords had lived, but could get nothing +particular regarding the woman herself, as Mrs. Deck had never seen her, +and only knew of her by reputation, which she was sure had been good. + +Mr. Bangs at once went into the country neighborhood where the Hosfords +had lived, and found that they had removed to some point in Wisconsin, +near Sheboygan Falls, the neighbors had heard, but he could not find +that there had been a single trace of trouble at Terre Haute. All those +who had known them spoke of them both in the highest terms. They had +both been staunch members of the Methodist Church, and though plain, +quiet farmers, had been considered prominent people in the neighborhood. + +Hosford was remembered as a slow-going, easy-conditioned, good-natured +fellow, but as honest as the day was long; and no one had ever known +aught against his wife, save that some of the old gossips thought that +she had brought too much jewelry and fine clothing into the neighborhood +with her. This, however, she had judiciously kept out of sight as much +as possible, and, as far as could be learned, had led in every respect +an exemplary life. + +From this point Mr. Bangs proceeded to Kalamazoo. The Nettleton family +were gone, no one knew where; but here he was told of the escapade to +Detroit of Lilly Nettleton years before, enough of which had floated +back to her native place--coupled with the old people's later sorrows, +which were largely dilated upon--to account for the breaking up of the +family and its members being scattered broadcast. + +Accidentally at Kalamazoo, in conversation with the clerk at the +Kalamazoo House, who had formerly been employed at Detroit, and who was +"up to snuff," as he termed it, Bangs learned of Mother Blake, who had +informed the clerk of Bland's unfortunate experience with one Lilly +Mercer. He also got from the clerk a description of Mother Blake +sufficiently comprehensive to enable him to find her if she were still +at Detroit, where he at once proceeded. + +On arriving in that city he went to the Michigan Exchange Hotel, and, +through the courtesy of the proprietors, was allowed to look up the +records of the house. + +It was fifteen years previous that the man who said he was "from Bland" +met Lilly Nettleton at the depot and had taken her to the Michigan +Exchange to meet the reverend circuit-rider; but after he had got at the +dusty records he found on the register, evidently in the handwriting of +a clerk: "Lilly Mercer, Buffalo, Room 34," under date of August 15, +1856, and also the names of "R. J. Hosford, Terre Haute, Room 98," and +"Lilly Nettleton, Kalamazoo, Room 34," in a cramped and almost illegible +hand under date of November 28th of the same year; and on the next day's +page, in the same hand: "R. J. Hosford and wife, Terre Haute, Room 34." + +The next step was to hunt up Mother Blake, which was not a very hard +matter, as women of her character generally run in the same noisome rut, +until they are swept from the great highway with other pestilences of +life, and pass from bitter existence and infamous memory; and after one +or two evenings running about among the _demi-monde_ he found the +woman--quite an old lady now, but nearly as well-kept and quite as jolly +as ever, presiding over a group of soiled divinities at a neat retreat +on Griswold Street. + +Through the purchase of a vile bottle of wine the old lady's lips were +opened, and her tongue began a perfect gallop about Bland and Lilly +Mercer. + +She gave the latter the reputation of being one of the shrewdest women +she had ever met, and laughed until the tears came into her eyes over +the way in which she had "played it" on Bland, who had picked her up for +a fool, and had himself been terribly sold. Then she launched into +vituperations towards the young minister, who had accused her of +"standing in" with the girl in the robbery, when she had been as badly +fooled as himself. Whatever she had been and was, she said, there wasn't +a dishonest hair in her head; which assertion Bangs had reason to +believe to be literally true, as he noticed that she wore a wig. + +She then in great glee told him how she had "got even" with Bland by +"giving him away" to the papers, which had soon taken the feathers out +of _his_ cap, she remarked with much satisfaction, broken his mother's +heart, who died and willed all her property to the good cause of +furnishing the heathen with an occasional fat missionary steak, and +finally drove Bland out of Detroit, when he had gone to some Eastern +city and, under another name, with his fine manners, airy ways, and good +clothes, was playing it fine on some old Spiritualist millionaire out +our way. + +When the vision of the magnificent Harcout--which was almost a constant +one, as he rushed into my office on the slightest pretext whatever, big +with his own importance and unusually full of enthusiasm over "our +case"--flitted before my eyes, it gave to me additional romance in the +work, in the sense that here, after many years, the man whom Mrs. +Winslow in her early career had so magnificently duped, had +unconsciously become one of her most relentless pursuers. + +But it was a matter for speculation whether Harcout knew her to be the +person who had so neatly taken him in, or whether he had risen to this +condition of fervor in his work merely to impress Lyon with his useful +friendship. I inclined to the latter opinion, however, as I was +satisfied that if he had known with whom he was dealing he would have +given up all expectations of continued favor and patronage from Lyon, +and left Rochester as hastily as he had, as Bland, departed from +Detroit. + +Bangs also asked her if she had ever seen Lilly Mercer since that time. + +Of course she had seen her, just at the close of the war. One day as she +was crossing the river in the ferry, coming back from Windsor, she had +met her face to face. Mother Blake said that she seemed wonderfully +glad to meet her, and wanted to borrow some money, which she had +refused. She then gave her her card, upon which she was called some +Madam or other, a clairvoyant, and she had some shabby rooms on +Wisconsin Street, near the theatres. She was still young and pretty, +Mother Blake said, and she easily persuaded her to come and live with +her, which she did, "and," continued the old woman, with a withering +look at the girls, "low down as she was, she made more money in a day +than any half-dozen women I ever had." The old lady further said that +she had only remained with her long enough to get some fine clothing and +money together, when she started for the East. + +She had never seen her since, but she had heard that she had several +times passed through the city towards Chicago, always returning to the +East, however, and also always richly dressed, and having every +appearance of living in clover. "Let her alone to get along," concluded +the old lady; "she'll live like a queen where another, a million times +better than she, would starve." + +From Detroit, Bangs proceeded to Chicago, and from thence to Sheboygan +Falls, Wisconsin, where it required but a few minutes' inquiries to put +him on track of the Hosfords. + +Hosford had come there from Terre Haute several years ago, bought a fine +farm a few miles out, and had, as far as could be ascertained, lived a +comfortable sort of life for about a year, when trouble began. + +Mrs. Hosford, from the good member of society which she was supposed to +be, or really had been, suddenly embraced Spiritualism, and began +running about the country with any old vagabond tramp of this kind that +came along; and from the hard-working, economical woman she had been, +she had become a spendthrift, a drunkard, and a prostitute. Hosford had +moved away, and after considerable time and inquiry, it was ascertained +that he had gone to Oskaloosa, in Iowa, determined to get away from old +associations as far as possible, and had taken their three children with +him, which she had vainly endeavored to secure. + +Bangs spent several days here in hunting up evidence. There was plenty +of it--mountains of it. Merchants and other business men of the town +would button-hole him, take him into some retired place and tell him how +this man had been caught _in flagrante delicto_ with Mrs. Hosford, how +that man had confessed to having been caught in her toils, and how some +other person had been made a suspicious person in the society of the +place, through some peccadillo with the dashing _Madam_. + +All these persons referred to told of all the other persons who had +divulged their weaknesses, until it seemed to Mr. Bangs, after remaining +a few days in the vicinity, that the entire male portion of the +community were implicated. But securing promises of depositions was +quite another thing. Mr. A. was a married man, belonged to the church, +had extensive business relations, and, while he would like to assist in +the noble effort to show up the infamous woman, he really could not, +you see, place himself in so delicate a position. + +Mr. B. was not a member of any church, but had the reputation of a high +order of morality. While he could not but acknowledge the justice of the +request, and hoped that Mr. Bangs would have no trouble in securing all +the evidence he needed, which would be a very easy matter, still he did +not see how he could consistently compromise himself by going on record +as a common adulterer. + +Mr. C. was neither a churchman, nor did he claim a high order of +morality; but if he had good luck, he would in the spring marry a very +pretty girl of the village, and if she should ascertain that he had +previously been so generous with his affections in another direction, he +was satisfied that his dream of future bliss would be dissolved in thin +air at once. + +And so on through the entire village directory. There were pointed out +scores of persons who had the knowledge desired, were all willing to +help him secure _some other person_ for sacrifice, and all equally +enthusiastically hoped that her suit against Lyon would end in an +ignominious failure; but declined, with thanks, the proud honor of +exposing their own weaknesses, for even the extreme honor of assisting +in her downfall. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + + A Chicago Divorce "Shyster."-- Hosford found.-- His pathetic + Narrative.-- More Facts. + + +Mr. Bangs was in no hurry to leave Sheboygan Falls, as he found that he +was in a fruitful field for information, and he continued garnering it +in and stacking it away industriously. + +It appeared that Hosford's wife, not content with disgracing his name, +had soon developed her old and never-satisfied greed for money and any +sort of power that might be wielded mercilessly; and it was evident that +she had money, for she immediately began dressing with much elegance and +travelling about the country extensively. The probability was that she +had still retained the money stolen from Bland, and had also, during her +years of economy, carefully added to it until she had secured a large +sum, as she had occasion to use a good deal of money in a certain +transaction, which quite thoroughly illustrated her unprincipled and +revengeful character. + +When Hosford had removed from Indiana to Wisconsin, he had purchased a +larger and a finer farm, and had been obliged to give a mortgage upon it +for several thousand dollars, to be used in making necessary +improvements. This had been paid off with the exception of about three +thousand dollars, which amount, as soon as Mrs. Hosford had begun making +it lively for her husband, and had left him for the purpose of wedding +Spiritualism and all that the term implies, she immediately produced and +bought up the mortgage, placing it in ex-Senator Carpenter's hands for +foreclosure; but poor Hosford, struggling under his heavy load of +desertion, disgrace and persecution, managed to raise the money and take +it up, thus preventing the villainous woman from turning him out of his +own home, which she had deserted and desecrated. + +This had proven too much for even the patient Hosford to endure, and he +had set about getting a divorce. But this was a harder thing to do than +he had anticipated. Although he was in possession of nearly as much +information as Bangs had secured, it was impossible to obtain definite +evidence against her. Her terrible temper, her unscrupulousness, her +unbounded and almost devilish shrewdness, and the swift and sudden +principle of revenge that seemed only equalled by her greed for money, +compelled thorough awe and fear among those from whom Hosford had +expected assistance, and the result was he did not get it, and he was +obliged to let the suit for divorce go by default. After this every +petty annoyance that could occur to the woman's mind was visited on him. +She would write him threatening letters; forward him express packages of +a nature to both humiliate him and cause him fear; run him in debt at +every place where she could force, or "confidence," merchants into +trusting her; hire a carriage and secure some male companion as vile as +she, with whom she would proceed to her old home, and in the presence of +her agonized husband and helpless, innocent children, threaten him with +every conceivable form of punishment, including death, and engage in +profanity and drunken orgies that would have disgraced the lowest +brothel in the land. + +Mr. Bangs learned that after this sort of procedure for a considerable +period, she suddenly disappeared. Hosford took this opportunity to +dispose of his farm and remove with his motherless family to Iowa. Mr. +Bangs could not learn at Sheboygan what the woman's history had been +during that period, but vague rumors had floated back to the place that +she had become an army-follower, which was quite probable; but at the +close of the war she had assumed the _rôle_ of an abandoned adventuress, +and had wandered about the Pacific Slope until she had made too +extensive an acquaintance for her safety in that section, and from +thence had wandered through the country towards the East, seeking for +any kind of prey; and being hunted from place to place, under countless +_aliases_, until she had in a measure retrieved herself, as far as money +matters were concerned, and being careful of herself physically, had +regained her good looks which her former terrible dissipation had almost +destroyed, and had eventually so insinuated herself into the affections +of a rich somebody that she had been furnished money with which to +secure a divorce from Hosford, which had been granted in Chicago about +a year and a half previous; when she had come on to Sheboygan Falls and +while there made her boasts that she would soon marry one of the richest +men in New York State, as soon as his wife died, which wouldn't be very +long she had hoped and believed. Besides this, the rumors went, she had +failed to marry that richest somebody in New York State, and papers had +been seen containing an account of the woman and Lyon, her suit against +him, and the fact, which particularly interested her old neighbors, that +she had engaged no lawyer whatever, but had drawn and filed the bill of +complaint herself. + +In fact, the entire community were in a state of great excitement over +the woman who was also creating much excitement in the East, and each +person had his or her story to tell of some striking peculiarity or +previous adventure of the madam's, and it required a great amount of +sifting and careful work for Mr. Bangs to secure what he came for. + +After a few days, however, he had worked so judiciously that he had got +pledges from several responsible citizens that they would give their +depositions as to her general character and reputation for chastity, or +rather, want of it, whenever a commission should be forwarded to a +certain lawyer of the city whom he engaged to take them. + +From here he at once proceeded to Iowa, only stopping at Chicago long +enough to secure a transcript of the divorce which had been granted in +that city so noted for divorces, that one shyster alone secured seven +hundred and seventy-seven of these desirable instruments from the period +between the great fire and the close of the year 1875, from whence he +immediately proceeded to Oskaloosa, where he soon became acquainted with +parties who had known the woman, though under as many different +_aliases_ as she had visited cities of that State. + +She had invariably advertised herself as a medium and female physician, +and had swindled every one with whom she had come in contact, from the +editor to errand-boy, from one end of the State to the other, and had +gained even a worse reputation there than in Wisconsin. He ascertained +that Hosford was not living at Oskaloosa, and before going through the +same experience in listening to countless tales of the woman's depravity +as he had in Wisconsin, he decided to proceed to his place, which was +near Monroe, twenty-nine miles distant. He procured a conveyance and +drove out to Hosford's farm, arriving at the place about dusk, where, +after he had stated his business, he was invited to remain over night, +and made comfortable. + +Although a farmer, Hosford had everything cozy and pleasant about him, +had married into a very respectable family, and had secured a most +agreeable wife, who was caring for his children--two bright girls and a +boy, from twelve to fifteen years of age--with almost the tenderness and +affection of an own mother. After supper Hosford sent his family into +another part of the house, and expressed himself as ready to give any +information in his power. + +He had not yet heard of the suit against Lyon, and when Mr. Bangs told +him, he seemed astonished beyond expression, and after a little time +said that he had often tried to think of some Satanic scheme that the +woman _would not_ dare to undertake if it occurred to her, but he had +failed to imagine any. But with the record, especially for personal +purity, behind her that Mrs. Winslow possessed, he could not but be +particularly startled and surprised at her supreme self-possession and +audacity. After a little further desultory conversation, Mr. Bangs told +him that the Agency had all the necessary information regarding their +early career, and of their subsequent history up to the time when they +left Terre Haute, and probably a great deal after that time, and asked +Hosford if he would be willing to go over the whole matter, giving the +outlines of their troubles, what brought them about, and what had been +their result. + +He was the same old Dick Hosford--abrupt, kind, generous, with perhaps +some of the old "forty-niner" roughness worn off and a toning-down of +his whole nature, that his keen sorrows had given him; but he was quite +as impulsively reckless, and just as impulsively tender, and he began +his story in a kind of weary way, that, to one knowing his history, was +really sad and touching. + +"Well, sir," said Hosford, "I knew the gal had been doing wrong at +Detroit, but for all these hard years in Californy I had been working, +savin', and goin' through danger with the purty pictur ahead that the +bright girl I had left by the river would one day make me a happy home. +I worked like a nigger, and it was sometimes up and sometimes down with +me out thar--mostly down, though. But I struck a good lead one day, and +worked close till it panned dry. I didn't have much aside some of them +fellows out thar; but instead of runnin' it down my throat, givin' it to +cut-throat gamblers, or flingin' it away on vile women, I started full +chisel for the States. I come to Terre Haute, as you know, and spent +nearly all my dust buyin' a little farm. Then I started fur Nettleton's, +whar I expected heaven--but found hell! + +"It bust me all up like, and I wandered about the old place jest as +though I had went to sleep happy and waked up in a big grave that I +couldn't get out of. The old folks themselves wasn't any more cut up +than me; but I thought as how I wasn't doin' anything to help matters, +'n only making _them_ more trouble. So I thought and thought what to do, +and finally made up to go a-huntin' her, 'n told the old folks I +wouldn't come back 'thout her. + +"It all come over me then what she was doing; but I only thought to get +her back for the old folks' sake. Well, sir, I went to Chicago, and hung +around that doggoned city fur a week 'r two; but no Lil. Then I come +back, lookin' everywhere, askin' everybody, an' peerin' into every +place; but no Lil. Finally, I got to Detroit, and I went into every one +of those places where I feared she _might_ be; but no Lil. Do you know +where I found her?" + +Mr. Bangs told him he did, and how. + +"Well, sir," continued Hosford, "I was utterly discouraged, 'n was goin' +to go back and sell the place, and get away from the country altogether; +but when I saw her all so rosy, fixed up so gay, and got to be such a +grand sort of a woman, I just caved in altogether and wanted her for +myself more 'n ever. I thought she had a good heart, and that I loved +her enough to always be kind to her--as God knows I was--and thought +_that_ might keep her right. I never asked her a question, 'n wouldn't +let the old folks. Everybody makes mistakes, ye know, and it kind of +makes people wild to let 'em know _you_ know it, and to badger 'em with +questions. Well, she had lots of good sense, and took off her finery +before we got to the old folks', who were 'most crazy with joy that we +had come back together as man and wife. We stayed at Nettleton's a few +days, then went direct to Terre Haute. I don't believe a man ever had a +better wife 'n she was to me while we lived there. We never mentioned +the old times, and were very happy, as the children kept comin' along. +The silks and jewels she got at Detroit were all put away, 'n I never +saw 'em, till one day I come home unexpected and found the children shut +out in the yard, and my wife afore the lookin'-glass, all rigged out in +her old finery, an' lookin' herself over and over, while countin' a big +pile of money that I had never seen before. I got a good look at her, +but went whistlin' about the house for a long time, so as to let on that +I didn't see her, and to give her time to get her old clothes on agin. + +"It seemed as if right there and then the clouds begun hangin' over the +house. I didn't say a word about it, and made everything as cheery as I +could; but begun tryin' to think what had set her goin', and after a few +days found that she had been attendin' some of those Spiritual meetings +down to town, and one of the Doctors come up to our place and stayed a +few days, representin' himself as a good Methodist. + +"I knew it wouldn't do to stay there any longer, an' so we moved to +Wisconsin, I makin' her think it was healthier 'n where they had no +ager. Well, sir, after we got there everything was pleasant and happy +agi'n till the Spiritualists begun overrunnin' that country too, and she +commenced her tantrums at once. I didn't oppose her goin' to them +meetin's, but told her I hoped she wouldn't get mixed up with 'em too +much; but 'twas no use. The devil had come into the house in that shape, +and though I prayed hard that it might leave, it got worse and worse, +till the children were 'most crazy with fright and sorrow. I didn't know +what to do. She run me in debt, slandered me, disgraced me. She would +not only run about the country with those terrible people, but she took +to her old life, which was worse than everything else. I tried every way +to reform her; but she was bound to go her vile way, and I could stand +it no longer. + +"You know the rest up there. After she had been gone some time and had +got the divorce in Chicago, I come here with the children, to try and +get away from it all. You have seen my wife. She ain't a purty woman. +She is pure and good though, and I prayed to God that the shadder would +never come here. But 'twasn't any use. It seemed as though my prayin' +never helped things much! We hadn't more 'n got settled here, when I +heard of her travellin' through the country--you know how. Some way she +found me out here, and I haven't had much peace since. + +"One time she came here and left a trunk full of nice silk dresses and +things. After a time, wife and I looked into it and found over two +hundred keys of all kinds, besides pistols and knives. She came and took +it away soon after, accusin' us of stealin' some of her things, and +threatened to have us arrested. A few months afterwards she went up to +Newton, the county-seat, and swore out a warrant for our arrest on the +charge of assault and battery, and got subpoenas out for all the folks +across the way. The Sheriff came down here to serve his warrant and +subpoenas, and at Monroe learned something about the woman, so that by +the time he got here and talked it over with us, I come to the +conclusion she wanted to get us away and then steal the children; so we +took them all along, left one of the neighbors to take care of the +house, and went to Newton to stand trial. Sure enough, she didn't appear +agin' us, but did come here in a carriage fur the children, awful drunk, +and come near shootin' the man that was taking care of the place!" + +Bangs here asked Hosford whether he had ever seen her since or had heard +from her. + +"I have seen her but once," he replied. "But I have heerd about her +doin's, time and time again. She come here one day in a carriage, +dressed fit to kill; and the first I see, she was tryin' to get the +children into the carriage with her. I ordered them to come in, when, +with an oath, she put her hand to her bosom as if to draw a pistol. + +"I got mad at this, and told her that if she had come to that agin, +_I'd_ have a hand in too; and as soon as I turned into the house as if +to get a pistol--I only had an old rusty one with a broken lock, but had +an idea that I could some way use it--she blazed away at me, the ball +going through the front door and driving the splinters into my clothes. +As she didn't know whether she had hit me or not, she drove away at full +gallop, and I've never sot eyes on her since." + +The poor fellow seemed to say this with an inexpressible sense of +satisfaction and relief. He had had more than his share of her general +depravity forced upon him, and the respite from it, though short, was +very dear to him. + +Bangs got from Hosford the names of parties in contiguous towns who +could give him definite information about Mrs. Winslow, while he offered +to come to Rochester himself, if his presence was required; and after a +good night's rest and an early breakfast, Mr. Bangs returned to Monroe. +After a few days' travel and inquiry he secured a thousand times more +information than necessary to compel the retiracy of the splendid Mrs. +Winslow from her then public and profitable field of operations, after +which he returned to New York, well satisfied with the result of his by +no means pleasant labors. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + + Mrs. Winslow's Signal answered.-- She endeavors to win + Bristol, and shows that they are "Affinities."-- Detective + Fox mystified.-- An Evening with the One fair Woman.-- + Closer Intimacies.-- A Journey proposed.-- Detective + Bristol as a Lover. + + +Back in the streets of Rochester, Bristol followed Mrs. Winslow with +much wonderment and some anxiety as to the result, not sure as to +whether any of the three lovely women had noticed his leaving at the +call of their hated rival, and cogitating what the woman might want with +him. + +They soon arrived at the Garden, the woman frequently looking back to +assure herself that the retired banker was following her, and finally +passed into the Fields and took a booth, where she ordered a bottle of +wine, which gave her right to its occupancy for an indefinite period; +and as soon as Bristol sauntered in, she signalled him to join her, +which he did with great apparent hesitation and diffidence, and the +general appearance of a man guilty of almost his first wrong intent, but +yet with strong resolution to not let it get the better of him. + +She did not remove the delicate lace veil from her face, and it blended +the pretty flush which the exercise had heightened with her naturally +clear complexion in a most artistic way, and toned the light in her +great gray eyes into a languid lustre, very thrilling to behold when one +knows there is a clean life behind such beauty, but as dangerous when +transformed into a winning mask covering the perdition in the heart of a +wicked woman, as the dazzling power of the Prophet of Khorassan. + +Bristol was a very courtly sort of fellow, and received a glass of wine +from the neat hand with considerable grace, though inwardly wondering +what it all meant. Their wine-glasses touched, and the cheap nectar was +drunk in silence, Mrs. Winslow only indulging in those little motions +and changes of features that some women believe to be attractive and +fascinating, and which really are so to many susceptible people; and +though Bristol might ordinarily have succumbed to the charms of the +accomplished woman before him--and had he been the retired banker she +supposed him to be would probably have done so--as the sedate, elderly, +and capable detective, he only pretended to be smitten, and coyishly +acknowledged her loving glances with more than ordinary ardor. + +Finally, the fair woman, after modestly biting her lips for a time, +began tapping the table with the handle of her fan, and looking Bristol +full in the face, suddenly said: + +"Mr. Bristol, aren't you a little curious why I wanted to see you?" + +"Any man who is a man," replied Bristol earnestly, "could not but have a +pardonable curiosity when so fair a woman as Mrs. Winslow claims his +attention!" + +"There, there," said she laughing, and extending her hands across the +table as if in a burst of confidence, "let us wave formalities; let us +be friends." + +Bristol took her proffered hands rather stiffly, but held them as long +as was necessary, as they were pretty hands, warm hands, and hands that +could grasp another's with a good show of honesty, too. + +"There is no reason why we shouldn't," he said gallantly, as she poured +out another glass of wine. + +"Only one," answered Mrs. Winslow archly. "The three Graces don't like +me, and they are bound we sha'n't meet. Now," she continued, again +tapping the table nervously with her fan, and then raising her fine +eyebrows and looking at Bristol half anxiously, half tenderly, and +altogether meltingly, "_I_ feel as though we had been acquainted for +years. Don't think me bold, Mr. Bristol, but I have had you in my +thoughts much--possibly _too_ much," she added with the faintest trace +of a blush; "but if I could feel that this--I was going to say +attachment, though that would be quite improper, and I will +say--unexplainable regard I have formed for you was in the least measure +reciprocated----" + +Bristol interrupted her with: "I think I can assure you that it is, at +least, in a proper measure." + +"Then," she continued, apparently radiant with happiness, "as I was +about to say, I am sure it could be arranged so that we could be more in +each other's society. You know who I am?" she abruptly and almost +suspiciously asked. + +Bristol was almost put off his guard by the sudden change of the +subject, but parried the question with: "Certainly not; at least no more +than through what I have been told at the restaurant." + +Tears started in her well-trained eyes, but she impetuously brushed them +away and followed the pretty piece of acting with: "Oh, Mr. Bristol! I +fear we may never be to each other what we might have been if these +three old hags--I mean old maids--had not poisoned your mind regarding +me. Let me tell you," and she took hold of his collar and drew the +reluctant detective towards her, "they are trying to get your +money--your vast wealth. Let a comparatively unknown friend whisper in +your ear, '_Beware!_'" + +Bristol started, adjusted his glasses, grasped Mrs. Winslow's hand, and, +as if very much frightened and extremely grateful, said heartily and +with great fervor, "My dear madam, for this kindness I am yours to +command!" + +The woman evidently felt assured from that moment that she had made a +conquest; but her varied experience and professional tact, as well as +her native shrewdness, prevented her from expressing too great gayety +over it, and she proceeded to inform Bristol how keen and shrewd the old +ladies under Washington Hall were; how in confidence they had told her +that they would compel him to marry one of them, and were going to draw +cuts to determine which should carry off the prize; and when that was +settled, if he did not marry the fortunate person willingly, their +combined evidence would bring him down, or despoil him of a great +portion of his wealth, which, she had no doubt, he had acquired by long +years of honest toil. + +Bristol expressed himself aghast at the depravity of women, and told +Mrs. Winslow that it seemed to him that the nearer the grave they got +the more terrible their greed and hideousness became. + +Mrs. Winslow murmured that _she_ was not so very, _very_ old. + +"Quite the contrary," said Bristol, gallantly, "and even when you become +so, I am sure--very sure, that you will prove a marked exception." + +An expression of pleasure flitted into her face, succeeded by one of +evident pain--pleasure, probably, that she had made another dupe as she +supposed; pain, that in one swift moment there had flashed into her mind +some terrible picture of her cursed, lonely, homeless old age, when the +whole world should scoff at her and thrust her from it, like the vile +thing that she was and the hideous thing that she would surely become; +both followed by the set features, where the cruel light came into her +eyes and the swift shuttles of crimson and ashy paleness shot over her +curled lips--the outward semblance of the inward tigress, that, though +diverted for an instant by some little sunlight-flash of either +tenderness or regret, never could be won from its irrevocably awful +nature! + +But it was all gone as soon as it had come, and she sat there, to all +appearances a handsome woman, as modestly and carefully as possible +encroaching upon the grounds of a first after-marriage flirtation, and +in a few moments pleasantly said: "I have become so interested in +you, Mr. Bristol, that I have found myself asking the question: Why is +it that this gentleman is continually in my mind? until, do you know, I +have such a curiosity about you that I shall be perfectly delighted to +get better acquainted with you." + +Bristol gracefully acknowledged the compliment by stating to her that he +himself, since he had seen her, had had a strange feeling that he should +know more about her, and the presentiment was still so strong upon him +that he was now quite sure that he _should_. + +"Ever since I saw you I have felt that we should become intimate," +continued Mrs. Winslow radiantly. + +"And I may myself confess that ever since I saw you, Mrs. Winslow, I +really _knew_ that I should be obliged to search you out and remain near +you." + +Mrs. Winslow blushed and coyishly asked: "Mr. Bristol, do you believe in +affinities?" + +[Illustration: _"Do you believe in affinities, Mr. Bristol?"--_] + +"Most assuredly." + +"So do I, and as we have sat here together, it has seemed to me that the +good spirits were hovering over and around us, and had been, and were +even now, whispering to us the sacredness of the affinity which surely +must exist between us." + +Mrs. Winslow said this in a kind of rhapsody of emotion, which betokened +both an air of sincerity derived from frequent repetition and long +practice, and a sort of superstitious belief in what she herself said; +and then poured out another glass of wine for each, while Bristol +remarked as he drank, that of late years these spirits had been a great +source of comfort to him, and that their free circulation was a good +thing for society. + +An hour or two was pleasantly beguiled in this manner, but Bristol +hardly knew what course to pursue, and began to feel that in the absence +of instructions he might become altogether too familiar with the +charming woman who was making such an effort to please him. But he dare +not cause her to become angry at him, for that would destroy his +usefulness, and she seemed bound that he should admire her; so, as he +had been directed by me to continue the _rôle_ of the "retired banker," +he concluded it would be better to humor Mrs. Winslow in the belief that +he was smitten by her, as she showed great anxiety that it should be so. +Accordingly, when she proposed that he should call at her apartments +that evening, he acceded to the request with such a show of pleasure +that Mrs. Winslow could not restrain her gratification, but rose and +terminated the interview by slapping Bristol heartily on the shoulder +and calling him a "dear old trump, anyhow!" And Fox, who was reading the +morning paper over a glass of beer at a little table not more than ten +feet distant, looked in blank astonishment at Bristol, as if fearing +that the woman had really bewitched him; while little Le Compte, who +stood at the entrance beyond, looked the very picture of abject jealousy +as he saw his darling lavishing endearments upon a man old enough to be +her father. + +Mrs. Winslow passed out of the Fields, and noticing Le Compte, who was +retreating as rapidly as possible, beckoned to him, and when he had +approached her near enough for her to speak to him, gave him a few +quick, angry words that sent him at a rapid pace over the railroad +bridge in the direction of his rooms; while she, after a parting smile +at the beaming Bristol, who stood radiantly in the Fields' entrance, +walked into St. Paul street, and from thence back and forth past the +restaurant, where the three deserted old maids might witness her stride +of triumph; while Bristol joined Fox at a retired spot under the shade +of the trees overhanging the brink of the precipice rising from the +gorge of the Genesee River, and explained the status of affairs which +had all unconsciously to himself drawn him from his quiet work into an +awful whirlpool of love and all that the term implied. Fox felt much +relieved at this information, and at once proceeded home, while Bristol, +with a guilty look in his face, returned to the little restaurant, where +he found a dispatch from me stating that Mrs. Winslow intended going to +Canada two days later, as I had been very positively informed by Le +Compte, and directing him to in some manner keep her company and never +let her make a move or meet a person without his knowledge. + +Bristol hardly saw how he was to do this, but concluded that it might be +best to wait until after his interview with his charmer in the evening, +so that he could also forward the result of that with his regular +report; and after expressing unbounded regret at being obliged to part +from the three graces and a little card-party they had arranged, he +proceeded to Mrs. Winslow's apartments, which had seemingly been +specially arranged for his reception. + +The mistress of the place was most elegantly attired, and greeted the +"retired banker" with such grace and marked esteem, that Fox, at his +lonely window opposite, almost felt jealous of the attention bestowed +upon his comrade by their mutual quarry. + +If ever a woman endeavored to make herself irresistibly winning, it was +Mrs. Winslow on that night. She threw off all reserve at once, and was +all smiles, pleasant words, and pretty ways. The rooms were most +beautifully arranged, and where splendid flowers failed to furnish +aroma, the delicate odors of art took their place. A very shrewd woman +was Mrs. Winslow--a woman who was supreme in the art of providing +_bijouterie_ to appeal to the sensuous in men's natures. In her +conversation, which apparently was lady-like enough when guarded, there +was always more suggested than said. The tone, the smile, the eye, the +gesture, the touch--every movement, glance, or sound, betokened an +unexpressed _something_ ready at any moment to be brought forward to +crush down a weakening resolution, and sweep from existence so much of +good or purity as might come into her baleful presence. She had rich +game in Bristol, she thought. Why could she not work this with the Lyon +case, bring to a successful termination a half-dozen other cases she was +working up, secure a big pile of spoil at one time, and then with her +little Le Compte glide away to _La Belle France_, where with his wit and +her winning ways and wisdom, she might yet amass vast wealth in levying +upon the personal and family pride of the thousands of rich numskulls +who annually throng the gay capital. + +And so to any man but a duty-doing detective that evening would have +been a thrilling one. As it was, it was a hard one for Bristol, who knew +that Fox's lynx eyes were upon him from across the street, who had to +invent legend after legend regarding his life, his present and his +imaginary future, and who was obliged under any circumstances not only +to please the woman, but to preserve himself blameless--two things to +ordinary men quite difficult to manage. + +During the hour that Bristol remained with her she intimated to him the +propriety of his securing another boarding-place, so that they might +enjoy each other's society without the annoyance to which the old maids +would subject them both should he remain there. He had wanted to make a +change, Bristol said, but his long and varied experience had made him +cautious, and he never gave up one good thing until he had secured a +better. How would as pleasant a place as this do, Mrs. Winslow wanted to +know? She had been thinking of renting the entire flat, she said, and +then re-renting it to select parties, like Mr. Bristol, who were willing +to pay a good price for a really luxurious place in which to live. + +Bristol was apparently flattered by her regard for him, which had, of +course, alone suggested the matter to her mind; but, being an elderly +gentleman of conservative habits, he required time to think the matter +over. In any event, it couldn't but be a pleasant theme for +contemplation. + +In fact, they got along famously together; so much so, indeed, that +before Bristol had taken his departure, Mrs. Winslow had pressed him to +accompany her on a trip of both business and pleasure to Toronto, and +had so urgently presented the request that he had half consented to go, +and was quite sure that he would be able to do so, unless some +unexpected business transaction should detain him. In any case, he would +be able to inform her by the next afternoon, he said, as he gallantly +bade her good-night, and observed Le Compte scowling upon him from the +dark end of the hall beyond. + +Bristol hastened to the post-office and added the events of the evening +to his daily report, which reached me the next afternoon, when I +telegraphed to him to proceed with Mrs. Winslow, as her friend; but +while pleasing her by feigning extreme regard, to be discreet, and not +put himself too much in her power, nor to allow her to advance any of +her other schemes by a sort of exhibition of him as her champion and +protector. + +Mrs. Winslow was made very happy by Bristol's acceptance of her +invitation, and, at her suggestion, they took the train for Port +Charlotte as strangers--Mrs. Winslow informing Bristol that the "old +scoundrel," meaning Lyon, was having her watched, she believed, but she +would outwit him at every point; but on arriving at the Port the loving +couple got together quite naturally, and soon after were on board a +steamer bound for Port Hope. + +It was one of those dreamy, hazy days of early September, when the +disappearing shore seemed to gradually take upon itself a tint of blue +as deep as that of the sky above and as pure as that of the waters +below, which on this day was almost as smooth as a mirror, only broken +by long, far-reaching swells that seemed to have neither beginning nor +end, but which here and there swept away in endless ribbons of liquid +light, while the trailing wake of the steamer seemed in the pleasant sun +like some marvellous and limitless lace-work flung across the water in +wanton richness and profusion. + +It was a lovely day for love, and to an unprejudiced observer Bristol +and Mrs. Winslow improved it. At Charlotte the woman spoke of the matter +in such a way that Bristol understood that she would not object to make +the trip as his wife, but he innocently failed to catch the meaning of +her covert invitation, and was only the attentive admirer during the +entire trip. But in the cabin, or seated coyishly together under a huge +sunshade upon the forward deck, they were as fine a couple as one would +care to see, while the woman seemed unusually affectionate and +agreeable. + +Arriving at Port Hope after a few hours, the couple took the night train +for the West, and arrived at Toronto at midnight, being driven to the +Queen's Hotel. They had become so confidential and intimate by this time +that Mrs. Winslow again suggested the propriety of travelling under more +intimate relations than they had done, but was again carefully diverted +from her purpose by the assumed innocence of the venerable detective, +who saw that her real purpose was to secure evidence of having travelled +as his wife, in order to have a future power over him, as she certainly +believed him to be a man of great wealth. + +She had told him that she had business that would prevent her seeing him +during the next day, at which he expressed extreme regret, and they +retired to their separate apartments for the night. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + + Careful Work.-- Bristol's Trick on the Bell-boy at Queen's + Hotel, Toronto.-- The old Merchant.-- In the Toils.-- A + Face at the Transom.-- A cowardly Puppet before a brazen + Adventuress.-- The Horrors of Blackmail.-- "Furnished + Rooms to Rent." + + +As Mrs. Winslow had said, she was not to be seen the next morning; and +Bristol, after breakfasting early, came to the conclusion that he should +also be busied for the day following my instructions to watch her every +movement. + +He ascertained the number of her room and leisurely strolled through the +hall until he located it, when he at once took a position where he could +observe any movement in or out of the door. At about ten o'clock he +noticed a waiter enter her room as if by summons, in a few minutes pass +out smiling, and shortly afterwards return with a very large glass +filled with some sort of liquor. Soon after he brought her breakfast, +and about a half-hour later he saw that the dishes were being removed +from the room, and, lying on one edge of the tray, an ordinary envelope, +from its puffed condition evidently containing a note. He felt sure that +this would give him the overture to the day's performance; but how to +secure it was another thing entirely. He could not take the letter from +the tray, as it rested on the front edge which projected over the boy's +shoulder, and was consequently immediately before his eyes. He probably +would not be able to bribe him into letting him have it, for the letter +might require an answer, and he would fear getting into trouble. Bristol +was standing at the end of the hall, by the window overlooking the +street, while the waiter was approaching the stairs which descended to +the lower floors near him. The boy had reached the second step going +down, and it was Bristol's last opportunity. + +"Stop!" he said excitedly to the boy. "Here, give me that tray," and he +pulled it from the boy's shoulder and rested it upon the stair-rail. +"I'll take care of this. Run down to the street, now, quick, and get me +a this morning's paper. There's a newsboy right in front of the house. +Here's a half-dollar; keep the change!" + +The boy seemed startled at the action, but Bristol had been so impetuous +about it; that he had relinquished the tray and started down stairs, +but, recovering himself, came back and reached his hand up as if to take +the letter. + +"Tut, tut," said Bristol angrily, picking up the letter and carelessly +putting it in his pocket without looking at the address, "I'll take care +of everything until you get back; get along with you now!" + +Bristol was noted for his benign and fatherly appearance, and, after +another good look at him, the waiter took a brisk trot down stairs, +leaving the detective in possession of the letter. He hastily put the +tray upon the floor, and whisking the letter from his pocket, saw that +it was addressed with a pencil, to "J. Devereaux, No. --, Yonge St.," +and marked "Personal." It was but the work of an instant to open it, and +but of a moment to read it, as it was short and to the point, and ran as +follows: + + QUEEN'S HOTEL, TORONTO, Sept. 6, 186--. + + DEVEREAUX--I am hard up. I need one thousand dollars, though + five hundred will do, but I must have that amount at once. You + have intimated that you would not help me any further. I have + merely to say to you that if you do not either call with, or + send the money, during the day, I will cause you to reflect as + to whether your business and social reputation are not worth + to you and your estimable family immeasurably more than the + trifle named. Exercise your own pleasure about the matter + however. + + MRS. W. + +Bristol copied this upon the back of the addressed envelope in less than +a minute, and in a minute more had the note enclosed in another envelope +and addressed in a handwriting sufficiently similar to that of Mrs. +Winslow's to answer every purpose, and had just got into a calm and +bland position with the tray, when the boy came up the stairs, three +steps at a time, gave the paper a toss into the hall, jerked the letter +out of Bristol's hand, and after giving him a look that had considerable +resentment in it, strode down the stairs with his tray on his shoulder +and his letter in his pocket, in a very offended and dignified manner. + +But as Bristol was on this kind of business at Toronto he thought he +might as well ascertain where the little fellow went; and, taking a +position a half-block distant from the hotel, was obliged to wait but a +little time before the waiter came down and started off on a brisk walk +down the street. + +He waited until the boy had passed him, and then followed him in and out +the streets until he saw him suddenly turn into a large wholesale house +on Yonge street, when he rapidly lessened the distance between them, +arriving in front of the place as he saw the boy hand the note to a thin +old gentleman, who took him aside and nervously questioned him for a few +minutes, after which he nodded to him as if assenting to something, or +directing the boy to return an affirmative answer to whoever had sent +the note, or whatever it contained. + +The boy walked briskly back to the hotel, and Bristol only remained long +enough to notice the old man--who was evidently the Devereaux of whom Le +Compte had informed me, and whose name Bristol had so recently +written--walk tremblingly towards the door as if overcome with some +sudden faintness, and in a sort of vacant, listless way tear the note +into little bits and fling them piecemeal upon the stones of the street, +hurling the last bunch of pieces upon the pavement with a violent, +agonized action, as if he would to God he could dispose of the dark and +relentless shadow across his life as quickly and as effectually! + +All Bristol now had to do was to ascertain when Devereaux called, and, +if possible, to overhear what was said at the interview. + +But this might not be so easy a matter to accomplish as securing the +contents of the letter addressed to the latter. After studying the +matter over for a little time, but without any definite decision what to +do, he found himself strolling along the hall where Mrs. Winslow's room +was located, and noticed several rooms standing open and being put to +rights after the departure of guests. Among this number was one next to +that occupied by Mrs. Winslow, and, taking the number, he immediately +repaired to the office and had his baggage changed to that room, where, +after dinner, with a few cigars and some fresh reading matter, he +comfortably and leisurely waited for developments. + +The day dragged along, and both Bristol and Mrs. Winslow became anxious. +The latter paced back and forth in her room, and every few moments went +to the door, and even passed out into the hall, going as far as the +stairs and peering anxiously down, while the waiter at frequent +intervals was summoned to provide her courage and patience of a liquid +character. Finally, however, Bristol noticed that she had either +concluded to take a short nap, or was determined to wait patiently, for +quite a period of silence elapsed in her room, which he took advantage +of to steal quietly out into the hall, leaving his door ajar so that he +might re-enter it noiselessly as occasion required. + +It was not long before the occasion presented itself, for Bristol had +got no more than to the end of the hall when he saw Devereaux ascending +the stairs from below. He quietly stepped behind the curtains that +trailed from the lambrequin over the window, and watched the old man as +he came up the stairs. + +He was a little, gray, withered old man. Almost all his strength was +gone, and he certainly had but a few more years to use what little +strength was left. His hair was almost white, and his face was quite as +colorless, while the weak, rheumy eyes seemed almost ready to fall +through the flesh which had withered away to the bones of his face. He +was a living example of the blackmailer's victim as he labored along, +now and then catching at the stair-rail for help, and looking behind and +around him as if fearing some sudden discovery. Arriving upon the hall +floor, he peered anxiously at the numbers upon the doors, and after +settling in his mind what direction to take, went on tremblingly with +bowed head towards the woman who was as remorseless as death itself. + +He found the room after a little trouble, and tapped at it +apprehensively. It was at once opened and immediately closed after, when +Bristol sprang from his hiding-place and was in the adjoining room +almost as soon as the next door had closed. + +During the afternoon, when Mrs. Winslow had absented herself from her +room, he had dragged the bureau against the door opening into her +apartment, placed a quilt from his bed upon it in order that his jumping +upon it might occasion no noise, and with his knife cut a diamond +shaped piece out of the green paper covering the glass transom, +darkening his own room so that his eyes could not by any possibility be +seen through the aperture in the piece of paper, which had a dead black +appearance from Mrs. Winslow's room; and by the time the poor old man +had confronted the woman in a scared kind of a way, and had seated +himself upon the sofa obedient to her imperious gesture, the "retired +banker's" eyes and eye-glasses looked calmly down upon a scene the whole +terrible import of which, could it have been presented to the world in +all its terrible hideousness, and in some form become eternally typical +of the curse it illustrated, would have stood for all time a savage +Cerberus frightening men from this kind of infamy and self-destruction. + +In all my startling experience with criminals and the sad incidents +which have in the peculiar nature of my business forced themselves upon +my observation, there has been no one thing so reprehensible as the +trade of the blackmailer, and there is a no more terrible torture than +that inflicted by that class of criminals; and I am satisfied that could +heads of families realize their terrible danger when heedlessly forming +some unholy alliance, which is sure to eventually whip and scourge them +until life is a burden, there would be less of the moral laxity and +lechery than now burdens the world from palace and pulpit to +poverty-stricken hovel. + +What more pitiable picture than that of a man just ready to pass from +all that should be worth having and loving to the unknown country, with +fear behind and awful uncertainty beyond--with the work of a whole life, +which should now bring a reward of tenderness, gratitude, and +reverential esteem, embittered and blasted by the relentless curse that +ever trails after weakness and passion--fear, distrust, and apprehension +between himself and family, and the Damoclean sword ever above him, +ready to fall at the instant he endeavors to throw the horrible shadow +from him to regain honesty and uprightness! + +There the old man sat, a cowardly puppet before a brazen +adventuress--sat there a weak, drivelling, idiotic wreck before one so +vile that she was no longer capable of regret--sat there ruined in +everything worth the preservation of, suffering what he had for years +suffered--the regret, the remorse, the shame, and the abject fear that +were worse than a thousand deaths; while the utterly heartless woman, +with her hands folded across her waist in a masculine sort of a way, +looked at him smilingly, seemingly enjoying his efforts to recover the +breath lost in the, to him, severe labor of getting to her room; as it +appeared to be the custom for him to see her there rather than in the +parlor. + +The interview was business-like, and, as it was not overwhelmed with +sentiment, was not protracted. + +Mrs. Winslow asked Devereaux if he had brought the money, and he +stammered that he had. Well, she wanted it, and didn't want any nonsense +with it, either, she said, with a vast amount of meaning thrown into the +words; he knew whether he _owed_ her that amount or not, and, if he +did, she didn't propose having any bickering about it. + +Then the old man slowly rose, and cursing her, himself, and all the +world, flung her the money and said he would go, as he knew that was all +she wanted. + +She told him frankly that it was pretty nearly all she wanted, but added +jocosely that he was still "a charmer," and that that fact, too, had its +influence in periodically drawing her to him; and then bade him an +affectionate good-by as he feebly glared at her, and passed, whining, +cursing, and tottering away. + +Mrs. Winslow was very happy and gay now, and during the evening and on +their return to Rochester was all smiles and winsomeness. Her detective +companion could scarcely enter into her unusual joyousness, but did the +best he could, and that was well enough, as she was so pleased with the +success of her Toronto trip that her mind was altogether employed with +it until nearing home, when her eminent business ability again asserted +itself, and she became more affectionate than ever to the retired +banker, repeating the proposition concerning the rooms, which Bristol +had of course reported, and which he would be prepared to act upon when +he could secure his mail at Rochester. + +He told her he had thought favorably of it, and after he had ascertained +whether he should remain in the city a stated period or not, would +inform her of his decision, which he presumed would be favorable and +permit of their continued pleasant intimacy; while Mrs. Winslow +confided to him that she had thought seriously of the course for some +time. She knew Lyon was having her watched, she said, and she had +decided that it would be best to change her business to one which could +not be so easily misinterpreted, or at least add to her present business +something that in the eyes of those who scoffed at spiritualism would +have a measure of respectability about it, and from which she could not +only secure a livelihood, but such a pleasant companion as Mr. Bristol; +and they parted upon the train before arriving at the depot with a +thorough understanding about the future, and an appointment for another +meeting at the first opportunity. + +Unknown to Bristol I had sent another operative to keep him and Mrs. +Winslow company, and on receiving the reports of each I decided to put +my men in her rooms, where one of them could constantly observe her +actions, and never under any circumstances give her an opportunity to +make any new move without my knowledge. I therefore sent another man to +Rochester for outside work, and directed Bristol to accept the woman's +proposition and become her lodger, and, as soon after as possible +without exciting her suspicions, appear to become acquainted with Fox, +recommend him as a lodger, and secure his introduction to the place as +M. D. Lyford, a book-keeper in some establishment of the city which they +might settle upon, so that he might relieve Bristol, and _vice versa_, +as occasion required. + +So the furnished rooms sign went up over the clairvoyant sign, and Mrs. +Winslow added to the charms of handsome medium those of an attractive +landlady, while the three old maids under Washington Hall lost their +prize, who became a sort of an aged page to the castaway woman who had +such luxurious rooms for rent in the autumn of 186-, on South St. Paul +street, near Meech's Opera-house, in the beautiful city of Rochester. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + + Harcout again.-- "Things going slow."-- A Bit of personal + History.-- A new Tenant.-- Detective Generalship.-- Mrs. + Winslow fears she is watched.-- Mr. Pinkerton cogitates. + + +It is pleasant to realize that the world moves along just the same, +whether the many mild lunatics it carries attempt to interfere with it +or not. There are countless men, precisely like Harcout, incapable of +holding in their little brains but one idea at a time, and that idea +invariably pushes to the surface their own supreme egotism and +self-consciousness, and just as invariably displays their utter +ignorance of what they are continually interfering with; and it is both +a grateful and charitable thought that such small minds, burdened with +such vast assurance, are merely provided by Omniscience to make us +patient, to warn us from allowing such knowledge as we may fortunately +gain from developing into similar self-assertion, and to serve to +illustrate true worth by contrast. + +Here was this fellow sweeping into my office every day, demanding every +detail of my operations on Mrs. Winslow, even intimating that I should +consult with him as to every move to be made, and submit to his +consideration even the character of the men employed, the color of their +clothing and the quality, and every item or act concerning or included +in the work. He had, in some unexplainable way that is common to brazen +assurance or unmitigated ignorance, fastened himself upon the weak old +man as a sort of confidential agent, or what-not, worked upon his fears, +his superstitions, and his foolish half-faith in a system of religion +that has never yet made other than male and female prostitutes, +adventurers, or lunatics, until the old man, standing alone and almost +friendless, had learned to cling to him, and almost rely upon his +consummate bravado to extricate him from the meshes of the web his own +vileness and a vile woman had woven about him; so that in one sense he +stood in the relation of principal to me, and I found it impossible to +shake him off, or relieve myself to any great extent of his impudent +presence and foolish suggestions. + +I knew that he was utterly without principle, and was only making a show +of this extraordinary energy in order to appear to more than earn +whatever he got from Lyon, and continue in the latter's mind the feeling +that he was utterly indispensable to him. I also knew him to be as mean +an adventurer as Mrs. Winslow was an adventuress; that he was the +villain who had first unloosed this vast flood of vileness and lechery +upon society, and who, as the shameless Christian minister of Detroit, +had put the fire-brand from hell in this woman's hand, to ever after +continue her moral incendiarism wherever she might go, until thrust from +life and infamous memory, and it annoyed me that this sort of a man +should dictate to me. + +I could have disposed of him at one stroke, and I am satisfied that had +I on only one occasion addressed him as the Rev. Mr. Bland, and casually +inquired concerning his old Detroit friends, including Mother Blake, he +would have slunk away without a word or a protest of any kind whatever; +and had I gone farther, and showed him what he himself did not know, +that this woman, whom he was so anxious to have brought down with some +startling development, was none other than the one whom he had led into +a life of sin from the pleasant Nettleton farm-house by the winding +river, and that he was now playing guardian to a man that would have +probably been free from the curse that was hanging over him, had it not +been for Harcout's earlier and more rascally villainy, he would have +disappeared altogether, but I realized that this would not do. It would +have had the effect of putting Lyon at the mercy of a horde of new +ghouls, while the existing one frightened all others away and was in a +measure a protection to Lyon, for he was now only bled by one, where he +would otherwise have been bled by twenty. + +Aside from this, it would have probably resulted in Mrs. Winslow's being +put on her guard, giving her time, not only to cover her tracks in many +criminal instances we had already discovered against her, but also cause +her to prevent witnesses from giving depositions, or, where depositions +had already been taken, give her an opportunity to secure affidavits +from the parties who gave them that they were mistaken as to the +identity of the person named in those instruments, and in other +particulars greatly destroy the effect of the work already done and +that which I had planned; and I was consequently obliged to bear the +fellow's dictatorial manner and suggestions, as he insisted on doing the +work this way or that way, and urged that I was not "pushing things" +fast enough. + +"Why, Mr. Pinkerton," said he one day, his eyebrows elevated and the +corners of his mouth drawn down, his whole face expressive of lofty +condescension and gentle, though firm reproof, "things are going rather +slow--rather slow. Hem! When we brought this case to you, we depended +upon expedition--depended on expedition, Mr. Pinkerton." + +"And have you any cause to complain?" I asked pleasantly. + +"Well, I don't know as we should exactly call it 'complain.' No, I don't +know as we exactly complain; but, if we might be allowed the +privilege--hem!--we would beg to suggest, without giving offence--beg to +suggest, mind you, without giving offence," he repeated, in the most +offensive way possible, "that, if I might be allowed the expression, +things are not pushed quite enough!" + +"On the contrary," I continued good-naturedly, "we have secured what any +good lawyer would consider an overwhelming amount of evidence, and are +letting the woman take her own course, in order to allow her to +completely unwind herself." + +"But you see, Pinkerton, we supposed when we brought the case to you +that you would, so to speak, smash things--break her all up and scatter +her, as it were--hem!--disperse her, you know." + +He said this as though he had taken a contract with Lyon to compel me to +avenge them both on the woman, and it heated my blood to be considered +in the light of any person's hired assassin; but I controlled myself, +and explained the matter to him. + +"Harcout," said I, "do you know anything about my history?" + +"Well, nothing save what I've seen in the newspapers. Merely by +reputation," he added lightly. + +"Well, sir, whatever that reputation may be, Harcout," I said, "this is +the truth. I never, that I know of, did a dishonorable deed. I worked +from a poor boy to whatever position or business standing I now +have--worked hard for everything I got or gained, and I never yet found +it necessary to do dirty work for any person." + +"Quite noble of you--quite noble," said Harcout patronizingly. + +"The detection of criminals," I continued, paying no attention to his +moralizing, "_should_ be as honorable--and so far as I have been able to +do, has been made as honorable--while it is certainly as necessary as +that of any other calling. No element of revenge can enter into my work. +You came to me with a case which I at first objected to take, on account +of its nature. I would not have taken it for all the money Mr. Lyon +possesses, had I not been assured that this Mrs. Winslow was a dangerous +woman. Nor, knowing that she is one, as I now do, would I have any +connection with the case if I found that Mr. Lyon insisted on my using +the peculiar power which I always have at command for any other purpose +than the, in this case, legitimate one of securing evidence against her +which actually exists. I am satisfied that a no more relentless and +terrible woman ever lived, but shall leave her punishment to her +disappointment in not securing what her whole soul is bent on getting, +and that is Lyon's money. I have nothing whatever to do with punishment, +sir, and no person ever did or ever can use my force for that nefarious +purpose!" + +"Oh, exactly--exactly," replied the oily Harcout; "but, you see, we +rather--hem!--expected something startling, you know. Now, for +instance," here he raised his eyebrows and pursed his lips in a wise +way; "supposing you had just ascertained all about her early history, +you would probably have found that Mrs. Winslow had played these games +all her life. Undoubtedly you could point to the very first man whom she +blackmailed----" + +"Undoubtedly," I interrupted, "I'm sure I could do it at this moment!" + +Harcout looked at me quickly, but as I was gazing at the ceiling as if +in deep thought, he went on quite enthusiastically: + +"Exactly. They learn it early. They will swindle at sixteen, rob at +eighteen; blackmail at twenty; and kill a man any time after that!" + +"Why, Harcout are _you_ a woman-hater?" I laughingly asked, +notwithstanding my annoyance. + +"Oh, no," he suddenly replied; "but I had a friend who once suffered +from very much the same sort of a woman as this Mrs. Winslow, and she +was not eighteen years old either. But to resume: Get this point in her +life, and the rest--hem!--the rest reads right on like the chapters of a +book!" + +"And then what?" I ventured to ask. + +"Then what?" he asked indignantly; "go for her through the newspapers. +Drive her out of the country. Make it impossible for her to ever +return;" and then, as if reflecting, "ruin her altogether. Any reporter +will listen to you if you have anybody to ruin! In fact, get up an +excitement about it and show her up." + +"And try your case in the newspapers instead of in the courts?" I added, +"which would have the effect of leaving the matter at the end just where +it was at the beginning, with nothing proven, and Mr. Lyon still at the +mercy of any future surprise the woman might conceive a fancy of +springing upon him." + +But there was no means of changing this lofty gentleman's opinions, and +these interviews were always necessarily closed by the threat on my part +that I would have nothing further to do with the matter if I was not +allowed to conduct my operations according to my own judgment in the +light of my own large experience upon such matters, and Mr. Harcout +would depart in a most dignified and frigid manner, as though it were a +"positively last appearance," only to return the next day with more +objections and a new batch of suggestions, which were given me for +"what they were worth," as he would remark, and we would fight our +battles all over again, with the stereotyped result. + +I saw Mr. Lyon very seldom, and he always approached me in the timid, +reluctant way in which he had come into my office when the case was +first begun; but, contrary to what I had anticipated through Harcout's +injunctions to "push things" and crush the woman out, he approved of my +course throughout, and seemed wonderfully pleased that everything had +been conducted so quietly and yet so effectively. Of course he shrank +from the trial and the miserable sort of publicity all such trials +compel; but he was _more_ fearful of the woman's future unexpected and +sudden sallies upon him, which both he and myself were satisfied would +be made at her convenience or whim, and was only too glad to agree to +any course which would compel silence and peace. + +At Rochester everything was working smoothly. After Bristol had become +located, his first work was to secure the admission to Mrs. Winslow's +rooms of Fox, as Lyford, which was done by representing that, the same +day he had himself gone there, he had suddenly come upon a sort of +relative of his who was a book-keeper in a wholesale house on Mill +street, and who was boarding at the Osborn House, and would be glad to +make some arrangement whereby he might live comfortably, be near his +business, and take his meals when and where he pleased. Thinking he +would be more pleasantly situated, and, at the same time, be able to +economize somewhat, Bristol said he had recommended Mrs. Winslow's +rooms very highly and that Lyford had agreed to call and take a look at +the place, which he did, making a good impression, and arranging to have +his baggage sent the next day. + +The rooms were situated so that the two detectives in a measure had +their quarry surrounded, or, at least, completely flanked. The halls of +the floor intersected each other at right angles at the top of the +stairs, and Mrs. Winslow's reception-room was at the right, as the hall +was entered from the stairway, while her sleeping-room could only be +reached from this sitting-room, although being situated next the hall +running parallel with the front of the building, while Bristol had +shrewdly secured another sleeping-room fronting on St. Paul street, +similar in size to Mrs. Winslow's, adjoining hers, and also, like hers, +opening into the reception-room, which they had agreed to use in common, +as it seemed that the fair landlady was all of a sudden, for some +reason, becoming close and penurious. Fox's room was across the hall +immediately opposite Mrs. Winslow's, as he had expressed a strong desire +to be as near his cousin, Mr. Bristol, as possible, so that by chance +and a little careful work the parties were located with as much +appropriateness as I could possibly have wished for. The operatives each +paid a month's rent in advance, taking receipts for the same, and +immediately began paying particular attention to all parties who came in +and out of the building, circulated freely among the Spiritualists of +the city, and got on as good terms as possible with the charming +landlady, who seemed at times to be a little suspicious of her +surroundings, as it introduced altogether too many strange faces to suit +a person who had a no clearer conscience than she had. + +From the gay, dashing woman she had been, she became unpleasantly +suspicious. She explained this to Bristol and Fox as arising from +unfavorable visions and revelations from the spirits through the +different mediums she had employed to give her the truth about her case +with Lyon. The rooms had filled up rapidly with people whom the +operatives had taken pains to ascertain all about, and who, as a rule, +were honest folks; but Mrs. Winslow could not get it out of her mind +that some of them were spies from Lyon, and were watching her in +everything that she did. + +There had been nothing whatever done to alarm her on the part of my men; +but the fact alone that here were a dozen people all about her, any one +of whom might at any time spring some sudden harm upon her, began to +affect her as the fear she had all her life inspired in others had +affected them; and she began to form a habit of talking pleasantly on +ordinary subjects, and then turning abruptly and almost fiercely upon +Bristol and Fox, who were now the only persons left whom she would at +all trust--even distrusting them--with a series of questions so vital, +and given with such wonderful rapidity, that it required the best +efforts of the operatives to parry her home-thrusts and quiet her +regarding them. + +It was a question in my mind whether she had laid by a large sum of +money or not. Years before she had several thousand dollars; up to the +time she came to Rochester she had had the reputation of never paying a +bill, and, however hedged in she might be by justice, jury, constables, +or sheriff, she not only escaped incarceration, but beat them all +without paying any manner of tribute. She had done a fair business in +duping Spiritualists and other weak-minded people while in Rochester; +she had evidently levied upon Devereaux often and largely, and to my +certain knowledge had taken some thousands of dollars from Lyon, and I +was at a loss to know why she was growing so grasping and exacting as +the reports showed was true of her; for she soon complained of being +poor, levied additional assessment for care of the rooms, insisted upon +her tenants receiving sittings at a good round price from her, and in +general dropped the veneer which had formerly made her extremely +fascinating, and became, save in exceptional moments of good nature, a +masculine, repulsive shrew, who, with a slight touch of hideousness, +might have passed for a stage witch or a neighborhood plague. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + + Mrs. Winslow becomes confidential.-- Some of her Exploits.-- + Her Plans.-- A Sample of Legal Pleading.-- A fishy + Story.-- The Adventuress as a Somnambulist.-- Detective + Bristol virtuously indignant.-- Failing to win the + "Retired Banker," Mrs. Winslow assails Detective Fox with + her Charms. + + +After a time Bristol and Fox became Mrs. Winslow's only confidants. +Their business was to become so, and they successfully accomplished +their object. As Bristol said in one of his reports: "Only set her +tongue wagging, and she spouts away as irresistibly as an artesian +well." + +Had she been possessed of womanly instinct in the slightest degree, this +would have been impossible. But being a male in everything save her +physical structure, it was quite natural that she should hobnob with +those most congenial; and as she had antagonized all her lodgers save my +operatives, and they made a particular effort to keep up a good-natured +familiarity, the three were certainly on as easy terms as possible, and +passed the autumn evenings, which were growing long now, in conversation +of an exceedingly varied nature, with an occasional sitting or seance, +and not infrequently a visitation of spirits of more material character; +and the following are a few of the many facts in this way brought out, +and by Bristol and Fox transmitted to me at New York in their daily mail +reports. + +In one of Mrs. Winslow's peregrinations, probably for blackmail +purposes, she secured the indictment in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, +of one George Hodges, for swindling. He was not at that time arrested, +but a year or so after, finding that he was in Cincinnati, and claiming +that he was a non-resident, had him arrested as a fugitive from justice. +When the case was called before an obscure justice, no prosecuting +witness appeared, whereupon Hodges was discharged and at once secured a +warrant against her for perjury, but afterwards withdrew it. Meantime +the woman shook the dust of Cincinnati from her feet and repaired to St. +Louis, where she began several suits against parties there, notably one +against a leading daily newspaper of that city, from which she +afterwards secured one thousand dollars damages for libel. She +afterwards swung around the circle to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where +she obtained from the Governor of that State a requisition on the +Governor of Ohio, at Columbus, upon whom she waited and requested him to +designate her as the person to whom should be delegated the power under +the law to convey the fugitive, Hodges, to the Keystone State; but the +private secretary of the Governor of Ohio suspecting that the person who +had presented the papers, and for whose benefit they had been issued, +would make improper use of them, they were returned to the Governor of +Pennsylvania, whereupon she had made Columbus ring with denunciations +of gubernatorial corruption, and threatened to cause the impeachment of +Pennsylvania's Executive, although those two commonwealths were never +completely shattered by her. + +Again in conversation regarding her case, which now seemed never out of +her mind or off her tongue, she informed Bristol confidentially that she +intended keeping Lyon in the dark altogether, giving him and his counsel +no inkling as to what course she intended to pursue, which would so +worry him that he would be glad to settle for at least twenty-five +thousand dollars, rather than have the case come to trial and be exposed +as she would expose him; and if he did not settle at the last moment, +she would have subpoenas issued for Lyon's mother-in-law, all his +children, several other women who, the spirits had revealed, had been +similarly betrayed, and even Lyon himself, and then she _would_ make a +sensation. + +At this stage she was positive he would settle, as she knew he was half +worried to death about the matter; and besides this, he knew that she +knew he had told a certain lawyer of the city that he had once loved her +better than any other woman on earth, and the only reason he had +discarded her was that he was sure her love had taken hold on his pocket +and forsaken himself. + +She had signed a release of all claims, but she would stoutly maintain +that it was fraudulently secured, which would only further establish the +fact that she had had a valid claim upon him. Nor did she fear the +opposing counsel. She was lawyer enough to attend to her own case, she +said. Her legal knowledge helped her through many a difficulty, and as +she had been lawyer enough to file a declaration, she could get a +rejoinder in shape whenever the answer should appear upon the court +records. Oh, she knew how to handle a jury; she had done it before! In +_this_ case she would say: "Gentlemen of the jury:--There are many who +believe that I merely seek for money. This is not true. I ask for a +verdict that I may gain a husband. For all of the injury that I have +received--lost time, lost money, lost reputation, years of suspense and +hope deferred--I only ask for a verdict in consonance with what a man in +Lyon's position should be compelled to give to one so grossly wronged. +Gentlemen, if you give me a heavy verdict, you give me Mr. Lyon. I say +this in all sincerity--yes, as a proof of my sincerity. I want the man, +not his money; and a heavy verdict gives me the man, for Mr. Lyon is so +penurious that he will marry me rather than pay the amount I claim. With +him, he has so won my whole being, even in poverty I would feel richer +than to live without him the possessor of millions!" + +In delivering this eloquent peroration, Mrs. Winslow in reality rose +upon a chair, and, figuratively, upon the giddy altitude of her dignity, +and tossing back her head, elevating her eyebrows, looking peculiarly +fierce with her great gray eyes, and flinging the back of her right hand +into the palm of her left with quick, ringing strokes, delighted her +audience of operatives, and male and female Spiritualists, who on this +occasion crowded the reception-room and cheered their hostess as she +descended from her improvised rostrum to order something to refill the +glasses which had been enthusiastically emptied to her overwhelming +success. + +When business was dull with the woman, she would be certain to retain +the company of the detectives, as it seemed that she was beginning to +avoid being left alone as much as possible, and would, under no +circumstances, allow them both to be absent at the same time. Though +ordinarily careful of, and close with, her money, to keep my men at home +on these, to her, dreary evenings, she would send for cigars, liquor, +and choice fruits, and after considerable urging they would remain, when +the conversation would invariably turn upon the Winslow-Lyon case, or +some incident in the fair plaintiff's eventful life, which the gentlemen +as invariably listened to with the closest interest and attention. + +On one occasion Spiritualism was being discussed, when Mrs. Winslow +touched on her early history, and the revelation then made to her which +in after-life convinced her of the possession of supernatural powers. +Her father had had several boxes of honey stolen from his bee-hives, +when she was but a little girl. Search was made for them in every +possible direction, but no trace of them could be found, whereupon she +conveniently went into a trance, the first she had ever experienced, +continuing in that state several hours, and finally awakening from it +terribly exhausted. But the trance brought the honey, for a wonderful +vision came upon her, wherein spirit-forms appeared clothed in +overwhelming radiance, and, after caressing her spiritual form for some +time, and making her realize that she was an accepted child of Light, +pointed their dazzling celestial fingers towards an old hollow stump +standing at the side of the road leading towards town. So powerful and +penetrating was the light which radiated from these spirits that it +seemed to permeate the stump, leaving its form perfect as ever, but +making it wholly translucent, so that she could see the boxes of honey +piled up within the stump as clearly as though she had been standing +beside it and it had been made of glass. She gave this information to +her father, who ridiculed the revelation, but was both curious and +desirous of getting the honey, and went to the old stump, where he found +the boxes uninjured and piled in precisely the same manner as described +by his precocious child; all of which was related as if thoroughly +believed--as it doubtless was--in a voice as hollow and mysterious as +the stump itself, while the operatives preserved the utmost gravity and +decorum, and impressed her in every way with their belief in her varied +and wonderful power. + +Her affection for Bristol continued for a few weeks unabated, and her +most powerful arts were used in endeavoring to compel him to reciprocate +it. These attempts went as far as a naturally lewd and naturally shrewd +woman dare go--so far, in fact, that in one and the last instance they +became absurdly ridiculous. There was no bolt upon the door of either of +their sleeping-rooms, and, besides, it was necessary for Bristol to +either retire first or step into Fox's room for a little chat, or a +sociable smoke, as Mrs. Winslow had an unpleasant and persistent habit +of disrobing for the night in the reception-room. + +One evening, after Mrs. Winslow had given a select seance to a few +admiring friends, including my detectives, Bristol had hurried off to +bed, being tired of the mummery, and after being obliged to listen for +some time to her tumblings and tappings about the room, had finally +fallen into a peaceful doze of a few minutes' duration, when he was +awakened by that undefinable yet irresistibly increasing sense of some +sort of a presence, which often takes from one the power of expression, +or action, but intensifies the mind's faculties. The gas in the +reception-room had been turned low, and his door had been softly opened. +The rooms were quite dark, but the light from the street-lamps were +sufficient to show him the plump outlines of a form which he felt sure +that if it had had an orthodox amount of clothing upon it he could +recognize. It certainly seemed to be the form of a woman, and her long, +dishevelled black hair fell all about her shoulders and below her waist, +while her _robe de nuit_ trailed behind her with fear-inspiring, +tremulous rustlings. On came the robust ghost, and in the weird gloaming +which filled the apartment, he saw the mysterious thing moving towards +him, and in a sort of frenzy of excitement yelled: + +"Who's that?" + +No answer; but the slow, firm pace of the apparition came nearer to +Bristol's bedside, and he partially rose upon his knees as if to defend +himself. + +"Say!--you!" shouted Bristol, "get--get out of here!" + +But the ghostly figure came on as resistless as fate until it reached +his bedside. By this time he had risen to his feet and was edging along +the wall to escape, when to his horror he saw the spectre bound into the +bed he had so expeditiously vacated and reach for him with a very +business-like grasp which he nimbly eluded, and with a series of bounds +and scrambles reached the floor. He stood where he had struck for a +moment, addressing some very decided and italicized remarks to the +lively ghost in his bed, and then, in one grand burst of virtuous +indignation, made an impetuous dive at the figure, caught it by one of +its very plump arms, brought the ghost from the bed with a mighty +effort, and securing its left ear with his right hand, trotted the +animated shadow out of his room and into the reception-room right up to +the pier-glass, and then turning on one of the jets at its side, said to +the magnificent ghost, in a voice husky from excitement and rage: + +"Woman! if you ever do that thing again, I'll--I'll--aren't you ashamed +of yourself, Mrs. Winslow?" + +At the sound of her name, and after a few moments' apparently bewildered +reflection, Mrs. Winslow opened her eyes, which had previously remained +closed, and in an affectedly startled way gasped: + +"Oh! where am I? what _have_ you been trying to do with me, Mr. +Bristol?" + +To have seen the couple thus in the full gaslight before the +pier-glass, which both reflected and intensified the odd situation--the +woman, held to the mirror so that she might more startlingly view the +result of her gauzy pretence at somnambulism, and the man, in his +night-shirt, his limp night-cap dangling from his neck upon his +shoulder, the ring of stubby gray hair around his head raised by +excitement until it almost hid the glistening baldness above, his legs +bare below the knees, but with a face so full of virtuous resentment at +the scandalous and shallow scheme of the woman to implicate him in +something disgraceful, that his uprightness clothed him as with fine +raiment--would have been to have witnessed the apotheosis of sublimely +triumphant virtue and the defeat of shame. + +"What have _I_ been trying to do with _you_?" shouted the now enraged +Bristol; "that's all very fine; but what have _you_ been trying to do +with _me_, madam?" + +"Why, didn't I ever tell you that I often walk in my sleep?" she asked +with apparent innocence; and then, as if noticing for the first time how +meagrely both herself and her companion were clad, gave vent to a +half-smothered "Oh!--shame on you, Mr. Bristol!" and broke away from +him, running into her own room, while Bristol, after walking back and +forth in a state of high nervous excitement for some time, muttering, +and shaking his fist towards her room, finally smoothed his rebellious +locks so as to admit of the readjustment of his night-cap, and trotted +fiercely to bed, never more to be disturbed by sleep-walking female +Spiritualists. + +There was nothing in all this save a quite common and silly attempt on +the part of the adventuress to get some of the hard-earned money of +which she thought he was possessed, and it disgusted her that he was no +more appreciative than to look upon her charms, that had set the heads +of so many other men all awhirl, with such a cool and impressionless +regard for them. + +This latter fact bothered her probably fully as much as in not being +able to get at his bank account, and she finally settled into a sort of +suspicious dislike of him, and turned her attention to Fox, who, being a +quiet sort of a fellow, with less brusqueness than Bristol, was not so +well fitted to keep her at arm's length, and was consequently +immediately the recipient of her torrent-like attentions, caresses, and +confidence. + +A book-keeper was the next thing to a retired banker--sometimes even +better off, Mrs. Winslow thought; and, believing that Fox was the +book-keeper he represented himself to be, she conceived the idea of +travelling during the pendency of the suit, and gave Fox glowing +accounts of the vast sums of money they could make if she only had so +presentable a man as he for a sort of agent, manager, and protector. + +One afternoon Fox came in early, and said that as he was suffering +severely from headache he had been excused from his duties, and had come +home for rest. He passed into his own room and laid down upon his bed, +where he was immediately followed by the woman, who threw herself +passionately into his arms, declaring that he was the only man whom she +had ever really and truly loved, and terminated her expressions of ardor +by a proposition that he should "get hold of a big pile down there to +the store," as she expressed it, and fly to some quiet spot where they +might revel in love and all that the term implies. + +Had he been a book-keeper instead of what he was, and able to secure any +large sum of money, she would have probably so bedevilled him that he +would have become a criminal for life for the sake of gratifying his +passion and her demands, and in a week after she would have had +nine-tenths of the money, and Fox would have been a penniless fugitive +from justice. + +He had more trouble than Bristol in dispossessing the mind of the +adventuress of the idea that he was not the man to allow her to become +his Delilah; but when this was done, and she disgustedly realized that +not all men were ready to sell themselves body and soul for her +embraces, while she was indignant and suspicious, yet a sort of easy +confidence was established between the mysterious three, which brought +out a good many strong points in her character, and at the same time led +to the securing of a large amount of evidence against her. In fact, it +seemed that so soon as she thoroughly understood the, to her, novel +situation of being in constant contact with two men who, though probably +no better than average men, were still from the nature of their business +compelled to be above reproach in all their association with her, her +self-assertion and consciousness of power, which she had been able to +assert over nearly every man with whom she came in contact, in a measure +left her, and she became, at least to my operatives, an ordinary woman, +whose inherent vileness, low cunning, and splendid physical perfection, +were her only distinguishing characteristics. This was all natural +enough, for I had compelled these men to be her almost constant +companions, and as they had been with her long enough to drive away any +superfluous constraint, and she had found both of them unassailable, +though sociable and agreeable, her conversation, which chiefly concerned +herself, became as utterly devoid of decency as her life had been, so +that no incident of rehearsed romance of herself lost any of its +piquancy by unnecessary assumption of modesty in its narration. + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + + A Female Spiritualist's Ideas of Political and Social + Economy.-- The Weaknesses of Judges.-- Legal Acumen of the + Adventuress.-- An unfriendly Move.-- Harcout attacked.-- + Lilly Nettleton and the Rev. Mr. Bland again together.-- A + Whirlwind. + + +One evening, after Mrs. Winslow had had a very busy day with her +spiritualistic customers, which had become quite unusual, she showed +herself to be more than ordinarily communicative, undoubtedly on account +of the spirits which had kept her such close company, and at once +started in upon an edifying explanation of her political views, and +confided to Bristol and Fox, as illustrative of her high political +influence, that certain officers of the Government only held their lease +of office through her leniency. + +From this she verged into political and social economy, stating her +earnest belief to be that every man should have a military education, +and that if they were found to be unfit physically to withstand the +rigors of a military life, they should be immediately condemned to +death, and thus be summarily disposed of. And so, too, with women. There +should be appointed a capable examining board, and wherever a woman was +found wanting in physical ability to meet every demand made upon her by +her affinities through life, she should also be instantly deprived of +existence. She maintained that there should be a continuous and eternal +natural selection of the best of these mental and physical conditions, +just the same as the stock-raiser bred and inbred the finest animals to +secure a still finer type, and that all persons, male or female, failing +to reach a certain fit standard of perfection in this regard, should be +condemned to death. She would have no marriage save that sanctioned by +the supreme love of one eternal moment; and shamelessly claimed that +passion was the real base of all love, and that, consequently, it was +but a farce on either justice or purity that men and women should be by +law condemned to lives of miserable companionship. In this connection +she held that not half the men and women were fit to live, and were she +the world's ruler she would preside at the axe and the block half of her +waking hours. + +These sentiments were quite in keeping with her expressions concerning +the late war, her gratification at Lincoln's assassination, and her +threats that she had President Johnson in her power through her +knowledge of some transactions in Tennessee. This was, of course, all +silly talk, but it showed the woman's tendencies and disposition, and +enabled Bristol and Fox to gradually lead her into narrations of +portions of her own career during and after the war. + +She boasted of her ability in fastening herself upon a command, or +military post, by getting some one of the leading officers in her power +so they dare not drive her beyond the lines, and then, when the +soldiers were paid off, getting them within her apartments, drugging +them, robbing them, and finally securing their arrest for absence +without leave. She claims that in this way she often made over five +hundred dollars daily, and would then buy drafts on northern banks, not +daring to keep the thousands of dollars about her which would frequently +accrue. + +Interspersed with these narratives were numberless tales of adventure +wherein Mrs. Winslow, under her _aliases_ of the different periods +referred to, had been the heroine, and where her shrewdness and daring, +she wished my operatives to understand, had brought utter dismay to each +of her opponents, all of which had for its point and moral that she was +not a person to be trifled with, as Mr. Lyon would eventually ascertain +to his sorrow. + +To more thoroughly impress this, in another instance the question of +being watched and annoyed by Lyon or his agents arose, when she insisted +to Bristol that Fox was a detective, and to Fox that Bristol was one, +and then abruptly accused them both of the same offence, expressing +great indignity at the assumed outrage; and when they had succeeded in +partially pacifying her, she turned on them savagely, saying that they +had better bear in mind that she did not care whether they were +detectives or not; that she was a pure woman--an innocent woman; but +still, she wanted not only them, if they _were_ detectives, but all the +world, to understand that she was capable of taking care of herself, +whoever might assail her. Evidently the good legal mind which the woman +certainly possessed had reverted to her criminal acts in other portions +of the country, for she asserted very violently that, should Lyon +undertake to have her conveyed to any other State upon a requisition to +answer to trumped-up charges for the purpose of weakening her case, she +would shoot the first man that attempted her arrest; and that, if +finally overpowered by brute force, she would still circumvent him by +securing a continuance of the trial at Rochester, and make that sort of +persecution itself tell against "the gray-headed old sinner," as she +most truthfully called him. + +She further remarked, with a meaning leer, that she never had any +trouble with the judges. They were generally old men, she had noticed, +and her theory was that old men, even if they were judges, had a quiet +way of looking after the interests of as fine-appearing women as she +was; and even if they did not have, her powers of divination were so +wonderful that she could at any time go into the trance state and +ascertain everything necessary to direct her to success, giving as an +illustration a circumstance where a certain St. Louis daily newspaper +had grossly libelled her, whereupon she had sued its proprietors for ten +thousand dollars, retaining two lawyers to attend to her case. When it +came to trial her counsel failed to appear. With the aid of the spirits +she grasped the situation at once, and, showing Judge Moody a receipt +for attorneys' fees amounting to two hundred dollars which she had paid +them, pleaded personally for a continuance until the next day, which he +granted, showing her conclusively that he was in sympathy with her. She +then went home, and, again calling on the spirits, they revealed to her +that she should win a victory. + +So she read all the papers in the case, in order to acquaint herself +with the leading points, and then subpoenaed her witnesses. Having +everything well prepared, she proceeded to the court-room the next day, +and on the case being called, the spirit of George Washington instantly +appeared. It had a beautiful bright flame about its head, and floated +about promiscuously through the upper part of the room. She was certain +that it was a good omen, but it was a long time before she could get any +definite materialization from the blessed ministering angel from the +other side of the river. After a time, however, George's kind eyes +beamed upon her with unmistakable friendliness, and the nimbus, or +flame, that shone from his venerable head in all directions, finally +shot in a single incandescent jet towards the head of the judge; and +immediately after, the gauzy Father of his Country placed his hands upon +the former's head, as if in benediction. This was a heavenly revelation +to her that the judge was with her, as afterwards proved true. + +George stayed there until the trial was ended, which she conducted in +her own behalf, constantly feeling that she herself was being upheld by +strong, though invisible hands. When the jury was being impanelled, the +flame, with an angry, red appearance, pointed to those men who were +prejudiced against her, to whom she objected, and they were invariably +thrown out of the panel; while all through the trial the judge insisted +that there should be no advantage taken of her, if she had been forsaken +by her counsel; and with the aid of Washington she won a splendid +victory, securing a judgment of one thousand dollars, which was paid; +and there are scores of lawyers and newspaper men in St. Louis who will +remember this case, that know of the woman and her almost ceaseless +litigation in that action, and who will also recollect that she did get +a thousand dollars from one of the leading newspapers there. + +Her cunning and shamelessness were largely commented upon at the time; +but it was reserved for Mrs. Winslow to inform the world, through my +operatives, that George Washington ever descended to this grade of +pettifogging. It can only be accounted for through a knowledge of that +peculiar system of religion which gives to the very dregs of society a +mysterious, and therefore terrible power, whether assumed or otherwise, +over its better elements for their annoyance, persecution, and downfall. + +There was also a poetical and religious element in the woman's +composition which very well accorded with her superstitiousness. This +was quite strongly developed by a liberal supply of liquor, which she +never failed to use whenever she became worried and excited over the +coming trial, both of which begat in her impulses for certain lines of +conduct exactly the reverse of those counselled by her more quiet, +calculating reflections. + +One pleasant October day, when suffering from a peculiarly severe attack +of romantic fancies, she conceived the idea of breaking through all her +stern resolves relative to not seeing Lyon, and making one more effort +to win him back to her altogether, or so affect him by her fascinating +appearance that he would be glad to settle with her at any reasonable +figure he might name--say twenty-five or fifty thousand dollars. + +It was a pleasant fancy, and Bristol and Fox were exceedingly interested +as they noticed her excited preparations for her expedition of conquest. +She sang like a bird, and the bright color came into her face as she +tripped about, busied in the unusual employment. All the forenoon she +dressed and undressed, posing and balancing before the pier-glass like a +_danseuse_ at practice, studying the effect of different colors, shades, +and shapes, until at last, having decided in what dress she should +appear the most bewitching, she retired for a long sleep, so as to rest +her features and give her eyes their old-time lustre. + +At about two o'clock she awakened, and, after dressing in a most +elaborate and elegant manner, at once started out upon her novel +expedition to the Arcade. + +The Arcade in Rochester is a distinct and somewhat noted place in that +city. It has nearly the width of the average street, and extends the +distance of a short block--from Main Street to Exchange Place--being +nearly in the geographical, as well as in the actual business center of +the city. It is covered with a heavy glass roofing, filled on either +side by numerous book and notion stalls, brokers' offices, and the +offices of wealthy manufacturers whose business requires a down-town +office, and is also, as it has been from almost time immemorial, the +location of the post-office; so that, as the thoroughfare leads directly +from the Union Depot to the uptown hotels, it is constantly thronged +with people, and is the spot in that city where the largest crowd may be +collected at the slightest possible notice. + +To Mrs. Winslow's credit it should be said that up to this time she had +kept so remarkably quiet that public scandal had nearly died away, and +as she had gone into the different newspaper offices with some of the +wicked old light burning in her eyes, and "warned" them concerning +libelling her, both she and her suit were no longer causing much remark; +but now, when she was seen majestically bearing down Main street, with +considerable fire in her fine eyes, determination in her compressed +lips, and the inspiration of resolve in every feature of her handsome +though masculine face, there were many who, knowing the woman, felt sure +there was to be a scene, and by the time she had turned from Main street +into the Arcade quite a number were unconsciously following her. After +she had got into the Arcade she attracted a great deal of attention in +sweeping back and forth through that thoroughfare, as in passing Lyon's +offices she gave her head that peculiarly ludicrous inclination that all +women affect when they are particularly anxious to be noticed, but also +particularly anxious to not have it noticed that they wish to be +noticed; and continued her promenade, each time brushing the windows of +Lyon's offices with her ample skirts, and growing more and more +indignant that nobody appeared to be interested in her exhibition, save +the lookers-on within the Arcade, who were increasing rapidly in +numbers. + +This seemed to exasperate the woman beyond measure, and finally, after +casting a hurried glance or two through the half-open door, she +apparently nerved herself for the worst and made a plunge into the +office, while the crowd closed about the door. + +Bristol had of course felt it his duty to inform Mr. Lyon of the fair +lady's intended demonstration, and the latter had judiciously found it +convenient to transact some important business in another part of the +city on that afternoon; but the elegant Harcout had bravely volunteered +to throw himself into the breach and bear the brunt of the battle--in +other words, sacrifice himself for his friend, and was consequently +sitting at Lyon's desk behind the railing, which formed a sort of a +private office at one side of the general office, as Mrs. Winslow, pale +with rage and humiliated to exasperation, came sweeping into the room. + +"Ah, how d'ye do, ma'am?" said Harcout blandly, but never looking up +from his desk, at which he pretended to be very busily engaged. "Bless +my soul, you seem to be very much excited!" + +"Sir!" said Mrs. Winslow, interrupting him violently, "I want none of +your 'madams' or 'bless my souls.' I want Lyon, you puppy!" + +"Ah, exactly, exactly," replied Mr. Lyon's protector with the greatest +apparent placidity, though with a shade of nervousness in his voice; +"but you see, my dear, you can't have him!" + +It was not the first time this man had called this woman "my dear," nor +was it the first time he had attempted to beat back her overpowering +passion. Had he known it as Mr. Harcout, or had she recognized him as +Mrs. Winslow, it would have made the interview more dramatic than it +was--perhaps a thread of tragedy might have crept in; as it was, +however, she only savagely retorted that she wouldn't have him, but she +would see him if he was in, whether or no. + +"Well, my dear good woman," continued Harcout soothingly, but edging as +far from the railing and his caller as possible, "he isn't in, and that +settles that. Further, you can't have, or see, him _or_ his money, and +that settles that. So you had best quietly go home like a good woman and +settle all this," concluded Harcout winningly and yet impressively, and +with the tone of a Christian counsellor. + +The crowd laughed and jeered at this grave and sarcastic advice, and it +seemed to madden her. Raising her closed sunshade and hissing, "_I'll_ +settle this!" she rushed towards Harcout, struck at him fiercely, +following up the attack with quick and terrific blows, which completely +demolished the parasol and drove him nimbly from place to place in his +efforts to avoid the effects of her wrath. + +For the next few moments there was a small whirlwind in Lyon's offices. +The railing was too high for Mrs. Winslow to leap, or she certainly +would have scaled it. Harcout could not retreat but a certain distance, +or he certainly would have sought safety in flight. So the whirlwind was +created by rapid and savage leaps of Mrs. Winslow, as if to jump the +railing and fall bodily upon her victim, and at every bound the woman +made, the shattered parasol waved aloft and came down with keen +certainty and stinging swiftness, upon such portions of the gilt-edged +gentleman as could be most conveniently reached. + +It is difficult to realize what the woman would have done in her mad +passion, had not a lucky circumstance occurred. She and Harcout had +never met since the time when, in the face of her robbery of him, she +had unblushingly compelled him to wed her to the credulous Dick Hosford +at the Michigan Exchange Hotel in Detroit; and had she now recognized +him as the villain who had made her what she was, it is a question +whether she would not have made a finish of him there and then. But some +one in the crowd raised the cry of "Police!" which sobered her at once, +and, giving the tattered remnant of her sunshade a wicked pitch into +Harcout's face, she turned quickly, shot into the Arcade as the crowd +made way for her and quickened her speed by wild jibes and taunts, until +she had reached the street, where, in a dazed, hunted sort of way, she +hailed a passing cab, sprang into it, and was driven rapidly away. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + + Mrs. Winslow, under the Influence of "Spirits" of an earthly + Order, becomes romantic, religious, and poetical.-- A + Trance.-- Detective Bristol also proves a Poet.-- A Drama + to be written. + + +When the evening came and Mrs. Winslow came with it, she was observed to +be in a high state of nervous and vinous excitement, and at such times +she contrived to inaugurate a series of actions which proved not only +interesting, but illustrative of her strange character. + +She declared to Bristol and Fox that the Lord was hardening Lyon's heart +as in the olden times the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, so that he +should rush upon his fated disgrace as the Egyptian king rushed upon his +fate while forcing the children of Israel into deliverance, and +destruction upon himself; and like the unrelenting Mrs. Clennam in +"Little Dorrit," had at command any number of scriptural parallels to +prove the righteousness of her sin. This sort of blasphemy is the most +pitiable imaginable, and to hear the woman in her semi-intoxicated, +semi-crazed condition, mingling her vile catch-words with scraps of +spiritualistic sayings, snatches of holy songs, couplets of roystering +ballads, and crowning the hideousness of the whole with countless Bible +quotations, was to be in the presence of supreme garrulousness, +temperamental religious frenzy, and superstitious vileness. + +It appeared that after she had escaped from the excitement she had +created in the Arcade, she had been driven to the apartments of every +clairvoyant of note in the city and had a "sitting" with each. In her +excited condition, and being noted for having plenty of money, it was +both easy to rob her and secure what was uppermost in her mind. +Consequently, it was revealed to her by every medium that Lyon would +settle with her for a large sum of money. + +One medium averred that in her vision Lyon was seen, as it were, bending +a suppliant at her feet, and, at the last moment, admiring her character +as much as fearing the nature of the testimony he knew she could bring +against him, he declared his love for her and begged that they might be +married in open court. + +Another depicted the sorrows she would be obliged to endure before her +affairs culminated. She would be watched, annoyed, harassed; but her way +would be well watched by the spirit-forms which were evidently floating +around promiscuously to protect the pests of society; and, whether she +got the man or not, she should share his fortune. This much could be +surely promised. + +Another was wonderfully favored with divine "spirit light" upon the +subject--so favored, indeed, that time without number her other-life had +insensibly and unconsciously wandered away in search of correct +information regarding the result of the Winslow-Lyon suit, and, without +her volition or bidding, it had delved into the mysteries for her +suffering sister. She could assure her suffering sister, the clairvoyant +said, that Lyon was spiritually at her feet. All the trouble had arisen +between them from Mrs. Winslow's standing upon a higher spiritual plane +than Mr. Lyon. He, as was natural to man, had more of the sensual +element beclouding his spirit-life. Now, pleaded the clairvoyant, +couldn't she adjust an average between them? She was certain--yes, the +spirits, who never lie, had positively revealed to her that all that was +needed was some one to properly discover each of these affinities to the +other. In any case, all would eventually be well, and there was peace, +prosperity, and a large amount of money in waiting for her. + +This sort of absurdity was related by Mrs. Winslow to an unlimited +extent that evening, as the three sipped the liquor she had provided, +and she insisted with great fervor that all these revelations strongly +corroborated the light she herself had received on the same subject. + +As a long pause ensued after one of these heated asseverations, Bristol +ventured to ask how she had been enlightened concerning the matter. + +Raising her flushed face towards the ceiling, then lifting her right arm +above her head and holding it there for a moment, she allowed it to +slowly descend with a coiling, serpentine motion, when she burst into a +sudden ecstasy of speech, movement and feature, and partly as in answer +to the inquiry, and partly as if struck with a swift and irresistible +inspiration, she said in a low, unearthly voice, and with weird effect: + +"Yes, yes, I hear your angel voices calling; I see your beautiful forms; +I feel your tender fingers touching my aching head; I am listening to +your sweet, soft whispers. Ah! what is it you say?--yes, yes, yes! You +_are_ with me. You will watch over and guard me. You will ward off the +evil influences that surround me, and despite the darkness which +envelops me, even as the glorious sun leaps from his couch of crimson +and with his burnished lances drives the grim hosts of shadows before +him with the speed of the light!--What! are you now leaving?" + +Here Mrs. Winslow gasped and kicked with her pretty feet alarmingly. + +"What--what is that?--that rosy, effulgent light that fills all space? +Ah, yes! I see they beckon for me to look up, to not be cast down or +despair. I _will_ look up. See! in their hands are long, feathery wands +with which they sweep the flaming sky, while across its burnished arc I +see, yes, I see in letters of purple that oft-recurring +legend--_Twenty-five thousand dollars!_" + +Now, although I am not arguing this question of Spiritualism, and am +only giving to the public the history so far as I dare of an +extraordinary woman and practical Spiritualist, I cannot resist asking +the question, or putting forward the theory, which, during the progress +of this case particularly, and a thousand times before and since in a +general way, has irresistibly forced itself into my mind. I give it in +all fairness, I am sure, and only with a view that it may dispel +certain feelings of squeamishness with which a good many people approach +the subject to investigate it. I may be accused of presenting it with +too little delicacy; but the public must recollect that the nature of my +business compels me _to get at the truth_ of things, and to do that, +matters must in a majority of cases be handled without gloves. This is +my only excuse, and perhaps it may be a good defence; but in any event +this is the question: Has there ever been a so-called Spiritual +"manifestation" that has not subsequently been explained as trickery by +persons more credible of belief than its medium or originator? After +that has been answered in the affirmative, for it can be answered in no +other way, all there is left of this Spiritualistic structure is, how +account for such exhibitions as that given by Mrs. Winslow and those +given by others of her craft, even granting their personal purity, which +is undoubtedly exceptional? + +This is the question which has oftenest come into my mind in my +necessarily almost constant study of these people, and the answers, +though continually varying, have all eventually forced upon me the +conviction that this religion, as it is sacrilegiously called, only +takes hold of people of abnormal or diseased temperaments--people +diseased in mind, in morals, in body, or in all; and if that is true, as +I sincerely believe it to be, the dignifying of a disease or infirmity +as a religion is simply an absurdity too foolish for even ridicule. + +She sat rigid as a church-spire for a few moments, as if the sight of +so much money, even if only in purple letters upon a burnished sky, had +transfixed her, and then, after a little hysterical struggling, became +as limp as a camp-meeting tent after a thunder-storm; and after a few +passes of her long, white and deft fingers over her eyes in a scared +way, asked, "Oh, gentlemen, where--where am I?" + +"On the boundaries of the spirit-land," gravely replied Bristol, pushing +the bottle of liquor to the side of the table. + +The woman was certainly exhausted, for she had worked herself into such +a state mentally--precisely the same as in all similar demonstrations, +whether visions are claimed to be seen, or not--that she was completely +enervated physically, and said in a really grateful tone, "Thank you, +Mr. Bristol," and, pouring out a large portion of liquor, tossed it off +at one gulp, like a well-practised bar-room toper. + +"Yes, yes," she continued languidly, "I have a certain promise of +eventually being victorious. When the good spirits are with one, there's +no cause for fear." + +"Not the slightest," affirmed Fox sympathetically. + +"But it seems," replied Mrs. Winslow in a discouraged, desolate tone, +"as though everybody's hand is raised against me--as though the dreary +days pass so slowly--and that I haven't a true friend in the world!" + +"My dear Mrs. Winslow," interrupted Bristol in a calm, fatherly, even +affectionate tone, "that melancholy's all very fine; but we are your +friends, and we will stand by you through thick and thin to the end of +the suit. A few fast friends, you know, are better than a thousand +sunny-weather friends." + +"Oh, yes; oh, yes," returned the woman in a tone of voice that said, "I +can't argue this, but I somehow _know_ you are both betraying me," and +then, closing her eyes, and clasping her hands tightly together, sang in +a weird contralto voice, cracked and unsteady from her excitement and +exhaustion, some stanza of an evidently religious nature, the burden of +which was: + + "I am weary, weary waiting + While the shadows deeper fall; + I am weary, weary waiting + For some holy voice's call!" + +Undoubtedly the song, though desecrated by the singer, the place, and +the occasion, was a wailing plaint from the depths of the woman's soul, +for moments of utter desolation and absolute remorse come to even such +as she. + +"Now," said Bristol, becoming suddenly interested, "I'm something of a +poet myself. When the seat of government was moved from Quebec to +Ottawa, I constructed a lampoon on the government that set all Canada +awhirl. Really, Mrs. Winslow, I'm surprised at your poetical nature." + +"Poetical nature?" repeated the woman excitedly. "Why! that is what Lyon +loved in me most. My trance-sittings are wonderful exhibitions of +poetical power. In that state I can compose poems of great length and +power." + +The gentlemen of course seemed incredulous at this statement, and +challenged her to a test of her poetical trance-power, which she +instantly accepted, the wager being a quart of the best brandy that +could be had in the city of Rochester. + +Putting herself in position, she asked: "What subject?" Bristol replied, +"Lyon," when she struggled a little in her chair, kicked the floor a +little with her heels, rubbed up her eyes, gasped, and after a moment of +rest began to incant in a kind of monotone tenor: + + "Oh, Lyon, Lyon! don't you run; + The suit's begun; we'll have our fun + Before we're done. I'll tell your son + That I have won, although you shun + Your darling one!" + + "Oh, Lyon, pray, why speed away? + To fight a woman is but play. + Although you're old, and bald, and gray, + Do right by your Amanda J.-- + You'll soon be clay!" + +Amanda J. Winslow, for this was the woman's assumed name in full, might +have continued in this divine strain for an indefinite period, had not +the operatives burst into loud and prolonged laughter at her ludicrous +appearance, which so disgusted the woman that, though communicating with +celestial spheres, as she assumed to be, and undoubtedly was doing as +much as any of her craft ever did, she jumped up with a bound, savagely +told the men they were a brace of fools, and with a lively remark or +two, which had something very like an oath in it, went to bed, leaving +the men to finish the bottle and the poetry as they saw fit. + +Mrs. Winslow was a thorough church-goer, and distributed the favor of +her attendance among the orthodox churches and the "meetings" of the +members of her own faith, quite fairly--perhaps, as was natural, giving +the Washington Hall Sunday evening Spiritualistic lectures a slight +preference; and soon after the Arcade affair, which had launched her +into poetry, she returned to the rooms one Sunday evening, declaring +that all her evil spirits had left her, and that her former passionate +love for Lyon had also departed, her only desire now being for his +money. + +To show how thoroughly she had been dispossessed of her evil spirits, +she remarked that she now thoroughly hated Lyon, but it would not do to +let this appear on trial, or she would lose the sympathy of the jury. +Every effort should now be bent towards compelling him to divide his +wealth with her, whom he had so deeply wronged. There should be no +compromise; she would not even be led to the altar by him now. She would +have from him what would most annoy him, and that was his money. + +Having resolved on this, the darkness that surrounded her was dispelled +and the spirits of light rallied as a sort of standing army; and in this +beneficent condition she wished to either go into the country to +recuperate for a few weeks, or seek the retirement of Fox's room and +there expend her superfluous brain and spirit power upon a play to be +entitled "His Breach of Promise." To this end she proposed removing the +elegant furnishings of her apartments and storing them in a spare room, +giving out to callers that she was absent from the city, and then, after +having secured Fox's room, she would be able to burn the midnight oil +unmolested so long as her inspiration might continue. + +She also favored Fox and Bristol with a sketch of the play, which was to +be a sort of spectacular comedy-drama, which, according to the lady's +description, would contain certainly seven acts of five scenes each, and +would be preceded by a prologue which would play at least an hour; in +fact, it seemed that the great play "His Breach of Promise" was to be +constructed on the Chinese plan, to be continued indefinitely, and +admission only to be secured in the form of course tickets. Outside of +these great aids to the popularity of the play, it was to have the +additional startling and novel attractions of representations of her +first meeting with Lyon, his regret because she was married, his copious +tears whenever in her presence, his securing her divorce, the death of +Lyon's wife, and every manner of pathetic and ludicrous incident +connected with the case; how they each wooed and won the other, +including a grand transformation scene typical of Lyon's subsequent +treachery, and her reward of virtue in a fifty thousand dollar verdict +for damages. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + + Mr. Pinkerton decides to favor Mrs. Winslow with a Series of + Annoyances.-- The mysterious Package.-- The Detectives + labor under well-merited Suspicion.-- "My God! what's + that?"-- The deadly Phial.-- This Time a Mysterious Box.-- + Its suggestive Contents.-- "The Thing she was."-- Tabitha, + Amanda, and Hannah assaulted.-- A Punch and Judy Show. + + +The reports which I had for some time received daily regarding Mrs. +Winslow's behavior satisfied me that the delay in reaching the +Winslow-Lyon case--which was at the bottom of the docket of the fall +term, and on account of a press of court business had been put over to +the winter term--the strict silence I had enjoined upon Mr. Lyon, and +the general suspicion which possessed her of everybody and everything, +were all having the natural effect of unsettling her completely, and I +determined upon a series of surprises and annoyances to the woman, +without in any way apprising Bristol and Fox of what was to be done; so +that although they might imagine from what source the unwelcome +"materializations" came, they would still be sufficiently uninformed to +share in the general surprise and escape the charge of complicity. + +I accordingly sent three additional men to Rochester with thorough +instructions and full information as to the madam's residence and +habits, with a description of her tenants, including Bristol and Fox, +who were unknown to the operatives sent. + +My object in doing this was a double one. I desired, first, to test the +woman's so-called spirit power; for, should these annoyances prove of +the nature of a persecution, she and her friends, the Spiritualists, +would be able to call celestial spirits to her aid, or, better still, +divine from whence the persecution came, and compel its discontinuance +by the means provided by ordinary mortals. In case she could not do +this, which was of course rather doubtful, I knew from her +superstitiousness and the guilty fear possessed by every criminal, which +she largely shared, that she would be quite likely to either make some +confessions which would implicate her in further blackmailing +operations, or force her into a line of conduct agreeing perfectly with +her true character, and which would compel her to show herself +thoroughly to the public; and further, I think I must confess to a +slight desire to assist a little in punishing her, after I had become so +fully aware of her villainous character. + +Accordingly, while Mrs. Winslow was still deep in the plot of her great +drama, but before the changes suggested--which would have made her a +sort of literary nun in Fox's room--had occurred, she was the recipient +of a large package of railway time-tables, with the farthest terminus of +each road underscored, and further called attention to by a hand and +index finger pointing towards it from Rochester, intimating that it was +either desired or demanded, on the part of somebody, that she should +leave Rochester for one of the points indicated. + +When Bristol and Fox returned "home," as they had come to call their +lodgings, that evening, Mrs. Winslow was at her escritoire, completely +immersed in time-tables and manuscript, and had all the air of an +important author struggling for fitting expressions with which to clothe +some suddenly inspired, though sublime idea. + +She looked at them closely a moment, as if she would read their very +thoughts. Whether seeing anything suspicious or not, she remarked very +pointedly: + +"Good deal of railroad rivalry nowadays, isn't there?" + +"Yes, considerable," replied Bristol pleasantly, and then asking, "Are +you going to introduce some rival railroads in your new play, Mrs. +Winslow?" + +"Not much!" she answered tersely. + +"I wouldn't," replied Bristol, taking a seat near the chandelier and +pulling a paper from his pocket; "they're dangerous." + +Mrs. Winslow paid no attention to this, but suddenly eyed Fox, and +sharply asked: + +"They like very much to sell through tickets, don't they?" + +"I believe they do--ought to pay better," he promptly rejoined, eyeing +her in return. + +"Well," said she, after a slight pause, and as if with something of a +sigh, "it's all right, perhaps; but if either of you should meet any +railroad agent who seems to be laboring under the delusion that I want +to found a colony in some far country, just tell him to expend his +energies in some other direction!" + +Of course my operatives were surprised, and demanded an explanation; but +the recipient of the circulars was quite dignified, and would only clear +the matter up by occasional little passionate bursts of confidence, as +if finding fault with them for not being able to unravel the mystery to +her. They protested they knew nothing about the matter, and she +undoubtedly believed them; but she ventured to inform them that if +anybody--mind you, anybody--supposed they could scare her away from +Rochester by any such hint as that, they were mightily mistaken, that's +all there was about _that_. + +My detectives allayed her fears as much as possible, but it was plainly +observable that she was really annoyed by the occurrence. There is +always a hundred times more terror in the fear of unknown evil than in +that which we can boldly meet, and this particularly applies to those +who know they _deserve_ punishment, as in Mrs. Winslow's case. + +The next evening they were all sitting discussing general topics and a +pint of peach brandy, and had become exceedingly sociable, particularly +over the railroad circulars, which Fox and Bristol had by this time +induced her to regard in the light of a huge joke, or error, when the +party were suddenly startled by some object which caused a peculiar +ringing, yet deadened sound, as it struck the partly-opened door and +then bounded upon the carpet where it glisteningly rolled out of sight +under the sofa where the thoroughly-scared Mrs. Winslow sat. + +"My God! what's that?" she screamed, rushing to the door and peering +down the staircase, as rapidly retreating footsteps were distinctly +heard; but not being able to discover anybody, scrambled back into the +room, shutting and bolting the door behind her. + +The woman was deathly pale, the color brought to her face by the brandy +having been driven from it as if by some terrible blow; but it came back +with her into the room, where Bristol and Fox _appeared_ nearly as +frightened as she. + +She looked at them a moment in a dazed, stupefied way, and then +demanded: "What does this mean?" + +"That's what I'd like to know!" returned Bristol, hunting for his +quizzers, which he had lost in his jump from his chair. "This is all +very fine, but it's pretty plain somebody here's sent for!" + +"And _I_ don't want to go!" chimed in Fox, climbing down from a safe +position upon the _escritoire_. + +The three looked at each other in an extremely suspicious way, and the +woman again demanded, this time threateningly, what it all meant. + +[Illustration: _The three looked at each other in an extremely +suspicious way.--_] + +"Something with a glitter, and it rolled under there," was all Bristol +could tell her about it. + +"Let's get it, whatever it is!" said Fox, with an apparent burst of +bravery and spirit. + +So Bristol at one end and Fox at the other end of the sofa, rolled it +out with a great show of caution, while Mrs. Winslow, though +preserving a good position for observation, kept nimbly out of the way. + +"What can it be?" she persisted excitedly. + +"A vial sealed with red wax, with a string attached, and containing some +clear liquid," said Fox, stooping to pick it up. + +"Don't--don't, Fox!" shouted Bristol, pushing him back impetuously; "the +devilish thing may burst and kill us all--nitro-glycerine, you know!" + +Mrs. Winslow shuddered, drew her elegant wrappings about her fair +shoulders, as if the thought chilled her like the sudden opening of some +cold vault, and looked appealingly at the two men. + +"Or might contain some deadly poison," said Fox, in a warning tone. + +"And the fiend who threw it in here expected the bottle to break and the +poison to murder us!" said Mrs. Winslow indignantly. + +"Things have come to a pretty pass when attempts like this are made on +people's lives!" said Bristol, adjusting his spectacles and edging +towards the mysterious missile. + +"I shall move at once," stoutly affirmed Mrs. Winslow. + +"Don't do any such thing," said Fox earnestly. "That will only show +whoever may be committing these indignities that we are alarmed by +them." + +"We?--_we?_" repeated the adventuress, with a peculiar accent upon the +word "we." "It isn't you men that is meant. It's _me_. This is some of +that Lyon's doings. Oh, I could cut his heart out!" + +The detectives saw that she was getting greatly excited, and Bristol, +with a view of quieting her as much as possible for the night, picked up +the vial by a string tied to it and hung it upon a nail, remarking that +he was something of a chemist himself and didn't believe it was +explosive, and also expressed a conviction that Mrs. Winslow should have +it analyzed. + +To this she acceded, and expressed a determination to "get even" with +the author of these outrages, in which laudable resolve the detectives +promised to assist her; but the peach brandy seemed the only relief +possible to Mrs. Winslow for the remainder of the evening, which was +chiefly passed in wild speculations and theories concerning the new +"manifestations," which she began to fear might be the result of jealous +clairvoyants and vindictive spiritualists, who had endeavored to +blackmail both herself and Mr. Lyon, and, failing in this, were now +persecuting her. + +The next day Mrs. Winslow went out quietly and secured the services of a +chemist under the Osborne House, who pronounced the contents nothing but +water, which proved a great relief to the agitated trio, but did not +remove from Mrs. Winslow's mind the anxiety and unrest that these +undesired and unlooked-for materializations were causing. + +About noon, after Fox and Bristol had come in from a little stroll and +they were all laughing over the scare of the previous evening, a step +was heard on the stairs, and soon after a little man with a big box on +his shoulder, and a slouched hat on his head which hid his face pretty +thoroughly, came to the head of the stairs, knocked at the door, and +without waiting for an invitation to come in, entered, and depositing +the box with the remark, "For Mrs. Winslow, from the Misses Grim," +spryly sprang back, shut the door, and clattered away down the stairs +and into the street before Mrs. Winslow could get a second look at him, +though she sprang after him, shouting, "Here! here! come back here or +I'll have you arrested!" But he only clattered away the livelier, and +she returned to the room raging and vowing that the box contained some +infernal machine for the purpose of distributing minute portions of her +anatomy all over the city of Rochester. + +This became more likely when Mrs. Winslow recollected that the Misses +Grim--Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah--were the three old maids from whom +she had thought she had secured a wealthy old banker to pluck; and +though he had proven to her a very ordinary man, somewhat infirm from +rheumatism, and a trifle quarrelsome, though eminently virtuous and +punctilious, she had never, of course, let them know how badly she had +been swindled; and as they yet regarded their lost boarder, Bristol, as +a priceless treasure, lost to them through her perfidy, it was no more +than natural, Mrs. Winslow thought, that in their chagrin and +disappointment they should concoct some diabolical plan to injure her. + +But still it might not be from them. She had other enemies, many of +them, and the Misses Grim's name might have been given to cover up some +other person's misdeeds. But whatever it might be, her curiosity soon +overcame her fear, and she requested Fox to open it. + +After securing a hammer from his room, the latter proceeded to open the +mysterious box; but after the cover had been partially drawn and it was +evident that the box had not been delivered for the purpose of +exterminating anybody, it occurred to its fair owner that there might be +something within it not desirable for her to let the gentlemen see, +whereupon she requested them to retire; but after Bristol had +grumblingly disappeared, and Fox had got to the door, she recalled the +latter and asked him anxiously if he would not open it for her. He +gallantly agreed to, and got down on his knees upon the carpet and began +taking off the cover. + +"I do wonder what it can be!" said Mrs. Winslow anxiously. + +"I can't find anything but bran," returned Fox, digging about the box +carefully. + +"Bran!" she exclaimed incredulously; "that box is too heavy for bran." + +Fox dug away for a little while longer and finally shouted, "I've got +something!" + +"And what is that something?" + +The question was answered by the thing itself, which now appeared from +the bottom of the box, vigorously lifted by Fox's hand and plumped +through the bran upon the carpet. + +"Well, what is it?" she demanded. + +"Vegetable," said Fox tersely. + +"Oh, pshaw! is _that_ all?" asked the disgusted woman. + +"Yes, that's all," he replied, after digging about in the bran for a +moment. Mrs. Winslow also satisfied herself that it was all by searching +in the bran, and the two then proceeded to investigate the vegetable. + +"It's a turnip, and somebody's been digging in it," said Mrs. Winslow. + +"I think you are mistaken," mildly interposed Fox. "It's something else +entirely." + +"What's this!" exclaimed the woman; "sure as I live, a cross-bones and +skull on one side, and on the other side, 'D-e-a-d'--dead!" + +"It isn't dead turnip!" interrupted Fox. + +"Dead beet?" she asked musingly, a sudden crimson flooding into her +face. + +"Shouldn't wonder," he answered. + +Biting her lips she glided to a window. It was a cold autumn day, and +the panes rattled drearily as she seemed to shrink and hide between them +and the heavy curtains, while the color came and went hotly in her face. +It hurt her, wounded her, showed her to be the thing she was in a way +that could never have been effected by ten thousand innuendoes or direct +charges; and she pressed her face against the cold panes as if to force +and drive away the hideous picture that a momentarily honest glimpse of +herself had revealed to her, and continued standing thus, buried in the +memories which build remorse, until, noticing the thing in her hand +which had caused this humiliation, she flung it violently across the +room, and rushing into her sleeping-room, hastily prepared for going +out, then dashing through the reception-room, she passed into the hall, +and meeting Bristol, said: + +"Bristol, I want you to come with me!" + +Bristol immediately complied, but was given a lively chase, for Mrs. +Winslow was strong of limb, fleet of foot, and, on this occasion, was +impelled by a burst of spirit which, if rightly directed, would have led +a conquering army. + +She started directly for Main Street, and turned up that thoroughfare at +a pace which attracted considerable attention. After rapidly walking two +blocks she swept across the street, and after having waited for Bristol +to come up with her, plunged into the little restaurant under Washington +Hall, with my operative close at her heels. + +The sudden entrance of the couple caused a great commotion in the quaint +little eating-room, and the drowsy customers smiled when they saw the +unaccustomed form of the woman whom the Misses Grim--Tabitha, Amanda and +Hannah--had taken no trouble to prevent being known as her deadly enemy. + +Tabitha, the most ancient, at once bristled up and took a position +behind her neat counter, her wrinkled head trembling with so much +excitement that her sparse curls created a kind of quivering nimbus +about it. + +"Well, ma'am and what can _I_ do for _you_?" asked Tabitha with a flaunt +of her head and a sarcastic tinge in her voice. + +Mrs. Winslow got to the counter in two or three quick jumps or starts, +and asked, husky with rage, "I--I just want to know which one of you old +straws sent that box to me?" + +"Box to _you_!" jerked out Amanda, the next less ancient of the Misses +Grim, who had just entered and at once stopped stock still to catch Mrs. +Winslow's remark; "box to you? Tush!--box to nobody!" and she too sidled +in behind the counter to reinforce, and tremble with, her very old +sister. + +"Oh, you can't play your innocence on me!" retorted Mrs. Winslow very +violently. "You wear very white collars, and very black caps and very +straight dresses, and look very saintly, but you're just three old +witches; that's what you are!" + +"Pooh, pooh!" snorted Tabitha and Amanda hysterically. + +"Pooh, pooh! if you like; but if I find out which one of you sent that +box, I'll--I'll shake every bone in her old body into a match!" shouted +Mrs. Winslow, dancing up and down against the counter and working her +fingers savagely. + +"Match?" responded Hannah, the least ancient and most fiery of the three +virgins, and who entered at this critical moment; "match indeed! you're +a match for anything villainous!" and then she too trotted behind the +counter to throw the weight of her presence into the conflict. + +By this time the interested customers had gathered around, and people +from the street, noticing the unwonted enthusiasm awakened in the +Washington Hall restaurant, were rapidly collecting upon the outside and +flattening their curious noses against the intervening panes. + +Mrs. Winslow could no more control herself than could the old maids, and +quickened by the presence of the increasing crowd, burst into a +screaming demand for the person who sent the "dead" beet to her. + +"Dead beat!--ha, ha, ha!" laughed the three sisters convulsively, at +once realizing the appropriateness of the joke and excitedly enjoying +it; "dead beat, eh? we didn't do it!" "But," added Hannah, maliciously, +"if you do find the person as did send it, Mrs. Winslow, and will send +'em around, we'll board 'em for a month free!" + +There was war, direful war, imminent; and no one could imagine what +might have resulted had the conflict of tongues culminated in a conflict +of hands. But to have seen the three ancient, prim, and trembling women +on the one side, and the ponderous, though handsome Mrs. Winslow on the +other--the old maids either with arms akimbo or with hands firmly +clenched upon the counter's edge as if to compel restraint, their bodies +weaving back and forth, their heads bobbing up and down, and their stray +frills and curls wildly dancing as if each particular hair was in a mad +ecstasy of its own; and Mrs. Winslow, upon her side of the counter, in a +perfect frenzy of excitement, stamping her feet, jumping backward and +forward, bringing her clenched hand down upon the counter with terrible +force for a woman, and shaking it furiously at the agitated row of old +maids, would be to have witnessed a marvellous improvement upon any +form of the Punch and Judy show ever exhibited. + +[Illustration: _"A marvelous improvement over any form of the Punch and +Judy show ever exhibited."--_] + +Bristol saw that unless they were separated he would become implicated +in a case of assault and battery, and after great effort pacified the +women sufficiently to enable him to pilot his landlady out of the +restaurant, through the streets and finally into her own apartments, +where she passed the remainder of the dreary day in weeping, storms of +baffled rage, or protracted applications to the spirits which can be +controlled, whether one is a spiritualist or not, so long as money lasts +and total prohibition is not enforced. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + + Cast down.-- "Trifles."-- A charitable Offering.-- + Dreariness.-- Going Crazy.-- An interrupted Seance.-- A + new Form of the Devil.-- The Red-herring Expedition and + its Result.-- A mad Dutchman.-- Desolation.-- An order for + a Coffin.-- The sympathizing Undertaker, Mr. Boxem. + + +Mrs. Winslow now began to show great perturbation of spirits. In +conversation with my detectives, who endeavored to cheer her up and lead +her to regard these surprises as mere jokes not worth any person's +notice, she constantly argued the opposite, and thus arguing, conjured +up countless possibilities of harm, gradually working herself into that +condition of mind where every little unusual noise or movement of any +person in the building or upon the street was a signal for some +querulous inquiry or complaint. + +She was also very much worried concerning her suit, and went about among +the Spiritualists seeking their advice and encouragement, and giving and +receiving a good deal of scandal concerning the case. From one she would +hear that Lyon was employing certain other mediums in his behalf, and +that she had better look out for them. Another would inform her that +Lyon had several other mistresses, among them a Miss Susie Roberts, and +a Madame La Motte, both Spiritualists and mediums, from whom Lyon +intended to prove her bad character, and whom she, in turn, vowed she +would have subpoenaed in her own behalf, and impeach their testimony +through what she could compel them to admit of both themselves and Lyon. +At other places she learned that these persecutions were Lyon's work +entirely, or rather, the work of his agents, principal among whom were +the two ladies mentioned. And, in fact, wherever she went she heard or +found something to give her uneasiness or cause her unrest. + +"Yes," she said sadly to my operatives, "I can't stand this sort of +thing much longer." + +"Oh, nonsense!" rejoined Bristol; "you haven't been hurt, have you?" + +"No; but I can't tell when I shall be. That's what I can't bear." + +"But I thought you were a woman of too great force of character to allow +trifles to trouble you," exclaimed Fox tauntingly. + +"Trifles!" said she hotly; "trifles! Is expecting every moment to be +murdered, or blown up, a trifle? Is fearing that everything you taste +will poison you, or everything you touch do you deadly harm, a trifle?" + +"People will think you deserve to be annoyed if you show them you are +annoyed," argued Fox. + +"I have long since ceased to care what people think. Sometimes I am sure +I hate every human being; and I do believe the more the world hates me, +the more money I make. If these things are not stopped soon, I tell +you," she continued in a tone of voice that seemed to say they could +stay the annoyances if they would, "I'll go to St Louis and attend to my +cases there!" + +This opened the eyes of my operatives, and they simultaneously conveyed +the intimation to each other that careful working might secure some +information about any St. Louis cases the woman might have which would +be desirable; and in a short time, by gradually leading Mrs. Winslow on, +they discovered that the brazen adventuress, according to her own story, +had pending no less than seven cases in the Circuit Court at St. Louis, +every one of them being suits on some trivial, trumped-up charge. + +It seemed fated that Mrs. Winslow should leave Rochester, if her +remaining depended upon these mysterious offerings ceasing, for while +they were yet in conversation upon the subject, a colored porter called +with a great basket-load of provisions, and without a word, after +spreading a newspaper upon the carpet, began unloading his store. + +"In heaven's name, who sent you here with those?" she entreated of the +colored gentleman. + +"It's all right; it's all right," he said soothingly, and winking hard +at my operatives. + +"But it isn't all right; it's all wrong!" she retorted, warming. + +"Guess not, missus; lemme see: Quart split peas, quart beans, one +punking, jug m'lasses, 'n a mackerel. Done got 'em all, sure!" + +"Where did they come from, you black imp?" the woman demanded, +advancing threateningly. + +He grabbed his basket quickly, and, slowly retreating towards the door, +winked again very knowingly at Bristol and Fox, tapped his forehead and +shook his head deploringly, and then nodded towards Mrs. Winslow, very +plainly saying in pantomime, "Poor thing!--badly demented!" and, as Mrs. +Winslow, in the excess of her anger, made a dive at him, he sprang back +through the door, ejaculating, "Lo'd, _ain't_ she crazy, though!" and +made good his escape, laughing with that expression of complete +enjoyment which only an Ethiopian can give. + +Mrs. Winslow was now thoroughly convinced that the two men who had been +her constant companions of late had had something to do with annoying +her, and she cunningly followed the negro to the store where he was +employed, where she at once sharply questioned the proprietor, who told +her just as sharply that only a few minutes before, a ministerial-looking +man, claiming to be city missionary for some church up-town, called and +purchased the goods, remarking that they were for some crazy woman +living in the block next to Meech's opera-house, whom he had just +visited, and found to be possessed of the peculiar mania that she would +receive no provisions save in full dress in the presence of her +physicians, and that it was his desire to so humor her. So he had +entrusted the errand to the colored man, who had carried out the +instructions given him; and that that was all there was about it. + +When she returned crestfallen to the apartments, and Bristol and Fox +had heard her story, they so derided it, claiming that the groceryman +had fallen in love with her and invented the story upon the spur of the +moment, fearing to disclose his languishing affection, she now believed +that they were innocent of complicity in the matter and seemed to lapse +into a bewildered sort of condition, where she would wander about the +rooms, suspiciously pass and repass my operatives and searchingly +scrutinize their faces, and for long periods stand at the dreary window +peering into the street as if into a dead blank, never noticing the +scurrying snow-flakes which were coming as a silent prelude to another +winter, and only occasionally breaking the silence by murmuring, "Crazy? +crazy? Yes, I _shall_ become so if these terrible things are not +stopped!" + +But Mrs. Winslow had seen too much of life and was too hard a citizen +generally to be terribly borne down by these manifestations for any +great length of time, though they completely overpowered her at their +occurrence, and she was allowed to become quite cheery before being +favored with another materialization, which came in the following +manner. + +They were having a pleasant little seance in the rooms one evening soon +after the colored grocery porter had accused Mrs. Winslow of being +crazy, and the several ladies and gentlemen collected there were engaged +in communing with the Spiritualistic heaven in the old and very common +table-rapping method. They were, as a rule, lank, lean people, the +ladies wearing short hair, and the gentlemen wearing long hair. This, +with a few other affectations and irregularities, was nothing against +them, had it not been equally as true that, according to my operatives' +subsequent inquiries, every member of this company was either living in +open adultery or practising all manner of lewdness without even the +convenient cloak of an assumption or pretension that the marriage +relations existed. But, good or bad as they were, they were at the +threshold of heaven, and had very appropriately darkened the room to get +as near to it as possible without being seen, and only the faintest +possible jet flickered in the chandelier. They had all, save Mrs. +Winslow, been served with a message, and she was now the inquirer, +solemnly asking of another medium some information from the dear +departed from over the river. + +"Shall I soon receive word from an absent friend?"--(evidently meaning +Le Compte, who had disappeared a month or two previous). Three +affirmative raps followed. + +"Shall I succeed in my case against Lyon?" The spirits were certain that +she would. + +"Shall I be rewarded for all my trouble?" she asked, waiting tremblingly +for an answer. + +To this inquiry three thundering raps were heard at the door. + +What could it mean? + +The members of the little circle were completely unnerved. And it was +not strange either. Here were nearly a dozen people closely huddled in +the centre of a room so dark that only the dim, indistinct outline of +any person, or thing, could be seen in the ghostly gloaming. They +believed, pretended they believed, or acquiesced in the belief or +pretension, that they were in direct communication with the spirit-land. + +In the most ridiculous condition of mind which any person might enter +into such a performance, the secrecy and mysteriousness of the seance, +the hushed silence, the darkness, and that tension of the mind caused by +a constant expectation of some startling manifestation, will compel in +the most sceptical mind a strange feeling of solemnity akin to awe; so +that when Mrs. Winslow's last inquiry was answered so pat, as well as +with such an alarming loudness, the entire company sprang to their feet, +and on this occasion there was genuine surprise in the faces of my +detectives. + +Bang, bang, bang! came the second series of raps, which promised Mrs. +Winslow she should be "rewarded for all her trouble." + +But the answer, in the way it came, didn't seem to satisfy her. Somebody +stepped to the chandelier and turned on the light, which showed all the +company to have been considerably startled; but the hostess was white +from fear. + +"Won't _somebody_ see what new form of the devil has been sent here to +annoy me?" she asked passionately. + +Fox, as "somebody," stepped briskly to the door and turned the key just +as the first "Bang!" of another series of raps was begun, and opening +it quickly discovered a dapper young fellow with a big black bottle held +by the neck in his hand, which was raised for the purpose of giving the +door bang number two. + +In response to Fox's loud and sharp inquiry as to what on earth was +wanted, he reversed the position of the bottle with the dexterity of a +bar-tender, took from the floor a huger basket than that brought by the +colored porter, and slipping into the room, nodded familiarly to Mrs. +Winslow, and then coolly to the company, after which he quietly +proceeded to unload his store. + +"Great heavens!" said she despairingly, "I _don't_ want those things +left here. I have no need for anything of the kind. I take my meals at +the Osborne House!" + +"Gettin' 'toney' lately!" responded the intruder with a shrug, piling +the packages up neatly in one corner and taking no heed of her expressed +wish concerning them. + +There was no response to this, and he resumed in a light and airy tone: +"Times has changed, Mrs. ----; eh? What _was_ it at Memphis and Helena, +anyhow?" + +This reference to the less aristocratic, though quite as respectable, +vocation of a female camp-follower, though it caused the woman to change +color rapidly, only brought from her the remark, "I don't know what you +mean, sir! I'll get even with whoever is responsible for this +outrage"--here she glared around upon the company as if to ascertain +whether any one present was guilty--"if it costs me a thousand dollars!" + +The new-comer only smiled sarcastically at this and checked off his +packages, concluding the operation by carefully counting two dozen red +herrings, whose aroma was sufficient to announce their presence if he +had not exhibited them at all; while members of the company looked about +them and at each other as if for some explanation of the strange +proceeding. + +Finally, Mrs. Winslow, with a mighty effort to restrain herself, +advanced and asked the young man if he would not please give her the +name of the person to whom she was indebted for the articles. + +He arose, and smiling blandly, remarked, "You didn't used to be so +particular about presents and such things!" Then he added with a meaning +leer: "At Helena and St. Louis, ye know, old girl!" + +"Old girl!" the ladies all screamed. "Why what _does_ this mean, Mrs. +Winslow?" + +"Nothing, nothing!" she replied hastily; and then she hurried the too +talkative young fellow away, and came back into the room with a show of +gayety. But it broke up the little party, and soon after the ladies, +with frigid excuses about not having very much time, and the gentlemen, +with peculiar glances out of the corners of their eyes towards the woman +who had been so familiarly termed an "old girl," took their departure, +leaving Bristol, Fox, Mrs. Winslow and the melancholy pile of packages +surmounted by aromatic red herrings in a state of solemn, moody silence. + +Bristol was first to break the stillness, which he did by asking rather +testily: + +"You think Fox and I have had something to do with this, don't you?" + +She looked at him a moment as if she would read his innermost thoughts, +and replied: "No, I don't! It comes from some of those strumpets of +mediums, and I would give a good deal--a good deal, mind you, +Bristol!--to know who it was. I'd--I'd----" + +"What would you do?" asked Fox, putting her on her mettle for a savage +answer. + +"I would either burn them out, poison them, push them over the falls, or +lie in wait for them and shoot them!" + +Mrs. Winslow said this with as much sincerity and coolness as if giving +an estimate on any ordinary business transaction, and evidently meant +it. + +"Oh, you wouldn't kill anybody, Winslow," replied Fox airily. + +"Wouldn't I, though, Mr. Fox?" she rejoined with the old glitter in her +eyes and paleness upon her upper lip that had at an earlier period +worried the Rev. Mr. Bland; "wouldn't I? If you had fifty thousand +dollars in your trunk, I would kill you, appropriate the money, cut you +up and pack you in the trunk and ship you to the South--or some other +hot climate by the next express!" + +She was just as earnest about the remark as she would have been in +carrying out the act; and after Fox had congratulated himself, both +aloud cheerfully and in his own mind very thankfully, that neither his +trunk, or for that matter his imagination, contained any such gorgeous +sum, he went to his own room for the night, leaving the very excited +Mrs. Winslow and the very calm Mr. Bristol to contemplate the groceries +and each other. + +After a few minutes' brown study she suddenly turned to her companion +with: "Bristol, you and I are pretty good friends, aren't we?" + +"Certainly," he replied. + +"And haven't I always treated you pretty well?" + +"Yes; with one exception." + +"What is that?" + +"The sleep-walking you did in my room." + +"Oh, that's nothing, Bristol. Never happened but once, and won't occur +again. Otherwise I have treated you pretty well, haven't I?" + +Bristol felt compelled to confess that she had. + +"Well, then," she continued wheedlingly, "will you do me a favor?" + +"What is it?" + +"I want you to take a walk with me." + +"Pretty late, Winslow, pretty late; nearly ten o'clock," replied the +detective, looking at his watch. + +"The later the better," she replied earnestly. "I want to use those +herrings." + +"Use those herrings! Why, there are at least two dozen. How on earth +will you use them all?" + +"Some of these humbug mediums," replied Mrs. Winslow in a style of +expression that showed her to be very familiar with the Spiritualists, +"or old Lyon himself, have sent me these things. I'm going to adorn the +door knob of every one of their places with a string of herrings. In +that way I'll hit the right one sure. Come, won't you go?" + +Bristol saw that the woman would go anyhow, and fearing that she might +get into some trouble that would cause her arrest and thus expose him +and Bristol to public notice, which a capable detective will always +avoid, consented to accompany the woman, which so pleased her that she +immediately sent out for brandy, and not only imbibed an inordinate +amount of it herself, but also pressed it upon Bristol unsparingly. + +Her mind seemed filled with the idea that Lyon had become the "affinity" +of nearly every female medium of prominence in the city in order to +further his designs against her; and to remind them that they were +watched, she had Bristol write "Lyon-La Motte," "Lyon-Roberts," "Lyon- +----," etc., upon about a half-dozen couples of herrings, and upon all +the rest, save those intended for the Misses Grim, which were labelled +"Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah," she had written the names of the +different ladies who, in her imagination, had supplanted her, and tied +all the herrings so labelled together with one very dilapidated herring +marked "Lyon." It is needless to say that the latter bundle of sarcasm +was intended for the ornamentation of Mr. Lyon's residence. + +Bristol felt like a very bad thief, and Mrs. Winslow acted like a very +foolish one. The moment they gained the street she began a series of +absurd performances that well-nigh distracted Bristol and greatly +increased the danger of police surveillance. She laughed hysterically, +chuckled, and expressed her delight in a noisy effort to repress it, +until the tears would roll down her face. Occasionally they would meet +or pass parties who knew her, who would say to companions, in the tone +and manner with which they would have probably spoken of other +sensations, "There's the Winslow!" when she would shrink and shudder up +to Bristol's side, begging for the shelter and protection of his +capacious cloak. Again, imagining she saw somebody following them, or +was sure that loungers lingering in deserted doorways or at the entrance +to dark hallways or alleys were detectives on their trail, she would +give the patient Bristol such nudges as nearly took his breath away, +and, at his lively protest, would whimper and tremble like a querulous +child. + +Their first work was to be done on State Street, near Main, and when +they had arrived at a certain hallway, Mrs. Winslow insisted that +Bristol should accompany her to the rooms which she desired to decorate. +This he flatly refused to do, when she began moaning something about +want of spirit, and then, with a sudden gathering of the admirable +quality for her own use, stole quietly up stairs and in a moment after +came plunging down, as if the inmates of the entire block had turned out +to give her chase. But this was not the case, and the expedition +progressed without any developments of note, Mrs. La Motte, Miss Susie +Roberts, and the Misses Grim being properly remembered, until they +arrived at Mr. Lyon's residence, some little distance from the thickly +settled portions of the city. + +The house was one of the rambling, moss-covered buildings of ancient +style and structure, and was set back from the road some distance among +a score of trees quite as grand and ancient as the mansion itself; and +the old pile did have a gloomy appearance to the adventurous couple that +paused breathlessly before the gates. + +"Bristol," said Mrs. Winslow shiveringly, "do you know that sometimes, +when I see that great black pile up there, I'm glad he didn't marry me?" + +"Why?" her companion impatiently asked. He was getting cold and tired, +and was in no condition to appreciate maudlin melancholy. + +"Because I'm sure I'd die in the old rack-o'-bones of a place; and +besides that, I'm sure there are spooks there!" + +"Pooh, pooh!" sneered Bristol angrily; "go along and attend to your +business, or I'll go back and leave you!" + +Thus admonished, the sentimental lady proceeded with her work. + +For some reason the gate was very hard to open, and considerable time +was consumed in getting into the grounds. Then it was a long walk to the +house. Bristol anxiously watched the woman move slowly along the broad +walk until she disappeared in the shadows which surrounded the house and +the darkness of the night; and it seemed an age to him, as he stamped +his feet as hard as he dare upon the stone pavement and whipped his +hands about his shoulders to drive away the chilliness which he found +creeping on. + +He heard her footsteps first, then saw her emerge from the gloom, and +finally saw her stop as if to listen. He also listened very intently, +and thought he heard somebody moving about the house; and was +immediately satisfied of the correctness of his hearing by noticing that +Mrs. Winslow suddenly turned towards the road and made remarkably good +time to the gate, which, feeling sure of trouble, he made strenuous +efforts to open. + +"For heaven's sake, Bristol," she gasped, "why _don't_ you open this +gate. I'll be eaten up with the dogs, and we'll both be caught!" + +The last clause of Mrs. Winslow's remark roused Bristol to a vigorous +exercise of his muscle. He tugged away at the gate, shook it, threw +himself against it from one side, and his companion threw herself +against it from the other side; but all in vain. Not a moment was to be +lost. Lights were seen flashing to and fro in the great mansion, angry +voices came to them, with the by nowise cheering short, gruff, savage +responses of loosened bulldogs, and in a moment more the front door was +passed by two men and as many dogs that came dashing out in full +pursuit. + +Matters at the gate were approaching a crisis. The gate could not be +opened, and Mrs. Winslow must pass it or get captured. + +"Climb or die!" urged Bristol, reaching through the pickets of the +gate, which was a high one, and lifting on the portly form of the +excited woman. + +"I will, Bristol!" she returned, with a gasp. + +And she did climb! + +[Illustration: _"And she did climb!"--_] + +It was best that she did so, as a good deal of trouble was coming down +that brick walk like a small hurricane, and it would logically strike +her in a position and from a direction that would not enable her to +respond; and if either or both of those dogs had been able to have +grasped the situation, partially impaled as she was upon the pickets, +the fascinating Mrs. Winslow would have fallen an easy prey. + +She was very clumsy about it, but in her desperation she in some way +managed to scale the gate, leaving a good portion of her skirts and +dress flying signals of distress upon the pickets, and finally fell into +Bristol's arms. It was a moment when silk and fine raiment were as +bagatelle in the estimate of chances for escape, and it was but the work +of an instant for Bristol to tear her like a ship from her fastenings +and make a grand rush towards home. + +Those portions of Mrs. Winslow's garments which were left flaunting upon +the gate not only set the dogs wild, but served to detain them. The men +were also halted a minute by the natural curiosity they awakened, after +which they made a furious onslaught upon the gate, that only yielded +after sufficient time had elapsed to enable the culprits to get some +distance ahead, when the men and dogs started pell-mell down the street +after them. + +Bristol fortunately remembered that when they were nearing Lyon's +house, he had noticed that the door leading to an alley in the rear of a +pretentious residence had been blown open and was then swaying back and +forth in the wind. With the advantage in the chase given by the dog's +criticism upon Mrs. Winslow's wearing apparel and the men's hinderance +at the gate, they were able to seek shelter here, which they did with +the utmost alacrity, fastening the gate behind them, where they +tremblingly listened to the pursuers tearing by. + +Mrs. Winslow insisted on immediately rushing out and taking the other +direction, but Bristol, feeling sure that the party would go but a short +distance, held on to her until the two men returned with the dogs, +swearing at their luck, and telling each other wonderful tales of +burglaries that never took place, while Bristol thoughtfully put in the +time by making Mrs. Winslow's skirts as presentable as possible, by the +aid of the pins which every prudent man carries under the right-hand +collar of his coat, and hurriedly ascertaining from her that she had +unfortunately tied the herrings upon the door-bell instead of the +door-knob, thus involving pursuit. + +After everything had become quiet, and Bristol had made several +expeditions of observation to doubly assure himself of the coast being +clear, the couple stole cautiously out of the alley into the deserted +street, and after much precaution and many alarms, caused by the +creaking of signs, the sudden flaring of gas-lamps, and the fierce gusts +of wind dashing after and into them around the sharp corners of +buildings, they at last arrived at home past midnight; and, having +ordered it as they neared the block, for a half-hour longer they sipped +hot toddy by a rousing coal fire, recounting their exploits of the +night, and eventually retiring with something of the spirit of +conquerors upon them. + +Down came the snow and the wind next morning, two things which will +usually in early winter call a whole cityful out of bed, and set the +human tides in a rapid motion. Fox and Bristol had long before got into +the streets and had heartily enjoyed some newspaper items, one +recounting racily the outrage of labeled herrings being hung to the +door-knobs of the houses of many respectable citizens, and another, +under glaring head-lines, giving the minutest details of a desperate +attempt at burglary of Mr. Lyon's house, and a double-leaded editorial +which agonizedly asked in every variety of form, "Where are our police?" +But Mrs. Winslow, from her adventures and toddy of the previous night, +slept late and long, and when she did come creeping out into the +sleeping-room, half dressed and altogether unlovely in disposition and +appearance, she looked out upon the snow-flakes and the crowds of people +without any emotion save that of anger at being aroused. + +The only thing to be seen of anything like an unusual object was a very +large load of hay standing at the entrance of the building; but of +course this had no particular interest to a Spiritualist. She had had a +half-formed impression that she had heard knocking at the door, and she +turned from the window to ascertain whether that impression had been +correct. Throwing a shawl about her head and shoulders, she unlocked the +door and peered out cautiously. There was nobody there, and the wind +whistled up the stairs so drearily that she closed the door with a slam, +and after starting up the fire, which was slumbering on the hearth, she +crept into bed again. + +She had no more than got at the drowsy threshold of dreamland than she +was startled by a loud knocking, this time proceeding from something +besides an impression of the mind, each knock being accompanied by some +lively expression of German impatience. The demonstration was +intelligible, if the words were not, and Mrs. Winslow bounded out of her +bed and into the reception-room in no pleasant frame of mind. + +On protecting her form as much as her indelicate disposition +required--and that was not much--she flung the door open and savagely +asked: + +"What's wanted?" + +"Ef you keep a man skivering and frozing to died mit der vind und +schnow-vlakes, I guess mebby I charge more as ten dollars a don for +'em!" + +He was all smiles at first, but he resented her brusque manner as +swiftly and severely as he could with his broken brogue. He was an +honest, broad-shouldered, big-headed German farmer, and though wrapped +and wound from head to foot in woollens, the only thing that seemed warm +about him was his glowing pipe and his disturbed temper. He shook his +head at the woman, and again began a stammering recital of his wrongs, +when she cut him short with: + +"You're crazy!" + +"Grazy? Of I make a foolishness of a fellar like as you do--well, dot's +all right!" and he stood up very straight and puffed great clouds of +smoke past her into her elegant room. + +She had got a stolid customer on hand, and she saw it. So she asked him +civilly what he wanted at _her_ door. + +"Yust told me vere ish der parn, und I don't trouble you no more." + +"Whose barn?" + +"Vere der hay goes." + +"Hay? What hay? I don't know anything about any hay," she replied, +laughing at his perplexity. + +"I shtand here an hour already, und ven I got you up no satisfagtion +comes. Py Shupiter, dot goes like a schwindle!" + +He was very mad by this time, and walked back and forth in front of her +door, shaking his fists and gesticulating wildly; and to prevent a +scene, which might cause a collection of the inmates of the building, +she quieted him as much as possible, and ascertained that some obliging +person, more enthusiastic about the amount than the character of some +token of esteem, had taken the trouble to order a load of hay to be +delivered at her number, describing the place, room, and woman so +minutely that there could be no possibility of mistake, where the owner +was to collect all additional charges above two dollars, which had been +paid. + +It took Mrs. Winslow a long time to persuade the farmer that she owned +no barn, kept no animals, had no use for hay, and that there had been +some mistake, or that some person had deliberately played a joke upon +_him_, but finally, after a shivering argument of fully fifteen minutes, +and the expenditure of a dollar bill, with the seductive offer that she +would give him ten dollars if he would find and bring to her the man who +ordered the load, her obstinate visitor departed, roundly swearing in +good German that he would have the _Gottferdamter schwindler_ brought up +by der city gourts and hung, to which Mrs. Winslow groaned a hearty +approval as she shut the door of the--to her--desolate room. + +If there had previously been any doubts in her mind as to there being a +preconcerted plan to annoy and exasperate her beyond endurance, they +were now entirely removed, and the woman broke down completely, wringing +her hands in mute expression of bitter anguish. The storm without was +not half so violent as the storm within, and the blinding flakes which +swept from the bitter sky raged upon a no more barren, frozen, desolate +soil than her own selfish heart. + +There may be a kind of pity for such a woman; there should be pity for +every form of human suffering, or even depravity; but in my mind there +should be none to verge from pity into palliation and excuse for this +woman. Great as was her mental suffering, there was in it not a single +touch of remorse. Terribly as her mind was racked and tortured with +doubt, uncertainty, fear, and despair, there was in it no trace of the +womanhood which, however low it may descend, is still capable of regret. +She was not heart-sick for the life she was leading, but dreaded the +punishment she knew it deserved. Her nature had never shrunk from the +countless miseries she had entailed on others, and her heart never +misgave her only in the absence of her kind of happiness or in the +superstitious fear of the evils which she felt assured were constantly +her due. She was, as far as I ever knew, or can conceive, a soulless +woman whose troubles only produced vindictiveness, whose utter aim in +life was social piracy, whose injuries only begat hate, and whose +sufferings only concentrated her exhaustless hunger and thirst for +revenge. + +After the first burst of rage and passion, she settled down into a +condition of deep study and planning, and about the middle of the +afternoon began passing in and out and visiting various places, in a way +which, though it might not particularly attract attention, yet betokened +some business project being resolutely and quietly carried out. + +During one of the periods when she was within her apartments, quite a +commotion was raised in the lower story, the stores of which were +occupied by a tobacconist and milliner, by a call from a prominent +undertaker of Main Street, who with a mysterious air exhibited the +following note, at the same time asking whispered conundrums about it. + + "MR. BOXEM: + + "DEAR SIR--Please quietly deliver a full-sized coffin at No. + -- South St. Paul Street, at the first room to the right of + the stairway as it reaches the third floor. Enclosed please + find five dollars, in part payment. Will make it an object to + you to ask no questions below, and deliver the coffin as soon + after dark as possible. + + (Signed) "MRS. A. J. W----." + +Mr. Boxem was by no means a solemn man; but he had a heavy bass voice, +which he used to such great effect in asking questions below stairs, +that he succeeded in creating a fine horror there, so that by the time +he had proceeded to Mrs. Winslow's rooms, it was settled in the minds of +the tobacconist and the milliner, their employees, and any customers of +either who had happened in during Mr. Boxem's preliminary investigation, +that each and every one's previous solemn prediction as to "_something_ +being wrong upstairs" had now come true, as they each and every one +reminded the other that "Oh, I told you so!" + +Mr. Boxem, finding Mrs. Winslow's door ajar, quietly stepped in and +reverently removed his sombre crape hat. + +"Evening, ma'am," he said politely, but with a professional shade of +sympathy in the greeting. + +"And what do _you_ want?" she asked in a kind of desperation, noticing +an open letter in his hand. + +"Your order, you know," he replied tenderly; "these things are sad and +have to be borne. Can't possibly be helped, more 'n one can help coming +into the world." + +Mrs. Winslow could not reply from rage and anger, and hiding her face in +her hands, walked to the window. + +"No, it's the _way_ of the world," continued Boxem, with a sigh; +"ah--hem!--might I ask if _it_ is in there?" he concluded, producing a +tape-line case. + +"It?--in God's name, what _it_!" sobbed the woman. + +"Why--the--the"--stammered her visitor somewhat abashed, "the body--the +corpse, you know! Have come to measure it. Painful, I know; but business +is business, if it's only coffin business; and I can't possibly do a +neat job without I get a good measure. Something like the tailoring +trade, you see!" + +"Body?--corpse?--come to measure it? Oh, I shall go wild, I shall go +wild," persisted the woman, half frantic at the intimation which came to +her that a corpse was not only in her place, but in the very room where +she slept, and that this fiend who was pursuing her--this Nemesis, who +struck her pride, her ambition, her desires, her very life, at every +move she made, had actually sent an undertaker there to measure the dead +body. + +It is hard to tell what would have happened if the good sense of the +undertaker had not come to the relief of the situation; and, hastily +answering her that there had probably been some mistake, that the order +was probably meant for the next block, and offering other similar +excuses while hastily apologizing for the intrusion, Mr. Boxem very +sensibly went back to his business and his coffins, five dollars ahead +until more promising inquiries should bring to light the friend of the +alleged dead, and the owner of the money, who, fortunately for Mr. +Boxem, has not appeared to this day. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + + Breaking up.-- Doubts and Queries.-- Suspected + Developments.-- The Detectives completely outwitted.-- On + the Trail again.-- From Rochester to St. Louis.-- A + prophetic Hotel Clerk.-- More Detectives and more Need for + them.-- Lightning Changes. + + +Bristol and Fox happened around in time to participate in the general +excitement which the undertaker's visit had awakened, and after getting +as full particulars as possible from the people below, who refused to +believe that some dark deed had not been committed upstairs, they +proceeded to the rooms, where they found the door to Mrs. Winslow's +private apartment closed, and the two, finding no opportunity to +converse with their landlady, shortly went out for supper. + +On their return they found Mrs. Winslow in a remarkably pleasant frame +of mind, and quite full of jokes about the order for a coffin--so much +so, in fact, that my operatives were quite surprised at the change from +her previous demeanor under similar circumstances. Altogether they +passed one of the pleasantest evenings since they became the woman's +tenants. Several ladies that lived in the same building were invited in, +refreshments of wines and some rare fruits out of season were served, +singing, card-playing, and piano-playing with some waltzing were +indulged in, and it was noticed by the two men that Mrs. Winslow was +almost hysterically happy, as if she had decided upon some exceedingly +brilliant and satisfactory plan, the execution of which was being +preluded in this way. + +At the close of the evening she casually announced that the next time +she had any company she hoped to show them a better place. + +Somebody at once inquired if she was going away, whereupon she gayly +replied that instead of going away she was going to make better +arrangements for staying. She had intended all along, she said, tidying +up the place, but had been so lazy that she had kept neglecting it until +it was really too bad, and now she had decided to begin tearing up +things to-morrow. + +In answer to Bristol and Fox's inquiries as to what was to be done with +them in the meantime, she said that she had already arranged that, and +had secured a pleasant room at the Osborn House, where they were to +remain without additional expense to themselves until she had concluded +her changes. This rather dashed the operatives, but they made no further +remark upon the subject until the company had dispersed, when they urged +the propriety, both on the grounds of economy and convenience of +"doubling up," as Bristol termed it, in one room until another was +finished, and then removing to that, until their respective apartments +had been renovated. But Mrs. Winslow was obdurate, alleging that on +account of these annoyances she had become weak and nervous of late, +and did not desire to be annoyed with either the argument or +arrangement. + +So that early on the next morning, when Mrs. Winslow announced to the +detectives that an express wagon was in waiting to convey their baggage +to the Osborn House, there was no alternative but to go, as the persons +engaged to do the renovating were on hand and had already begun their +work of turning the rooms into chaos. Mrs. Winslow assured them that but +a few days would elapse before they would all be together again in their +old quarters; and as they grumblingly went away complaining of short +notice and the like, she bade them a merry good-by, adding that she +should stay about with some of her Spiritualistic friends in the city, +and perhaps take a little trip down to Batavia; but in any event would +let them know the first moment that the rooms were ready for occupancy. + +While Bristol and Fox were settling themselves in their new quarters +they indulged in a very heated argument as to Mrs. Winslow's object in +this all but forcibly ejecting them from their rooms, which they had +occupied so long that they had come to consider them something of a +home; as to whether Mrs. Winslow meant to do without their presence +hereafter or not, Bristol feeling sure that the woman meditated some +future action which was to relieve herself of their society, if indeed +it did not mean more than that, while Fox felt equally as certain that +the whole affair was only one of the whimful woman's whims, that, being +satisfied, would result in their early recall. + +In any event in this way the combination of mediumistic and detective +talent was broken up. + +I was at once informed about the turn things had taken, and ordered that +extra diligence should be used in keeping the woman under notice, as I +felt apprehensive that making her rooms tidy was not her object at all. +I had no right to detain her, go wherever she might; but Lyon's counsel +had been for some time absent from Rochester, and some things in +connection with the defence had not yet received proper attention. The +depositions as to the woman's character and adventures throughout +Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri had not yet been taken, nor indeed had the +very necessary formula of serving notice upon Mrs. Winslow of the +proposed taking of such evidence been gone through; so that, as it would +require some time to take this evidence after notice had been served, it +was very desirable that she should be kept in sight. + +The next development, showing her to be a very shrewd woman, was in her +sending word over to the hotel, the same day that my operatives left her +rooms, that she had been taken suddenly and severely ill, and had been +obliged to turn over the work to a lady friend of hers, and might not be +able to resume the supervision of it for several days. + +Bristol called, ostensibly to tender his condolence, but was unable to +find Mrs. Winslow, being met by a very smart little lady, who informed +him that it would be impossible to see his former landlady, as she was +extremely ill and could not be at present disturbed; but that should +any change in her condition occur, both he and Fox should be promptly +informed. I had instructed them to do their best in watching the +premises, which I am satisfied they had done, and I had also put the two +other men, Grey and Watson, on the lookout, but none of them had +observed her either pass out of or into the place, and they began to be +convinced that she really was lying ill within the building. + +During this condition of things, and being somewhat anxious about the +matter, I went to Rochester myself, and held a consultation with my men, +having the block further examined under various guises and pretexts, +which proved beyond doubt that the woman was gone, and had probably left +the building a very few minutes after the operatives had departed; and, +for some reason best known to herself, but probably on account of the +mysterious annoyances which had been following each other very rapidly, +had either left the city entirely or was hiding very closely within it, +with a view to discover whether, with the two men out of her society, +and herself in peaceful retiracy, she could not ascertain from what +source her troubles came, or avoid them altogether. + +To my further annoyance, the magnificent Harcout appeared and kindly +offered me countless suggestions and theories, which were each one +considered by Mr. Harcout to be worthy of immediate adoption; and in +order to get rid of him, I was obliged to appear to acquiesce in an +imaginative theory of Mrs. Winslow's flight to New York, and represent +myself as so interested in his idea of how she could be traced to her +hiding-place, that I desired of him as a personal favor that he would +follow the trail, giving him a man, and the man a wink--and there never +was a finer picture of pomposity and assumption than when Harcout and +his man started for New York. Rid of him, I again turned to my work of +getting upon the right trail. + +I was sure the woman had left the city, and further inquiry at the rooms +convinced me that I was correct. The little woman finally acknowledged +flatly that she had gone, but would under no circumstances tell whether +she had left the city or not. She also exhibited a bill of sale of the +goods and a transfer of the lease, and wanted to know if _that_ did not +look as though she had gone? But she persisted in her refusal to give +further information, and that was the end of it. + +No one had seen any trunks or packages leave the place, nor could my +detectives get any trace of her having left the city over any of the +different roads. Inquiries made at all the leading livery stables, +express and hack-stands, of the city, failed to discover that Mrs. +Winslow had been conveyed to any near railroad station where she might +have taken a train; nor could it be by any means ascertained that such a +person had purchased a ticket at any of the adjacent towns for any point +to the east, west, or south. + +In fact, all trace of Mrs. Winslow was lost, and I was satisfied that +she had for some time been sure of the danger of her surroundings; and, +while not able to fasten any particular suspicious act upon Bristol or +Fox, undoubtedly intuitively felt that they were either directly +responsible for her troubles, or were in some unexplainable way +connected with their cause; and being enough of a professional litigant +to be aware of the necessity of service of notice upon her as to the +taking of evidence before such evidence could be taken, and that it +would be possible by a sudden disappearance and remaining secreted until +the case might be called, to defeat Lyon's attorneys from using this +mountain of evidence which she knew existed against her, whether she +knew we had collected it or not, the double motive for her mysterious +absence was plainly apparent. + +Remembering Bristol and Fox's reports as to her threat to go to St. +Louis and "attend to her cases" there unless the annoyances ceased, and +knowing from previous evidence already secured that she had figured +extensively in various capacities, but principally as Spiritualist, +blackmailer and courtesan in that city, I finally concluded that she had +gone there, though her mode of leaving Rochester, if she had left the +city, had certainly been such as to demonstrate ability worthy of a +better cause. + +I accordingly directed Bristol and Fox to return to New York, and +detailed the two men who had made it lively for Mrs. Winslow, and who, +of course, knew her, but whom she had not seen face to face, the +"materializations" having all been done for them by other parties, to +proceed to St. Louis in search of her, stopping at any point where +railroad divergences were made from the trunk lines between the east and +the west, and make extremely diligent inquiries for her, while I left +another man in Rochester for the purpose of watching for her +reappearance there, which would undoubtedly occur as soon as her former +tenants were gone, in the event that she was secreted in Rochester, +instead of being at the west, and to make this plan more certain, caused +Bristol to write a letter to Mrs. Winslow, stating that both he and Fox +had made numberless efforts to see her, but, failing to ascertain either +where she was, or the cause of her sudden disappearance, and both being +out of active business, they had concluded to go on to New York, but +would return to Rochester should she resume charge of the rooms and +desire them for tenants. I made arrangements also at the post-office to +ascertain whether any letters were reforwarded to her at any point, and +also at the express office regarding packages, so it could be hardly +possible for her to keep up any correspondence or relation of any kind +with parties in Rochester without disclosing her place of retreat. + +Having completed these arrangements, I returned to New York and +anxiously waited for some news from the West. + +No trace was found of the woman until Operatives Grey and Watson had +arrived at Chicago, where they immediately circulated among the +Spiritualists of that city, who are both numerous and of rather doubtful +moral standing. They ascertained that a woman answering her description +had been there, and advertised largely under another _alias_ than Mrs. +Winslow, but nothing definitely could be learned until in their reports +I discovered that the little Frenchman, Le Compte, was figuring as the +unknown lady's companion and business manager, when I telegraphed to +follow Le Compte and his woman, being morally certain that these two +were Monsieur the Mineral Locater and the celebrated plaintiff in the +Winslow-Lyon breach of promise suit. + +It was discovered after some trouble, and with the assistance of my +Chicago Agency, that Le Compte had suddenly left that city for some +southern or south-western point, possibly St. Louis, but no information +could be gained as to what direction Mrs. Winslow had taken, it being +evidently her plan to avoid pursuit, should there be any made. My +conviction still being strong that her objective point was St. Louis, I +ordered the men on there, without positively knowing that either of the +parties were there; but was gratified to learn that Le Compte had been +in the city, whether he was there or not on the operatives' arrival. The +operatives, Grey and Watson, at once searched the newspapers and found +no advertisements which would cover the desired couple, or either of +them; but, notwithstanding, visited all the mediums, clairvoyants, and +prominent Spiritualists of the city, but could find no trace of the +fugitives from that generally very prolific source, and began to have +the impression that her trip there, if she were in the city at all, was +one of pleasure or of blackmail business outside of her regular +clairvoyant line. + +The next move made by the men was to search about among the hotels and +boarding-houses, and really ferret her out. This was a tedious process, +and very little success was made in this endeavor for two or three days, +when one noon, as Grey was wandering about the city in a seemingly +useless endeavor to find the woman, he stepped into the Denver House, +formerly the old City Hotel, and began to search over the register. He +had not proceeded far when the clerk, eyeing him cautiously, said: + +"See here, Mister, ain't you lookin' for somebody?" + +"Certainly I am," he replied pleasantly. + +Grey looked at him a moment and saw that he would not drop the subject, +and immediately endeavored to mislead him by answering, "Of course I am; +I came in from the country this morning, and I don't know what hotel she +was going to." + +"Ah, ha," mused the clerk, as if at loss how to proceed, "I guess you +didn't know where to find her, and you haven't found her yet, have you?" + +"No," Grey replied quietly. + +"Is she big or little?" + +"Well, she ain't little," answered Grey. + +"Now, see here, my friend, that's all right; but I'm pretty sure you +didn't just come in from the country, and further, I think I can show +you the woman you've been hunting." + +Grey smiled and intimated that he was perfectly willing to be shown the +woman. + +"Well, you just let me have your hat; I'll put it on the hat-rack +inside the dining-room door, then you go to the wash-room and pass into +the dining-room as though you had forgotten your hat and had come back +for it. Look at the head of the first table over by the windows, and if +you don't find your woman with a little Frenchman, I'll treat!" + +Grey was surprised at the revelation, as there could be no possible +means for him to know of his mission; but the clerk's reference to the +"little Frenchman" convinced him that there was something worth +following up in the matter, and he followed his new friend's +instructions implicitly, passed into the dining-room, took his hat from +the rack, turned and got a good view of the fair Mrs. Winslow and the +faultless Monsieur Le Compte, who were evidently enjoying life as +thoroughly as perfect freedom from restraint, and spiritualistic free +love, would enable them. + +He expressed no surprise, however, at seeing the woman, and remarked to +the clerk as he passed into the hall, "Why, that isn't any friend of +mine!" + +"Nor anybody else's!" said the clerk with a leer. "But really, now," he +anxiously added, "_ain't_ you after her?" + +"Certainly not," Grey stoutly replied; but as the clerk took him into +the bar-room to treat him according to agreement, which he submitted to +unblushingly, he admitted that he had a curiosity to know something +about her, as he had either seen her, or heard of her, previously. + +Then the clerk told him a good deal about the woman, unnecessary for me +to recite to my readers, which only further showed her vile character, +and so worked upon my operative's curiosity and interest that he decided +to come to the hotel for a few days; but as he was informed that Mrs. +Winslow's intentions were to remain there the remainder of the week, and +the clerk promised to keep a good lookout for her, he concluded to hunt +up his companion, inform him of his good fortune, and transfer their +baggage to that hotel. + +As it was now about two o'clock, Grey did not find Watson before six, +and it was fully eight o'clock before they got settled at the Denver +House. But their eyes were not gladdened by a sight of the fugitive on +that evening, nor was she at breakfast next morning. The operatives +began to be alarmed lest the bland clerk had taken them in, and were +particularly so, when, at their request, for the purpose of ascertaining +whether she was in her room, he knocked at her door, and after a few +minutes returned with a blank, scared face, saying that the Jezebel had +left, and more than that, that she owed the hotel over fifty dollars for +board and wine furnished on the strength of her elegant and dashing +appearance. + +On further examination of the room it was evident that the woman had not +occupied it at all during the previous night, but had left the hotel +immediately after dinner whether from a previous decision to do so, or +from one of those sudden impulses, quite contrary to the general rule of +human action, which made her an extraordinarily difficult quarry to +follow, or still, from some suspicion that she was being followed. + +Grey felt quite crestfallen that he had lost Mrs. Winslow by one of her +characteristic manoeuvres, and at once made inquiries concerning her +baggage, ascertaining from the clerk that she only had a portmanteau +with her at the hotel, but had had a trunk check which she had exhibited +when asking some question about the arrival and departure of trains. + +Grey sent Watson to intersections of prominent streets to keep a lookout +for parties, while he at once proceeded to the "Chicago Baggage Room," +as it is called, under the Planters' House, where he ascertained, after +considerable trouble and representing himself as an employee of the +Chicago, Alton, and St. Louis road, looking for lost baggage, that Mrs. +Winslow had come there personally about two o'clock the day previous and +presented the check for her trunk, which had been taken away by an +expressman with "a gray horse and a covered wagon." + +The next step, of course, was to find the expressman with the gray horse +and covered wagon, who had taken the woman's trunk, and this was no easy +matter to do. There were plenty answering that description, but Grey +labored hard and long to find the right one, and finally found it this +way. + +Being an Irishman himself, and a pretty jolly sort of a fellow, he was +not long in finding a compatriot the owner of a gray horse and a covered +wagon, of whom he asked: + +"Did you move the big woman with the big trunk at two o'clock +yesterday?" + +"An' if I did?" said the expressman, on the defensive. + +"Nothing if you did; but _did_ you?" replied Grey. + +"It's chilly weather," replied the expressman, winking hard at a saloon +opposite. + +"Yes, and I think a drop of something wouldn't hurt us," added Grey, +following the direction of the expressman's wink and thought quickly. + +They stepped over to the saloon and were soon calmly looking at each +other through the bottom of some glasses where there had been whiskey +and sugar. They looked at each other twice this way, and finally they +were obliged to take the third telescopic view of each other before they +could resume the subject. + +Then the expressman looked very wise at Grey, remarking musingly, "A big +'oman with a big trunk, eh?" + +"Yes, a pretty fine-looking woman, too." + +"Purty cranky?" + +"Yes." + +"And steps purty high wid a long sthride?" + +"Exactly." + +"'N has clothes that stand up sthiff wid starch 'n silk 'n the makin'?" + +"The very same," said Grey anxiously. + +"I didn't move her," said the expressman, shaking his head solemnly. + +Grey felt like "giving him one," as he said in his reports, but +repressed himself and said pleasantly that he was sorry he had troubled +him, and turned to go away, knowing this would unloosen his companion's +tongue, if anything would. + +"Sthop a bit, sthop a bit; you didn't ax me did I know ef any other +party moved her?" + +"That's so," said Grey, smiling and waiting patiently for developments. + +"Av coorse it's so." Then looking very knowingly, he said mysteriously, +"The man's just ferninst the Planters',--not a sthone's throw away. He's +a big Dutchman, 'n got a dollar fur the job." + +They were both around the corner in a moment, and Grey at once made +inquiries of the German owner of a "grey horse and a covered wagon" as +to what part of the city he had removed the trunk. + +He was very secretive about the matter, and refused any information +whatever. + +"Come, come, me duck," said the Irishman, "me frind here is an officer, +'n ef ye don't unbosom yerself in a howly minit, ye'll be altogether +shnaked before the coort!" + +He said this with such an air of pompous sincerity, as if he had the +whole power of the government at his back, that the German at once began +relating the circumstances in such a detailed manner that he would have +certainly been engaged an entire hour in the narrative, if Grey had not, +as he himself expressed it, "out of the tail of his eye" seen Mrs. +Winslow, not twenty feet away, sailing down Fourth street, towards the +Planters'. In another moment she would pass the corner of the +court-house square, where she could not help but see the little crowd of +expressmen, hackmen and runners, his inquiries, and the statement by his +companion that he was an officer, had attracted. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + + Still foiled.-- Mr. Pinkerton perplexed over the Character of + the Adventuress.-- Her wonderful recuperative Powers.-- A + lively Chase.-- Another unexpected Move.-- The Detectives + beaten at every Point.-- From Town to Town.-- Mrs. + Winslow's Shrewdness.-- Among the Spiritualists at Terre + Haute.-- Plotting.-- The beautiful Belle Ruggles.-- A wild + Night in a ramshackle old Boarding-House.-- Blood-curdling + "Manifestations."-- Moaning and weeping for Day.-- + Outwitted again.-- Mr. Pinkerton makes a chance + Discovery.-- Success. + + +Grey took in the situation at once, and was equal to the emergency. He +knew if the German saw Mrs. Winslow, and thinking him an officer who +might arrest him for complicity in something wrong, he would probably +shout right out, "There she is, now!" He was also just as sure that his +new-found Irish acquaintance, in the excess of his friendliness, would +rush right over to Fourth street and stop the woman. So in an instant he +created a counter-attraction by calling the German a liar, collaring +him, and backing him through the line of wagons out of sight, and as +Mrs. Winslow passed farther down Fourth street, backed him through the +line of teams in the opposite direction, while the German protested +volubly that he was telling only the truth; and just the moment Mrs. +Winslow's form was hid by the Planters' House, he released the now +angry expressman, flung him a dollar for "treats," and running nimbly +around the block, fell into a graceful walk behind Mrs. Winslow, keeping +at a judicious distance, and following her for several hours through the +dry-goods stores, to the Butchers and Drovers' Bank, where she drew a +portion of the amount which she had secured from the prominent St. Louis +daily as damages, and which had remained undisturbed in that bank until +this time; into several saloons, where she boldly went, and, in defence +of the theory of women's rights, stood up to the counter like a man, +ordering and drinking liquor like one too; to the Four Courts, where she +at least _seemed_ to have considerable business; to numberless +Spiritualist brothers and sisters, including, of course, the mediums; +and finally to a very elegant private boarding-house kept by a +respectable lady named Gayno, whom the adventuress had so won with her +oily words and dashing manners, accompanied by her large Saratoga trunk, +that not only she, but a little French gentleman named Le Compte--whom +Grey had hard work to avoid, as he had followed Mrs. Winslow at a +respectful distance, and as if with a view of ascertaining whether any +other person besides himself was following the madam--had managed to +secure quarters in an aristocratic home and an aristocratic +neighborhood, for all of which the experienced female swindler had no +more idea of paying, unless compelled to, than she had of paying her +fifty-dollar hotel bill at the Denver House. + +On receipt of this information, I directed Superintendent Bangs to +proceed to Rochester and hurry up Lyon's attorneys in securing the legal +papers necessary to avail ourselves of the large amount of evidence +already discovered, and serve notice upon her while she was still in +sight, and before her suspicions of being watched and followed, which it +was evident was now growing upon her, had forced her into still more +artful dodges to evade us. + +It was certainly her determination to clothe all her acts with as much +mysteriousness as possible, and in this manner work upon Lyon's feelings +and fears until she would compel him, through actual disgust of and +shame at the long-continued public surveillance of his affairs, to end +the worrying tension upon his mind by a compromise that would yield her +a large sum of money. + +That she was able, and had the means to make these quick moves and +sudden changes, was equally as certain, though it was a question in my +mind then, and has been to this day, how much money she might have had +at command. I know that at times she must have had almost fabulous sums +in her possession. I was also often quite as sure that she was +absolutely penniless, when, of a sudden, she would carry out some bold +scheme that required a great deal of money, which invariably came into +requisition from some mysterious source in the most mysterious manner +possible. Whatever might have been the woman's pecuniary resources, I +must confess that in nearly every instance I underrated her, and in fact +that, in every respect, the more I endeavored to analyze her the more of +an enigma she became. + +Like nearly all women of disreputable character, she was terribly +extravagant, reckless, and improvident; but as an offset to this she was +supreme in the meanness ordinary courtesans are above--that petty but +never-ceasing swindling so terribly annoying to the public. + +With all these things in her favor, so far as being an ingenious pest is +concerned, she was also possessed of the power of physical as well as +financial recuperation to a wonderful degree; and to whatever depth of +temperamental dejection or physical exhaustion and degradation she might +descend, she would of a sudden reappear, fresh and blooming, with no +perceptible trail of her vileness upon her, in which condition she would +remain just so long as would conserve her interests. + +While Superintendent Bangs was on his way to St. Louis, Grey and Watson +were being led a lively chase about the city by Mrs. Winslow, and the +bland clerk of the Denver House was devoting nearly all his time in +tracking her from place to place to enforce the collection of his +employer's bill. + +Her first exploit was to borrow twenty dollars from Mrs. Gayno on her +baggage, who was thus prevented from turning her out of doors when her +true character was learned; and as a further illustration of her +shrewdness, after she had remained at the house as long as she desired, +she left between days, without refunding the borrowed money or paying +her bill, and in some mysterious way also spirited away all her baggage. + +This of course caused more trouble in finding her, and she was finally +discovered in furnished rooms. Even here she suddenly made her presence +so unbearable to the landlord that he gladly paid her a bonus to depart, +which she did equally as mysteriously as on the previous occasion, when +she was lost again, and the third time found at a Spiritualistic +gathering at the hall near the corner of Chestnut and Seventh streets, +where she was one of the speakers of the evening and did herself and the +cause justice. + +In this way--following her while she was securing abstracts of her many +cases against the people of St. Louis, the number and trivial character +of which had become a matter of public scandal, newspaper comment, and +universal condemnation among members of the bar, keeping track of her in +numberless conditions and localities, and listening to endless tales of +the woman's reckless conduct during her previous residence in the +city--Mrs. Winslow gave the two men all they could possibly attend to. + +One Wednesday morning about eleven o'clock, when Grey had just stepped +out upon the street from a late breakfast at the Planters'--having been +out until nearly morning the night previous on a fruitless attempt to +keep the woman under surveillance for a few hours, that detective was +looking up and down the street quite undecided as to what course to +pursue--he saw Mrs. Winslow just leaving an expressman at the +court-house square, who immediately jumped into his wagon and drove off. + +Grey ran quickly down Fourth street, and after a few minutes' chase +succeeded in overtaking the vehicle. Halting it he asked the driver: + +"Are you going to move that woman?" + +He checked his horse with an air that plainly said that kind of +interruption was neither profitable nor desirable; but driving on at a +brisk pace, there was jolted out of him the remark: "My friend, I'm +working for the public. Sometimes it pays better to keep one's mouth +shut than to open it, especially to strangers." + +Grey hurrying on at the side of the wagon, and holding to it with his +left hand, with his right he found a greenback. Handing this to the +driver, he sprang into the seat beside him, saying, "Sometimes it pays +better to open one's mouth!" + +"That's so," replied the driver stuffing the bill into his pocket and +elevating his eyebrows as if inquiring what Grey wanted him to open his +mouth for. + +"I want you to drive slowly enough for me to keep up with you. Mind, you +needn't _tell_ me anything unless you have a mind to." + +"Oh, I'd just as leave tell you as not," he replied. "She's going over +to East St. Louis to try and get the 'Alton Accommodation,' if it hasn't +gone yet. The Chicago train's way behind, and the 'Alton' don't go until +the 'Chicago' comes; ye see?" + +Grey knew this was partially true, for he had but a few moments before +received a telegram from Mr. Bangs, stating that he was aboard the down +train which had been belated; so that the best thing to do was to take +the expressman's number, so that he could find him again in case of a +mistake, or any deception being practised, which he did. He then +returned to the Planters', paid his bill, wrote notes to both Watson and +Superintendent Bangs stating how matters stood, went to the levee, and +in a few minutes had the pleasure of seeing the trunk put on board the +ferry, where its owner shortly followed. + +Grey went on board, taking a position near the engines, where he could +have an unobstructed view of the stairs, so that if this should prove to +be another ruse of the madam's to get him started across the river and +then glide off the boat to take up still more retired quarters, he could +beat her at her own game. But Mrs. Winslow remained on the boat, and +just as it was pushing off for the Illinois shore the landlord of the +Denver House, accompanied by a constable, came rushing on board. + +Seeing Grey, he immediately applied to him for information as to whether +the woman was on board. He replied by pointing her out where she was +leaning over the guards immediately above them. The landlord and his man +at once proceeded to interview the woman, threatening all sorts of +things if that bill was not paid, to all of which she gave evasive +answers until the Illinois shore was reached, when she reminded them +that she was outside the jurisdiction of the State of Missouri, and that +if either of them laid their hands upon herself or her property, she +would feel compelled to cause a St. Louis funeral, as she was a good +shot, and when in the right did not hesitate to shoot; which so +frightened the hotel man and "the little minion of Missouri law," as +Mrs. Winslow called the constable, that they retreated empty-handed and +with a confirmed disgust at the active exponents of modern Spiritualism. + +Grey was now in a quandary as to what to do. The Chicago train was +reported as over two hours late, and he was informed by the conductor of +the Alton Accommodation that though his train could not leave St. Louis +until the Chicago train had arrived, yet that he dare not hold the train +a moment after that time. This precluded Grey's informing Mr. Bangs of +his whereabouts, as the train was now too near the place to admit of his +being reached by a telegram; and should he risk losing the woman to +apprise Mr. Bangs, it might be impossible to find her again at all. +Fortunately he learned that the passenger train stopped at the Baltimore +and Ohio railroad crossing, and, interesting a brakeman in his behalf, +he arranged with him to go up to the crossing, board the train, rush +through it and call out for Mr. Bangs as he went, directing the latter +to pay the brakeman two dollars for his trouble, then jump off the +train, walk rapidly back to the crossing and there board the Alton train +as it was going out, if possible; which latter plan would have +succeeded, no doubt, had not Mr. Bangs been chatting upon the rear +platform of the rear car, and failed altogether to hear the extremely +loud inquiries made for him. + +Mrs. Winslow recognized Grey as a person in somebody's employ who was +following her, and the moment he seated himself in the single +passenger-car attached to the train, the woman began such a terrible +tirade of abuse against him that he was made to feel that the +detective's life is not altogether one of roseate hue, and so annoyed +the other passengers that a large-sized brakeman was selected as a +delegation of one to quiet her. It was evident she had been drinking +heavily, and she kept this brakeman pretty well employed for some time +in not only endeavoring to quiet her termagant tongue, but to keep her +in her seat, as she would often rise in the ecstasy of her wrath and +denounce poor Grey, who meekly bore it all with a patient smile, until +the conductor again appeared, when Grey showed him his thousand-mile +employee's ticket and claimed that he was an employee of that road +looking up lost baggage; that it was suspected that Mrs. Winslow had +stolen the trunk she had with her, and that he had been ordered to +follow her for a day or two until he got further instructions from +headquarters. This put him all right with the trainmen, and caused the +conductor to compel the woman into some sort of civility and silence. + +At about two o'clock the train arrived in Monticello, where Mrs. Winslow +left the train, and the detective followed. The agent informed Grey that +it was at least a mile to a telegraph office uptown, but that no train +save a "wild-train" would pass either way until after he would have time +to send a dispatch and return. He immediately went uptown and sent a +telegram to the agent at East St. Louis to please inquire for a Mr. +Bangs about the depot, and if there, to have him answer; also one to +Mr. Bangs himself at the Planters'. + +Returning to the depot, the agent informed Grey that Mrs. Winslow had +also been uptown, which was quite evident, as she had donned an entirely +different suit of clothing, evidently with some inebriated sort of an +idea that this might change her appearance enough to enable her to +escape him. She finally bought a ticket to Brighton, and got her trunk +checked to that point. + +On their arrival at Brighton, Grey saw several ladies get off the rear +platform of the ladies' car, among whom was his unwilling travelling +companion, and watched until they had passed into the depot. In order to +make sure that she was to stop here, he ran rapidly to where the baggage +was being unloaded, where he found that her trunk had been put off. He +waited there until he saw the trunk wheeled into the little +baggage-house, when he leisurely walked back to the depot and stepped +into the ladies' waiting-room, to keep the company of the adventuress. + +What was his surprise to see it almost deserted, no Mrs. Winslow there, +and no surety of anything at all. He rushed into the gentlemen's room, +galloped around the depot, looked in every direction, only to turn +towards the train with the startling suspicion that he had again been +outwitted by the shrewd Spiritualist who made her livelihood by villainy +and shrewdness, which was quickly confirmed as he made an ineffectual +attempt to overtake the departing train, only to see the face of Mrs. +Winslow pressed hard against the rear window of the ladies' car, and +almost white with a look of fiendish enjoyment and hate at the useless +attempts of her relentless pursuer whom she had so neatly foiled. + +Mrs. Winslow had slipped a detective--and a good detective, too--again, +was gone, and all Grey could do was to wait at Brighton until +Superintendent Bangs could overtake and counsel with him. + +By telegrams to and from conductors it was speedily ascertained by +Superintendent Bangs, who had come on to Brighton and directed Watson to +report at the Chicago Agency, that the woman had gone to Springfield, +Ills., and, after arranging with the station-agent at Brighton to send +information to Chicago regarding any call that might be made for her +trunk, or as to any orders that might be received to have it forwarded, +Mr. Bangs and Grey went at once to Springfield, where a trace of the +woman was found at the St. Nicholas Hotel. + +It was ascertained that she had remained at the hotel over night, and +the clerks thought it probable that she was then at the house, her bill +not having been paid; but a thorough search for her only developed the +fact that she was at least absent from the hotel, whether with an +intention of returning or not. + +Mr. Bangs directed Mr. Grey to remain at the St. Nicholas, keeping on +the alert for her, while he visited the more elegant houses of +ill-repute with which that capital abounds during legislative sessions +and which were just at this time getting in readiness to receive +lawmakers and lobbyists; and also the other and less respectable +establishments for piracy, managed by professed mediums, astrologists, +fortune-tellers, and all the other grades of female swindlers; and after +a considerable time spent in investigation, found a certain Madam La +Vant, astrologist--who professed to cast the horoscope of people's lives +with all the certainty of the famous Dr. Roback--who was descended from +the vikings and jarls of the Scandinavian coast, but in reality kept a +house of assignation, that most dangerous threshold to prostitution. + +Madam La Vant at once acknowledged that Mrs. Winslow _had_ been there; +even showed Superintendent Bangs a bundle she had left with her. She +stated that she had called there early in the morning and left the +package, with the promise to return about three o'clock in the +afternoon, when she was to occupy a room she had engaged there, and had +already paid in advance for its use. Mr. Bangs did not feel exactly at +rest about the matter, but could not do otherwise than return to the +hotel for his dinner, promising to call in the afternoon, and alleging +that he had information to give the woman regarding certain persons who +had been, and then were, following her; for if she were then in the +house she would remain there, and he had no legal authority to molest +her or search the place without Madam La Vant's consent, which he could +not of course get if she was shielding her, which she undoubtedly was; +and if Mrs. Winslow was really away from the house, the madam would take +some means of preventing her return. + +He went to the hotel as quickly as possible, found Grey, whom he +immediately sent to watch for the ingress or egress of the adventuress, +took a hasty dinner, and then relieved my operative so that he might +dine, after which the two watched the house until dark. + +But their closest vigils over the place failed to cause the discovery of +Mrs. Winslow, who was doubtless by this time many miles away from +Springfield, enjoying peace and quiet in some other city. Superintendent +Bangs called on Madam La Vant as soon as the evening had come, and that +lady expressed great surprise that he had not seen his "friend, Mrs. +Winslow," as she expressed it; following this remark by the explanation +that she had returned to her house not over a half-hour after he had +left it, and had stated that she had decided to go on to Chicago +immediately, whereupon Madam La Vant had refunded her the money advanced +for the room, and the woman had taken her bundle and departure +simultaneously. + +The detectives were satisfied that the astrologist was squarely lying to +them, and that she had in some way aided the fugitive to escape, or had +effectually secreted her--the former opinion being the most reasonable; +and when I had been apprised of the turn things had taken, I was +satisfied that Mrs. Winslow was in Madam La Vant's house at the very +time that Mr. Bangs was first there; that her friend, the madam, way +merely carrying out her instructions in stating that she had been there, +was then out, but would return, and that at the very moment Mr. Bangs +had started for the St. Nicholas she had left La Vant's, and, as soon as +possible thereafter, the city. + +I immediately concluded that as I had no authority to arrest or in any +way detain the woman--which put my men at a great disadvantage, +preventing their telegraphing in advance for her detention, or securing +and using official assistance of any kind for the same purpose--that I +had better recall Mr. Bangs at once, which I did, and trust to Grey's +doggedness in following her, instructing him particularly to if possible +prevent being seen by her, or in any way alarming her, hoping either for +her speedy return to Rochester, on the principle that the guilty mind +constantly reverts and is drawn towards its chief topic of thought, and +that strive to keep away from it as much as she might, she would be +irresistibly drawn to it; or that through the former plan I might get +her into some little village or secluded spot, or quiet town, where, +upon Grey's announcement, Mr. Bangs or some other deputized person might +cautiously reach her before she was aware of her danger, and serve the +notice that would make the legal fight not only possible, but a stormy +one on account of the vast amount of crushing evidence I had secured for +Mr. Lyon against her. + +It was more and more apparent that the woman's plan was to beat us in +this way, and thus by long and unbearable suspense, mysteriousness of +action, and constant annoyance in the shape of threatening letters, +which now continually poured in upon Mr. Lyon, not only from Rochester, +but from other portions of the country, compel him to settlement; and I +saw that the whole supreme and devilish ingenuity of the Spiritualistic +adventuress was being aimed at avoiding legal process, and to the +accomplishment of this result. + +So much time had now elapsed that it was necessary for Lyon's attorneys +to go into court to explain the difficulties attendant upon reaching the +woman, and secure an extension of time in serving the papers; and by the +time this was accomplished, Grey had tracked her from town to town and +city to city, all through Central Illinois, riding on the same train +with her times without number, doubling routes and meeting her at +unexpected points, travelling at all hours and in all manner of +conveyances, never sleeping for days, eating from packages and parcels, +with scarcely time for personal cleanliness or care, which often +debarred him from admission to places where a woman, by that courtesy +which is due to her for what she ought to be, was admitted and very +properly protected from such hard-looking citizens as Grey had become; +so that finally the two came into Terre Haute together, the adventuress +as fresh as a daisy, and perfectly capable of another grand expedition +of the same extent, and the detective completely worn out and entirely +unfit for further duty. + +Anticipating something of this kind and knowing that the woman might +quite naturally gravitate to that point, I had ordered Operative Pinkham +to proceed from Chicago to Terre Haute, and there assist Grey, or +relieve him altogether, as occasion required, and continue the trail +east towards Rochester, to which point the woman seemed gradually +drifting, though evidently determined to prolong her journey so as to +arrive in Rochester not more than a day or two before the time set for +trial of the Winslow-Lyon breach of promise case. + +Arriving at Terre Haute, Mrs. Winslow immediately went to Mrs. Deck's +boarding-house, and upon telling that sympathetic old lady a harrowing +tale about her persecutions, was received with open arms, and it was not +long before her pitiful story had drawn a crowd of attenuated automatons +to sympathize, suggest, and harangue against the entire orthodox world. + +So impressed were these people with the woman's pitiable condition, that +word was immediately passed among them that the persecuted lady should +lecture to them at Pence's Hall, after which a sort of a general +love-feast should be held, to be followed by seances and a collection +for the benefit of the now notorious plaintiff. + +That winter afternoon a quiet gentleman dropped into Mrs. Deck's and +secured accommodations for a few days' stay, representing himself as a +commercial traveller from Cincinnati. Mrs. Deck was absent working +energetically in the interests of her spiritualistic guest, and the +quiet man was obliged to transact his business with the handsome Belle +Ruggles. He was a pleasant, winning sort of a fellow, young, shapely, +and adapted to immediately gaining confidence and esteem. + +From a little conversation with her the quiet man, who was none other +than Detective Pinkham from my Chicago Agency, was sure that he could +trust the girl, whom he at once saw had no sympathy with these people or +their crazy antics. He saw that she was full of spirit, too, capable of +carrying out any resolve she had made, and altogether the single oasis +of good sense in this great desert of unbalanced minds. + +So it was not long before he had her sentiments on Spiritualism, on +Spiritualists, and on Mrs. Winslow, whom she denounced with tears of +anger in her eyes as a disgrace to womanhood and to their place, and he +had not been three hours in the house before the young lady and himself +had entered into a conspiracy to give the woman such a scare as she had +not recently had, and drive her from the pleasant though quaint old home +her presence was contaminating. + +The snow and the night came together, and the storm shook the old house +until its weak, loose joints creaked, and every cranny and crevice +wailed a dismal protest to the wind and the driving snow. It would take +more than that though to keep people of one idea at home, and the entire +household departed at an early hour for Pence's Hall, from which, +whatever occurred there, Mrs. Deck's large family did not return until +nearly midnight, by which time Operative Pinkham and Belle Ruggles had +concluded their hasty preparations for a little dramatic entertainment +of their own, and were properly stationed and accoutred to make it a +brilliant success. + +"Good-night, my poor dear!" said the kind-hearted old body as she +ushered Mrs. Winslow into her best room, a long antiquated chamber, +full of panels, wardrobes set in the wall, and ghostly, creaking +furniture. "I have to give you this room, we are so full. My first +husband died there, but you don't care for anything like _that_. I never +sleep there, the place scares me; but I know you will like it, you are +so brave!" + +Whether brave or not, Mrs. Winslow seemed all of a shiver when she had +entered the room where Mrs. Deck's first husband had died. + +She closed the door carefully, and putting her candle upon a grim old +bureau, began a thorough and seemingly frightened examination of the +room. The storm had not gone down, and as it beat upon the old place +with exceptionally wild and powerful gusts, the feeble structure seemed +to shrink from them and tremble in every portion. + +On these occasions doors to the wardrobes and closets of the strange +room would open suddenly as if sprung from their fastenings by unseen +hands, while panels would slide back and forth, cracks in the ceilings +and walls would open alarmingly, until, in fact, to the woman's vivid +imaginations every portion of the lonely old chamber or its weird +furnishings seemed possessed of supernatural life or motion. The fact +is, Mrs. Winslow was trembling like the house itself; but after a few +moments she snuffed the waning candle which the frugal Mrs. Deck had +given her, and in its flickering rays hastily began preparing for bed. + +Just as she bent over to blow out the candle, some invisible assistant +did the work for her, and at the same moment a hissed "_Beware!_" caused +her to start with a scream and plunge for the bed, into which she +scrambled after upsetting a chair or two, when she pulled the covering +over her head and groaned with fright. + +And now the blessed materializations began. + +A sudden click and then a sliding sound above her head announced that +the "control" had begun operations, and in a moment a few grains of +plastering and some strange and weird combinations of musical sounds +seemed to simultaneously fall into the room. The plaster, of course, +came right down, some of it upon exposed parts of the trembling medium's +person; but the music, which seemed to be badly out of harmony, appeared +to have the power of circling in the air, which it did for some little +time, and as suddenly ceased as it had begun, when from these mysterious +upper regions came a long, low, tremulous, unearthly groan, that died +away into a ghastly sigh as the storm clutched the decayed old mansion +and shook it until it rattled and rattled again. + +"My God!" quavered the half-smothered woman, "that's Mrs. Deck's first +man's ghost; he'll kill me! Mur----!" + +She had begun to shout "Murder!" but a still more awful voice proceeding +from the direction of the bureau bade her keep silence. + +She was silent for a moment, but the storm wailed about the house so +dismally that the "poor dear," who, according to Mrs. Deck, was brave +enough to cheerily retire in what had been the bed-chamber of the dead, +could bear the horror of her position no longer, and began a vocal +lamentation which gave promise of attracting more than a spirit +audience, when the materialized spirit of "Mrs. Deck's first man," or +whatever owned the voice, laid a heavy hand upon the trembling woman, +sepulchrally warned her to desist from her outcries, and then read her +such a lecture from the Other World as she had never transmitted in her +most effective "seances;" after which she was ordered, on pain of +instant death, to leave Mrs. Deck's and Terre Haute as soon as morning +should come, and a pledge being secured from her to the effect that she +would, and that she would under no circumstances leave the room for the +night, the spirit--which had very much the appearance of Detective +Pinkham, the commercial traveller from Cincinnati--left the room by the +door in a twinkling, very like a mortal, and still very like a mortal, +quietly stole upstairs and helped extricate Miss Ruggles from her gloomy +position, where she had done "utility" business as a groaning garret +ghost. + +All that dreary night the wicked woman moaned and wept for day. Her +coward heart shrank from the evil she knew she deserved. The storm never +ceased, but rose and fell as if keeping pace with her terrors, and the +old place furnished her crazed imagination untold horrors. + +At last the dawn came, but she had found no moment's sleep, and before +the household was astir the wretched woman crept out upon the street, +and plodding through the swollen drifts, followed by a very pleasant +appearing commercial traveller from Chicago, she staggered to the +station, and was rapidly borne away from her sympathizing friends +towards the east. + +Being apprised by telegraph of Pinkham's rather strange method of giving +her an impulse in the direction of Rochester, I at once proceeded to +that city with Superintendent Bangs, anticipating her arrival there +shortly after our own; but was again disappointed, the adventuress +having doubled on the detective, and so successfully avoided him, that +the third day after leaving the Hoosier City he arrived in Rochester +with a long face and in an extremely befogged condition. + +After having directed Mr. Bangs and Pinkham to remain and watch every +incoming train, one stormy evening, as I was about returning to New +York, by the merest chance I espied the woman cautiously emerging from +the Arcade, and following her I soon housed her in the apartments of an +old mediumistic hag on State street. Calling a carriage I was rapidly +driven to the Osborn House, where I found Mr. Bangs, and with him and +the legal papers returned to the place in less than fifteen minutes from +the time I had left it. + +Cautiously approaching the room, we listened and heard low, earnest +voices within. Through the transom we could see that the light inside +was turned very low, and rightly judged that somebody was being given a +"sitting," for, carefully trying the knob, I found that the place was +secured against ordinary intrusion, and throwing my weight against the +door it flew from its old and rusty fastenings, and in an instant we +were within the medium's room. + +"That is the woman!" said I, pointing to Mrs. Winslow, who had sprung +from her chair white with fear, while the wretched-looking medium, +though previously in the "trance state" stared at us with protruding +eyes. + +[Illustration: _"That is the woman!" said I, pointing to Mrs. Winslow +who had sprung from her chair, white with fear.--_] + +"And who are _you_?" she gasped, looking from one to the other in +dismay. + +"Persons whom you will give no more trouble after the service of these +papers," gallantly replied Mr. Bangs, passing the legal documents into +her hands, which closed upon them mechanically; and after I had politely +handed the medium sufficient money to repair the damage I had caused her +door, we bade the two spiritualists a cheery good-night and left them to +a consideration of the contrast between mortal and immortal +"manifestations." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + + Shows how Mrs. Winslow makes a new Move.-- Also introduces + the famous Evalena Gray, Physical Spiritual Medium, at her + sumptuous Apartments on West Twenty-first Street, New + York.-- Reminds the Reader of the Aristocratic Classes + deluded by Spiritualism.-- Describes a Seance and explains + the "Rope-trick," and other Spiritualistic Sleight-of-hand + Performances. + + +Mrs. Winslow was quite crushed by her failure to evade service of the +notice to take evidence in just those sections of the country where she +had been too well known for her present good, and for a few days seemed +to be in that peculiar mental condition where one may be easily led, or +driven, into committing a desperate act for mere relief from a too great +conflict of emotions. + +She flitted about the city in a state of great unrest for a little time, +not being able to dispossess her mind of the fear or feeling of being +pursued; stealing into the houses of those of like belief, and with an +air of great secrecy insisting that they should give her refuge and +protection from Lyon's minions, who, she claimed--and perhaps had come +to believe--would yet in some way do her bodily harm; mysteriously +gliding about the Arcade and in the vicinity of his house, as if +expecting by some occult power to be able to divine what might be the +rich man's plans concerning her; and like the very evil thing that she +was, hiding in uncanny places, scared at her own voice or footsteps, +until the spell had left her. + +About this time New York city dailies, and many of the newspapers of +large circulation throughout the interior of the State, were publishing +the following advertisement: + + "Immense Success!--Miss Evalena Gray, the celebrated Spiritual + Physical Medium, lately from the Queen's Drawing-room, Hanover + Square, London, also Crystal Palace, Sydenham, and assisted by + Mlle. Willie Leveraux, from Paris, will give one of her + marvellous seances this evening at her elegant parlors, No. 19 + West Twenty-first street, opposite the Fifth Avenue Hotel, at + 7:30 P.M." + +New York city knew Miss Evalena Gray as a new aspirant to the honors and +emoluments derived from her ability to do mysterious things very +gracefully. She was as beautiful a woman as had ever come into New York +on this kind of business, and those who considered her a true medium +were in ecstasies over the magnificent contortions and superb evolutions +which her "great spiritual power" enabled her to execute with +bewildering rapidity, while disbelievers in the source of these +phenomena originating in celestial spheres could not resist her +fascinating powers; and the consequence was that her adroitness and +beauty had created a great sensation, so much so in fact that +respectable people had begun arguing about her, which answered just the +purpose sought. + +New York also knew her as a woman so full of soul--that latter-day +substitute for brains and personal purity--as to have readily confused +and silenced great throngs in Europe wherever she had appeared; and she +had invariably challenged investigation, and that, too, with as much +audacity as success, which had in every instance been wonderfully marked +and complete. + +Mrs. Winslow knew her as a little sprite she had met three years before +at Chardon, Ohio, a pleasant little village of about 3,000 inhabitants, +twelve miles south of Painesville, where Mrs. Winslow had been giving +seances. Miss Gray was then just starting in her Spiritualistic career, +and Mrs. Winslow, seeing her aptitude and general fascinating qualities, +endeavored to persuade her to accompany her. + +Miss Gray evidently believed in her own powers, at least had considered +the proposition unfavorably; but the two had become warm friends, and +Mrs. Winslow had cheerfully imparted to the demure novitiate all her +supply of manifestations, which she had rapidly acquired, and the two +had parted with the promise to meet again at the very first opportunity, +each drifting away to fulfil her traitorous course against society and +blasphemous satire upon respectability. + +So, Mrs. Winslow, being in that condition of mind wherein its possessor +_must_ have some person's confidence, saw this advertisement, and +feeling sure that Miss Evalena Gray had been in clover, concluded that +she could go to her for rest and consolation; accordingly, she threw off +the clouds which had seemed to settle upon her, gathered her baggage +together from various secret places where it had been deposited, took +rooms at the National Hotel for a few days in quite a rational manner, +and after a week of perfect rest and physical care, which told +wonderfully in her favor, in connection with her great recuperative +powers, and having provided a wardrobe of no mean character, left +Rochester for New York as handsome and attractive a woman as one would +meet in a day's journey. + +I was apprised of her departure by telegraph, and had a spry little +operative at the Hudson River depot at Thirty-first street, ready to +play the lackey to her. She at once proceeded in a carriage to the Fifth +Avenue Hotel, where she secured fine apartments overlooking the entrance +to Miss Evalena Gray's elegant parlors at No. 19 West Twenty-first +street; and although I had no previous information as to what called +Mrs. Winslow to New York, I was for several reasons satisfied that it +was for the purpose of communicating with Miss Gray, and at once took +measures for securing the substance of the interview. + +As Mrs. Winslow had arrived late in the afternoon, I thought probably +she would make no move until the following day, but took the precaution +to secure a room adjoining hers for the use of an operative, sending +another detective to Miss Gray's seance at half-past seven, to ascertain +whether Mrs. Winslow was at any time present, and also, if necessary, to +devise some means to remain in the house until the two women had met, +should they do so. + +The detective sent to Miss Gray's place was barely able to secure +admission, on account of having come on foot, that fact alone laying him +liable to suspicion. For an hour's time, splendid equipages, at short +intervals, rolled up to the mansion, and their occupants were turned +over to a negro butler of such gigantic proportions and gorgeous livery +as to give the ordinarily aristocratic place an air of oriental +splendor, the interior appointments being fully in keeping with the +promise of sumptuousness which the reception always gave. Once entered, +my operative had an opportunity to study these appointments. + +The carpets were of such rich and heavy texture that they gave back no +sound to the foot-fall, and by an ingenious arrangement, beneath the +lambrequins adorning the windows, two noiseless fan-like blinds opened +or closed instantly, lighting or darkening the room as suddenly, and +evidently for use during day seances, which were sometimes given; while +opposite, two broad parlors led away, _en suite_, to a raised dais at +the rear, upon which Miss Evalena Gray, assisted by Mlle. Leveraux, from +Paris, gave her wonderful spiritual manifestations. + +At either side of the centre of the first room, and on a level with the +floor, was a fountain cut in marble, back into the basin of which the +water fell with a dreamy, tinkling sound which suggested poetical +luxuriousness. Rare statuary filled every accessible niche. Heroic +paintings of the olden times, and the softer, more sensual paintings of +the late French schools, blended together until they gave the walls a +rosy glow. Flowers loading the air with fragrance, warmed the room with +the color and life which flowers only can give. Hidden music-boxes gave +forth the rare and blended melodies of sunny, southern climes; while +rich divans, arranged with that pleasant kind of taste that bespeaks no +arrangement at all, were scattered negligently about the room, now +rapidly being filled with the aristocratic people who had arrived and +were constantly arriving. + +My operative, having gained a good point for observation, now turned his +attention to the rapidly-increasing assemblage. Almost without +exception, they were men and women of evident wealth and leisure, but +with scarcely a face denoting culture and refinement. They were +representatives of that numerous class who, after the rapid acquirement +of money, have found no good thing with which to occupy their minds, or, +what is more probable, have no minds to be thus occupied; and, while not +giving Spiritualism any public endorsement, secretly follow its, to +them, fascinating superstitions and mysteries, and practice, in an easy +way that prevents scandal or infamous notoriety, the sensualities which +inevitably result from its teachings or association with those +hangers-on of society professing its belief, all the time building a +hope that a lazy, sensuous heaven may be reached without effort or +struggle by merely cherishing a secret faith in what most satisfies +their animal nature, and yearning to live hereafter as they most desire +to live here--were it not for the voice of society--in a brutal freedom +from restraint, utterly devoid of moral and social purity, and without +the slightest semblance of that law, written and unwritten, which, from +the creation of man and woman, has built about the domestic relations a +protection and defence of sacred oneness and sanctified exclusiveness +which no vandal dare attack without eventually receiving some just and +certain punishment. + +A conscientious detective will allow but little to escape his attention, +and my operative, who had already had considerable experience with these +illusionists, noticed a few arrangements which the spirits had evidently +insisted on being made to insure the success of Miss Gray's seances, +which were varied in their character, and "never comprised her entire +repertory," as the actors would say, so that she was able to continue an +attraction for some time to those persons who came to see her and +witness her manifestations out of mere curiosity. + +The frescoing of the walls of the back parlor had been done in lines and +angles, which admitted of any number of apertures being cut and filled +with noiseless pantomime doors, so neatly as to almost defy detection. +The semi-circular platform was raised fully three feet, sloping +considerably to the front, and--whether it did or not--might have +contained a half-dozen "traps" such as are used for stage effects; +while, as is contrary to all rules for lighting places for public +entertainment, the front parlor was lighted very brilliantly, the back +parlor scarcely at all, while but a few glimmering rays fell from the +chandeliers over the platform, where the spirits, like certain "star" +actors, could not appear unless under certain conditions. + +Shortly Mlle. Leveraux conducted Miss Gray through a side door to the +platform, and as the latter smiled recognition to the large number +present, exclamations of "Isn't she sweet?" "How beautiful!" "Almost an +angel as she is!" and other expressions of extreme admiration, filled +the room. + +A deft little woman was Evalena Gray; a sprite of a thing, light, airy, +graceful, and with such a gliding, serpentine motion when walking, +glistening with jewels as she always did, that one instinctively thought +of some lithe and splendid leopard trailing along the edge of a jungle +with an occasional angry flash of sunlight upon it. From her feet, both +of which could have rested within your hand, and given room for just +such another pair, to her shoulders, which were sloping and narrow +though beautifully symmetrical, she was as straight as an arrow. Then +her slender, faultless neck carried her head a little forward, with a +slight bend to the side, which gave her face a half-daring or wholly +appealing expression, as people of different temperaments might look at +it, though it always attracted and held an observer, for it was as +strange a face as its owner was a strange woman. The chin stood there by +itself, though shapely, and at the point was prettily depressed by a +little dimple, just needed to save the lower part of the face from a +shrewish look. Above this the lower lip curved gradually to the edge of +the carmine point, but was stopped there by a sort of drawn look, which +with her dazzling white, though slightly irregular teeth, thin upper lip +quickly parting from the lower, at either pleasure or anger, rather +large, thin nostrils, which noticeably expanded and contracted with the +rise and fall of her not over large bosom, and her languid blue eyes, +one a trifle more closed than the other, but both looking demurely from +under lashes of wonderful depth of sweep and length--all gave the face, +which was witchingly attractive notwithstanding these marked features, +either a plaintively spiritual appearance, or a wickedly fascinating +expression beyond the power of description; while her hair, of that +nameless color which might be formed of gold and silver, mingled and +fell from her fine head, half hiding her delicate ears--pretty and +faultless ears they were--in wonderful richness and profusion. + +Never were seen more beautiful hands and fingers than those belonging to +Miss Gray, and they had a way of assuming all manner of positions in +harmony with the changes of her expressive face and the motions of her +supple form, while her little body was a mere bundle of pliable bones +and elastic sinews, which could compel all manner of contortions without +change of posture, by mere will-power. She was not a beauty; but +altogether, with her real or assumed languor, her strange eyes that +might mean lasciviousness or might arouse your pity, her parted lips +which would seem to protest of weariness or be ready to whisper a +naughty secret to you, with her elf-like form that made her appear at +once a dainty innocent thing and a pretty witch--she was a woman +possessing a terribly fascinating power and capable of any devilish +human accomplishment. + +When the murmurs of admiration had died away, she arose, and in her +languid manner especially prepared for the public, told her audience a +long, though interesting fabrication, of how she first discovered she +was possessed of this blessed spirit-power; how she had at first doubted +it, and endeavored to free herself from its possession; but finally saw +that it could not be forced from her. On thorough conviction that she +was a medium she had begun a laborious scientific investigation into the +subject, and finally resolved to fathom the remotest secret of +Spiritualism. + +But even to her the blessed gates had been barred when she came with +this spirit of unclean scepticism. Still, being assured that it had been +given to her to walk with celestials, her future course was only a +natural sequence. What had most sorely tried her in this life, she +remarked, was to be herself morally sure of these wonderful mediumistic +powers, and then realize how cruelly the world scoffed at her as well as +at all others who were anchored upon the same beautiful faith. To +prevent this and find use for her powers in the highest spheres, she had +travelled in Europe from Rome to St. Petersburg, and from Vienna to +London. + +In every instance the impossibility of any deception being practised in +her manifestations was admitted; but until she had arrived in London, +she had failed to find anybody of repute honest enough to speak the +truth. But there she had met a high-minded man who had broken through +the barriers of prejudice, and, in an open, manly way, fearless of the +sneers of the common herd, or of his business peers, had thoroughly +investigated her exhibitions, found that they had proceeded from +supernatural power, and had publicly stated his belief in their +genuineness. + +With such irrefutable evidence of the possession of this spirit-power, +she was now fulfilling her mission of convincing the public of the +existence of these heaven-inspired phenomena, explainable upon no other +possible theory than that of the inter-communication between this and +the other world of ministering angels, self-determining their actual +existence by more or less perfect materializations. + +With this and much more of the same sort, Evalena Gray began her +revelations, all of which had previously been performed and exposed as +ordinary tricks of an illusionary character, but which were given by the +languid, _spirituelle_ lady with such a show of her being on the +threshold of the celestial spheres, that the very atmosphere, already +charged with everything to provoke mystification and solemn curiosity, +now seemed filled with some weird, supernatural influence and presence. + +First the little lady, who was dressed in white muslin, with long +flowing sleeves exposing very pretty arms, came down from the platform +and seated herself in the centre of the back parlor, inviting the +forming around her of a circle of from twelve to fifteen persons, who +should sit so closely together that there could be no possibility of her +passing out of the circle, and, if the rest of the audience chose, they +might form a circle around the inner circle so that no confederates +might reach her. This was done, when she requested some gentleman to +place his feet upon her tiny feet to assure the audience that she did +not leave her chair. + +Members of the mystic circle then clasped hands, and the lights were +turned off completely. The stillness of death followed, broken only by a +low, shuddering sigh announcing the control of the medium by the +spirits, and immediately after came raps so loud and distinct as to +almost give the impression that an echo followed them. Then the medium +began patting her hands together _as an absolute proof that none of the +succeeding manifestations could by any possible means be produced by +her_. While this continued without interruption, in the face of some +came a whispered "God bless you!" others were patted caressingly upon +the face and head; whiskers and mustaches were delicately tweaked; +watches were taken from one pocket and put into another; a gent's +quizzers would be placed upon a lady's nose, and _vice versa_; music +floated about in the air over the heads of those composing the circle; +lights were seen to glitter like fire-flies above the medium's head, and +a score of other equally startling phenomena occurred. When silence, +with the exception of the soft and delicate, but never-varying +hand-patting, again fell upon the assemblage, a few raps announced the +departure of the spirits; and when the gas was turned on, the dainty +little medium sat in precisely the same position as when the circle was +formed, and the gentleman had taken good care to hold her neat little +feet between his own. A sceptical lady now held Miss Gray's feet--held +them as securely as only a sceptical lady could--when precisely the same +manifestations occurred. Again her feet were secured as before, with the +additional precaution of their being tied. She was then tied to her +chair securely, her hands tied firmly with a large handkerchief, and a +delicate wine-glass filled with water placed upon the floor several feet +from the chair. The lights were again turned off, the raps were heard as +before, and were in turn immediately followed by the hand-patting, and +when the room was again lighted the wine-glass of water was found +delicately poised upon Miss Evalena Gray's head. + +Many startling variations of the same general character were introduced, +and when this portion of the seance was concluded, the astounded company +gathered about the pale and interesting medium with expressions of +unbounded wonder almost amounting to awe, mingled with terms of +endearment; for she sweetly conversed with them for a little time, and, +with rare insight into character, gave each a pleasant word of +recognition especially fitted to every case, in a manner winning beyond +expression. + +She now retired for a short time, while Mlle. Leveraux entertained the +assemblage with selections from her companion's exceptionally +interesting European experiences, as put in form probably by some +enterprising, though impecunious, New York Bohemian. + +When Miss Gray returned she was attired quite differently. Instead of +wearing the white, soft muslin which had given her a peculiarly graceful +appearance, she had donned a closely-fitting basque of black rep silk, +heavily trimmed with the costliest of lace, while the skirts to her +dress were drawn very tightly around her form into a neat panier. + +It _might_ have been noticed by any other person in the room, as it +_was_ noticed by my operative, _that her bust and shoulders seemed to +have undergone considerable change during her absence_. She seemed much +more full across the breast, and her waist was certainly not so narrow +and graceful as when she was operating in muslin within the circle. But +then, the spirits might have caused this sudden growth, and she was +still physically handsome and shapely. + +A committee of gentlemen was then called for, and Miss Gray announced +that she would submit to being tied to a chair as securely as it was in +the power of the gentlemen selected by the audience to tie her; +whereupon Mlle. Leveraux walked about the room and exhibited the rope to +be used, which, though slender, seemed strong as a Mexican lasso. + +There could have been no deception or fraud about this rope. + +The three who had been selected to do the work then expressed their +determination to tie Miss Gray "so the devil himself would have to help +her," as one said, proceeding with the interesting operation in the +bright gaslight, while all the people gathered about as if anxious to +see that it was done properly, or curious to notice how the little woman +would bear the ordeal. They certainly did their work well, and as the +rope was wound around and about her, being drawn taut in every instance, +it seemed to sink into her delicate flesh in a cruel way that made her +wince and tremble, the operation calling forth numberless sympathetic +remarks from those present, which she acknowledged by a painful +martyr-like smile as she patiently bore the infliction until thoroughly +tied. At her special request, as she said, to prevent a stoppage of +circulation, her hands were tied at the wrist over a fold of silk to +prevent abrasion of the flesh; and after all the knots had been sealed +with wax, she was pronounced tied so securely that, without connivance +of confederates, it would require superhuman aid to release her. + +With a pleasant smile she looked around upon the wondering spectators +and said: + +"Good friends, I will absolutely and incontestably prove to you that I +am possessed of that kind of aid. I want you all to form a circle around +me. Every one in the room should join it. Stand so closely together, +clasping hands, that no living person can pass the circle either way." + +The circle was then formed as she had requested, half upon the platform +and half upon the floor, Miss Gray being at least ten feet from any of +the persons composing it. She then asked anxiously: + +"Are you all really satisfied--yes, convinced, that there can be no +shadow or form of deception about this?" + +Some hesitated about giving a decided affirmation to that belief, when +she swiftly singled out the doubters and pressed upon them not only the +privilege, but the desirability and necessity, if they sought the truth, +of personally examining the manner in which she had been tied. After +this had been done and all scepticism had been silenced, she bade them a +cheerful "Good-by!" and closing her eyes in a weary manner, seemed to +pass into a peaceful slumber, as the lights were gradually turned off, +finally leaving the room in total darkness, and with no sound to relieve +the painful stillness save the orthodox rappings announcing the arrival +of the spirits, the hidden music stealing softly to the hushed circle or +the still softer water-wimplings from the fountains making _their_ music +in the carved marble basins. + +It seemed a long time to the breathless people composing the circle, but +probably not more than ten minutes had elapsed when the raps again +startled the listeners, and in an instant the full light of the +chandeliers flooded the room. + +There sat the marvellous Physical Spiritual Medium utterly free, but as +if just recovering from a swoon--the ropes, their seals unbroken, lying +a few feet from the chair. + +[Illustration: _There sat the marvelous Physical-Spiritual medium, +utterly free, but as if just recovering from a swoon.--_] + +There was a simultaneous rush to where she was sitting apparently limp +and exhausted from the great struggle which the spirits had had through +her human personality, to release her from bondage, during which Mlle. +Leveraux took occasion to remark that the strain upon Miss Gray's +powers had been too great, and begged that the ladies and gentlemen +would excuse her at once, as the medium's condition would unfortunately +necessitate the immediate termination of the seance for that evening; +whereupon she left the room supporting the delicate Miss Gray in a +manner that would have done credit to any theatre in the world. + +There was no illusion and could have been no collusion. + +Every one in the parlors had seen the woman tied so firmly that the +ropes had sunk into her very flesh. The circle had been formed so +securely as to admit of the passage out or in of no person whatever. +They had all seen her sitting in the chair in a secure condition, and +could have heard any movement on the part of any person within the +circle who might have attempted to steal to her assistance. But there +were the ropes with unbroken seals, lying there, silent but absolute +evidence that no human agency had uncoiled them. + +In the face of all this, what were reasoning people to believe? + +They could not but believe the one thing that they generally did believe +after having visited Evalena Gray's seances, and that was that there +_does_ exist an intercommunication between this and the "Land of the +Leal;" that all persons at times feel these spirit forces working upon +or within them in different forms and with different degrees of +intensity; and that there are these fine organisms, so free from earthly +conditions or hinderances, as to almost permit the rehabilitation of +spirit-lives which, as truly friendly aids and assistants, often perform +what seem to the comprehension of ordinary mortals as past belief, +giving in their materializations many blessed glimpses of the +spirit-land. + +All of which would be thrillingly pleasant to believe and ruminate over +if it was not true that there are probably hundreds in this country +alone who can do this sort of thing without looking pale and interesting +over it; without necessitating the indorsement of a millionaire brewer +or anybody else; and who would consider it hardly fair to charge two +dollars admission, as Miss Gray did, for the utter humbug of sitting +within a circle as a woman dexterous enough to have her feet held and +then be able with the left hand to pat the right palm for a moment, then +the right arm--made bare from the wrist to the shoulder by the sudden +unloosening of a delicate elastic, clasped into the bracelet--or her +cheek, forehead, or neck, as necessity compelled, but making this +patting incessant and so like that of the two hands, that detection (in +the dark) would be a matter of impossibility; and with this same bared +right arm and hand producing all of these manifestations, ordinarily so +marvellous, even to taking a little music-box out of the pocket, +springing a catch to start the melody, "floating" it all about the heads +of those composing the circle, shutting off the music, and putting the +box in the pocket; or even neatly balancing a wine-glass of water upon +the head. + +And when this was all done, without claiming any particular nearness to +heaven regarding it either, I am satisfied that I have lady operatives +in my employ who can step into a room adjoining a seance-parlor, adjust +a rubber jacket, inflate it, hiding the tube of the same under a +closely-fitting collar, allow themselves to be tied so that the ropes +would seem to cruelly sink into the flesh; and that, after a room had +been darkened ten minutes they would be able to have allowed the air to +so escape from the rubber jacket, that, with the contraction of the form +possible to many, the ropes, with unbroken seals, would almost fall from +their forms of their own weight. + +This is precisely how Miss Evalena Gray performed her tricks. + +They did not reach to the dignity of respectable sleight-of-hand; and I +could go on endlessly multiplying these farces, which are so +continuously and disgustingly played upon the public for just what money +they will bring and nothing more; for who ever saw a Spiritualist that +went about the world bringing ministering spirits from heaven to earth +for the good such materializations might do? And further, who ever saw a +Spiritualistic medium, preacher or lecturer that did not make his +religious faith, assumed or otherwise, yield him his living, and provide +him his luxuries besides? + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. + + After the Seance.-- Daddy, the "Accommodation Husband."-- The + two fascinating Swindlers in Council.-- Miss Evalena's + European Career.-- How the Millionaire Brewer was baited + and played with.-- A Bit of Criminal History.-- A choice + Pair.-- Mrs. Winslow's Aspirations and Resolves. + + +It appeared that Miss Evalena Gray and Mlle. Leveraux, and their male +companions, or affinities, did not reside at No. 19 West Twenty-first +street, but in more modest quarters farther down-town; and after the +assemblage had dispersed, the two Misses, an attendant or two, a tall, +gaunt, meek-looking fellow, whom the no longer angelical Evalena called +"Daddy," and a very fascinating young man called in the advertisements +W. Sterling Bischoff, manager, were gathered in the front parlor +previous to being driven home, when W. Sterling said quickly, and as if +suddenly recollecting something which it would not be profitable for him +to forget: + +"See here, Gray; 'most forgot. Here's a note sent over from the Fifth +Avenue. None of your larks now!" + +The person addressed so familiarly as Gray was none other than the +interesting Evalena, who, putting her languor aside, and snatching the +note from the "manager," said: + +"Give it here, now! I'll lark if I like, and _you_ won't hinder." + +"But there's Mr. Gray," persisted the manager, nodding towards the meek, +gaunt man, whose lips seemed to move, though he ventured no remark. + +"Oh, Daddy don't mind, do you, Daddy?" + +[Illustration: _"Oh daddy don't mind:--do you daddy?"--_] + +"Daddy" was Miss Evalena Gray's husband, but was under such peculiarly +good spiritual "control" that he merely smiled a sickly smile and +murmured that he believed not. + +Miss Gray proceeded to examine the note without waiting for the timid +Mr. Gray's opinion, and suddenly exclaimed: + +"Gracious! I'm going right over there!" + +"What for?" inquired Bischoff anxiously, while Mr. Gray's lips pursed +into the form of an unspoken inquiry; "man or woman, eh?" + +"None of your business!" she answered promptly. "Here, Leveraux, help me +on with my wrappings. You drive home. A friend of mine that I haven't +seen for all the last three years is stopping over there, and wants to +see me. I may stay all night. If I shouldn't want to, I'll order a +carriage and come down in an hour or two." + +The three, who were elegantly supported by this woman's juggleries, +seemed to realize that there was no use of opposing her; and without +knowing whether it was a man or woman she intended visiting at that hour +of the night, went gloomily home, while a few minutes later Miss Gray, +unannounced, and at the unseasonable hour of eleven o'clock, was +knocking at the door of Mrs. Winslow's room. + +In a moment more, though Mrs. Winslow was on the point of retiring, and +was in that easy _déshabillé_ in which women love to wander about, doing +a hundred unmentionable and unimportant things before getting into bed +for good, Miss Gray was pushing her lithe form through the cautiously +opened door, and at once unlimbered her tongue and her reserve; the +result of which, as noted by my operative, showed the eminent vulgarity +of the two female frauds, and illustrated the fact that whatever +pretensions they might make, their conversation alone would serve to +discover the inherent and low vileness of their character. + +"Oh, you dear old fraud!" said Evalena, entering, after Mrs. Winslow had +virtuously given herself sufficient time to ascertain that there was no +evil-minded man at the door, and had gladly admitted her visitor; "if +you've got any other company, of course I won't come!" + +Mrs. Winslow laughed knowingly, and then told her visitor how really +glad she was to see her. She was sincere in this, and sincerity, even in +a bad cause, is a redeeming feature. + +"Well, well, you rascal," continued Miss Gray in a jolly, rollicking +sort of a way, "couldn't wait until to-morrow. Where _have_ you been, +what _have_ you been doing, and how _are_ you, anyhow? Come, now, tell +me all about yourself!" + +Saying this in a kind of a rush of excitement, Miss Gray settled +herself in a corner of the luxurious sofa, pulled her feet under her to +get a more comfortable position, and like an interested philosopher, +waited for and listened to the narrative which comprised many of the +facts I have given; but instead of telling the whole truth, only gave +that part of it which made her appear to have been eminently successful +in her swindling operations, and showed life with her to have been +floating calmly upon one continuous, peaceful stream. + +"And now, Evalena," said Mrs. Winslow, rounding off her story with a +great flourish over what she was to make out of Lyon, whom she described +as still madly in love with her, "where have _you_ been, and what have +_you_ been doing since I saw you at Chardon?" + +The glib tongue of the marvellous Physical Spiritual Medium began at +once, and she rattled away at a terrible rate. + +"Well, I've got the same husband----" + +"Oh, pshaw!" interrupted Mrs. Winslow half contemptuously. + +"But he's such a dear, good old fool that I can't throw him over. Why, I +can make him shrink from six feet two to two feet six by just looking at +him! Money couldn't hire such a devoted servant anywhere. He'll do just +anything I tell him; and if I want him out of the way for a few days," +she continued with a comical wink, "I just give him a fifty-dollar bill +and say: 'Daddy, you don't look well; take a run into the country, and +I'll write for you when I want you!' He goes away then with his face +about a yard long. But he goes; and he never made a rumpus in his life!" + +"Oh, that's quite another thing," said Mrs. Winslow, evidently relieved +to know that Miss Gray had had so good a reason for living so long a +time as three years with the same man. + +"Yes, he's what I call an 'accommodation husband.' He accommodates me, +and I--" here Miss Gray sighed piously--"accommodate myself!" + +"Exactly," remarked Mrs. Winslow, beginning to appreciate the pleasant +nature of such an arrangement. + +"Well," resumed the marvellous medium, "we went all through the Ohio +towns giving _exposés_; went out through Chicago, and then down to St. +Louis. But the _exposé_ business didn't pay. We found that people would +pay more money to be humbugged than to learn how some other person might +be deluded!" + +"Every time!" tersely observed Mrs. Winslow. + +"So at St. Louis we resolved to become Spiritualists." + +"The very best thing you could have done!" said Mrs. Winslow +approvingly. + +"And at Quincy," resumed Evalena, "we blossomed out. Oh, but didn't the +papers go for us, though!--called us everything." + +"D----n the newspapers, anyhow!" exclaimed Mrs. Winslow in a burst of +indignation over her own wrongs. + +"Oh, no, no, no! _that_ won't do. Make huge advertising bills. That's +better--much better. That's what _we_ did, and we made big money too. By +and by we came on here to New York, made a huge show, took in a vast +pile, and then went to Europe. Oh, that's the only way to do it!" + +"Yes," said Mrs. Winslow with a deep sigh. "I have often felt the want +of that peculiar tone which going to Europe gives one." + +"Well, we did have a gay time, though," said Miss Gray in a dreamy way, +as if ruminating over her conquests; "and at Venice--oh, that delicious, +ravishing, dreamful Venice!--I bilked a swarthy nobleman from the +mountains out of five thousand dollars. At Rome I did a swell American +out of everything he had. At Vienna, a Hungarian wine-grower fell, and I +trampled upon him as his brutes of peasants beat out the grapes in +vintage-time. At Berlin a German student killed himself for me; and at +St. Petersburg I fooled the Czar himself. But when I got back to London +I got better game than him." + +"Bigger game than the Czar? Oh, my!" exclaimed Mrs. Winslow, thinking +how she had wasted her sweetness on two detectives like Bristol and Fox. + +"Well, bigger game this way," pursued little Miss Gray, reasoning it out +slowly. "This Spiritualistic business can only be played on low, +ignorant people ordinarily. Get the recognition of so big a man as one +of the wealthiest brewers in Great Britain, and then, if Miss Gray has +money and can open sumptuous parlors in so fashionable a vicinity as +Madison Square, and can own a quarter of a column of the New York papers +every day, Miss Evalena Gray's fortune is made. Do you see?" + +Mrs. Winslow did see, but wanted to know how she had secured such +approval. + +Her companion looked at her a moment in blank astonishment; then drawing +down the corners of her mouth as if protesting against such verdancy on +the part of so old a Spiritualistic soldier as Mrs. Winslow, gave a very +expressive series of winks, broke into loud laughter, and then suggested +that if she wanted anything like _that_ explained it would be no more +than fair to order either Krug or Monopolé to help her through so dreary +a recital; whereupon the latter did as requested, and after the two had +washed down a ribald toast with wine, the angelic Miss Gray continued: + +"Well, you see, we came directly from St. Petersburg to London, and got +up a big excitement there right off. The _Times_ denounced us, and we +replied savagely through the _Telegraph_ at a half-crown a line. We kept +this up until all London was engaged in the controversy, and our rooms +were constantly thronged." + +"What luck!" sighed Mrs. Winslow, sipping her wine. + +"By and by the 'nobbies' got discussing the matter at the clubs. We +challenged examination by committees everywhere, of course, and one day +a batch of M.P.s, clergymen, merchants, and all that, came down upon us. +I picked out one man named Perkins--a brewer from the Surrey side, and +one of the wealthiest men in all England, and a man of education and +standing, too--for game right off." + +"Must be lots of fools over in London," remarked Mrs. Winslow, as if +she would like to help pluck them. + +"Yes," answered Miss Gray, "and millions in this country. We're going to +take a run over to Washington this winter." + +"I would if I had your talent," replied her companion. + +"Well," resumed the medium, "I saw Perkins was an easy-going fellow, and +I wrote him, saying it was something unusual for me to do, but as the +'spirits'"--here Miss Gray winked very hard at Mrs. Winslow, who +snickered--"had revealed to me that he was an arrant unbeliever, but at +the same time a fair, honorable man, magnanimous enough to be just--I +wished him to make a private investigation." + +"'Private investigation's' good!" said Mrs. Winslow, laughing heartily. + +"Certainly good for me," continued the little medium in a self-satisfied +way. "He came, though, and I gave him my tricks in my best possible +style. I pretty nearly scared him to death. Then I let him tie me, and +the old man's hands trembled as he put the ropes around my waist and +over my bosom. 'Miss Gray,' said he tenderly, 'I shall injure you!' 'Mr. +Perkins,' I replied, also tenderly, 'the good spirits will protect me. +Pull the ropes tighter!' + +"He pulled the ropes tighter and tighter, and finally got me tied. Then +he darkened the room and in a few minutes I was entirely free of the +ropes of course, and I told him to raise the curtain. As soon as he did +so I left, telling him I was ill; and as soon as I could change my +dress, came back and sat down with him. I got close to him--as close as +I am to you now, Mrs. Winslow--and then, putting my right hand on his +knee, and my left hand on his shoulder----" + +"Splendid!" interrupted Mrs. Winslow, pouring more wine for the +ingenuous Miss Gray, and taking some herself. + +"Then," continued Miss Gray, laughing in a peculiarly wicked manner, "I +got my face pretty close to his and asked: 'Mr. Perkins, I want you to +give me an answer that you are willing to have made public. On your +honor as a man, do you not now believe in the genuineness of these +spiritual manifestations produced through me?' 'I do,' he said +passionately, throwing his arms around me, and--and I don't know what he +would have done had not Leveraux entered the room at that supreme +moment!" + +[Illustration: _"Leveraux entered the room at that supreme moment."--_] + +"Oh, _I_ see!" murmured the other blackmailer. + +"Think of it, Mrs. Winslow!" added Miss Gray tauntingly; "think of it! +In the arms of a man who can draw his check for a million sterling--and +poor little me from Chardon, Ohio!" + +"My! but you are a little rascal, though!" said Mrs. Winslow admiringly. +"I always knew you'd make an impression somewhere." + +"'Leveraux!' said I indignantly, and springing from Perkins's embrace +after I had kissed him in a way that set him shaking again, 'if you ever +breathe a word of this, or annoy Mr. Perkins in any manner under heaven, +I'll kill you! Go!' + +"Poor Leveraux knew her cue and replied hotly, 'I'd kill myself before +I'd do so disgraceful an act!' and then flounced out of the room." + +"_What_ a pair!" exclaimed Mrs. Winslow. + +"He thought I was just perfectly splendid after that; kept coming and +coming, indorsed me publicly, got wild over me; but I held him at arm's +length for months, until I thought the man would really go crazy; and +finally--well, you know I told you Daddy was an 'accommodation husband,' +and if he hadn't been one after I had tripped up one of the richest men +in all England, I would have just hired somebody to have dumped him into +the Thames, sure!" + +The sparkling flow of Miss Gray's experience was here interrupted by +Mrs. Winslow's ordering another bottle of wine, and after the couple had +partaken of the same, the spicy narrative was continued: + +"But now comes the fun, Winslow. I can't tell you _how_ my rope trick is +done. I've got a little addition to it that makes it a regular +sensation. It don't hurt me a particle, and allows the strongest men to +pull away with all their might." + +"I'd give a thousand dollars for it, Evalena," said her friend warmly. + +"No good; no good for you," replied Miss Gray, critically looking over +Mrs. Winslow's splendid physical completeness. "Fact is, Winslow, you +aren't built exactly right for that kind of work. There's too much of +you to do the rope trick with eminent success. I played Daddy as my +brother, and myself for an innocent, so neatly that Perkins honestly +thought he had made a wonderful conquest. He believed it all, for he was +one of those honest fools--in fact, came near being too honest for me." + +"Why, how?" + +"Well, he installed me as his mistress in grand style; but, of course, I +insisted in giving seances and compelled public recognition through +_his_ public recognition of my 'wonderful spirit-power.' The man was so +infatuated that he bored me terribly with his visits. Why, I could +hardly get time to attend to business. You know we always have a stock +of ropes on hand in the seance-rooms, so that when any one objects to +the one I ordinarily use, there are always other ropes at hand that I +_can_ use. One night some fellow broke my best rope, and the next day I +was carelessly practising with another with my door unsecured. Perkins +had been down to Brighton for a week or two, and of course had to rush +over to see me the minute he got in London--to give me a 'happy +surprise,' I suppose. There I sat when he suddenly bolted into the room +and saw the thinness of the whole thing in an instant." + +"What did he see?" asked Mrs. Winslow abruptly. + +"You _are_ shrewd, Winslow, but you can't catch me that way; no, no, no! +But he did see the whole trick as dear as a June day. Do you think I +fainted?" + +"Not much," said her companion tersely. + +"No; but _he_ nearly did. He reeled and staggered as though he had been +struck by a sledge-hammer, and I saw in his face a determination to rush +from the room and denounce me to all London. It was make or break with +me then, Winslow, and with a bound I got to the door, turned the key, +and sent it crashing through a five-pound pane of glass into the street +below. Then I just whipped out this little derringer," she continued, +producing a beautifully mounted, though diminutive weapon, "just run it +right up under his eyes, and backed him into a seat." + +"'Great God!' he whimpered, 'I'm undone! I'm undone!--what a very devil +you are!' + +"My heart did go thumping to see the man used up so; but I had to be +rough, and said: 'Yes, I _am_ a devil, Perkins, and you must pledge me +your word--yes, you must take a solemn oath before that God you have +called upon, that you will never expose me, or I will blow your brains +out!'" + +"Splendid! splendid!" ejaculated Mrs. Winslow. "Did he do it?" + +"I should say he did do it! He got down on his knees and begged like a +baby. And do you know, my blood was up so then, and I so despised him +for his want of manliness, that I came within an ace of killing the +infernal booby!" + +"He deserved it!" said Mrs. Winslow sympathetically. + +"After I had him nearly scared to death," resumed the marvellous medium, +"I began reasoning with him, and, by being excruciatingly tender, +convinced him that by exposing me he would gain nothing, but would lose +in everything that a man of spirit prided in--honor, social reputation, +and business standing, and drew a lively picture of his disgrace at the +clubs and in social circles, and of the cartoons which would certainly +appear in _Punch_ and the other comic papers; and the result was that I +held on to his affection and his purse-strings by compelling him to feel +that my detaining him in the room and threatening to shoot him was the +only thing which prevented him from rashly ruining both. Altogether, +Winslow, I got over two thousand pounds out of him. He wasn't deprived +of a first-class mistress while I remained in London, and--and we are so +good friends now that every little while I get a splendid remittance +from him; and if I ever should want to go back, I could have the very +best in all England!" + +"Well, well, well!" murmured Mrs. Winslow for the want of something +better with which to express her admiration. + +"I _do_ think I played it pretty well," resumed Miss Gray; "and I made +him swallow it all, too. He really believed everything from the moment I +fell into his arms until he caught me with the ropes. I was his +spirit-wife--" another hard wink--"and he my only affinity. Leveraux +helped me in the whole thing splendidly. + +"Who is Mlle. Willie Leveraux?" inquired Mrs. Winslow. + +"She is a sister of Ed. Johnson, the 'bank-burster,' and a keen girl, +too," answered the medium. + +"How did you happen to get hold of her?" + +"Well, you see, Ed. Johnson, Mose Wogle, Frank Dean--'Dago Frank'--and +Dave Cummings, with Chief of Police McGillan and Detective Royal, of +Jersey City, put up a job on the First National Bank there. McGillan was +to keep everybody away from them; and he, or Royal, was to always remain +at headquarters to let the boys off if they got nabbed. They played it +as plaster-workers--Italians, you know--and began working from a room +over the bank down through the ceiling into the vault; but an old +scrub-woman about the place got suspicious, and had them arrested one +day when both McGillan and Royal happened to be in Philadelphia. They +had promised the boys help to break jail, but they failed everywhere; +and Willie, thinking to get Johnson off, went to the bank officers and +told them the whole story. They promised to help her brother, but said +her evidence would have to be corroborated. So she sent for McGillan and +Royal, got them into her rooms, then over on Thirty-seventh street, and +had a Hoboken official in a closet, with a stenographer, who took all +the conversation, which amounted to a complete confession of their +complicity. It never did any good, though. McGillan and Royal got the +most swearing done, and got clear; while Johnson and the rest of the +boys got fifteen years' solitary confinement in the New Jersey +penitentiary. It almost broke Willie down; but she is splendid help +now." + +Mrs. Winslow drew a long sigh, and the two drank again to drown the +doleful feelings raised by this recital; for even high-toned and +uncaught criminals do not find the contemplation of stone walls and iron +bars by any means pleasant and refreshing; and with this lively history +of herself and her companions, the "Marvellous Physical Spiritual +Medium" called a servant, ordered a conveyance, and was driven home, +after having promised to call with her own carriage on the next day; +while Mrs. Winslow, after surveying her own magnificent physique as +reflected in the pier-glass, muttered: + +"_I'll_ make an effort, go to Europe, and, like so many others, win fame +too!" + +Then with a resolute toss of her head the adventuress plumped into her +bed, where, for aught we know, she carried on her vile conquests and +miserable villainies in her dreams the whole night long. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + + Mrs. Winslow demonstrates her Legal Ability.-- The "Breach of + Promise Trial."-- A grand Rally of the Spiritualistic + Friends of the Adventuress.-- The Jury disagree.-- Mrs. + Winslow convicted at St. Louis of Common Barratry.-- An + honest Judge's Rebuke.-- A new Trial.-- The Spiritualistic + Swindler overthrown.-- Remorse and Wretchedness. + + +Mrs. Winslow's stay in New York was rather an interruption to Miss +Evalena Gray's business, as those two champions of the theory that earth +and heaven are connected by a spiritual hyphen only adjustable, or to be +made serviceable, by the brainless imbeciles or the remorseless sharks +of society, to the exclusion of people of purity and worth, indulged in +several lapses from sobriety, and in spiritual love-feasts of such +remarkable length and enthusiasm that W. Sterling Bischoff, Mlle. +Leveraux, and the mournful accommodation husband, "Daddy," became quite +alarmed for the result, were obliged to discontinue the marvellous +seances at No. Nineteen West Twenty-first Street--on account of the +"alarming illness of the fascinating little medium," as the manager was +careful to see that the truthful newspapers announced--and at the close +of a term of spirituous rapture of remarkable intensity and duration, +the three who were vitally interested in Miss Gray's recovery from her +peculiarly alarming illness, managed to part the loving couple, induce +the languid Evalena to return to her fascinations and fools, and sent +Mrs. Winslow to Rochester and her roguery. + +Although her trip to New York had been one of prolonged dissipation, +Mrs. Winslow had evidently gained courage from it from the assurance of +Miss Gray's friendship, and through that ingenious little woman's +recitals of daring and conquest now applied herself with new vigor and +dash to her infamous work. + +During her absence in New York, Superintendent Bangs and a legal +gentleman from Rochester had proceeded to the West and were rapidly +gathering in the harvest of evidence I had reaped, and which +subsequently became so serviceable. + +Mrs. Winslow, seeing she had been outwitted, began diligently arranging +matters for the coming trial, and having lost the main point of +dependence which she had hoped to make in our inability to use the +evidence which she was sure Lyon's counsel could get by a liberal +expenditure of money, which she also knew must be at hand, she began the +tactics of delay, and secured a change of venue from Rochester to +Batavia, on the ground of prejudice; and, without the assistance of +counsel, boldly manoeuvred her case nearly as carefully and judiciously +as the most proficient of criminal lawyers. + +Ascertaining that Lyon's counsel had secured damaging evidence against +her in those sections of country where she had previously been the +spiritualistic harlot that she was, she rapidly followed Mr. Bangs and +his companion, and through her wonderful personal magnetism, physical +force, consummate bravado, and skilful manipulations, succeeded in +securing numberless affidavits--not that she was a pure woman, but that +as far as the affiant knew, she was not a bad woman. + +Some, who had given Lyon's counsel depositions comprehensive enough to +have crushed her in court, were compelled by her to depose under oath +that their previous depositions given Mr. Bangs were made under a +misapprehension of facts. Others were induced to swear that they were +mistaken in her identity, which would naturally have the effect of +breaking the chain of evidence connecting her with her numberless +different aliases, and therefore with her numberless offences against +the laws and society; so that unless our work had been, in this respect, +anything but faultless, Mr. Lyon would have certainly suffered defeat. + +As the date of trial at Batavia neared, however, although the woman had +showed great skill in her management of her own case, and had got things +into as good shape for herself as nearly any lawyer in the country could +have done, she suddenly changed her decision regarding conducting the +case personally, and engaged the services of a Rochester lawyer of good +repute, who certainly would not have pleaded her cause had he at first +been aware of her character in the slightest degree. + +At last the case came to trial at Batavia, Judge Williams presiding, and +was considered of sufficient importance to command the quite general +attention of newspapers, and a large number of reporters were in +attendance, while the little city had never before attracted such a +crowd of curious people, brought there and kept there by the great +interest which the trial had awakened. + +Mr. Lyon seldom appeared in court, being detained in Rochester by the +faithful and still voluble Harcout, where the latter busied himself in +predicting Mrs. Winslow's downfall on account of the thorough manner in +which he had conducted matters, and in constant trips to the newspaper +and telegraph offices for the latest news concerning the progress of the +case. + +At Batavia Mrs. Winslow had in some unexplainable manner worked up quite +a feeling in her behalf, and had busily engaged herself, laboring day +and night, in all the little things that form public opinion as well as +cause the application of law to individual preferences, whether justice +enters into such decisions or not. + +Especially was her business ability shown in securing a jury a portion +of whom she brazenly boasted _dare_ not find for the defendant. She had +evidently given up all expectation of a verdict in her favor; but, in +perfect accord with her line of policy to annoy her victim into a +settlement, had arranged matters in every respect so that there would be +delay, that as much as possible nauseating scandal should reach the +public to react upon Lyon, and that in every way the outcome of the case +would be to belittle, bemean and disgrace him, for having had to do in +any way with so bad a woman as she knew herself to be. + +The latter was a point most people's pride would prevent them from +making. She had lost that, but her active mind saw how revolting it all +would be to him, and her cupidity, greed and vindictiveness made the +prosecution a persecution that had a measure of fiendish pleasure in it +for her. + +Here her mental and her pecuniary resources were again demonstrated in a +way that surprised everybody at all cognizant of her habits and history. +The cost of carrying on a case of this importance was very large. Money +had unquestionably been largely used in bribery. Many of the affidavits +she had so expeditiously secured had been purchased outright. The court +costs were no inconsiderable sum. Her lawyer, feeling somewhat doubtful +of her character, and wholly satisfied of her irresponsibility, demanded +his fee--and it was a large one--in advance. But every demand, save +those that would not injure her case by refusing, was promptly met, and +the mysterious source of supply seemed as exhaustless at the end as at +the beginning; though at all times she was a female combination of the +Artful Dodger and Job Trotter, capable of compelling confidence and +sympathy. During the progress of the trial she also had time for the +practice of her spiritualistic mummeries, and so worked upon the +ignorance, passions, and pockets of a few wealthy farmers, who were in +attendance at court, that she drove a thriving trade in revelations and +prophecies that, whatever other effect they might have, certainly +brought her large sums of money. + +Although the larger amount of evidence on both sides was of a +documentary character, the case occupied nearly a week, and public +interest was wrought up to the highest possible pitch of excitement as +day after day some startling episode or dramatic incident was developed; +and finally, when Judge Williams charged the jury and that body retired +for consultation, both sides of the case had been so ably conducted, +such a terrible flood of vileness had been launched upon the community, +and so intense was the feeling against the woman on the part of the +public--who condemn with a terrible intensity when once made aware of +the danger in the heart and life of a social assassin, that the pretty +city of Batavia was all awhirl from agitation and excitement. + +All this had been greatly increased by the following dispatches from St. +Louis to the Rochester papers, which had, of course, been received and +widely read in that section, and were all preceded by an item clipped +from the Detroit _Tribune_, to the effect that the notorious female, +Mrs. Winslow, had been indicted in St. Louis as a common scold, and +several public speakers therein named had better take warning. The first +dispatch read: + +"The trial of Mrs. Winslow, charged with common barratry, has been +proceeding in the Four Courts all day. Scores of lawyers are here from +all parts of the West, as witnesses for the prosecution. The case +excites great interest, a similar one never having occurred in St. Louis +before." + +The second and final dispatch from St. Louis on the subject was: + +"The case of the notorious Mrs. Winslow, indicted for common barratry, +terminated to-day. The jury assessed her punishment to be six months' +imprisonment in the county jail." + +These dispatches, with the editorial comments they evoked, had been +received during the progress of the case, and though it was too late to +offer the facts in evidence as to the woman's character, they had +intensified the feeling against her until Mrs. Winslow was given an +opportunity of realizing something of the depth of human scorn. + +A day passed, but no agreement. What could it mean? the public asked. +The second day, being Sunday, passed slowly over the town, for no news +of the jury could be obtained; and though it was a raw winter's day, the +streets were full of people anxious to learn the result. Monday came and +went, and still the jury were out. Whispers of bribery now began to fly +about the city, and when the fourth day had passed with no agreement and +with repeated requests from the jury that they might be discharged, the +whole city was filled with indignation, while public resentment ran so +high that it was with some personal risk that this exponent of +Spiritualism passed to and fro between the court-room and her hotel. + +Finally, it being ascertained that the jury disagreed irreconcilably, +they were called into court for their discharge, and filed solemnly into +their box. After a silence that could be felt had settled upon the vast +audience, Judge Williams wheeled around, and, facing the jury--many of +whom shrank from his severe and penetrating glance--in a voice of quiet +power, his whole bearing being one of dignified scorn, he delivered with +great solemnity the following well-deserved rebuke and protest against +the corruption of the power of the jury, and its contempt of justice and +the sacred dignity of the Court: + +"GENTLEMEN OF THE JURY--I had hoped you would agree upon a verdict. The +cause is a plain one, and there is no need of a disagreement. Another +trial would be expensive to the county, and would occupy much time. A +second trial would again crowd this court-room with a throng of +auditors, who would listen day after day to the disgusting depositions +which are on file in this cause. One trial such as this is too much for +the decency and morality of any community, and another jury should never +be called to pass upon this case. It is the policy of all courts to +secure agreements from juries, and in such a case as this, more than in +almost any other, a disagreement should not be allowed. + +"You are, after being out four days, irreconcilably divided. Some of +you, I know, are determined to be only guided by the evidence and the +law, as given to you by this Court. For your long and persistent +resistance of all attempts on the part of some of your number to prevent +justice, you are entitled to my sincere thanks and those of all +right-minded men in this community. Others there are upon this jury who, +I am bound to believe, have consulted only their passions and +prejudices; have deliberately ignored the evidence and the instruction +of the Court, and are anxious to perpetrate what they know or might +have known, was gross injustice. If there are such men upon this jury, +their conduct merits severest condemnation. I have great respect for the +honest convictions of jurors, even when I think they are wrong. I could +not censure jurors for honest prejudices; but I can have no respect for +men who, from base and unworthy motives, seek to secure unworthy ends. + +"If any one was to look leniently upon the plaintiff, it would, of +course, be her counsel. But to make twelve honest men ever see that she +was entitled to a verdict of even one cent, is a work that transcends +human ability. + +"One of the plainest principles of law applicable to all civil cases, is +that the plaintiff can only recover where there is a fair preponderance +of evidence in his favor. Upon the principal question in this case--that +is, whether or not there was an agreement of marriage between plaintiff +and defendant--they were the only witnesses. Supposing both to be +equally credible, how can the plaintiff recover when every act affirmed +by her is denied by the defendant? But are they equally credible? The +defendant is proved by the evidence to be a man of character, +reputation, and social position. Who is the plaintiff? By her own +evidence she is one who years ago deserted her husband and three +children in Wisconsin, and commenced the life of an itinerant +fortune-teller. Since then, as a clairvoyant, a mesmerist, a medium, she +has perambulated the country, professing in her handbills to predict +future events and to cure all manner of diseases by her occult arts. + +"She has assumed in her travels those invariable proofs of guilt, +_aliases_. She has been proven, by her own writing, daily conversation, +and every-day conduct, to be grossly profane and indecent. By the +testimony of several unimpeached witnesses, produced by defendant, she +is shown to have been an inmate of a house, or houses, of ill-fame, and +to have committed acts of the most shocking indecency and lewdness. And +yet this is the woman whose testimony some of you have received with +absolute verity, while rejecting the testimony of the defendant as of no +value in comparison with it. The question before you was, whether +between this woman and the defendant there had been a binding contract +of marriage. There is no one of you so low that you would have entered +into such an obligation with this woman. You would have started back in +horror at such a proposition; and yet you have been so lost to decency +that you have seemed determined, by your verdict, to thrust such a +disgrace and outrage upon the defendant! + +"You were told by the Court that if the plaintiff was married at the +time when she said the defendant agreed to marry her, such a promise was +absolutely void. The plaintiff had herself sworn that the promise was +made in 186--, and that she was then, and had remained for nearly two +years thereafter, a married woman. Did not the Court tell you that such +a promise was void? The Court told you that no subsequent ratification +of such a promise could make it binding. The Court further instructed +you that if the plaintiff was unchaste at the time of the promise of +marriage, and her unchastity was not known to defendant, that the +marriage contract, if entered into, was not binding. The entire record +in this case teems with the history of her licentiousness. No witness +has been so reckless as to swear that within the last ten years she has +had either virtuous habits or virtuous associations. That she was +virtuous in 1860, or rather, that if then vicious, her character in this +regard was then unknown to her neighbors in Indiana and Wisconsin, is +rendered highly probable from the evidence. But there was a period +preceding this by many years, when the maiden merged into the woman, +that the almost exhaustless evidence produced by the defendant shows to +have been a time without shame, and when her keen shrewdness and wicked +nature had already been developed to a degree of depravity beyond human +belief; and there has since been a period when the vilest inmate of the +lowest den of prostitution was happy in her virgin purity in comparison +with this woman! + +"Previous to the first-mentioned time the plaintiff had followed the +army of the Southwest in its weary marches--not, however, as the +evidence discloses, for any honest purpose. She had wandered infinitely +further from purity than from her Northern home. And yet you have at +tempted to render a verdict that after all these wanderings, and after +this incomparably vile career, she is fit to become the wife of a +respectable citizen of Rochester, the mistress of his mansion, and the +sharer of his large fortune. + +"You were further instructed that if a promise of marriage had been +made, and if the plaintiff had at that time been virtuous, and had +subsequently become unchaste the defendant was released from the +obligation of such a promise; what regard, in view of the evidence in +this case, have you paid to that instruction? + +"Am I too severe, then, when I say that when, through four long days and +nights in your jury room, some of this jury have attempted to force a +verdict in favor of the plaintiff, notwithstanding she was not entitled +to it, and the defendant's witnesses had proven that she was utterly +unworthy of it, you have been actuated by passion and prejudice, and +have attempted to pervert justice? Had you been able to infect all your +comrades with your pestilential breath, and had a verdict in her favor +been rendered, I should certainly have set it aside immediately. + +"I cannot but express my severest censure at the result of this cause at +your hands, knowing, as I cannot but know, that the same vile +machinations which have left a hideous trail of this female monster over +every portion of the land, have brought about this disagreement which is +a shame and a disgrace to yourselves, to Genesee County, and this +Court!" + +The suit necessarily went over to the next term of court, over which +Judge Williams also presided, when no developments worthy of note +occurred, the same evidence being introduced, the same tactics on the +part of Mrs. Winslow--who, however, had been obliged to secure new +counsel--being attempted, and the same crowd of morbid curiosity-seekers +being in attendance. + +But the woman had by this time become too well known for the slightest +hope of success, or even to enable her to receive the ordinary +consideration and protection of the Court. + +Without leaving their seats the jury found for the defendant, and the +woman, defeated yet insolent and daring, passed out into the +summer-decked streets of the little city of Batavia a scorned, dreaded +being, driven from everything but infamous memory. + +I was never sufficiently interested in Le Compte to trace his future, +but it is safe to say that he never visited "La belle France" and +"Paris, the beautiful, the sublime, the magnificent," in company with +the once fascinating Mrs. Winslow. + +Harcout is still the pompous henchman of the harassed millionaire, Mr. +Lyon, and quite covered himself with glory from having claimed the +entire work of securing the evidence that caused the overthrow of the +adventuress. + +Were I a novelist, rather than a detective and obliged to relate facts, +I could have made an effective climax by a tragic meeting between +Harcout and Mrs. Winslow, where Lilly Nettleton would have recognized +the Rev. Mr. Bland and wreaked summary vengeance upon him; but, so far +as I am aware, they never met, and the much-named social scourge is now +wearing out an inconceivably vile and wretched old age--the irrevocable +result of her course of life--an outcast and a wanderer among the lowest +classes that people portions of the Pacific Slope cities, with remorse +and wretchedness behind, and utter hopelessness beyond; while Mr. Lyon, +now a feeble old man, who has atoned, through regrets and humiliations, +for his part of the wrong launched through his as well as her sin upon +society, has at least become thoroughly satisfied of the thousands of +evils following in the trail of this so-called spirit-power, his fulness +of knowledge of its workings having been gained through this particular +experience with THE SPIRITUALISTS AND THE DETECTIVES. + + +THE END. + + + + +G. W. DILLINGHAM, Successor. + +1889. 1889. + +G. W. CARLETON & CO. + +NEW BOOKS + +AND NEW EDITIONS, + +RECENTLY ISSUED BY + + G. 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With 200 comic + illustrations. 1 50 + Clear Light from the Spirit World--By Kate Irving. 1 25 + For the Sins of his Youth--By Mrs. Jane Kavanagh. 1 50 + Mal Moulée--A splendid Novel, by Ella Wheeler Wilcox. 1 00 + A Northern Governess at the Sunny South--By Professor J. H. + Ingraham. 1 50 + Birds of a Feather Flock Together--By Edward A. Sothern, the + actor. 1 50 + The Mystery of Bar Harbor--By Alsop Leffingwell. 1 00 + Longfellow's Home Life--By Blanche Roosevelt Machetta. + Illustrated. 1 50 + Every-Day Home Advice--For Household and Domestic Economy. 1 50 + Ladies' and Gentlemen's Etiquette Book of the best Fashionable + Society. 1 00 + Love and Marriage--A book for unmarried people. 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Seymour. 1 50 + An Errand Girl--Johnson. 1 50 + Ask Her, Man! Ask Her! 1 50 + Hidden Power--T. H. Tibbles. 1 50 + Two of Us--Calista Halsey. 75 + Cupid on Crutches--A. B. Wood. 75 + Parson Thorne--E. M. Buckingham. 1 50 + Errors--By Ruth Carter. 1 50 + Unmistakable Flirtation--Garner. 75 + Wild Oats--Florence Marryat. 1 50 + The Abbess of Jouarre--Renan. 1 00 + The Mysterious Doctor--Stanley. 1 50 + Doctor Mortimer--Fannie Bean. 1 50 + Two Brides--Bernard O'Reilly. 1 50 + Louise and I--By Chas. Dodge. 1 50 + My Queen--By Sandette. 1 50 + Fallen among Thieves--Rayne. 1 50 + Saint Leger--Richard B. Kimball. 1 75 + Was He Successful?--Kimball. 1 75 + Undercurrents of Wall St. Do. 1 75 + Romance of Student Life. Do. 1 75 + To-day. Do. 1 75 + Life in San Domingo. Do. 1 75 + Henry Powers, Banker. Do. 1 75 + Led Astray--By Octave Feuillet. 1 50 + Lava Fires--Smith. 1 50 + The Darling of an Empire. 1 50 + Confessions of Two. 1 50 + Nina's Peril--By Mrs. Miller. 1 50 + Marguerite's Journal--For Girls. 1 50 + Orpheus C. Kerr--Four vols. in one. 2 00 + Spell-Bound--Alexandre Dumas. 75 + Purple and Fine Linen--Fawcett. 1 50 + Pauline's Trial--L. D. Courtney. 1 50 + Tancredi--Dr. E. A. Wood. 1 50 + Measure for Measure--Stanley. 1 50 + Charette--An American novel. 1 50 + Fairfax--By John Esten Cooke. 1 50 + Hilt to Hilt. Do. 1 50 + Out of the Foam. Do. 1 50 + Hammer and Rapier. Do. 1 50 + Kenneth--By Sallie A. Brock. 1 75 + Heart Hungry--Mrs. Westmoreland. 1 50 + Clifford Troupe. Do. 1 50 + Price of a Life--R. F. Sturgis. 1 50 + Marston Hall--L. Ella Byrd. 1 50 + Conquered--By a New Author. 1 50 + Tales from the Popular Operas. 1 50 + Edith Murray--Joanna Mathews. 1 50 + San Miniato--Mrs. C. V. Hamilton. 1 00 + All for Her--A Tale of New York. 1 50 + L'Assommoir--Zola's great novel. 1 00 + Vesta Vane--By L. King, R. 1 50 + Walworth's Novels--Seven vols. 1 50 + + + + +MRS. MARY J. HOLMES' WORKS. + +*** + + TEMPEST AND SUNSHINE. + ENGLISH ORPHANS. + HOMESTEAD ON HILLSIDE. + 'LENA RIVERS. + MEADOW BROOK. + DORA DEANE. + COUSIN MAUDE. + MARIAN GREY. + EDITH LYLE. + DAISY THORNTON. + CHATEAU D'OR. + QUEENIE HETHERTON. + BESSIE'S FORTUNE. + DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT. + HUGH WORTHINGTON. + CAMERON PRIDE. + ROSE MATHER. + ETHELYN'S MISTAKE. + MILLBANK. + EDNA BROWNING. + WEST LAWN. + MILDRED. + FOREST HOUSE. + MADELINE. + CHRISTMAS STORIES. + GRETCHEN. (_New._) + +OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. + +"Mrs. Holmes' stories are universally read. Her admirers are numberless. +She is in many respects without a rival in the world of fiction. Her +characters are always life-like, and she makes them talk and act like +human beings, subject to the same emotions, swayed by the same passions, +and actuated by the same motives which are common among men and women of +every-day existence. Mrs. Holmes is very happy in portraying domestic +life. Old and young peruse her stories with great delight, for she +writes in a style that all can comprehend."--_New York Weekly._ + +THE NORTH AMERICAN REVIEW, vol. 81, page 557, says of Mrs. Mary J. +Holmes' novel "English Orphans":--"With this novel of Mrs. Holmes' we +have been charmed, and so have a pretty numerous circle of +discriminating readers to whom we have lent it. The characterization is +exquisite, especially so far as concerns rural and village life, of +which there are some pictures that deserve to be hung up in perpetual +memory of types of humanity fast becoming extinct. The dialogues are +generally brief, pointed, and appropriate. The plot seems simple, so +easily and naturally is it developed and consummated. Moreover, the +story thus gracefully constructed and written, inculcates without +obtruding, not only pure Christian morality in general, but, with +especial point and power, the dependence of true success on character, +and of true respectability on merit." + +"Mrs. Holmes' stories are all of a domestic character, and their +interest, therefore, is not so intense as if they were more highly +seasoned with sensationalism, but it is of a healthy and abiding +character. The interest in her tales begins at once, and is maintained +to the close. Her sentiments are so sound, her sympathies so warm and +ready, and her knowledge of manners, character, and the varied incidents +of ordinary life is so thorough, that she would find it difficult to +write any other than an excellent tale if she were to try it."--_Boston +Banner._ + +*** + +The volumes are all handsomely printed and bound in cloth, sold +everywhere, and sent by mail, _postage free_, on receipt of price [$1.50 +each], by + + G. W. DILLINGHAM, Publisher, + _Successor to G. W. CARLETON & CO._, + 33 W. 23d St., NEW YORK. + + + + +CHARLES DICKENS' WORKS. + +A NEW EDITION. + + +Among the many editions of the works of this greatest of English +Novelists, there has not been until _now_ one that entirely satisfies +the public demand.--Without exception, they each have some strong +distinctive objection,--either the form and dimensions of the volumes +are unhandy--or, the type is small and indistinct--or, the illustrations +are unsatisfactory--or, the binding is poor--or, the price is too high. + +An entirely new edition is _now_, however, published by G. W. Carleton & +Co., of New York, which, in every respect, completely satisfies the +popular demand.--It is known as + +"Carleton's New Illustrated Edition." + +COMPLETE IN 15 VOLUMES. + +The size and form is most convenient for holding,--the type is entirely +new, and of a clear and open character that has received the approval of +the reading community in other works. + +The illustrations are by the original artists chosen by Charles Dickens +himself--and the paper, printing, and binding are of an attractive and +substantial character. + +This beautiful new edition is complete in 15 volumes--at the extremely +reasonable price of $1.50 per volume, as follows:-- + + 1.--PICKWICK PAPERS AND CATALOGUE. + 2.--OLIVER TWIST.--UNCOMMERCIAL TRAVELLER. + 3.--DAVID COPPERFIELD. + 4.--GREAT EXPECTATIONS--ITALY AND AMERICA. + 5.--DOMBEY AND SON. + 6.--BARNABY RUDGE AND EDWIN DROOD. + 7.--NICHOLAS NICKLEBY. + 8.--CURIOSITY SHOP AND MISCELLANEOUS. + 9.--BLEAK HOUSE. + 10.--LITTLE DORRIT. + 11.--MARTIN CHUZZLEWIT. + 12.--OUR MUTUAL FRIEND. + 13.--CHRISTMAS BOOKS.--TALE OF TWO CITIES. + 14.--SKETCHES BY BOZ AND HARD TIMES. + 15.--CHILD'S ENGLAND AND MISCELLANEOUS. + +The first volume--Pickwick Papers--contains an alphabetical catalogue of +all of Charles Dickens' writings, with their exact positions in the +volumes. + +This edition is sold by Booksellers, everywhere--and single specimen +copies will be forwarded by mail, _postage free_, on receipt of price +$1.50 by + + G. W. DILLINGHAM, Publisher, + _Successor to G. W. CARLETON & CO._, + 33 W. 23d St., NEW YORK. + + + + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + +Transcriber's Note: + + +Minor punctuation errors (e.g. missing or misprinted periods, commas, +and quotation marks) and poorly printed letters have been corrected +without note. Other than the corrections listed below, all spelling +variants have been left as in the original. + +The following changes were made to the text: + +Front Matter: EXPRESSMEN to EXPRESSMAN (6.--EXPRESSMAN AND DETECTIVES.) + +p. 21: smoothy to smoothly (smoothly-shaven face) + +pp. 32, 38, and 45: Lily to Lilly + +p. 38: unmanagable to unmanageable (she became almost unmanageable) + +p. 62: wildet to wildest (the wildest affection) + +p. 68: wherupon to whereupon (whereupon she had raised) + +p. 78: Bang's to Bangs's (put in Mr. Bangs's hands) + +p. 94: povety-stricken to poverty-stricken (and the poverty-stricken +hovel) + +p. 106: Waverly to Waverley (After taking dinner at the Waverley,) + +p. 114: deshabille to déshabillé (_en déshabillé_) + +p. 127: interspering to interspersing (interspersing it with a few) + +p. 153: role to _rôle_ (she had assumed the _rôle_) + +p. 158: removed duplicated "to" (better wife 'n she was to me) + +p. 168: _role_ to _rôle_ (continue the _rôle_) + +p. 176: removed extra "a" ("a this morning's paper" to "this morning's +paper") + +p. 278: havn't to haven't (you haven't found her) + +p. 311: Evalina to Evalena (upon which Miss Evalena Gray) + +p. 325: Evelena to Evalena (how Miss Evalena Gray performed) + +pp. 334-335 (Illustration caption), 338 and 341: Levereaux to Leveraux + +Advertisements (end of book): Agusta to Augusta (Augusta J. Evans' +Novels.), Expressmen to Expressman (Expressman and Detectives), "and +Detectives" to "as a Detective" (Claude Melnotte as a Detective), +Marryatt to Marryat (Wild Oats--Florence Marryat.) + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Spiritualists and the Detectives, by +Allan Pinkerton + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SPIRITUALISTS AND THE DETECTIVES *** + +***** This file should be named 32007-8.txt or 32007-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/2/0/0/32007/ + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, S.D., and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was +produced from images generously made available by The +Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Spiritualists and the Detectives + +Author: Allan Pinkerton + +Release Date: April 16, 2010 [EBook #32007] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SPIRITUALISTS AND THE DETECTIVES *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, S.D., and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was +produced from images generously made available by The +Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 254px;"> +<img id="cover" src="images/cover.jpg" width="254" height="391" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<div id="intro"> +<p class="center">ALLAN PINKERTON'S<br /> +<span class="lg taller">DETECTIVE STORIES.</span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 113px;"> +<img class="decoline" src="images/line-1diamond-sm.png" width="113" height="9" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p class="center smcap">Vol. V.</p> + +<p class="center smcap">The Spiritualists and Detectives.</p> +</div> + +<div id="ad-front"> +<p class="med center taller">ALLAN PINKERTON'S<br /> +<span class="lg">GREAT DETECTIVE BOOKS.</span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 113px;"> +<img class="decoline" src="images/line-1diamond-sm.png" width="113" height="9" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<div class="booklist"> +<p> +<span class="l-in">1.—MOLLIE MAGUIRES AND DETECTIVES.</span><br /> +<span class="l-in">2.—STRIKERS, COMMUNISTS, AND DETECTIVES.</span><br /> +<span class="l-in">3.—CRIMINAL REMINISCENCES AND DETECTIVES.</span><br /> +<span class="l-in">4.—THE MODEL TOWN AND DETECTIVES.</span><br /> +<span class="l-in">5.—SPIRITUALISTS AND DETECTIVES.</span><br /> +<span class="l-in">6.—EXPRESSMAN AND DETECTIVES.</span><br /> +<span class="l-in">7.—THE SOMNAMBULIST AND DETECTIVES.</span><br /> +<span class="l-in">8.—CLAUDE MELNOTTE AS A DETECTIVE.</span><br /> +<span class="l-in">9.—MISSISSIPPI OUTLAWS AND DETECTIVES.</span><br /> +10.—GYPSIES AND DETECTIVES.<br /> +11.—BUCHOLZ AND DETECTIVES.<br /> +12.—THE RAILROAD FORGER AND DETECTIVES.<br /> +13.—BANK ROBBERS AND DETECTIVES.<br /> +14.—BURGLAR'S FATE AND DETECTIVES.<br /> +15.—A DOUBLE LIFE AND DETECTIVES.</p> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 45px;"> +<img class="decoline" src="images/short-line.png" width="45" height="2" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p class="center">These wonderful Detective Stories by Allan Pinkerton are +having an unprecedented success. Their sale far +exceeding one hundred thousand copies. "The +interest which the reader feels from the outset +is intense and resistless; he is swept along +by the narrative, held by it, whether +he will or no."</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 45px;"> +<img class="decoline" src="images/short-line.png" width="45" height="2" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p class="center">All beautifully illustrated, and published uniform with this +volume. Price $1.50 each. Sold by all booksellers, and +sent <em>free</em> by mail, on receipt of price, by</p> + +<p class="center"><b>G. W. CARLETON & CO., Publishers,<br /> +New York.</b></p> +</div> + +<div id="tp"> +<h1 class="wider taller"> +<span class="sm">THE</span><br /> +SPIRITUALISTS<br /> +<span class="wee">AND</span><br /> +THE DETECTIVES.</h1> + +<p class="center med2"><span class="sm">BY</span><br /> +ALLAN PINKERTON,<br /> +<span class="sm">AUTHOR OF<br /> +"THE EXPRESSMAN AND THE DETECTIVE," "CLAUDE MELNOTTE AS<br /> +A DETECTIVE," "THE SOMNAMBULIST AND THE DETECTIVE,"<br /> +"THE MODEL TOWN AND THE DETECTIVES," ETC.</span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 50px;"> +<img id="logo" src="images/logo.png" width="50" height="35" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p class="center sm3">NEW YORK:<br /> +<span class="lg"><i>G. W. Dillingham, Publisher</i>,</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Successor to G. W. Carleton & Co.</span><br /> +LONDON: S. LOW, SON & CO.<br /> +MDCCCLXXXIX.</p> +</div> + +<div id="pubinfo"> +<p class="center pad-b"> +<span class="smcap sm3">Copyrighted, 1876, by</span><br /> +ALLAN PINKERTON</p> + +<p class="center sm3"> +<span class="smcap">Trow's<br /> +Printing and Bookbinding Co.,</span><br /> +PRINTERS AND STEREOTYPERS,<br /> +205-213 <i>East</i> 12<i>th St.</i>,<br /> +NEW YORK.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[v]</a></span></p> + +<h2 class="wider">CONTENTS.</h2> + +<div class="figcenter pad-bt" style="width: 75px;"> +<img class="decoline" src="images/med-line.png" width="75" height="2" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<ul class="toc"> +<li>CHAPTER I. +<p>"Kal'm'zoo!"—The Home of the Nettletons.—Lilly Nettleton.—A +wild Heart and a burning <span class="tocpad">Brain.</span> <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER II. +<p>The "Circuit-Rider."—Mr. Pinkerton and these Gospel Knights-Errant +in the early Days.—The Rev. Mr. Bland appears.—"And +Satan came also!"—A "charge" is established.—A Compact +"where the golden maple-leaves fall."—Bland departs.—"The +scared form of a young Woman steals away from her <span class="tocpad">Home!"</span> <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER III. +<p>Lilly in Detroit.—First and last Remorse.—The reverend Villain and his +Victim enjoy the Hospitality of the Michigan Exchange Hotel.—A +Scene.—"Bland, am I to go to your Mother's, as you promised?"—The +Clergyman(?) "crazed."—Everything, save Respectability.—A +Woman's Will.—And a Man's <span class="tocpad">Cajolement.</span> <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER IV. +<p>Tells how the Rev. Mr. Bland preached a Funeral Sermon.—Shows a +dainty Cottage, holding more than the Neighbors knew.—Installs +Lilly as a Clergyman's Mistress.—Reverts to a Desolate Home.—Introduces +Dick Hosford, a returned "Forty-Niner," who begins a +despairing Search.—And shows that unholy, as well as true Love, +does not always run <span class="tocpad">smoothly.</span> <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER V. +<p>Reckless Fancies.—The "Cursed Church Interests."—Bland's "little +Bird" becomes a busy Bird.—Merges into a great Raven of the +Night.—Gathers together Valuables.—And while a folded Handkerchief +lies across the Clergyman's Face, steals away into the +Storm and the Night.—Gone!—"Are ye all dead in there?"—Drifting +together.—"Don't give the Gal that Ticket!"—A great-hearted +Man.—The Rev. Bland officiates at a Wedding.—Competence +and <span class="tocpad">Contentment.</span> <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER VI. +<p>Mr. Pinkerton is called upon.—Mr. Harcout, a ministerial-looking +Man, with an After-dinner Voice, appears.—A Case with a Woman +in it, as is usually the case.—Mr. Pinkerton hesitates.—An anxious +<span class="tocpad">Millionaire.</span> <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_47">47</a></span></p></li> + +<li><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[vi]</a></span> + +CHAPTER VII. +<p>In Council.—Mr. Lyon the Millionaire, with Mr. Harcout the Adventurer +and Adviser, appear together.—How Mr. Lyon became Mrs. +Winslow's Victim.—"Our blessed Faith" and the Woman's +strange Power.—A Tender Subject.—Deep Games.—A One +Hundred Thousand Dollar Suit for Breach of Promise of Marriage.—A +good deal of Money.—All liable to err.—A most +magnificent Woman.—The "Case" <span class="tocpad">taken.</span> +<span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_55">55</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER VIII. +<p>The Case begun.—Mr. Pinkerton makes a preliminary Investigation at +Rochester.—Mrs. Winslow, Trance Medium.—A Ride to Port Charlotte.—Harcout +as a Barnacle.—Much married.—Mr. Pinkerton +visits the Mediums.—Drops in at a Washington Hall Meeting.—Sees +the naughty Woman.—And returns to New York convinced +that the Spiritualistic Adventuress is a Woman of remarkable +<span class="tocpad">Ability.</span> <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER IX. +<p>"Our Case."—Harcout's Egotism and Interference.—The strange +Chain of Evidence.—A Trail of Spiritualism, Lust, and Licentiousness.— +Superintendent Bangs locates the Detectives.—A pernicious +System.—Three Old Maids named Grim.—Mr. Bangs baffled by +Mr. Lyon, who won't be "worried."—One Honest Spiritualistic +Doctor.—The Trail secured.—A Tigress.—Mr. Bangs "goes +<span class="tocpad">West."</span> <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_75">75</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER X. +<p>Rochester.—A Profitable Field for Mrs. Winslow.—Her sumptuous +Apartments.—The Detectives at Work.—Mrs. Winslow's Cautiousness.— +Child-Training.—Mysterious Drives.—A dapper little +Blond Gentleman.—Two Birds with one Stone.—A French Divinity.—Le +<span class="tocpad">Compte.</span> <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_87">87</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER XI. +<p>The Half-way House.—A jolly German Landlord.—Detective Fox runs +down Le Compte.—A "Positive, Prophetic, Healing and Trance +Medium."—Harcout the Adviser reappears, and is anxious lest +Mr. Lyon be drawn into some terrible Confession.—Mr. Pinkerton +decides to know more about Le Compte.—And with the harassed +Mr. Lyon interviews him.—Treachery and Blackmail.—"A much +untractable Man."—Light shines upon Mrs. Winslow.—Another +Man.—Mr. Pinkerton <span class="tocpad">mad.</span> <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_98">98</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER XII. +<p>The Raven of the Detroit Cottage in another Character.—Mrs. Winslow +yearns for a retired Montreal Banker.—Love's Rivalry.—A mysterious +Note.—The Response.—Another Trip to Port Charlotte by +four Hearts that beat as one.—What Mr. Pinkerton, as one of the +party, sees and hears.—"Jones of Rochester."—Le Compte and +Mrs. Winslow resolve to fly to Paris, "the magnificent, the beautiful, +the sublime!"—"My God, are they all that <span class="tocpad">way?"</span> +<span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_114">114</a></span></p></li> + +<li><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[vii]</a></span> + +CHAPTER XIII. +<p>Mr. Pinkerton again interviews Le Compte.—And very much desires +to wring his Neck.—A Bargain and Sale.—Le Compte's Story—"Little +by Little, Patience by Patience."—A Toronto Merchant in +Mrs. Winslow's Toils.—Detective Bristol, "the retired Banker," in +Clover.—Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah individually and collectively +woo him.—Ancient Maidens full of Soul.—A <span class="tocpad">Signal.</span> +<span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_128">128</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER XIV. +<p>Mr. Bangs on the Trail in the West.—Terre Haute and its Spiritualists.—Mrs. +Deck's Boarding-house.—The Nettleton Family broken up.—Back +at the Michigan Exchange.—Mother Blake's Recital.—Through +Chicago to Wisconsin.—A disheartening Story.—The +practical result of <span class="tocpad">Spiritualism.</span> +<span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_141">141</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER XV. +<p>A Chicago Divorce "Shyster."—Hosford found.—His pathetic Narrative.—More +<span class="tocpad">Facts.</span> <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_151">151</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER XVI. +<p>Mrs. Winslow's Signal answered.—She endeavors to win Bristol, and +shows that they are "Affinities."—Detective Fox mystified.—An +Evening with the One fair Woman.—Closer Intimacies.—A Journey +proposed.—Detective Bristol as a <span class="tocpad">Lover.</span> +<span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_162">162</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER XVII. +<p>Careful Work.—Bristol's Trick on the Bell-boy at Queen's Hotel, +Toronto.—The old Merchant.—In the Toils.—A Face at the Transom.—A +cowardly Puppet before a brazen Adventuress.—The +Horrors of Blackmail.—"Furnished Rooms to <span class="tocpad">Rent."</span> +<span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_175">175</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER XVIII. +<p>Harcout again.—"Things going slow."—A Bit of personal History.—A +new Tenant.—Detective Generalship.—Mrs. Winslow fears she +is watched.—Mr. Pinkerton <span class="tocpad">cogitates.</span> +<span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_186">186</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER XIX. +<p>Mrs. Winslow becomes confidential.—Some of her Exploits.—Her +Plans.—A Sample of Legal Pleading.—A fishy Story.—The Adventuress +as a Somnambulist.—Detective Bristol virtuously indignant.—Failing +to win the "Retired Banker," Mrs. Winslow +assails Detective Fox with her <span class="tocpad">Charms.</span> +<span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_197">197</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER XX. +<p>A Female Spiritualist's Ideas of Political and Social Economy.—The +Weaknesses of Judges.—Legal Acumen of the Adventuress.—An +unfriendly Move.—Harcout attacked.—Lilly Nettleton and the +Rev. Mr. Bland again together.—A <span class="tocpad">Whirlwind.</span> +<span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_209">209</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER XXI. +<p>Mrs. Winslow, under the Influence of "Spirits" of an earthly Order, +becomes romantic, religious, and poetical.—A Trance.—Detective +Bristol also proves a Poet.—A Drama to be <span class="tocpad">written.</span> +<span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_220">220</a></span></p></li> + +<li><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[viii]</a></span> + +CHAPTER XXII. +<p>Mr. Pinkerton decides to favor Mrs. Winslow with a Series of Annoyances.—The +mysterious Package.—The Detectives labor under +well-merited Suspicion.—"My God! what's that?"—The deadly +Phial.—This Time a Mysterious Box.—Its suggestive Contents.—"The +Thing she was."—Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah assaulted.—A +Punch and Judy <span class="tocpad">Show.</span> <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_230">230</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER XXIII. +<p>Cast down.—"Trifles."—A charitable Offering.—Dreariness.—Going +Crazy.—An interrupted Seance.—A new Form of the Devil.—The +Red-herring Expedition and its Result.—A mad Dutchman.—Desolation.—An +order for a Coffin.—The sympathizing Undertaker, Mr. +<span class="tocpad">Boxem.</span> <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_244">244</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER XXIV. +<p>Breaking up.—Doubts and Queries.—Suspected Developments.—The +Detectives completely outwitted.—On the Trail again.—From +Rochester to St. Louis.—A prophetic Hotel Clerk.—More Detectives +and more Need for them.—Lightning <span class="tocpad">Changes.</span> +<span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_269">269</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER XXV. +<p>Still foiled.—Mr. Pinkerton perplexed over the Character of the Adventuress.—Her +wonderful recuperative Powers.—A lively Chase.—Another +unexpected Move.—The Detectives beaten at every +Point.—From Town to Town.—Mrs. Winslow's Shrewdness.—Among +the Spiritualists at Terre Haute.—Plotting.—The beautiful +Belle Ruggles.—A wild Night in a ramshackle old Boarding-House.—Blood-curdling +"Manifestations."—Moaning and weeping +for Day.—Outwitted again.—Mr. Pinkerton makes a chance +<span class="tocpad">Discovery.—Success.</span> <span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_285">285</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER XXVI. +<p>Shows how Mrs. Winslow makes a new Move.—Also introduces the +famous Evalena Gray, Physical Spiritual Medium, at her sumptuous +Apartments on West Twenty-first Street, New York.—Reminds +the Reader of the Aristocratic Classes deluded by Spiritualism.—Describes +a Seance and explains the "Rope-trick," and +other Spiritualistic Sleight-of-hand <span class="tocpad">Performances.</span> +<span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_307">307</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER XXVII. +<p>After the Seance.—Daddy, the "Accommodation Husband."—The +two fascinating Swindlers in Council.—Miss Evalena's European +Career.—How the Millionaire Brewer was baited and played with.—A +Bit of Criminal History.—A choice Pair.—Mrs. Winslow's Aspirations +and <span class="tocpad">Resolves.</span> +<span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_326">326</a></span></p></li> + +<li>CHAPTER XXVIII. +<p>Mrs. Winslow demonstrates her Legal Ability.—The "Breach of +Promise Trial."—A grand Rally of the Spiritualistic Friends of the +Adventuress.—The Jury disagree.—Mrs. Winslow convicted at +St. Louis of Common Barratry.—An honest Judge's Rebuke.—A +new Trial.—The Spiritualistic Swindler overthrown.—Remorse and +<span class="tocpad">Wretchedness.</span> +<span class="tocnum"><a href="#Page_341">341</a></span></p></li> +</ul> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[ix]</a></span></p> + +<h2 class="wider">PREFACE.</h2> + +<div class="figcenter pad-bt" style="width: 75px;"> +<img class="decoline" src="images/med-line.png" width="75" height="2" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">I</span> WISH to anticipate any adverse criticism that may +be made upon the following pages, by being as frank +with the public as I trust the critics will be fair with me.</p> + +<p>Therefore I must say at the beginning that I expect +many well-meaning people to differ with me as to the propriety +of giving this book to the public; but I am exceedingly +hopeful that that difference will not amount to a +serious condemnation. Nor can I think it will when I +earnestly assert that I have caused its publication out of +as honest a motive as I ever possessed; and I am sure +that whatever the American people have come to think +of me in other respects, they are pretty certain of my +honesty.</p> + +<p>The incidents related are true, though, out of a proper +regard for my patrons and many who do not sustain that +relation, but who unavoidably become identified in numberless +ways with my operations in ferreting out crime +and criminals, I have deemed it best to locate the story +in a city several hundred miles from the place where the +occurrences really transpired, and, for the same reason, +have given the characters fictitious names; but the incidents +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[x]</a></span>are exact parallels of the original facts, and in many +cases are literal transcripts of, while in every instance +they agree with, the records of the case as minutely +reported during its progress.</p> + +<p>By way of further explanation, I desire to remind my +readers how very difficult it is for those not familiar with +the detective business to realize the masses of iniquity we +are often obliged to unearth, unpalatable as the work may +be and is. But while, from the nature of my business, +my records are necessarily so exhaustive, and have been +made so thoroughly minute, as to contain simply everything, +good or bad, regarding an operation, and are, +therefore, as records, reliable and true—though they thus +become repositories of much that is vile—I have striven +in every instance, while relating the truth and nothing but +the truth, to speak of unpleasant things in as delicate a +manner as possible, and in a way which, while plain +enough to convey with proper force and directness the +moral lessons that these developments cannot fail to impress +upon the minds of all readers, might still leave no +unclean thought behind them; and the only sense in +which a charge that my "Detective Stories" were in any +respect untrue might be sustained, would be in the fact +that I have in numberless instances, for the very good +reason mentioned, told immeasurably less, and never +more, than the whole truth.</p> + +<p>I make no assumption of having given in this book an +exhaustive <i>exposé</i> of modern spiritualism, and I wish it +as well remembered that I have no more prejudice against<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">[xi]</a></span> +the good there is in that ism than I have against the good +there is in any other ism; but my experience with these +people, which has been large, has invariably been against +their honesty or social purity.</p> + +<p>So far as there being anything about Spiritualism to +compel awe or attract any but weak-minded or "weak-moraled" +people, the assumption is simply absurd; for +the few illustrations given in the following pages will show +how utterly preposterous the claim of supernatural power +is, as applied to the <em>cause</em> of these "manifestations," +which are not, in themselves, first-class tricks, but which, +when made mysterious and enshrouded with the element +of superstitious fear—which all of us in some measure +possess—lead crowds of inconsiderate people into unusual +eccentricities, if not eventually into insane asylums, +as in some painful instances of which the public are +already well aware.</p> + +<p>In my exceptionally strange avocation I have been +enabled to view this entire matter from the side which the +public cannot reach—the side where the fraud of it all is +so apparent that it becomes disgustingly monotonous and +common; and as a matter of duty to those who are half +inclined to accept Spiritualism as a divine revelation and +blessed experience, I have given but a single case—a +sample of hundreds of others—which illustrates the despicable +character of many, if not a majority, of Spiritualism's +public champions and private disciples; only adding +that in this instance the picture does not show a thousandth +part of the hideousness of the original.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">[xii]</a></span></p><p>The Judge Williams mentioned as having presided at +Batavia, N. Y., is no myth, but an eminent jurist at present +sitting upon the bench of one of the most important +courts in the country. He has not only furnished a copy +of his scathing remarks to the Winslow-Lyon jury upon +their disagreement, as related, but will vouch for the correctness +of much of this narrative, as most of the facts +mentioned came under his personal observation.</p> + +<p>I have given them to the public trusting they will fill +some good place in the world, and assist in removing +from the minds of those who are occupying the debatable +ground regarding the question of the genuineness of +Spiritualism and Spiritualistic "manifestations" the superstitious +fear and the sensuous fascination which have heretofore +bound and held them.</p> + +<p class="ralign">ALLAN PINKERTON.</p> + +<p><b><span class="smcap">Chicago</span>, January, 1877.</b></p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p> + +<p class="taller center lg pad-t">THE SPIRITUALISTS<br /> +<span class="sm">AND</span><br /> +<span class="lg">THE DETECTIVES.</span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 134px;"> +<img class="decoline" src="images/line-3-diamonds.png" width="134" height="11" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<h2 id="chapI">CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"> +<p>"Kal'm'zoo!"—The Home of the Nettletons.—Lilly Nettleton.—A +wild Heart and a burning Brain.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">M</span>OST commercial and uncommercial travellers filling +the swift shuttles of transit between the East and +the West will remember that while passing through +Michigan, over the Central road, the brakeman has +shrieked the legend "Kal'm'zoo!" at them as the train +rushed into one of the prettiest little cities in the country. +There is nothing particularly picturesque about Kalamazoo, +unless the wondering face of some harmless lunatic, on +parole from the Asylum which stands so gloomily among +the hills beyond the town, the solemn visage of some +Baptist University student, who with his toast, tea and +Thucydides, has become grave and attenuated, or the +plump form of some "seminary girl" who <em>will</em> look at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> +the incoming trains, and flout her handkerchief too, in +spite of parents, principals, and all the proprieties, and the +ordinary ebb and flow of the life of a stirring provincial +town, may be so considered. Neither is there anything +particularly interesting about Kalamazoo, save its native, +quiet beauty. It meets life easily, and, like a happily-disposed +tradesman, takes its full measure of traffic and +enjoyment with undisturbed tranquillity, cultivating neat +yards and streets, the social graces, and occasionally the +arts, with a lazy sort of satisfaction that is pleasant to look +upon and contemplate.</p> + +<p>Standing at any street-corner of the city, you will see +wide avenues of fine business houses or elegant residences, +and, where the latter, a wealth of neatly-trimmed shrubbery, +and long lines of overarching maple trees merging +into pretty vistas which seem to invite you beyond to the +beautiful hills, uplands and valleys, with their murmuring +streams, sloping farms and well-kept homes, where both +plenty and contentment seem to be waiting to give you a +right hearty welcome.</p> + +<p>About twenty-five years ago, when the country was +much newer, and the sturdy farmers that have made this +great West blossom so magically until it has become +the whole world's storehouse, were held closely to their +arduous work by the hard hand of necessity and toil, a +few miles up the river from the then little village of Kalamazoo +might have been seen a comfortable log farm-house +which nestled within a pretty ravine sloping down to the +banks of the lazily-flowing stream. It was a plain, homely<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> +sort of a place, but there was an air of thrift and cleanliness +about the locality that told of earnest toil and its +sure reward.</p> + +<p>The farm was of that character generally described as +"openings;" here a clump of oak, beech, and maple +trees, there a rich stretch of meadow-land; beyond, a +series of hills extending to the uplands, the bases of which +were girted with groves, and whose summits were composed +of a warm, rich, stony loam, where the golden seas +of ripening grain, touched by passing zephyrs, waved and +shimmered in the glowing summer sun; while where the +river wound along towards the villages below, there was +a dense growth of elm, maple, and beech trees, standing +there dark and sombre, save where the glintings of sunlight +pierced their foliaged armor, like grim sentinels of +the centuries.</p> + +<p>This was the home of Robert Nettleton, a plain and +uneducated farmer, who had several years before removed +from the East with his family, and with them was slowly +accumulating a competence for his declining days.</p> + +<p>Robert Nettleton's family consisted of himself, his wife, +and their three children. He was looked upon by his +neighbors as somewhat erratic and strange, being repelling +in his manner, and at times sullen and reticent. He +went about his duties in a severe way, and at all times +compelled the strictest obedience from each member of +his family. On the contrary, his wife was a meek-eyed +little woman, patient and long-suffering, and was looked +upon in the neighborhood as a nonentity from her unresisting, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span>broken-down demeanor, save in times of sickness +and trouble, when she was immediately in great demand, +as she had little to say, but much to do, and had an effective +method of noiseless, tender watching and nursing at +command, which was at all times ungrudgingly employed.</p> + +<p>The children consisted of one boy and two girls, the +eldest of whom, now in her eighteenth year, little dreamed +of the despicable commotion she was to create in after-life, +and was the reigning belle of the community, though +she always kept the country bumpkins at a respectful distance +and was feared by fully as many as she was admired, +from her impetuous, imperious ways, that brooked no +opposition or hinderance. One would have to travel a +long distance to find a more attractive figure and face +than those possessed by this country girl. She was somewhat +above the medium height, a living model for a +Venus, supple and lithe as the willows that grew upon the +banks of the winding stream, and so physically powerful +that she had already gained some notoriety among her +acquaintances through having soundly shaken the pedagogue +of the district school, and afterwards pitched him +through the window into an adjacent snow-drift, where he +had remained buried to his middle, his legs wildly waving +signals of distress, until she had just as impulsively released +him.</p> + +<p>Although somewhat strange and unusual, her features, +while not strikingly beautiful, were still singularly attractive. +Her head, which was large and seemingly well provided +with faculties of quick perception, was covered with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> +a wondrous wealth of black hair, so heavy and luxurious +as to be almost unmanageable, and which, when not in +restraint, fell about her form, hiding it completely, nearly +to her feet. Her forehead was full and prominent, while +her eyes, large and rather deeply set, and fringed with +heavy lashes, were of that peculiar gray color which at +times may be touched by all shades, while a trace of blue +always predominates. There was nothing worth remarking +about other portions of her face, save that, critically +examined, too much of it seemed to have got into her +chin, and her upper lip had a strange habit of hugging +her brilliantly white teeth too closely, and then curling +upward before meeting the lower one, where sometimes +crimson and ashy paleness played like quick and cruel +lightning, a key to the slumbering devils within her. At +these times, too, there was a certain light in her eyes +that an observing person would feel a peculiar dread of +awakening, though usually her face showed a complete +repose, and it would have been difficult to decide whether +she was a very ordinary or a very extraordinary character.</p> + +<p>Still, with her magnificent figure and strangely attractive +face, she was a young woman to strongly draw just two +classes of men towards her—students of character and +students of form. The first she invariably disappointed +and repelled, always awakening the indefinable dread I +have mentioned, while her presence among the latter +class as swiftly opened the floodgates of passion to swiftly +sweep the better nature and all good resolves before it. +So, with her peculiarly unfortunate construction, it is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> +not strange that, on arriving at that period of life when +the almost omnipotent power of a self-willed woman begins +to develop and hint at the possibilities beyond the +threshold of the strange life her inexperienced feet had +just reached, Lilly Nettleton should have felt an oppressive +sense of littleness in the quiet community in which +she lived, and experienced a burning desire to cast these +humble associations from her, to compel admiration and +conquer whoever and whatever she might meet in the +wide, wide world beyond.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"> +<p>The "Circuit-Rider."—Mr. Pinkerton and these Gospel Knights-Errant +in the early Days.—The Rev. Mr. Bland appears.—"And +Satan came also!"—A "charge" is established.—A Compact +"where the golden maple-leaves fall."—Bland departs.—"The +scared form of a young Woman steals away from her Home!"</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">D</span>URING the summer the presiding elder of the Kalamazoo +district decided to bid for the benighted +souls that dwelt in Mr. Nettleton's neighborhood, and +made arrangements to "supply" the school-house at the +corners where Lilly had distinguished herself in giving the +schoolmaster a cold bath in the snow-bank, with circuit-riders, +or with young clergymen who had just graduated +and were supposed to be in training for more extended +fields of labor.</p> + +<p>At that time the system of salvation as carried on by +the Methodist Church—which must certainly be credited +with a vast amount of push and energy in furthering its +peculiar plan of redemption—outside of the large cities +was almost exclusively one which necessitated the employment +of circuit-riders, as they were then called, and are +now called in some portions of the extreme west. They +were usually men of great suavity of manner, personal +bravery, unbounded zeal, and remarkable religious enthusiasm. +They trusted principally in the Lord, but also<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> +placed implicit confidence in the extraordinary hospitality +of the plain pioneer people with whom they came in contact, +who, if not prepared to accept everything told them, +responded to their strenuous efforts for their salvation by +an unqualified welcome; so that the appearance of the +circuit-rider, or "supply," was not only cause for unusual +Bible catechism and hymn reading, but also a signal for +culinary preparations on a grand scale, to which, as a rule, +the hen-roost materially contributed.</p> + +<p>Time and time again, in the early days, have I journeyed +with these Gospel Knights-errant, listening to their +interesting adventures, almost as strange as my own, and +their simple tales of blessed experiences; often tarrying +with them at their "stations," and for some good purpose, +best known to myself, joining in their efforts to sow seed +meet unto repentance as we crossed the beautiful streams +and broad prairies of Illinois; and as we journeyed along +so pleasantly together the thought that my comrade was +giving his whole life to the work of saving sin-sick souls, +while mine was as irrevocably devoted to bringing many +of them to summary justice, has flashed across my mind +with such startling force, that the dramatic nature of the +life we live was presented to me more powerfully than I +have since seen it shown before the footlights of any of +the grandest theatres of the world.</p> + +<p>As the Nettleton family had belonged to that church in +the East, and had also attended service at the village +when the roads and weather were favorable, they were, +of course, leaders in the plan to secure "meetings"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> +nearer home; and when the good brother made his appearance +one pleasant autumn Saturday afternoon, as +was natural, he directed his faithful Rozinante to the +comfortable log-house by the river, where both it and its +reverend rider were given a genuine welcome.</p> + +<p>The new preacher was none of your soiled, worked-out, +toiling itinerants. He was a young clergyman, +scarcely thirty years old, and just from college; tall, well-formed, +with a florid, smoothly-shaven face, and plenty of +hair and hallelujah about him. He could tell you all +about the stars, and just as easily point out the merits +or demerits in your plate of mutton or porter-house; and, +being of this tropical nature, if there were two things +above any other two things in life for which he had a +penchant, they were a spirited nag and a spirited woman. +In fact, he had accepted the ministry just the same as he +would have accepted any other profession, merely as a +makeshift, and had submitted to being ground through +the theological mill, and afterwards to this backwoods +breaking-in process, simply because his widowed mother, +a Detroit lady, was immensely pious and also immensely +wealthy; and if he should become a noted minister, he +would get all her property, which otherwise would go to +the good cause direct, but which, once in his hands, +would enable him to gratify his elegant tastes and do as +he pleased generally.</p> + +<p>So, being a thorough judge of women, he was at once +more interested in Lilly Nettleton than in the welfare +of the souls of the Nettleton neighborhood; and after a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> +bountiful supper had been disposed of, and the family +were gathered upon the verandah for a pleasant chat with +the minister in the long, hazy September sunset, and the +Rev. Mr. Bland—for that was the young clergyman's +name—had flattered Mr. Nettleton on the merits of his +pretty farm, Mrs. Nettleton upon her elegant cooking, +and the younger children upon their various degrees of +perfection, he passed directly to the subject which most +occupied his mind, and in a patronizing way, evidently +with a view of attracting Lilly's attention without arousing +the suspicions of her honest parents, said:</p> + +<p>"By the way, Mr. Nettleton, your beautiful daughter +here—ah, what may I call her? thank you, Lilly; and a +very appropriate name, too—is the perfect image of a +very dear friend of ours—my mother's and my own—in +Detroit."</p> + +<p>There was certainly a flush on Lilly's face deeper than +could have been put there by the red glow of the setting +sun. Mr. Bland did not fail to notice it either; and as +there was no response to his remark, he continued, occasionally +glancing at Lilly, who, though apparently only +interested in her needle-work, drank in every word that +fell from the reverend gentleman's lips.</p> + +<p>"In fact," said the minister, "the resemblance is quite +striking, though I really think your daughter Lilly is the +finer-looking of the two—indeed, has quite an intellectual +face, and would, I am sure, make a thorough student."</p> + +<p>"But she won't go to school here," interrupted Mr. +Nettleton; while the strange light came into Lilly's eyes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> +and the crimson and ashy paleness played upon the +curled lips.</p> + +<p>"But, Brother Nettleton, you must remember that we +are not all similarly created. The world must have its +hewers of wood and drawers of water, but it must also +have its grand minds to direct——"</p> + +<p>"I can do all the directin' necessary here," bluntly +persisted Mr. Nettleton.</p> + +<p>"Of course, of course," pleasantly continued Mr. +Bland, talking <em>at</em> Lilly, though answering her father; +"but I hope Lilly can some time have those advantages +which would certainly cause her to shine in society——"</p> + +<p>"And despise her home!" said Mr. Nettleton, bitterly.</p> + +<p>The storm was still playing fiercely over Lilly's face, +and her heaving bosom told how hard a struggle was +necessary to restrain her from then and there saying or +doing some reckless thing, and then rushing away into +the woods and the night to escape the restraint that set +so heavily upon her imperious spirit.</p> + +<p>"No, I think not," replied Mr. Bland soothingly. "I +am a pretty good judge of human nature, though a young +man, and am sure that Lilly has a kind heart and will +prove a blessing to your later years. Our dear Detroit +friend was also a little spirited, but she is now one of the +leaders of Sunday-school and church society, and is much +sought after—yes, much sought after," repeated Mr. +Bland slowly, as he saw its effect upon Lilly.</p> + +<p>The clergyman's good opinion of their daughter made +the simple parents really happy; but she knew as well<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> +as he what it was all said for, and she already hated the +flippant Mr. Bland, for her quick woman's instinct—they +never reason—had analyzed him thoroughly. But her +heart throbbed at the idea of being considered "fine-looking," +and her brain burned with the desire to also become +"sought after." Yes, young and inexperienced as she was, +she was old in the crime of impure thought and unbridled +ambition, and was ready to lend herself to any scheme, +however questionable, that might offer release, or give promise +of the gratification of her passion for notoriety, and +ruling or ruining anything with which she came in contact.</p> + +<p>After this the evening passed pleasantly to the old +people, who, after a time, went into the house to attend +to their several duties; and also to the young people, Mr. +Bland and Lilly, who, without any effort on the part of +either, had arrived at a thorough understanding—so much +so, indeed, that when the voice of Mr. Nettleton was heard +apprising Mr. Bland that he would show him to his room +whenever he desired to retire, he quietly stepped near to +where Lilly was sitting in the weird moonlight, and taking +her pretty, warm hand within his own, said rapidly, but +in a low voice:</p> + +<p>"My dear Lilly, I have a deep interest in you; your +people cannot understand it, and, should they know it, +would only suspect me, and watch and restrain you. +<em>Make</em> an opportunity for us to be together alone. I will +remain until you accomplish it; and—" Mr. Nettleton's +step was now heard in the hall—"quick, Lilly! do we +understand each other?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span></p><p>She gave him a look that would have withered any but +a lecherous villain as he was; but he met it in kind, as +she whispered "Yes!" and added, disengaging herself as +Bland stealthily stepped back and carelessly leaned against +the door:</p> + +<p>"What book did you say?"</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes—'hem! 'Young's Night Thoughts.' It is a +pure book, and would not only cultivate your mind, but +aid you in the common duties of life. I will send it to +you, and you can read it aloud to your parents. I know +they will enjoy it too! Ha! Mr. Nettleton, excuse me +Lilly, of course you will join us at prayers?"</p> + +<p>She had been taught her first lesson, was an apt scholar, +too; and as the man of God on his bended knees prayed +that all blessings might descend upon this happy home, +however much his cursed soul might have been stung by +the devilish hypocrisy of the hour, there was not a pang +of remorse in her heart for the bold step she knew she +had taken.</p> + +<p>Lilly did not attend service at the school-house on Sabbath, +and made her appearance but once or twice during +the day, feigning illness; but on Monday she was about +the house fresh and rosy as ever, and the first opportunity +that offered suggested to Bland the propriety of asking her +out for a boat-ride on the river, which he did in the afternoon +during Mr. Nettleton's absence, his meek wife +thinking it a great honor to the family, and in her +poor mother's heart, no doubt, praying that the good +man might so soften her proud daughter's heart that she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> +might be bettered, and eventually led to the source of all +good.</p> + +<p>Whether he did or not, if the reader of this book could +have followed the couple up the winding river to a secluded +spot where the golden maple-leaves fell upon the +stream and were borne away in silence, whatever of mad +passion or reckless guilt might have been discovered, +just before they stepped into the boat to float with the +tide back to the dishonored home, a certain Rev. Mr. +Bland might have been seen placing in Lilly Nettleton's +shameless hand a roll of bills, and heard to say to the +same person:</p> + +<p>"Be sure, now—next Sunday night. Row down to Kalamazoo +in this boat, and take the late night train for +Detroit. Go to the Michigan Exchange Hotel, where I +will meet you Monday evening!"</p> + +<p>So the little neighborhood had had its "religious supply," +but had also had its loss; for, as the weird moonlight +of the next Sunday evening fell upon the quiet log farm-house, +built strange forms among the moaning, almost +leafless trees, and pictured upon the river's bosom a +thousand ghostly figures, the scared form of a young +woman stole away from her home, glided to the murmuring +stream, sprang into the little boat, and was borne +away to the hell of her future just as noiselessly but just +as resistlessly as the river itself pushed onward to the +great lakes, and was swept from thence to the ultimate, +all-absorbing sea!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Lilly in Detroit.—First and last Remorse.—The reverend Villain and his +Victim enjoy the Hospitality of the Michigan Exchange Hotel.—A +Scene.—"Bland, am I to go to your Mother's, as you promised?"—The +Clergyman(?) "crazed."—Everything, save Respectability.—A +Woman's Will—And a Man's Cajolement.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>O the imagination of the wayward country girl Detroit +was a great city, and as she was whirled into +the depot, where she saw the rushing river beyond, and +was hustled hither and thither by the clamorous cabmen, +a sense of giddiness came upon her, and for the first, and +undoubtedly last time, she yearned for the quiet of the old +log farm-house by the pleasant river.</p> + +<p>Perhaps the old forms and faces called to her imploringly, +pleading with her, as only the simple things of +home, however plain and commonplace, can plead with +the wandering one; and in a swift, agonized longing for +the restfulness which the meanest virtue gives, but which +had forever fled from her, the thought, if not the words:</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i00">"Of all sad words of tongue or pen<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The saddest are these: It might have been"—</span> +</div></div> + +<p>sped through her mind in a pitiful way; but just as she +had almost resolved to return to her parents, ask their forgiveness, +and disclose the character of the reverend villain, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>a man approached her, who, saying he was "from +Bland," conducted her to a carriage in waiting and conveyed +her to the Michigan Exchange Hotel, where she +was fictitiously registered, and the clerk informed that her +brother would call for her in the evening.</p> + +<p>She had been assigned a very pretty room, elegantly +furnished, and the windows gave her a view of the river +and the shipping, with Windsor and the bluff hills of Canada +beyond. It was all beautiful and wonderful to her—the +hotel a palace, the river, with its great steamers, vessels, +and ferries—a fairy scene; and Windsor, with the +broken country beyond, all covered by the soft, blue, gossamer +veil of early autumn—a beautiful dream!</p> + +<p>With her thoroughly unprincipled nature there was a +lazy sort of enjoyment in all this; and when her dinner +was brought to her room, as had been previously ordered +by the hackman, and she was gingerly served by an ordinarily +nimble waiter, but who took every possible occasion +to illustrate the fact that he was cultivated and she +was not, she received the attention in as dignified a manner +as though born to rule, and had been accustomed to +the service of menials from infancy.</p> + +<p>The afternoon wore away, and as the gas-lights began +to flare out upon the city, a gentle tap was heard at her +door, and a moment after, before an invitation to enter +had been given, the oily Bland slid into Lilly's apartment, +closed the door after him, and turned the key in the lock. +Then he walked right over to where Lilly was sitting upon +the sofa, and took her in his arms, saying:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> +"Well, I see my dearest Lilly has kept her word."</p> + +<p>She allowed him to fondle her just long enough to dare +to repel him gently, and answered:</p> + +<p>"After what passed by the river, I could not do otherwise +than keep my word. Yes, your 'dearest Lilly' has +kept her word. And what now, Mr. Bland?"</p> + +<p>Seeing that she was disposed to ask leading questions, +he changed the subject laughingly.</p> + +<p>"Why, some supper, of course," and immediately +rang the bell, ordering of the servant, who appeared +directly, a sumptuous spread, not forgetting a bottle of +wine.</p> + +<p>During the preparation of the meal Lilly stepped to the +window, and pressing her restless face against the panes, +seemed intently regarding the dancing lights upon the +broad river, while Bland whistled softly, and warmed his +delicate, pliable hands at the coals in the fireplace, which +gave to the chilly evening a pleasant, cheery glow. Suddenly +she stepped close to him, leaned her head in her +left hand, her elbow resting upon the marble mantel, +while with her right hand she firmly grasped his shoulder. +She then said, in a quiet, determined way:</p> + +<p>"Bland, am I to go to your mother's, as you promised?"</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<a href="images/28-29-lg.jpg" class="noline"> +<img src="images/28-29-sm.jpg" width="400" height="255" alt="" title="" /> +<span class="caption"><br /><i>"Bland, am I to go to your mother's as you promised?"—</i></span></a> +</div> + +<p>She said this in such a resolute, icy way, and her hand +rested upon his shoulder so heavily, that, for the first time, +he looked at her as if satisfied that he had a beautiful +tigress in keeping, and it might possibly require supreme +will force to control her.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span></p><p>"No, Lilly, you will not go to my mother's."</p> + +<p>"Then I will go home."</p> + +<p>"You will not go home. You will remain here."</p> + +<p>"Bland, no person on God's earth shall say 'will' to +me. That is just as certain as the course of that river!" +and her long, trembling forefinger swept towards the rushing +stream.</p> + +<p>The appearance of the waiter with supper quieted the +conversation, which was becoming stormy, and it was only +resumed when Bland saw that Lilly was mellowing under +the influence of the wine, which thrilled through her +veins, pushing the rich, healthy blood to her cheeks, and +lighting her great gray eyes with a wonderful lustre. It +could not be said that he loved the girl, but he had a mad +passion for her which was simply overwhelming at these +times when, untutored and uncultivated as she was, she +became truly queenly in appearance.</p> + +<p>It was a dainty little supper served upon a dainty little +table, and they were sitting very closely together, and +Bland, after feasting his eyes upon her magnificent form +for a time, drew her into his arms impulsively, kissing her +again and again, calling her endearing names, and promising +her everything that could come to the tongue of a +talented man made wild by wine and a woman.</p> + +<p>"Lilly, you have crazed me—ruined me!" he said, excitedly. +"You know what I profess to be—a Christian +minister! God forgive me for my cursed weakness, but +you have me in your power!"</p> + +<p>Although her face rested against his, and their hot<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> +cheeks burned together, the old wicked light gleamed in +her eyes, and the crimson and ashy paleness played upon +the curled lip. If it all could have been seen by the reverend +gentleman, it would have sobered him. The words +"in your power" had flung the lightning into Lilly Nettleton's +face. Power, power, power! No matter how secured; +no matter what the result. The very word maddened +her, made a scheming devil of her, but also made +her ready for any proposition Bland might offer, as it +swiftly came into her mind that the deeper she sank with +him the greater would be her power over him.</p> + +<p>"Well?" she said, reassuringly.</p> + +<p>"'Well?'—I am at your mercy. A knowledge of what +has passed between us would be my ruin; your ruin also. +We have done what cannot be undone; yes," he continued +passionately, and drawing her closer to him, "what I +would not undo!"</p> + +<p>"Well?" It was tenderly said, and gave him courage.</p> + +<p>"I am rich, or will be, Lilly."</p> + +<p>"If you are careful," she added with a light laugh.</p> + +<p>"Exactly. I can do a great deal for you, and +will——"</p> + +<p>"Conditionally?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, conditionally. The conditions are that you live +quietly at an elegant place to which we will shortly be +driven. You will be mistress of the place; that is, you +will have everything you can desire——"</p> + +<p>"Save respectability, Mr. Bland?"</p> + +<p>She was shrewder than he—in fact, his master already;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span> +but hinted at the sale of her soul so heartlessly that it +shocked even him.</p> + +<p>"You had 'respectability' at home, Lilly; and," glancing +at her plain garments, which were a burlesque upon +her beautiful figure, "and old clothes, and surveillance, +and restraint, and——"</p> + +<p>"Bland," she said, springing to her feet with such violence +as to send him sprawling to the floor, from which he +stared in amazement at her magnificent form, which trembled +like a leaf, while the wicked lightning gleamed from +her eyes, and swift shuttles of color flashed back and +forth upon her lips; "Bland, be careful! Never speak +to me again of the meanness of my home. The meanness +of your black heart is a million times greater. You +have something more than a country girl to deal with, +sir; you have a woman and a woman's will. It is enough +that I have sold my body and soul for what you can, or +might, give me. I bargained for no contempt; and, +Bland," she continued, advancing towards him fiercely as +he regained his feet and retreated from her in dismay, +"as sure as there is a heaven, and as sure as there ought +to be a hell for such as we, if you begin it, I will kill you! +Yes," she hissed, "I will kill you!" and then, woman-like, +having passed the climax of feeling and expression, +she threw herself on the bed for a good cry, while Bland, +with wine and words and countless caresses, soothed her +wild spirit, bringing her back to pliant good nature, where +she was as putty in his dexterous hands.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Tells how the Rev. Mr. Bland preached a Funeral Sermon.—Shows a +dainty Cottage, holding more than the Neighbors knew.—Installs +Lilly as a Clergyman's Mistress.—Reverts to a Desolate Home.—Introduces +Dick Hosford, a returned "Forty-Niner," who begins a +despairing Search.—And shows that unholy, as well as true Love, +does not always run smoothly.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">S</span>HORTLY afterwards a closed cabriolet containing +two persons was rapidly driven from the Michigan +Exchange up Wisconsin street, from thence into Griswold, +and out towards the suburbs, finally drawing up before +a neat cottage-house, where the lights, peeping around +the edges of the drawn curtains, showed the place to be +in a state of preparation.</p> + +<p>A man and a woman quickly alighted from the carriage, +and as the woman, apparently a young one, though +closely veiled, stepped to the gate, opened it and waited +for her escort, the gentleman said in a low tone to the +coachman:</p> + +<p>"James, drive to the house and inform mother that +while down town this evening I received an unexpected +call to Ann Arbor, to preach a funeral sermon over the +remains of an old student-friend at the University, and +that I may not be home until late to-morrow evening;"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> +then, after handing James some coin, "you understand, +James?"</p> + +<p>James thought he understood, grinned grimly, put the +money in his pocket and drove away.</p> + +<p>"Remember, Lilly," said Bland, stepping to the gate +and taking her arm, "you are Lilly Mercer here."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Bland."</p> + +<p>"And you are never to mention anything regarding +yourself to the lady who owns this place."</p> + +<p>"I think I can keep my own counsel."</p> + +<p>"And, if any inquiries are made here, by any person +whatever, regarding myself, you are to be innocently and +utterly ignorant."</p> + +<p>"And what are you to do?" asked Lilly, naïvely.</p> + +<p>"I?—why I am to do well by you."</p> + +<p>"Just so long as you do that, Bland, you are perfectly +safe!"</p> + +<p>She had taken to dictating also; but it was a pretty +little cottage and grounds, and a feeling of satisfaction at +being their mistress, even if it necessitated being his mistress, +came over her that made her affable and winning, +if she did occasionally say things that hinted at a stormy +future.</p> + +<p>They strolled up the broad brick walk, he thrilled with +his magnificent capture, and she just as satisfied with the +power she had attained over one so high socially, and +who stood in such near prospect of obtaining vast wealth. +Instead of entering the house at its little front door with +its highly ornamented porch, they opened the door of a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> +little trellis-worked addition to the cottage, which was +now covered by an almost leafless mass of vines, and +passed to a side entrance, where a gentle pull of the bell +caused the immediate appearance of a very fat and very +flabby woman of middle age, who at once conducted them +to a suite of rooms, consisting of a parlor and a large +sleeping-room, between which, in place of the original +folding-doors, had been substituted rich hangings sufficiently +drawn apart to admit of the passage of one person, +and which, with the tastefully draped windows, the +deeply-framed pictures, the vari-colored marble mantels +and fireplaces, the heavy, yielding carpet giving back no +sound to the foot-fall, and the great easy-chairs into which +one sank as into pillows of down, gave the rooms the +hintings of such luxuriousness that Lilly was completely +dazzled and bewildered with the unexpected elegance, +and the, to her, never before realized splendor.</p> + +<p>"Mother Blake," said Bland, "this is Lilly Mercer, who +is my friend, and whom you are to make comfortable."</p> + +<p>Mother Blake, as if realizing that her duties began +whenever Bland spoke, majestically crossed the room, +sat down beside Lilly and immediately kissed her very +affectionately, merely remarking, "And a very nice girl +she is, too, Mr. Bland."</p> + +<p>"That'll do, mother. You may get us a small bottle +of wine, and then go to bed. It's getting late, and you +know you need a good deal of sleep."</p> + +<p>Mother Blake chuckled, and shook from it as though +her enjoyment of any sort of pleasantry came to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> +surface only in a series of ripples over her great fat body, +instead of in echoes of enjoyment from her great fat +throat. But it might have been merely a habit with its +origin in the necessities of her quiet mode of life; and, +doing as requested, only lingered to fasten back the +curtain so that the low, luxurious bed came temptingly +into view, after which she beamingly backed out of the +room, wishing the couple "a pleasant night, and many of +'em!"</p> + +<p>If shame hovered over this pretty place, it did not pale +the amber glow of the sparkling wine; it came not into +the ruddy coals upon the hearth, which gave forth their +glowing warmth just as cheerily as from any other hearth +in the broad land; it never dimmed the light from the +gilded chandeliers; it put no crimson flush upon the +faces which touched each other with an even flow of +blood, nor quickened the pulses of the hands that as often +met; and God only knows whether, when, as sleep came +down upon the city, and the man and woman rested in +each other's arms upon the bed beyond the rich curtains +(which, as the light in the fireplaces grew or waned, never +contained one ghostly rustle or semblance), there was +even a guilty dream to mark its presence!</p> + +<p>But what of the inmates of the old log farm-house by +the pleasant river?</p> + +<p>The morning came, and the agonized parents found that +their daughter had gone. Robert Nettleton set his teeth +and swore that he would never search for her, while his +poor wife was completely broken and crushed as much<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> +from the agonized fears that flooded into her heart as +from the actual loss of her child.</p> + +<p>The most dejected member of the household, however, +was a new-comer, one Dick Hosford, who years before +had drifted into the Nettleton family and had been +brought up by them until, becoming a stout young man, +he was borne away in the gold excitement with the +"Forty-niners" to California, where by hard work and +no luck whatever, being an honest, simple soul, he had +got together a few thousand dollars; with no announcement +of his proposed return, had come back as far as +Terre Haute, Indiana, where he had purchased a snug +farm, and immediately turned his footsteps towards Mr. +Nettleton's, arriving there the very morning after Lilly's +departure, as he said, "to marry the gal, but couldn't +find her shadder."</p> + +<p>He was simply inconsolable, and it took off the keen +edge of the parents' grief somewhat to find that another +shared it with them, and even seemed to feel that it was +all his own.</p> + +<p>So it was arranged that the inquisitive neighbors should +only know that Lilly had "gone to town for a week or +two," while Dick Hosford should go to Chicago, and then +back east as far as Detroit, making diligent search for +something even more tangible than the "shadder" of the +lost girl; and as he said good-by to the Nettletons with +quivering lips and suspiciously dimmed eyes, he added:</p> + +<p>"Bob Nettleton, and mother—for you've always been +a half-dozen mothers to me—don't ye never expect to see<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> +me back to these yer diggin's 'thout I bring the gal. I've +sot my heart onto her; and" with an oath that the Recording +Angel as surely blotted out as Uncle Toby's, for +it was only the clinching of a brave determination, "I'll +have her if I find her in a——" He stopped suddenly +as he saw the pain in their faces, shook their hands in a +way that told them more than his simple words ever +could have expressed, and trudged away with as little +certainty of finding whom he sought, save by accident—or, +if found, of securing the prize for himself, unless +through her whim—as of ever himself becoming anything +save the honest, faithful, gullible soul that he was.</p> + +<p>At Detroit, Mother Blake had orders to provide Lilly +Mercer, her latest charge, with a suitable wardrobe and +some fine pieces of jewelry, which was accordingly done; +and in the novelty of her transformation, which really +made her a beautiful young woman, her ardor of fondness +for Bland was certainly sufficient to gratify both his vanity +and passion to the fullest extent. But, to some women, +both passion and finery must be frequently renewed in +order to insure constancy; and while Bland was as hopelessly +in her toils as ever, as she had always despised him +and now despised his offerings, which were neither so +numerous or costly as at first, she became almost unmanageable, +caused Mother Blake great perturbation of +spirit, and led Bland a deservedly stormy life.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Reckless Fancies.—The "Cursed Church Interests."—Bland's "little +Bird" becomes a busy Bird.—Merges into a great Raven of the +Night.—Gathers together Valuables.—And while a folded Handkerchief +lies across the Clergyman's Face, steals away into the +Storm and the Night.—Gone!—"Are ye all dead in there?"—Drifting +together.—"Don't give the Gal that Ticket!"—A great-hearted +Man.—The Rev. Bland officiates at a Wedding.—Competence +and Contentment.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">A</span> FEW weeks later, one November evening, the first +snow-storm of the year came hurrying and skurrying +down upon the city. The streets seemed filled with +that thrilling, electric life which comes with the first snow-flakes, +and as they tapped their ghostly knuckles against +the panes of Lilly Mercer's boudoir, the weird <i>staccato</i> +passed into her restless spirit and filled her mind with +wild, reckless fancies. The storm had beaten up against +the cottage but a little time until it brought Bland with it.</p> + +<p>He came to tell his Lilly, he said, that the cursed church +interests would compel him to go to the West, to be absent +for several weeks. In mentioning the fact he sat down +by the fireplace and gave her some money for use while +he was away, and also counted over quite an amount +which he had provided for his travelling expenses.</p> + +<p>He also told her that he should leave the next evening,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> +and would, after a little time, of course, return for the +night, as he could never go on so long a journey without +spending the parting hours with his little bird, as he had +come to call her.</p> + +<p>His little bird had sat remarkably passive during all +this, but now fluttered about him with cooings and regrets +innumerable, and seemed to still be in a flutter of excitement +when he had gone; for, after walking up and down +the rooms for a time, she flung some wrappings about her, +and quickly glided out among the pelting flakes that hid +her among the hurrying thousands upon the streets and +within the shops, until she as rapidly returned.</p> + +<p>Within the warm nest again, there was a note to be +written, and several feathery but valuable trifles to be +got together. In fact, Bland's little bird was a busy bird, +until when, at a late hour, he came back to its unusually +tender ways and wooings, and was soon slumbering beside +it.</p> + +<p>Then the little bird became a great raven of the night, +and stole quietly about the apartments, gathering together, +quite like any other raven, everything that pleased its +fancy, including even the money that was to have been +used in the "cursed church interests," and the gold watch +that ticked away at its sleeping owner's head, but not +loud enough to awaken him, for he slept with a peculiar +heaviness, and, strangely enough, with a folded handkerchief +across his face. But the raven of the cottage, in a +quiet way that ravens have, never ceased gathering what +pleased it, until the early hours of morning, when, kissing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> +its beak to the bed and the sleeper, and flinging upon the +bed a little note which read:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p><i>A double exposé if you like.</i></p> +<p class="ralign smcap">Lilly "Mercer."—</p> +</div> + +<p>took itself and its gathered treasures out into the storm +and the night.</p> + +<p>The storm was gone when the chloroformed man +awoke, and the bright sun pushed through the shutters +upon his feverish face. Slowly and with great effort he +groped his way back to consciousness, and with a thrill +of fear reached out his hand for his little bird, and to +reassure himself that what was flooding furiously into his +mind was untrue, and was but some horrible nightmare +that her dear touch would drive away. But the place +where she had lain was as cold and empty as her own +heartless heart; and as he faintly called, "Lilly! oh, +Lilly!" the very realistic voice of Mother Blake was heard +in the hall, and her very realistic fists banging away against +the door.</p> + +<p>"Say, Bland, are ye all dead in there? Lord! it's +broad noon!"</p> + +<p>All dead? No; but far better so, as the Rev. Mr. +Bland with a mighty effort sprang from the bed and saw +the gas-light struggling with the sunlight, the dead ashes +in the fireplace, and himself in the great mirror, a dishonored, +despoiled, deserted roué, drugged, robbed and +defied by the simple maiden from the log farm-house by +the pleasant river.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span></p><p>The same evening two persons on wonderfully different +missions drifted into the depot and transfer-house at +Detroit, and mingled with the great throng that the east +and the west continually throw together at this point. +One was a handsome, apparently self-possessed young +lady, who attended to her baggage personally, and moved +about among the crowds with apparent unconcern; +though, closely watched, her face would have shown anxiety +and restlessness. The other was a gaunt, though +solidly built young fellow, whose clothes, although of good +material, had the appearance of having been thrown at +him and caught with considerable uncertainty upon his +bony angles. He wandered about in a dejected way, +looking hither and thither as if forever searching for some +one whose discovery had become improbable, but who +should not escape if an honest search by an honest, simple +fellow as he seemed to be, could avail anything. By +one of those unexplainable coincidences, or fatuities, as +some are pleased to term them, these two persons—the +one desirous of avoiding a crowd, and the other anxious +to ascertain whom every throng contained—approached +the ticket-office from different directions at the same +moment.</p> + +<p>He at the gent's window heard her at the ladies' window +say to the agent, "Yes, to Buffalo, if you please;" +and he jumped as though he had been lifted by an explosion. +He peered through the window and saw her face +at the other window, and without waiting to step around +to her, yelled to the agent like a madman: "Say, you,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> +mister!—don't give the gal that ticket. It's a mistake. +She's going 'tother way;" and shoving his gaunt head +and shoulders into the window and wildly gesticulating +to the young lady, as the agent in a scared way saw the +muscular intruder hovering over his tickets and money-box, +he continued excitedly:</p> + +<p>"Say, Lil, old gal! Lil Nettleton!—Dick—Dick +Hosford, ye know! Ain't I tellin' the truth? ain't it all +a mistake, and ain't you goin' the other way—with <em>me</em>, +ye know—yes, 'long with Dick?"</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<a href="images/42-43-lg.jpg" class="noline"> +<img src="images/42-43-sm.jpg" width="400" height="258" alt="" title="" /> +<span class="caption"><br /><i>"Say, you?—mister?—don't give the gal that ticket! It's all a mistake!"—</i></span></a> +</div> + +<p>Lilly Nettleton, for it was no other, nodded to the +agent—who returned the money—and quickly stepped +around to help Dick disengage himself from the window, +and then quickly drew him away from the crowd which +the little episode had collected, sat down beside him, +and, heartily laughing at his ludicrous appearance, said, +"Why, Dick, where under heaven did <em>you</em> come +from?"</p> + +<p>"Lil, gal," said poor Dick, wiping the tears of joy +out of his eyes, "I come all the way from Californy fur +ye, found ye gone and the old folks all bust and banged +up about it. Fur six weary weeks I've been huntin', +huntin' ye up and down, here and yon, and was goin' +back to Terre Haute, sell the d——d farm I bought fur +ye, and skip back to the Slope to kill Injuns, or somethin', +to drown my sorrow, fur I told the old folks I'd +bring ye back, or never set foot in them diggin's agin'!"</p> + +<p>Lilly looked at the great-hearted man beside her in a +strange, calculating kind of a way, never touched by his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> +tenderness and simple sacrifice, but moving very closely +to him in a winsome way that quite overcame him.</p> + +<p>"And I come to marry ye, Lil," persisted Dick, +anxiously.</p> + +<p>"To marry me, Dick?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and bought ye a purty farm at Terre Haute."</p> + +<p>"A farm, Dick?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Lil, a farm, with as snug a little house as ye +ever sot eyes on."</p> + +<p>"But where did you get so much money? You never +wrote anything about it."</p> + +<p>"No, I wanted to kinder surprise ye; but I got it +honest—got it honest; with these two hands, Lil, that'll +work for ye all yer life like a nigger, if ye'll only come +'long with me and never go gallavantin' any more."</p> + +<p>"And won't you ask me any questions or allow them—at +home, Dick—to ask any, and take me just as I +am?"</p> + +<p>"Just as ye are; fur better, or fur wus, Lil."</p> + +<p>"And marry me here, now, before we go home?"</p> + +<p>"Marry ye, Lil? I'd marry ye if I'd a found ye in a——; +I won't give it a name, Lil. I didn't to them, +and I won't to you."</p> + +<p>She gave him her hand as firmly and frankly as though +she had been a pure woman, and said, "I'm yours, Dick. +We'll be married here, to-morrow."</p> + +<p>She took charge of all the arrangements; called a cab +which took them to the Michigan Exchange; sent Dick +off to his room with orders to secure a license the first<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> +thing in the morning; wrote two notes to a certain person, +one addressed to Mother Blake, and the other to <em>his</em> +post-office box, ordering them posted that night; and +went to her room to sleep the sleep of the just, which, +contrary to general belief, also often comes to the +unjust.</p> + +<p>Early in the morning, Dick came with the license and +suggested securing the services of a preacher; but Lilly +said that she had arranged that matter already, and had +got a clergyman who, she was sure, would not disappoint +them; and promptly at two o'clock in the afternoon +courteously admitted the Rev. Mr. Bland, whom she had +given the choice of officiating or an exposure, and who +performed the ceremony in a pale, trembling way +as the wicked old light gleamed in her great, gray eyes, +and the swift shuttles of color played over her curled +lip.</p> + +<p>That night found the newly-wedded couple whirling +back to Kalamazoo, where they arrived the next morning +and were driven out to the farm-house, where they were +joyfully welcomed, and where Dick Hosford in his blunt +way announced that he had "found Lil workin' away +like a good girl, had married her and took a little bridal +'tower,' and had come back to have no d——d questions +asked."</p> + +<p>So in a few days the young couple bade the Nettletons +good-by and were soon after installed in the pleasant +farm-house near Terre Haute, where the years passed on +happily enough and brought them competence and contentment +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>and three children, who for a long time never +knew the meaning of the strange light in the eyes, or the +swift colors on the lips, of the mother who cared for them +with an apparent full measure of kindness and affection.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Mr. Pinkerton is called upon.—Mr. Harcout, a ministerial-looking +Man, with an After-dinner Voice, appears.—A Case with a Woman +in it, as is usually the case.—Mr. Pinkerton hesitates.—An anxious +Millionaire.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">O</span>NE hot July afternoon in 186-, I was sitting in my +private office at my New York Agency, located +then, and now, at the corner of New Street and Exchange +Place, in the very heart of the money and stock battles +of Gotham, pretty well tired out from a busy day's work +in carrying to completion some of the vast transactions +that had accumulated during the war, and which were in +turn waiting for my professional services to unravel.</p> + +<p>It had been a terribly hot day, and the city seemed like +a vast caldron filled with a million boiling victims; and +now that the day's labor was nearly over, I was principally +employed in an attempt to keep cool, but finding +it impossible with everybody about me, settled myself in +my easy-chair at the window to watch the Babel of +brokers below.</p> + +<p>From such an altitude, where one can look down +soberly upon these madmen and see their wild antics, +when for the moment they are absolutely insane in their +thirst for gold, never halting at the most extreme recklessness +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>even though they know it may compel wholesale +ruin, it is easy to realize how isolated cases occur +where the whole human nature yields to greed, and +sweeps on to the certain accomplishment of crime for its +satisfaction.</p> + +<p>Just after a particularly heavy "rush" had been made, +resulting in a few broken limbs and numberless tattered +hats and demolished garments, and the bulls and bears +were gathered about in knots excitedly talking over their +profit and loss, and wiping the great beads of perspiration, +from their lobster-like faces, I noticed an important-looking +gentleman turn into New Street from the direction +of Broadway, and after edging through the crowds, +occasionally halting to ask a question in the politest possible +manner—the replies and gestures to which seemed +to indicate that he was seeking my agency, which afterwards +proved true—this vision of precision and politeness +passed from my sight into Exchange Place, and in a few +moments after I was informed that a gentleman desired +to see me on very important business.</p> + +<p>After ascertaining who the gentleman was, and already +knowing him to be a harmless sort of an adventurer, and +under the particular patronage of a wealthy Rochester +gentleman, I admitted him and he was introduced as Mr. +Harcout, of Rochester and New York.</p> + +<p>Mr. Harcout was a character in his way, and deserving +of some notice. He was a tall, heavily-built, obese gentleman +of about forty-five years of age, impressive, important, +and supremely polite. His face was a strange combination +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>of imbecility and assumption; while his head, +which was particularly developed in the back part, indicating +low instincts that were evidently only repressed as +occasion required, was consistent with the formation of +his square, flat forehead, which sloped back at a suspiciously +sharp angle from a pair of little, gray, expressionless +eyes, which from the lack of intelligence behind +them would look you out of face without blinking. His +nose was straight and solidly set below, like some sharp +instrument, to assist him in getting on in the world. His +lips, though not unusually gross or sensual, had a way of +opening and closing, during the pauses of conversation +with a persistency of assertion that had the effect of keeping +in the mind of the average listener that great weight +should be attached to what Mr. Harcout had said, or was +about to say; and at the same time, as also when he +patronizingly smiled, which was almost constantly, disclosed +a set of teeth of singular regularity and dazzling +whiteness. A pair of very large ears, closely-cut and +neatly-trimmed hair, and a whitish-olive complexion that +suggested sluggish blood and a lack of fine organization, +complete the sketch of his face, but could never give the +full effect of the grandeur of his assumption and manners, +which were a huge burlesque on chivalric courtliness. +As he entered the room his gloved hand swept to the rim +of his faultless silk hat, and removed it with an indescribably +graceful gesture that actually seemed to make +the hat say, "Ah! my very dear sir, while I belong to a +gentleman of the vastest importance imaginable, be assured +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>that we are both inexpressibly honored by this +interview!" Nor were these all of his strikingly good +points. He was a man that was always dressed in a suit +of the finest procurable cloth, most artistically fitted to +his commanding figure, and never a day passed when +there was not an exquisite favor in the neat button-hole +of his collar. When he had become seated in a most +dignified and engaging manner, he had a neat habit of +showing his little foot encased in patent leather so shining +that, at a pinch, it might have answered for a mirror, by +carelessly throwing his right leg over his left knee, so that +he could keep up an incessant tapping upon his boot with +the disengaged glove which his left hand contained; and, +with his head thrown slightly back and to one side, emphasized +his remarks in a graceful and convincing way +with the digit finger of his soft white right hand. Altogether +he would have passed for a person of considerable +importance and good commercial and social standing; +but to one versed in character-reading he gave the impression +that he might at one time have been an easy-going +clergyman, who had lapsed into some successful +insurance or real estate agency that had been unexpectedly +profitable; or, at least, was a man who had +thoroughly and artistically acquired the science of securing +an elegant livelihood through the confidence he could +readily inspire in others.</p> + +<p>"Ah! Mr. Pinkerton, I am very glad to see you—very +glad to see you; in fact, I take it as a peculiar honor, +though my business with you is of an unpleasant nature,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> +said Mr. Harcout, settling into his chair with a kind of +bland and amiable dignity.</p> + +<p>I saw that he was making a great effort to please me, +and told him pleasantly that it was quite natural for people +to visit me on unpleasant business.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, thank you," he replied in his rich, after-dinner voice, +that seemed to come with his winning smile +to his lips through a vast measure of good-fellowship and +great-heartedness. "I feel that I am occupying a peculiar +position, both painful and embarrassing to me: first, +as the friend and agent of a wealthy man who is also an +acquaintance of yours, and operates on the Produce Exchange, +here; and second, in being obliged to ascertain +whether you will take our case without your becoming +too fully aware of the particulars, in the event of your +refusal."</p> + +<p>"Well," said I encouragingly, highly enjoying his embarrassment +and assumed importance, "if you will give +me a general outline of the matter, I will take it into consideration; +and, in any event, you can rest assured that +our walls have no ears to what our patrons have to say +within them."</p> + +<p>"Well, then," replied Harcout with a winning smile, +"to be honest with you, Mr. Pinkerton, there's a woman +in our case; yes—though I'm very sorry to say it—the +case is almost entirely a woman case."</p> + +<p>"In that event, Mr. Harcout, I must plainly say to +you that I don't like those cases at all. I have all the +business that I can attend to, and even more than I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> +sometimes desire; and I really think you had better secure +the services of some other person."</p> + +<p>"Pray don't say so; pray don't say so, Mr. Pinkerton. +Ah! what <em>could</em> induce you to take the case?"</p> + +<p>"No sum of money," I replied, "unless I was fully assured +that it was all right—that is, had the right on your +side. Almost without exception these cases with women +in them, where men become jealous of their mistresses, +mistresses of their men, wives of their husbands, husbands +of their wives, or when the lively and vigorous mother-in-law +lends spice to life, and, indeed, all those troubles +arising from social abuses, are a disgrace to every one connected +with them."</p> + +<p>Harcout seemed quite disappointed that I did not express +more avidity to transact the business he proffered, +but continued in his blandest manner:</p> + +<p>"Still, supposing, although we were not altogether in +the right, we were endeavoring to defend ourselves +against a vile woman who had manipulated circumstances +so that she had us greatly in her power?"</p> + +<p>"I should still feel a great reluctance in taking the +case. All my life I have had one steady aim before me, +and that has been to purify and ennoble the detective +service; and I am sure that all this sort of business is +degrading in the extreme to operatives engaged upon it."</p> + +<p>"Very good, very good. But, Mr. Pinkerton, supposing +the person pursued was worth two or three millions +of dollars; that after the parties had met in a casual way, +and, through a strange and unexplainable feeling of admiration +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>mingled with awe which she had compelled in +him, she had acquired a familiarity with his habits, business, +and vast wealth, and had from that time schemingly +begun a plan of operations to entrap him into marrying +her, working upon his rather susceptible temperament +through his peculiar religious belief, in order to gain +power over him, and then, failing to secure him as a husband, +had for some time pursued a system of threats and +quiet, persistent robbery, constantly becoming more +brazen and impudent, until he could bear it no longer, +when he had refused to see her or submit to further +blackmail, whereupon she had heartlessly attempted his +social and financial ruin, by bringing a suit against him for +$100,000 damages for breach of promise of marriage?"</p> + +<p>This extended conundrum flushed Harcout, and his +magnificent silk handkerchief came gracefully into use to +very gently and delicately absorb the perspiration that +had started upon his porous face.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Harcout," I still insisted, "I should then require +to be unqualifiedly assured that the woman in question +was not a young woman who had really been led to believe +the promise of some man old enough to be her +father, and who should accept the consequences of his indiscretion +philosophically."</p> + +<p>"Exactly, exactly," responded Harcout, quite uneasily, +though with an evident endeavor at pleasantry; "and +quite noble of you, too, Mr. Pinkerton! Really, I had +not anticipated finding such delicate honor among detectives!" +and he laughed a low, musical laugh<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> +which seemed to come gurgling up from his capacious +middle.</p> + +<p>I told him he might term it "delicate honor" or whatever +he liked; that I had made thorough justice a strict +business principle, and found that it won, too; but that, +with the understanding that he had fairly represented the +case, I would give it my consideration and apprise him +of my decision the next day, giving him an appointment +for that purpose; after which, while verbosely expressing +the hope that I would assist him, he bowed himself out in +a very impressive manner, passed into the street, which +was now nearly as quiet as the Trinity Church-yard close +by, and immediately went to the St. Nicholas, where he +flourishingly reported the interview to the anxious millionaire, +who thanked fortune for such a powerful and majestic +friend.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>In Council.—Mr. Lyon the Millionaire, with Mr. Harcout the Adventurer +and Adviser, appear together.—How Mr. Lyon became Mrs. +Winslow's Victim.—"Our blessed Faith" and the Woman's +strange Power.—A Tender Subject.—Deep Games.—A One +Hundred Thousand Dollar Suit for Breach of Promise of Marriage.—A +good deal of Money.—All liable to err.—A most +magnificent Woman.—The "Case" taken.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">I</span>N the meantime I had a conversation on the subject +with my General Superintendent, Mr. Bangs, in +which we weighed the case thoroughly in all its bearings. +I held, as I always do in such cases, if further investigation +proved that the woman was one whose youth, or even +inexperience, was such as to make it probable that she +had been met by a man whose position had dazzled and +bewildered her, and who, from his wealth and opportunities +for exerting the immense influence of wealth, had +led her to believe that he loved her, and had had such attention +lavished upon her as had awakened in her heart +an affection for him which should deserve some consideration, +and that finally, after accomplishing his purpose, +he had flung her from him, as was an every-day occurrence, +it was a case which I could under no circumstances +touch; its justice ought only to be determined in the +courts.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span></p><p>On the other hand, I argued that if this troublesome +woman was grown in years, had arrived at a mature age, +and had deliberately planned to secure a certain power +over Harcout's friend in the questionable manner ascribed—had, +in fact, used the "black arts" upon him, +and in every manner possible fascinated him irresistibly, +and wrung from him promises and pledges which no man +in his sane moments would give, in order through this dishonorably-gained +power to secure him for a husband—or +worse, in the event of failing in this, of levying upon his +wealth for the dishonor she had herself compelled, it was +a case where I had a right to interfere in the best interests +of society, as the professional female blackmailer is +below pity, ought to be beyond protection of any sort +whatever, has forfeited all the actual and poetical regard +due her sex, and should be in every instance remorselessly +hunted down.</p> + +<p>This conclusion was easily arrived at; for at each of +my agencies all that is necessary for a decision upon a +desired investigation is that my local superintendent shall +sift the matter, to prove beyond the shadow of a doubt +that the vast power of the detective service under my +control shall not, under any circumstances, be prostituted +to the assistance of questionable enterprises, or the furtherance +of dishonorable schemes.</p> + +<p>Accordingly, when Mr. Harcout wafted himself into my +office the next day, like a fragrance-laden zephyr of early +summer, I informed him that he could depend on my +assistance to discover the history and antecedents of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> +woman; but that I should have to reserve the privilege +of discontinuing the service, should it at any time transpire +that my operatives were being employed for the purpose +of discouraging a defenceless woman in securing the +justice due her.</p> + +<p>It was arranged that Harcout was to call the next day +with his patron, the persecuted millionaire, and he also +expressed a desire to defer a settlement of the case in +detail until that time, which was quite agreeable to me, as +I wished to see the parties together and closely observe +them, as well as their statements.</p> + +<p>The next afternoon Mr. Harcout's elegant card was +delivered to me, with the message that his friend was also +with him. I ordered that they should be at once admitted, +and in a moment the two gentlemen were ushered +into my private office. I immediately recognized the +elder of the two as J. H. Lyon, one of the wealthiest elevator +owners and millers of Rochester, a quiet, shrewd, +calculating business man, who had amassed vast wealth, +or the reputation of its possession, and its consequent +commercial respect and credit.</p> + +<p>He was a short, small-sized man, dressed in plain but +rich garments, and wore no jewelry save a massive solitaire +diamond ring. His head, which seemed to contain +an average brain, was solidly set on a great, heavy neck, +that actually continued to the top of the back of his +head without a curve or depression. His hair, and beard—which +was shaven away from his lower lip to the curve +of his chin—had a shaggy sort of look, though generally<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> +well kept, and were considerably tinged with gray; while +his eyebrows were remarkably long, irregular, and forbidding. +His eyes were medium-sized, of a grayish-brown +color, and under the heavy shade of the brows somewhat +keen and restless. His cheek-bones were quite prominent, +and below them his cheeks sank away noticeably, +which served to more strikingly show the upward turn +of his nose and his full lips and broad, sensual mouth, +which, with its half-shown, irregular teeth and ever-present +tobacco-stains (for he smoked or chewed incessantly), +gave him a face quite unlike those ordinarily supposed to +be captivating to women. With his broad, bony hands, +large, ill-shaped feet, and retiring, hesitating way, as if +never exactly certain of anything, he was truly a great +contrast to the pompous, elegant gentleman who seemed +to have taken him under his fatherly protection.</p> + +<p>Lyon slid into his seat in a nervous, diffident way; +while Harcout, who had just drawn his chair between us, +as if he desired it understood that he did not propose +to yield his office of general manager of this vitally important +affair under any circumstances, beamed on his +friend reassuringly.</p> + +<p>After a few remarks on the current topics of the day, +and before they were themselves aware of it, we were +getting along swimmingly towards an understanding of the +subject-matter—Lyon, who had removed his cigar, fairly +eating an immense amount of fine-cut as the voluble +Harcout rattled away about the bold, bad woman who +had entrapped him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p><p>"Why, my dear Mr. Pinkerton, it's a terrible matter—an +infamous affair! My friend here, Mr. Lyon, is quite +nettled about it—I might say, quite cut up. You can see +for yourself, sir, that it's wearing on him." This with a +deprecating wave of his hand towards Lyon, who nervously +gazed out of the window from under his shaggy +brows.</p> + +<p>I merely said that these things <em>were</em> sometimes a little +wearing.</p> + +<p>"But you see, Mr. Pinkerton, this is a peculiarly cruel +case—a peculiarly cruel case. Hem! <em>I</em> know what is +cruel in this respect, as I was once victimized by very +much the same sort of a female, though she was <em>much +younger</em>. Why, do you know, sir," and here the sympathetic +Harcout's voice fell into a solemn murmur, "that +my friend's beloved wife was scarcely at rest beneath the +daisies when this Mrs. Winslow began worming herself +into the confidence of my somewhat impressible friend +here?"</p> + +<p>I made no answer, and only took a memorandum of +the facts developed, not forgetting Harcout's statement +that he had once been victimized by very much the same +sort of a female.</p> + +<p>"She came to Rochester as a shining light among the +exponents of our blessed faith——"</p> + +<p>"And what may your religion be?" I asked.</p> + +<p>"We believe in the constant communication between +mortals and the occupants of the beautiful spirit home +beyond the river."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p><p>"Exactly," said I, noticing the remarkable development +at the back of their heads and about their mouths.</p> + +<p>"And our friend here, Mr. Lyon," continued Harcout, +with his eyes devoutly raised to the ceiling, "met her at +one of our pleasant seances."</p> + +<p>I made another note at this point.</p> + +<p>"To be frank—'hem! it's my nature to be frank—" +then turning his face to me and raising his eyebrows +inquiringly—"I suppose, Mr. Pinkerton, it is quite desirable +that I should be so?" To which I responded, +"Necessarily so," when he resumed: "To be frank, +then, Mr. Lyon was wonderfully interested in her. In +fact, the woman <em>has</em> a strange power of compelling admiration +and even fear—shall I say fear, Mr. Lyon?"</p> + +<p>"Guess that's about right," said Mr. Lyon tersely.</p> + +<p>"Admiration and fear," repeated Mr. Harcout, as if +thinking of something long gone by, while Lyon chewed +more fiercely than ever. "Indeed, Mr. Pinkerton, she's +a superb woman—a superb woman; but a she-devil for +all that!"</p> + +<p>I noticed that Harcout's fervor seemed to have come +from some similar experience, and I noted both it and his +heated estimate of Mrs. Winslow, although he remarked +that he had never met her.</p> + +<p>"Well, my friend here was irresistibly drawn to her, +and he has told me that for a time it seemed that he had +found his real affinity. You felt that way, didn't you, +Lyon?"</p> + +<p>Lyon nodded and chewed rapidly.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p><p>"But for a long time the more my friend endeavored +to secure her favor, the more she seemed to draw away +from and avoid him, though constantly making opportunities +to more deeply impress him with her most splendid +physical and mental qualities. My friend recollects now, +though he gave it no attention at the time, that she +shrewdly drew from him much information regarding his +family affairs, habits, business relations, and wealth; and +as she was, or pretended to be, a medium of great power, +at those times when he sought her professional services +she worked upon his feelings in such a peculiar manner as +to completely upset him."</p> + +<p>Here Mr. Lyon offered an extended remark for the first +time, and said: "The truth is, Mr. Pinkerton, this is a +subject that I am particularly tender upon. I think +under certain circumstances I could really have made the +woman my wife;" then turning to his agent, he said, +"Harcout, cut it short."</p> + +<p>"But," Harcout protested, "we can't cut it short. +Mr. Pinkerton wants facts—he must have facts. Well, +at one time Mr. Lyon felt a real affection for the woman, +which does him honor—is no disgrace to him; but after a +time began to suspect, and eventually to feel sure, that +Mrs. Winslow was playing a deep game; indeed, had +originally come to Rochester for that purpose; and while +he still regarded her highly on account of her fine qualities, +refrained from seeking her society, which at once +seemed to awaken a violent and uncontrollable passion +for him in her heart. She sought him everywhere and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> +compelled him to visit her frequently, lavishing the wildest +affection upon him, which he delicately repelled—delicately +repelled; and, as she represented herself in +straitened circumstances, charitably assisted her just as he +would have done any other person in want—any other +person in want; but, you see, Mrs. Winslow presumed +upon this, accused him of having broken her heart, and +was now cruelly deserting her after he had taught her to +worship him."</p> + +<p>Mr. Lyon's nervous face presented a singular combination +of pride at his own powers, chagrin at his predicament, +and a general protest that the tender privacies of a +millionaire should be thus disclosed.</p> + +<p>"In this way," continued Harcout, "she so worked +upon his kindly feelings that he really gave her large sums +of money—large sums of money."</p> + +<p>"A good deal of money," interrupted Mr. Lyon.</p> + +<p>"But finally," pursued Harcout, "my friend saw that +he must discontinue his charity altogether, and through +my advice—hem! through my advice, he did. Mrs. +Winslow then became very impudent indeed, and annoyed +my friend beyond endurance, until he was forced to +refuse to recognize her, and gave orders that she should +be denied admission to his office. But, being a very talented +woman——"</p> + +<p>"She <em>is</em> talented," said Lyon, with a start.</p> + +<p>"She has found means to continue her operations +against him incessantly, demanding still larger sums of +money, and has engaged counsel to act for her. Hem<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>!—under +my advice, quite recently Mr. Lyon, by paying +her five thousand dollars, secured from her a relinquishment +of all claims against him, rather than oblige a public +scandal. But now Mrs. Winslow claims that this was +secured by fraud, and after making another fruitless +demand for ten thousand dollars, which—hem! Mr. Lyon +resisted through my advice, last week began suit against +him for one hundred thousand dollars for breach of promise +of marriage. And a hundred thousand dollars is a +big sum of money, Mr. Pinkerton."</p> + +<p>"A big sum of money," echoed Lyon.</p> + +<p>"But of course," continued Harcout, inserting his +thumbs in the arm-holes of his vest and looking the very +picture of injured virtue, "Mr. Lyon cares nothing for +that amount. It is the principle of the thing. It is the +stain upon his good name that he desires to prevent—and +these juries are confoundedly unreliable."</p> + +<p>"Confoundedly unreliable," repeated Lyon, chewing +nervously.</p> + +<p>"Therefore," said Harcout, "really believing, as we +do, that we—hem! that is, Mr. Lyon, of course—is the +victim of a designing woman who really means to wrongfully +compel the payment of a large sum of money and +ruin my friend in the estimation of the public, we are +anxious that you should set about ascertaining everything +concerning her for use as evidence in the case."</p> + +<p>After asking them a few questions touching facts I +desired to ascertain, the interview terminated with the +understanding that Harcout should act for Mr. Lyon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> +unqualifiedly in the matter, and call at my office as often +as desirable to listen to reports of the progress of my +investigations into the life and history of Mrs. Winslow. +I was satisfied that not half the truth had been given me, +and I was more than ever convinced of this fact when +Lyon called me to one side as the lordly Harcout passed +out, and said to me hurriedly:</p> + +<p>"Don't be too hard upon the woman, Mr. Pinkerton. +You know we are <em>all</em> liable to err; and—and, by Jupiter! +Mrs. Winslow is certainly a most magnificent woman—a +<em>most</em> magnificent woman," and then chewed himself out +after his courtly henchman.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>The Case begun.—Mr. Pinkerton makes a preliminary Investigation at +Rochester.—Mrs. Winslow, Trance Medium.—A Ride to Port Charlotte.—Harcout +as a Barnacle.—Much married.—Mr. Pinkerton +visits the Mediums.—Drops in at a Washington Hall Meeting.—Sees +the naughty Woman.—And returns to New York convinced that +the Spiritualistic Adventuress is a Woman of remarkable Ability.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">A</span>S the interview related in the previous chapter +occurred on Friday, and I could not attend to +the matter at once, I was obliged to wait until the following +Sunday evening, when I quietly took the western-bound +express, which brought me to Rochester the +following noon, where I engaged rooms at the Brackett +House under an assumed name, and immediately began +a preliminary examination on my own account, having +directed my New York Superintendent to inform either +Lyon or Harcout, in the event of their calling at the +agency, that I could not be seen regarding their matter +for a few days, as I had suddenly been called South on +important business.</p> + +<p>My object in doing this was to look over the ground +at Rochester myself, and get an unbiased idea of the +whole matter, so that I could properly proceed with the +work, being satisfied that this was the only way to secure +a basis to operate upon, as I was sure that I had not got<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> +at the bottom facts in the late interview. I invariably +insist on having all the facts, and always take measures +to secure them before any decided move is made.</p> + +<p>As a rule, however, in cases of this kind, it is almost +impossible to secure what the detective absolutely needs +from the parties from whom the information should +come; as it is a principle of human nature possessed +by us all, to be very frank about our merits, and quite +careful about mentioning anything that might be construed +into either a lack of judgment or principle.</p> + +<p>I found that the New York papers were already publishing +specials concerning the matter, with solemn editorials +regarding the perfidy of man, the constancy of +woman, and the general cussedness of both; and that at +Rochester the knowledge of the commencement of the +suit had just got into the papers, and consequently, into +everybody's mouth; and was creating a great sensation, +as Lyon was known to the whole city as one of its richest +citizens, "though a little off on Spiritualism lately," as +the talk went; and Mrs. Winslow had also become quite +notorious from her magnificent figure and winning manner, +her equally notorious mediumistic powers, and +through her prominent connection with the more <em>material</em> +believers in spiritual phenomena; or, to be plain, +that vast majority of so-called spiritualists whose only +visible means of support are in excellently humbugging +their brethren or sisters, or any other portion of the +gullible world with whom they come in contact.</p> + +<p>Nearly every Rochester paper contained the advertisement +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>of Mrs. Winslow, trance medium, and I concluded +that either the lady had been unusually successful in her +trance business, or that her levies upon Lyon had been +remunerative—perhaps both—to pay for such extensive +advertising.</p> + +<p>After dinner I took a stroll and found that the lady +occupied very luxurious apartments on South St. Paul +street, near Meech's Opera-house, a location well adapted +for her business. I also ordered a carriage and drove +out to Port Charlotte—a magnificent drive through a +lovely country dotted with fine farm-houses and the +splendid suburban residences of wealthy Rochester citizens—and, +as a casual stranger, inspected Lyon's warehouses +and elevators, the largest and most expensive at +the Port, returning to the Brackett House in time to eat +a hearty supper.</p> + +<p>After supper, without any effort, and without disclosing +my identity, I got into conversation with the genial landlord +of the house, who gave me—as a part of my entertainment, +I presume—a rich account of Lyon's business +relations, and particularly of his personal habits, painted +in entirely different colors than by the blarneying tongue +of Harcout; and also spoke of the latter as "a d——d +barnacle," who had in some unexplainable way fastened +himself upon Lyon and was living like a prince off the +"old fool," as he called him. He also told me confidentially +that he believed Mrs. Winslow to be a woman +of questionable character; as, when she first came to the +city, she had stopped at his hotel, and had advertised her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> +mediumistic powers so largely that it had brought a class +of men there whom he thought, from his personal knowledge +of their habits, to be more interested in inquiries +into the mysteries of the <em>present</em> than of the hereafter, +until he had become so anxious as to the reputation of +his house that he had informed the lady of the preference +of her absence to her company; whereupon she had raised +such a storm about his ears that he was only too glad to +compromise by letting her go, bag and baggage, without +paying her bill, which was a large one and of a month's +standing.</p> + +<p>I also gained from him the opinion that she had been +married a half-dozen times, or as often as had suited her +convenience; and that he had only a day or so previous +conversed with a gentleman from some part of the West, +who had told him that somebody in Rochester had assisted +her in procuring her a divorce from her husband. +I made a note of all these points after I had retired to +my room, and felt quite satisfied with the day's work.</p> + +<p>The next day, with a gentleman at the hotel with +whom I had become acquainted, representing myself as a +person of means who might possibly make an investment +at Rochester, I visited Lyon's mills, and incidentally +became quite well informed as to his financial and social +standing.</p> + +<p>The latter was a little peculiar. His wife, a most +estimable lady, had died a few years previous, and it +appeared that during her life the Lyon family were +among the aristocrats of the city; but at her death, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> +Lyon's subsequent dabbling in Spiritualism, they had +been gradually dropped from the visiting lists, and nothing +remained of the former home circle save a gaunt, +grim mother-in-law, who vainly waged war against the +loose habits, laxity of morals, and general degeneracy +that had come with the new order of things.</p> + +<p>I also secured the addresses of all the professional +mediums, fortune-tellers, and astrologers of the city, and +during that day and the next visited their rooms, claiming +to be a devoted believer in Spiritualism, having my fortune +told at various places, and picking up a good deal +of information regarding the fascinating Mrs. Winslow, +which tended to prove her a remarkably talented woman, +capable of not only attending to her mediumistic duties, +but also of carrying on litigation of various kinds in +different parts of the country. My investigations also +showed that these different "doctors" and "doctresses," +claiming to perform almost miraculous cures and their +ability to foretell the fates of others through the aid of +this supernatural spirit-power, were quite like other people +in their bickerings and jealousies, and, as a rule, they +gave each other quite as bad names as the public generally +gave them; and that Mrs. Winslow could not have +been considered exactly the pink of perfection if judged +even by those of her own persuasion, as one vaguely +hinted at her having played the same game on other +parties. Another was sure she had been a camp-follower +during the war. Another assured me that she had similar +suits at Louisville, Cincinnati, and St. Louis. Still<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> +another was quite certain that she was only a common +woman. Altogether, according to these reports, which +were easily enough secured, as her case against Lyon was +the engrossing subject of the hour at Rochester, it +appeared that the ravishing Mrs. Winslow held her place, +such as it was, in the world more through her supreme +will power, and the respect through fear she unconsciously +inspired in others, than through any of the tenderer graces +or a superabundance of personal purity.</p> + +<p>From cautious inquiries and the wonderful amount of +street, saloon, and hotel talk which the affair was causing, +I also ascertained that Mrs. Winslow had made her +appearance in Rochester some years before; some said +from the east, and some from the West, but the preponderance +of evidence indicated that it had been from the +West; that she had at once allied herself with the spiritualists +of the city, and Lyon had first met or seen her at +one of their seances or lectures; that he had at once +yielded to her charms, and begun visiting her for "advice," +as it was sarcastically reported, continuing the +visits with such frequency and regularity as to hasten the +death of his wife, after which event he had given his new +affinity nearly his entire attention until she had come to +be commonly considered as his mistress; that she had +frequently boasted among her friends that she was to become +Lyon's wife, and was even by some called Mrs. +Lyon, to which pleasant designation she made no murmur; +that she had made a common practice of visiting +Lyon at his offices in the Arcade, where she had been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> +treated with considerable deference and respect by his +employees; and that during this period Mrs. Winslow had +made several trips to the West, evidently at Lyon's instigation, +and through his financial aid.</p> + +<p>I found also that she was as truly a believer in the +farces others of her profession enacted for her benefit as +she was in the mediumistic power she had persuaded herself +that she possessed, and was consequently a regular +attendant at all the meetings and seances held in the +city; and as there was one to be held that evening at +Washington Hall, I decided to attend for the purpose of +getting a good view of the lady with whom, for a time, +we should be obliged to keep close company. Accordingly, +at half-past seven o'clock I found the hall, which is +but a few blocks above the bridge on Main Street, and +after purchasing a ticket of a sleek, long-haired individual +with deft fingers and a restless eye, passed into the room, +where there was already quite a number of the faithful, all +bearing unmistakable evidences of either their peculiar +faith, or the character of their business.</p> + +<p>As the exercises of the evening had not yet begun, +those present were gathered about the hall excitedly discussing +the great sensation of the hour, which was particularly +interesting to them, as the parties to it were both of +their number, and from what I could gather they were +about evenly divided in their opinion as to the merits +of the case—the male portion of the assemblage warmly +espousing the cause of Mrs. Winslow, and the female +portion as eagerly sympathizing with "poor dear Mr.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> +Lyon," and roundly condemning the naughty woman who +had ensnared him and was so relentlessly pursuing him.</p> + +<p>I was sure the naughty woman had now arrived, as +there was a sudden twisting of necks and buzzing of +"That's her—that's her!" "There's Mrs. Winslow!" +and "Yes, that's Mrs. Lyon!" and the females that had +given Mrs. Winslow such a bad reputation a few moments +before, now pressed around her with sympathizing +inquiries and loud protestations of regard, quite like +other ladies under similar circumstances. But the lady +appeared to be quite unconcerned as to their good or ill +feeling towards her, and swept up the aisle with a regal +air, taking a seat so near me and in such a position that +I was able to make a perfect study of her while apparently +only absorbed in the wonderful revelation that fell +from the trance-speaker's lips.</p> + +<p>She appeared to be a lady of about thirty five years of +age, and of a very commanding appearance. She was +not a beautiful woman, but there was an indescribable +something about her entire face and figure that was +strangely attractive. It was both the dignity of self-conscious +power and the peculiar attractiveness of a majestically +formed woman. It could not be said that there +was a single beautiful feature about her face, though it +attracted and held every observer. Her head was large, +well formed, and covered with a wavy mass of black hair +marvelous in its richness of color and luxuriance. Her +complexion was a clear, wax-like white, singularly contrasting +with her hair, delicately arching eyebrows, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> +long, dark lashes, which heavily shaded great gray eyes +that were sometimes touched with a shading of blue, and +occasionally glowed with a light as keen, glittering, and +cold as might flash from a diamond or a dagger's point, +which seemed to work in sympathy with the rapid movement +of her thin nostrils, and the swift shuttles of crimson +and paleness that darted over her curled upper lip, +which, notwithstanding this singularity, touched the full, +pouting lower one with a hint of wild and riotous +blood.</p> + +<p>Although Mrs. Winslow was a woman who, being met +in the better circles of society, would have wonderfully +interested every one with whom she came in contact, in +the circle within which she moved, and which, unconsciously, +seemed to be far beneath her, she surely commanded +a certain kind of respect, with a touch of fear, +perhaps; and in any circle of life was undoubtedly one +in whom the ambition for power was only equalled by the +remorseless way with which she would wield it after it had +been gained.</p> + +<p>Not once during the whole evening did she by any +movement of her person or motion of her features give +any further indication of her character; and I could only +leave the hall and return to my hotel, and from thence +immediately to New York, with the thorough conviction +that Mrs. Winslow was a remarkably shrewd woman; had +systematically fastened herself upon Lyon with the view +of becoming his wife, or compelling him to divide his immense +wealth with her; would give us plenty to attend to,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> +and had easily gained a wonderful power over Lyon; +which, even after her repeated piracies upon him, and the +evident knowledge he possessed of her villainous character, +was yet strong upon him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>"Our Case."—Harcout's Egotism and Interference.—The strange +Chain of Evidence.—A Trail of Spiritualism, Lust, and Licentiousness.—Superintendent +Bangs locates the Detectives.—A pernicious +System.—Three Old Maids named Grim.—Mr. Bangs baffled by +Mr. Lyon, who won't be "worried."—One Honest Spiritualistic +Doctor.—The Trail secured.—A Tigress.—Mr. Bangs "goes +West."</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">O</span>N my return to New York I found that the splendid +Harcout had been using the interim in a succession +of heated rushes from the St. Nicholas Hotel to +the Agency, where he had given my superintendents and +clerks voluminous instructions as to how the investigation +should be conducted, and, in explaining his idea of how +detectives should work up any case, permeated the entire +establishment with his fragrant pomposity. He was +also quite impatient that nothing had been done in "our +case," as he termed it, and I could only pacify him by +assuring him that it should be given my immediate attention.</p> + +<p>As soon as I could dispose of Harcout I held another +consultation with my General Superintendent, during +which the information I had secured at Rochester was +analyzed and recorded, and which, with some other facts +already in possession of the Agency bearing on the case,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> +we decided to be sufficient to warrant a conclusion that +Mrs. Winslow was not Mrs. Winslow at all, but somebody +else altogether, and had had as many <i>aliases</i> as a cat is +supposed to have lives. It was also quite evident, the +more we looked into the matter and searched the records, +that certain other cities of the country had suffered from +the much-named Mrs. Winslow, and in many instances in +a quite similar manner to that of the Rochester infliction.</p> + +<p>Running through all the strange chain of evidence that +the records of our almost numberless operations gave, +there were also found items which told of a female not altogether +unlike Mrs. Winslow, and there were in them all +traces of a woman absolutely heartless, cold, calculating, +cruel; now here under one name and in one guise, now +there under another name and in another guise, but forever +upon that unrelenting search for power and with that +remorseless greed for gold, and also showing as truly a +trace of spiritualism, of lust, and of licentiousness.</p> + +<p>Of course the result of it all was only a question of +time; only a question of duration in villainy and shrewd +human deviltry; a mere question of how long supreme +depravity would wear in a constant war upon fairness, +purity, and the conscience of society. It never wins—it +always loses, and, as certain as life or death, good or +evil, reaches its sure punishment here, whatever may be +the result in that undiscovered territory of the future +which the preachers find happiness and good incomes in +quarrelling over. But as my long experience with crime +and criminals had proven to me the fact that one desperately +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>bad woman brings upon society vastly more misery +than a hundred equally as bad men, and being equally +as certain that Mrs. Winslow was an exceptionally bad +woman, I felt no regret whatever in becoming her Nemesis, +and even experienced a peculiar degree of satisfaction +in inaugurating a crusade against her as a pitiless, heartless, +dangerous woman, utterly devoid of conscience, and +without a single redeeming trait of character.</p> + +<p>I accordingly detailed two of my operatives, Fox and +Bristol, to proceed to Rochester in charge of Superintendent +Bangs, whom I gave instructions to locate the men +so that they could keep Mrs. Winslow under the strictest +surveillance, and make daily reports in writing to me concerning +her habits and associates, and operations of any +character whatever, using the telegraph freely if occasion +required. I also instructed him, after the men were located +in Rochester, and he had followed up the clue I had +got for him as to Mrs. Winslow's western exploits, to proceed +to the West, taking all the time necessary, and ascertain +everything possible favorable or unfavorable to the +woman; as I held it to be not only a matter of utmost +importance to thorough detective work, but also a principle +of common justice, that any suspected person should +receive the benefit of whatever good there is in them.</p> + +<p>For these reasons I have always fought against the system +of rewards for the capture and conviction of supposed +criminals. There could be nothing more absolutely +unjust. Under that system, through a combination of +circumstances, an innocent party is often deemed guilty<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> +of crime, and the detective, anxious to secure professional +honor and large remuneration for small work, begins with +the presumption of guilt, and industriously piles up a +mountain of presumptive and circumstantial evidence +that times without number has sent innocent persons to +the felon's cell or the hangman's noose.</p> + +<p>On arriving at Rochester the following Monday, Bangs +took rooms at the National Hotel, opposite the court-house—a +house more a resort for persons in attendance +at the courts, and people visiting Rochester from neighboring +towns, than for fashionable people or commercial +travellers; while Fox settled himself at a little hotel +nearly opposite Mrs. Winslow's rooms on South St. Paul +street, and Bristol found a home at a little saloon, restaurant +and boarding-house, kept by three old maids +named Grim, who were firm believers in Spiritualism—probably +from never having got any satisfaction out of +life from any other religion—under Washington Hall, on +East Main street, a place given up to variety shows, +masked balls, sleight-of-hand performances, seances, and +other questionable entertainments; so that they were all +within easy communication, and could work to advantage. +It was also arranged that the reports of Fox and Bristol +should be put in Mr. Bangs's hands, by a mode of communication +which would prevent their being seen together, +before being forwarded to me, so that their observations +might be of assistance in his securing necessary information +for his western tour.</p> + +<p>While Bristol and Fox were watching the movements<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> +of the gay madam, familiarizing themselves with the city, +and getting on an easy footing at their boarding-houses, +Mr. Bangs set to work to ascertain if possible in what +part of the West Mrs. Winslow had operated.</p> + +<p>He first visited Mr. Lyon at his office in the Arcade, +introducing himself as Mr. Clement, one of my operatives, +not giving his correct name, as the newspaper reporters +were flying around at a great rate for items, and the +appearance of a man so well known by reputation as Mr. +Bangs would have given their overcharged imaginations +an opportunity to flood over several columns of their +respective papers. After being seated in Lyon's private +office Mr. Bangs, as Mr. Clement, began the conversation:</p> + +<p>"Mr. Lyon, I am directed by Mr. Pinkerton to ascertain +if possible from you whether Mrs. Winslow has ever +informed you of having at any previous time resided in +the West?"</p> + +<p>Lyon gave Bangs a cigar, lighted one for himself, and +after puffing away vigorously for a little time, replied: +"Mr. Clement, I think she has done so, but I can't recollect +what the information was."</p> + +<p>"Couldn't you call to mind anything that would be of +some little assistance to us, Mr. Lyon?"</p> + +<p>"No," he nervously answered; "no, I think not. +I have put this whole matter away from me as much as +possible."</p> + +<p>"We have positively ascertained," continued Bangs, +looking searchingly into Lyon's face, "that she recently<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> +secured a divorce from a former husband. We also know +that some one here in Rochester rendered her substantial +assistance. That person found, tracing her history would +be comparatively an easy matter."</p> + +<p>Lyon moved about uneasily, and finally through the +clouds of smoke about his head puffed out, "Indeed!"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Bangs, "and, Mr. Lyon, if we could +get at the exact truth about this part of it, I am sure it +would not only greatly facilitate our work, but also greatly +lessen the expense of the operation."</p> + +<p>Lyon sat for a little time twisting his shaggy gray whiskers, +and finally said: "Mr. Clement, I insist on not +being worried about this business; perhaps Harcout +didn't make that point quite clear. Harcout <em>is</em> a little +flighty, but a noble fellow though, after all. I don't +hardly know what I would do without Harcout, Mr. +Clement; he takes the whole thing off my shoulders, as +it were."</p> + +<p>Bangs saw that Lyon could have given him just what +information he needed, and also saw with equal certainty +that he had fully decided to throw the matter off his mind +entirely, and compel us to gain whatever necessary by +hard work. He was also now satisfied of the truth of my +conviction, that Lyon had assisted Mrs. Winslow in this +divorce matter, and had been very much more intimate +with her than he even desired us to know. So he bade +him good-day, returned to his hotel, and telegraphed for +instructions. I directed him to go ahead and use his +own judgment altogether, also suggesting that he should<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> +visit the different clairvoyants and mediums, with a view +of getting further information which might be secured +from their almost ceaseless chatter upon the subject.</p> + +<p>As Rochester is as full of mediums as a thistle of +thorns, this was a kind of investigation which necessitated +the expenditure of considerable time, and three days had +elapsed before any information of a satisfactory nature +was secured. He had expended quite a little fortune in +having his "horoscope cast," his fortune told, and his fate +pointed out with such unerring certainty by male and +female seers of every name, appearance and nature, that +if any two of these predictions had borne the slightest +possible resemblance to each other, he would have been +horrified enough to have taken a last leap into the surging +Genesee like poor Sam Patch. But he persisted in +the face of these terrible revelations until he had found a +certain Dr. Hubbard, who proved to be one of the jolliest +of the profession he had ever met. The Doctor was a +pleasant gentleman, and proved more pleasant than ever +when Mr. Bangs informed him that he did not desire any +fortune-telling, predictions or horoscopes, but was interested +in the subject of Spiritualism, and had been +directed to him as one likely to give some information +that could be relied on, for which he would liberally +remunerate him.</p> + +<p>As Mr. Bangs had some choice cigars, which he divided +with the Doctor, and the Doctor had some choice brandy, +which he divided with Mr. Bangs, they at once became +easy together, and taking seats at the window overlooking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> +Main street, while watching the crowds below, were soon +chatting away quite unlike two people very badly affected +with spiritualistic tendencies.</p> + +<p>After a little time, however, the Doctor looked pretty +sharply at Bangs, and suddenly asked: "Well, who are +you, anyhow?"</p> + +<p>"Who am I?" returned Bangs smilingly, "well, to +be frank, I am Professor Owen, of the Indiana State University." +Bangs never blushed at the libel on the kind +old man bearing that name and title, and continued, "It +is our vacation now, and I am travelling a little in the +East investigating this subject. My brother is an enthusiastic +believer in it, but I wished other testimony."</p> + +<p>The Doctor seemed to think that the Professor took to +the brandy and cigars quite too familiarly for an educator, +but the explanation satisfied him, and he asked: "Professor, +you want the whole truth, don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing but the truth," responded Bangs.</p> + +<p>Doctor Hubbard blew out a long series of rings and +expressively followed it with "Humbug!"</p> + +<p>"It can't be possible," persisted Bangs.</p> + +<p>"It oughtn't to be possible," urged the Doctor, "for a +man of your probable talent and position to be engaged +in investigating what one visit to any one of us should +show to be the most infernal fraud ever practised upon +the public!" said the Doctor heatedly.</p> + +<p>Bangs expressed himself as surprised beyond measure.</p> + +<p>"Well," continued the Doctor earnestly, "you came to +me like a man, didn't you?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span></p> +<p>Bangs assured him that he was quite right.</p> + +<p>"And you came fair and square, without any ifs and +ands, didn't you?"</p> + +<p>"All of that," responded Bangs.</p> + +<p>"And," continued the Doctor helping himself to the +brandy, then excusing himself and pushing it towards +Bangs, who partook sparingly, "you didn't want any fortune +told, or predictions, or horoscopes, or any other +nonsense?"</p> + +<p>"Exactly," said Bangs.</p> + +<p>"And you said you'd pay me liberally for information, +didn't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I'll be as good as my word," replied the +assumed professor.</p> + +<p>"Well, then," continued the Doctor in a burst of good +feeling, brandy and honesty, "you see in me an unsuccessful +physician, a disciple of Æsculapius without +followers. I graduated with high honors, hung out my +sign, sharpened my tools, moulded my pills, drank a toast +to disease, but waited in vain for patronage. As this became +monotonous," continued the Doctor, taking another +pull at the brandy bottle, then wiping the mouth and passing +it to Mr. Bangs, who excused himself, "I glided into a +'specialist.' It required too much money to advertise, +and the papers slashed me villainously besides. <em>Then</em> I +became a Spiritualist—it's the record of every one of us. +You can see," and the Doctor waved his hand towards +the cosy appointments in a satisfied way, "I am pretty +comfortable now."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p><p>"Yes, quite comfortable," said Bangs, wondering what +the Doctor was driving at.</p> + +<p>"So I am an enthusiastic Spiritualist," resumed the +happy physician, "for its profession has provided me +with necessities, comforts, and even luxuries."</p> + +<p>"Do you really effect any of the marvellous cures you +advertise?"</p> + +<p>"Most assuredly," he replied.</p> + +<p>"And may I ask how?" interrogated Mr. Bangs.</p> + +<p>"In the good old-fashioned way—salts, senna, calomel, +and the blue-pill," said the Doctor, laughing heartily.</p> + +<p>"And is not the aid of the spirits essential to your +cures?"</p> + +<p>"A belief, or <em>faith</em>, that such an agency is used, does +the whole thing, Professor."</p> + +<p>"And is there no such thing?" persisted Bangs.</p> + +<p>"Just as much of it as there is faith in it; no more and +no less."</p> + +<p>"Then the whole thing's a humbug, as you say?"</p> + +<p>"Just as thoroughly as is that woman," said the Doctor +stoutly, pointing to Mrs. Winslow, who at that moment +was seen in the street below, being driven towards the +suburbs in a neat phaeton.</p> + +<p>Bangs, becoming suddenly interested, though repressing +himself, carelessly asked, "Who is she?"</p> + +<p>Here the Doctor executed a grimace which might mean +a good deal, or nothing at all, and said tersely: "She's +a bouncer; don't you know her?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p><p>"Why, that's Mrs. Winslow, old Lyons' soothing +syrup; and old Lyon's one of the children—'teething,'" +added the Doctor with a hearty laugh. "But she's a +tigress!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Bangs leaned out of the window, took a good look +at the tigress, and then, as if endeavoring to recollect +some former occurrence, said: "I believe I have seen +her somewhere before."</p> + +<p>"Quite so, quite so; undoubtedly you have."</p> + +<p>"And I think in the West, too," replied Mr. Bangs, +trying hard to remember, and handing the doctor a fresh +cigar.</p> + +<p>"Exactly—Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Louisville—everywhere, +in fact. One might call her a social floater, +and not be far out of the way either. She used to live +at Terre Haute."</p> + +<p>"Terre Haute? Why, of course! I knew I had seen +her somewhere."</p> + +<p>"Yes, she lived a few miles out, up the Wabash river, +for years. Her husband's name was Oxford, or Hosford, +or something of the kind."</p> + +<p>"Yes?" said Bangs.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the Doctor; "I didn't know her personally, +but I knew <em>of</em> her there. That's where she first +went off the hook—and—and became one of us."</p> + +<p>"Is she a remarkable character?" asked Mr. Bangs.</p> + +<p>"A remarkable character? Why, sir, she's a wonderful +woman—a perfect Satan. I wouldn't have her get +after me," said the Doctor, shaking his head protestingly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> +"for ten thousand dollars! Why, sir, that woman has +ruined more men and broken up more families than you +could count."</p> + +<p>"And is <em>she</em>, too, a spiritualist?" asked Mr. Bangs.</p> + +<p>"A spiritualist? Why, of course she is; and, what is +more, I sometimes think she really believes in her own +mummeries."</p> + +<p>"What has become of her family?" asked Bangs.</p> + +<p>"Oh, gone to the devil, I presume, just like everybody +she has had anything to do with—just as old Lyon is certain +to do, too."</p> + +<p>"Then this Oxford or Hosford is not living at Terre +Haute now?"</p> + +<p>"Couldn't tell you that," replied the Doctor; and then, +suddenly returning to the subject and putting the brandy-bottle +into a little closet with a slam as footsteps were +heard coming up the stairs, "can I be of any further +service to you?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Bangs thought not, handed the good Doctor a five-dollar +bill while remarking that he would call again, both +of which evidences of good feeling pleased the latter +immensely, and took his departure quite well pleased +with the result of his inquiries into the wonderful subject +of modern Spiritualism.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Rochester.—A Profitable Field for Mrs. Winslow.—Her sumptuous +Apartments.—The Detectives at Work.—Mrs. Winslow's Cautiousness.—Child-Training.—Mysterious +Drives.—A dapper little +Blond Gentleman.—Two Birds with one Stone.—A French Divinity.—Le +Compte.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">W</span>HILE Superintendent Bangs is on his hunting +expedition in the West, we will follow the fortunes +of Mrs. Winslow in the beautiful city of Rochester.</p> + +<p>There is hardly a city in the country better adapted for +either the pursuit of pleasure or wealth than Rochester. +Everything combines to make it so. It nestles in one of +the most beautiful valleys in the world, like the nest of a +busy bird in a luxuriant meadow. There is the sound of +pleasant waters, the roar of a mighty cataract, the din of +two score busy mills, the music of the spindles, the cogs +and the reels, the clash and the clangor of the factories, +the thunderings of the forges, and the footfalls of a hundred +thousand happy, contented people who have wrung +competence and even luxury from the hard hand of +necessity and toil.</p> + +<p>From the summit of Mount Hope Observatory, an elevation +of nearly five hundred feet above the lake, there is +a grand picture whereon the eye may rest. At your feet,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> +and to the north, lies the busy city with the noble Genesee +winding rapidly through it, lending its half-million +horse-power force to the needs of labor, then plunging a +hundred feet downwards, eddying and rushing onward, +plunging and eddying again and again, until it sobers into +a steady current northward towards Ontario through a +deep, dark gorge, looking like an ugly serpent trailing to +the lower inland sea where can be seen the city of Charlotte, +formerly called Port Genesee, the port of Rochester, +beyond which, on a clear day, may be seen countless +dreamy sails, and steamers with their trailing plumes of +smoke, and still beyond appears the dim outlines of the +far-off Canadian shore. To the east, as far as can be discerned, +lies a country of the nature of "openings"—beautiful +groves of trees, magnificent farms, with the +almost palatial homes of the owners, who have become +rich from the legacies of their ancestors with the added +thrift of scores of fruitful years. Southward for a half +hundred miles, stretches the beautiful valley of the Genesee, +dimpled by lesser valleys and a hundred sparkling +brooks, and dotted by field and forest and numberless +groups of half-hidden houses, with outbuildings full to +bursting with the fruitage of the fields; while to the west +along the lake are low ranges of sand-hills, and south of +these extending nearly to Lake Erie is a beautiful prairie +country, while with a glass can be traced the ghostly mist +perpetually hovering above Niagara.</p> + +<p>If this scene be inspiring to the looker-on, the intrinsic +beauty of the city, its unusual life, its fine public buildings, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>business houses, and splendid private residences; its +clean macadamized streets and broad, brick walks, shaded +with the trees of half a century's growth as in many of the +famous Southern cities; its numberless little parks or +"places," owned in common by the proprietors of the +handsome residences which surround them, and filled +with rare shrubs, flowers, beautiful fountains and costly +statuary; the vast <i>parterres</i> of flowers in the suburbs, +sending in upon every summer wind an Arabian wealth +of exquisite fragrance; the large summer gardens, where +beer and Gambrinus reign supreme; the enticing promenades, +and the splendid drives in every direction from the +city—would give any one not completely at war with +every pleasant thing in life a genuine inspiration of pleasure +and a more than ordinary thrill of enjoyment.</p> + +<p>It is little wonder, then, that Mrs. Winslow found Rochester +a profitable field for operating in her peculiar +double capacity of a dashing adventuress and a trance +medium. She found there not only men of vast wealth, +but of vast immorality, as is quite common all over the +world, and hundreds of firm believers in spiritualism, +which was a special peculiarity to Rochester. Among +the first number there were many who sought her for her +charms of figure and manners, which were certainly +powerfully attractive, and which yielded her an elegant +income without positive public degradation, as +no man of wealth and position feels called upon to make +known his own peccadilloes for the sake of exposing the +sharer of them, even though she be a dangerous woman;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> +and consequently there was only that universal verdict of +evil against her which society quite generally, and also +quite correctly, pronounces on forcibly circumstantial +evidence.</p> + +<p>Her apartments were elegant, and even sumptuous; +and though there was a quite general understanding of +her character among the epicurean gentlemen of the city, +she held them aloof with such freezing dignity that they +seldom presumed upon her acquaintance, and were even +possessed of a certain respect for her unusually rare +shrewdness in preserving her reputation, such as it was; +so that her rooms, so far as the public were able to ascertain, +were only frequented by those who believed her to +be able to allay their sufferings, or open the gates of the +undiscovered country to their anxious, yearning eyes.</p> + +<p>A large amount of money had been paid her by Lyon +to prevent a scandal. The last sum was known to have +been five thousand dollars, and it was quite probable +that if there had been an intimacy so ripe as to have warranted +the payment of this amount, still larger sums had +doubtless been expended in maturing so tender a relation. +In any event it was ascertained by Bristol and Fox +that Mrs. Winslow had for some time been living in elegance, +though at the same time carefully, being given to +no particular excesses, and it was a matter for considerable +speculation whether she was now in the possession +of much money or not.</p> + +<p>Fox affected the quiet, well-bred gentleman, expended +sufficient money among the boarders to make them talkative, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>and even confidential, and in this way learned a +great deal about the madam's habits and peculiarities +that was afterwards useful, though of no particular moment +at that time; while Bristol, who was a florid, well-kept +Canadian gentleman of about forty-five years of age, +of a literary and poetical turn, and with an easy habit of +falling into the manner and brogue of an Englishman, +Scotchman, or Irishman, made himself immensely popular +with the old maids under Washington Hall, who in +turn were enamored with his good physical parts and +blarneying tongue, and were at any time ready to confide +to him all they knew, and, in fact, a great deal more; so +that, as he professed to be an ardent Spiritualist, he was +enabled to become well informed concerning the leading +persons of that persuasion in the city, of whom he forwarded +a complete list, with something of a history of +each; and while not becoming known to or personally +familiar with any one of them—which would have destroyed +his usefulness, he was yet able to keep track of +nearly all that was said or done within the charmed circle; +as after each lecture, or seance, the economically-built +and antiquated maidens would retire to a little snuggery +behind the restaurant, to which they would invite +the sympathetic Bristol, who was old enough to protect +them from scandal, and then and there, while easing their +by no means ravishing forms of portions of their garments +preparatory to the night's virtuous repose, over strong +toast and weak tea would rattle on in such a bewildering +way about the events of the evening and the good or bad<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> +characteristics of the faithful, that Bristol figuratively, if +not in fact, sat at the feet of a trinity of oracles.</p> + +<p>His reports showed that while Mrs. Winslow was accepted +among their number without question, still there +was but little known about her previous history. I felt +satisfied that this was true, and had only stationed Bristol +and Fox at Rochester for the purpose of keeping me informed +of her every movement, knowing well enough +that after Bangs had got a good start he would follow up +her trail in the West as remorselessly as I myself would +have done.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow seemed to be absolutely without associates, +either from a confirmed habit of suspicion of everybody +which she seemed to possess, or from a resolve to +maintain as good a character as possible until the Winslow-Lyon +case should be heard in court, so that her evidence, +and particularly her reputation, might not be impeached +or broken down; and it required the constant +attention of both Bristol and Fox to discover in her anything +of even a suspicious character, as the nature of her +mediumistic business—allowing as it did scores of visitors +daily access to her rooms, only one being admitted to the +trance-room of her apartments at a time—gave her a vast +advantage over them.</p> + +<p>It was evident that she had in a measure persuaded +herself that she had a genuine cause of action against +Lyon; or, that if she had not, she had fully determined +to make a big fight under any circumstances, as both the +prestige secured by the presumption of some shadow of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> +a claim which the mere pressing of it in court would give, +and the assistance to her which even a tithe of the damages +she claimed would be, would not only give her a +degree of importance and respectability which would +greatly assist her in future operations, but would also +yield her the means for future comfort, without this terrible +continued struggle for gold and the happiness it is +supposed to command.</p> + +<p>How vain such a hope! and how strange that, with the +bitter reminder of countless never-realized ambitions before +them, the adventurer and the criminal will go on and +on, still clinging to the shadow of a hope that by <em>some</em> +exceptional freak of fortune in their favor they may gain +the peace and quietness they so agonizedly long for, but +which is just as irrevocably decreed to be forever beyond +their reach as were the luscious fruits to escape the touch +and taste of the condemned and tortured Phrygian +king.</p> + +<p>And right here, were I a preacher—being only a <em>doer</em>, +however—I would show the criminal neglect of parents, +teachers and preachers in forever warring for reformation, +and never battling against the numberless packs of +little foxes of pride and covetousness of society, which +drive weak natures into a constant struggle to excel in +power and display, eating away at the vines until the +life, like the fields, is left barren and desolate, or is only +a vast waste of thorns and noxious weeds. My records +are full of lives wrecked upon the glittering rocks built by +false pride and vanity and the greed for gold which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> +society, and even the aristocratic systems of modern +religion compel. Whatever may be preached, all this +cursed assumption of what is not possessed without years +of honest, sturdy toil, is practised in the pulpit, the pew, +the palace, and the poverty-stricken hovel, permeating +every stratum of business, society and religion, until +honorable action is at discount, dishonesty commands +a premium of gain and lachrymose sympathy, and the +whole world is being swiftly driven into a surging channel +of fraud, crime and debauchery that will require generations +of something besides splendid hypocrisy and +luxurious cant to restrain and purify.</p> + +<p>With this digression, which I cannot well avoid, as it +contains the convictions based upon long years of close +observation and peculiar experience, I will return to the +woman whom my operatives found so difficult to analyze +and trace out.</p> + +<p>Bangs's visit to Dr. Hubbard showed that she had +a habit of driving out. Bristol and Fox became acquainted +with this fact at once and transmitted it in their +reports. It appeared that the carriage and driver were +secured at a livery stable near the opera house, a short +distance from her rooms and Fox's boarding-house. I +instructed Fox to ascertain to what points these trips +were made, and if any one ever accompanied her. Careful +inquiries at this stable elicited nothing, as Mrs. Winslow's +custom was valuable, and even her driver proved +close-mouthed upon the subject. Accordingly, after Fox +had discovered the general direction taken by Mrs. Winslow +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>and the usual streets frequented at starting, he +strolled out State Street and from thence into Lake +View Avenue, which is but a continuation of State +Street. After he had walked some little distance he was +pleased to find that he had company in the person of +a dapper little blond gentleman who was somewhat in +advance of him, but who, though apparently enjoying the +morning air, seemed both apprehensive of being followed, +and desirous of the appearance of some one for whom he +was waiting. His make-up gave him something of a +foreign air, and was the most exquisite imaginable. He +was a slender, tender nymph of the male order of fairies, +with a face as delicate as a woman's, with large, blue, +expressive eyes, long, luxuriant hair, and as neat a little +moustache as was ever waxed to keep it from melting +away altogether. If his face and figure were neat +enough for a millinery window, his clothing was a model +even for a Poole. His lustrous silk hat scarcely outshone +in richness his faultless dress-coat, which was buttoned +low, exposing a perfect duck vest, a spotless shirt-front +and a low, rolling Byron collar, with a delicate flowing +tie; while his pantaloons, which were of a mellow lavender +color, seemed only to increase the effect of his shapely +legs, and by their graceful swell at the instep only to stop +to disclose a foot perfect enough for a model. His +jewelry consisted of a modest solitaire diamond pin, and +a large seal ring which he wore upon the little finger of +his left hand.</p> + +<p>For some reason Fox felt interested in him, and resolved, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>though looking for a quite different person, to +watch him closely. So he passed him without giving him +an opportunity of seeing his face, and, taking a position +in the bar-room of a small beer-garden a little way +beyond, where he had a good view of the avenue, waited +for developments which were not long in taking place, +as the neat little fellow arrived at the garden a few +minutes after Fox, and shortly after Mrs. Winslow's carriage +was seen coming from the direction of the city. +Fox saw that he was bringing two birds down with one +stone, and anxiously watched Mrs. Winslow and the little +fop, feeling satisfied that their meeting at the garden was +pre-arranged, for as soon as her carriage came in sight, +he had noticed a look of satisfaction come over the man's +face, and when it was driven up to the door he stepped +out nimbly, smiling and bowing like a brisk wax figure at +a show.</p> + +<p>The driver was at once discharged, and after watering +the horse, immediately started towards town on foot, +occasionally looking over his shoulder with a sardonic +smile on his face, as if pleased at the loving meeting at +the garden, as that sort of thing probably brought him +many an honest penny; but no sooner had the driver +turned his back on the place than Mrs. Winslow said:</p> + +<p>"Come, Le Compte, get me a glass of brandy."</p> + +<p>Fox thought that pretty strong for a lady who had been +damaged a hundred thousand dollars by breach of promise +of marriage, but held his peace, and a paper before +his face, while her admirer danced into the bar and procured +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>two glasses of brandy, which he took to the carriage +upon a little tray.</p> + +<p>"My dear, you were a little late, eh?" said Le +Compte.</p> + +<p>"Ah, a French divinity," thought Fox.</p> + +<p>"Le Compte," replied Mrs. Winslow, handing him a +bill with which to pay for the refreshment, and paying no +attention to the little fellow's remark, "tell that d——d +Dutchman that if he don't get some better brandy, I'll +never pay him another penny!"</p> + +<p>Fox also thought this pretty strong for the pure, +broken-hearted maiden Mrs. Winslow's bill of complaint +against Lyon showed her to be, and he accordingly made +a note of the same, as her friend returned to the bar-room +and paid for the liquor, while saying to the landlord +that the madam desired him to say that the brandy +was perfectly exquisite in flavor.</p> + +<p>Presently Mrs. Winslow called out, "Come, Le +Compte, get in here!" when he ran out with the alacrity +of a carriage spaniel, sprang into the carriage, took the +reins, and drove away towards the country, looking like a +pretty daisy in the shade of a gigantic sunflower.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>The Half-way House.—A Jolly German Landlord.—Detective Fox runs +down Le Compte.—A "Positive, Prophetic, Healing and Trance +Medium."—Harcout the Adviser reappears, and is anxious lest +Mr. Lyon be drawn into some terrible Confession.—Mr. Pinkerton +decides to know more about Le Compte.—And with the harassed +Mr. Lyon interviews him.—Treachery and Blackmail.—"A much +untractable Man."—Light shines upon Mrs. Winslow.—Another +Man.—Mr. Pinkerton mad.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">M</span>ANY other conveyances were passing to and fro, +and Fox's first impulse was to secure a seat in +some one of them and follow the couple in the direction +they had taken. But he recollected that it might cause +either Mrs. Winslow, or the little fellow at her side to +know him again, which would prove disastrous, and he +was consequently obliged to apply his pump to the +important little Dutchman who owned the half-way house, +and who was busying himself around the cool, pleasant +bar-room, making the place as attractive as possible, and +singing lustily in his own mother-tongue.</p> + +<p>"Good morning to you!" said Fox cheerily, stepping +to the bar in a way that indicated his desire to imbibe.</p> + +<p>"Good mornings mit yourself," answered the lively +proprietor, getting behind the bar nimbly; "Beer?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span></p><p>"Yes, thank you," replied Fox, "a schnit, if you +please. Won't you drink with me?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, ya, ya; I dank you; I dank you;" and there +were as many smiles on his honest face as bubbles upon +his good beer.</p> + +<p>The glasses touched, Fox said, "Here's luck!" and +the landlord met it with "Best resbects, mister!"</p> + +<p>In good time two more schnits followed, and as the +landlord was each time requested to join with Fox, he +was so pleased with his liberality and apparent good +feeling that he beamed all over like a sunny day in +June.</p> + +<p>"You have a beautiful place here," said Fox.</p> + +<p>"Oh, so, so!" answered the landlord with a quick, +deprecatory shrug which meant that he was very well +satisfied with it.</p> + +<p>"I was never here before."</p> + +<p>"No?—So? I guess mebby I don't ever have seen +you. Don't you leef py Rochester?—no?"</p> + +<p>"No, I live in Buffalo, and I just came over to +Rochester on a little business. Having plenty of time, I +thought I would stroll out a bit this morning."</p> + +<p>"Ya, I get a good many strollers dot same way. +Eferypody goes out by der Bort."</p> + +<p>"The Bort?"</p> + +<p>"Ya, ya, der Bort—Bort Charlotte."</p> + +<p>"Is this the way to Charlotte?"</p> + +<p>"To be certainly. When you come five miles auf, den +you stand by der Bort, sure."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span></p><p>"And so that is where the big woman and the little +man were going?" asked Fox carelessly.</p> + +<p>"Sure, sure," said the landlord with a knowing wink; +and then taking a very large pinch of snuff, and laying +his forefinger the whole length of his rosy nose, added +with an air of great importance and mystery, "I tell you, +py Jupiter, I don't let somebody got rooms <em>here</em>!"</p> + +<p>"That's right, old fellow!" said Fox, slapping the +honest beer-vender on the shoulder. "Be unhappy and +you will be virtuous!"</p> + +<p>"Vell," continued the Teuton, excitedly lapsing into +his own vernacular, "<i>es macht keinen unterschied</i>; I +don't got mein leefing dot way. I—I vould pe a bolitician +first!"</p> + +<p>Fox expressed his admiration for such heroism, and +purchased a cigar to assist the landlord in his efforts to +avoid the necessity of either renting rooms to ladies and +gentlemen of Mrs. Winslow's and Le Compte's standing, +or of accepting the more unfortunate emergency of becoming +a "bolitician."</p> + +<p>Then they both seated themselves outside the house, +underneath the shaded porch, and chatted away about +current events, Fox all the time directing the conversation +in a manner so as to draw out the genial Teuton on +the subject which most interested him, and was successful +to the extent of learning that Le Compte was what +the landlord termed a "luffer," evidently meaning a +loafer; that several months before, they came there together +desiring a room, which had been refused; but he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> +had directed them to the Port, where they had evidently +been accommodated, as they had after that, until this +time, regularly went in that direction, always stopping at +his place for a glass of his best brandy; and that they had +also always came there together until within a few weeks, +since when, for some reason, this Le Compte had walked +out to the hotel, where she had overtaken him with her +carriage and driver, when the driver would be sent back +to the city, and Le Compte taken in for the drive to +Charlotte, as Fox had seen. He also learned that on +their return, which was generally towards evening, the +driver met them at the same place, when the latter took +the reins, and Le Compte, somewhat soiled from his +trip, walked into the city.</p> + +<p>Fox concluded that there would be no better time than +the present to learn something further concerning Le +Compte, and after enjoying himself in the vicinity for +a short time, came back to the hotel, took a hearty German +dinner, and after another stroll secured a room for a +short nap, as he told the landlord, but really for the purpose +of observation. About six o'clock he saw the +driver coming to the hotel from towards Rochester, and +in about a half an hour afterwards noticed the carriage +containing Mrs. Winslow and Le Compte coming down +the road from Charlotte. The couple seemed very gay +and lively, and drove up to the hotel with considerable +dash and spirit. They both drank, as in the morning, +while the driver resumed his old place by the side of Mrs. +Winslow; and as they were about to depart, Fox heard<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> +the woman say to Le Compte: "No, not again until +Saturday; I'll try to be a little earlier." Then the +carriage went away, Le Compte loitering about for a few +minutes, after which he started off on a brisk walk towards +town.</p> + +<p>As the evening was drawing on, Fox hurried down to +the bar-room, paid his bill, and bidding his host good-by, +trudged on after the little fellow, keeping him well in +sight, though remaining some distance behind to escape +observation, but gradually closing in upon him, until, +when they had arrived within the thickly settled portion +of the city, they were trudging along quite convenient to +each other.</p> + +<p>The lamps now began to flare out upon the town, and +the gay shops were lighted as Fox followed his man in +and out, up and down the streets. Le Compte first went +to a restaurant just beyond the Arcade in Mill street, +where he got his supper, and afterwards promenaded about +the streets in an aimless sort of a way for some little time, +after which he returned to the Arcade and seemingly anxiously +inquired for letters at the post-office. He got several, +but was evidently either disappointed at what he had +received, or at not receiving what he had expected. In +any event he cautiously peered into Lyon's closed offices, +as if hoping to find some one there. Disappointed in this +also, he went directly to State Street, near Main, where, +after looking about for a moment, he suddenly disappeared +up a stairway leading to the upper stories of a +large brick block. Fox quickly followed, and was able to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> +catch sight of the little fellow just as he was entering a +room at the side of the hall. He waited until everything +was quiet, and then approached the door. The light from +the single jet in the hallway was not sufficient for the purpose, +but with the aid of a lighted match he was able to +trace upon a neat card tacked to the door the inscription:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="center"> +B. JEROME LE COMPTE,<br /> +<span class="sm2">POSITIVE, PROPHETIC, HEALING AND TRANCE MEDIUM.<br /> +Psychrometrist, Clairvoyant, and Mineral Locater.</span> +</p> +</div> + +<p>As Fox had succeeded in "locating" his man, he returned +to his boarding-house, wrote out his report and +posted it, and after carelessly dropping into the restaurant +under Washington Hall, where he took a dish of ice-cream +and found means to inform Bristol of the latest development, +he returned and retired for the night well satisfied +with his day's work, and fully resolved to be on hand for +Saturday's sport at Charlotte.</p> + +<p>I received Fox's report the next noon, and not a half-hour +afterwards the splendid Harcout came rushing in.</p> + +<p>"Pinkerton, Pinkerton," he exclaimed excitedly, +"here's something which we must attend to at once—at +once, mind you, or—bless my soul! I'm afraid I left it +at the St. Nicholas. How could I be so careless!"</p> + +<p>Harcout grew red in the face and plunged into all his +pockets wildly, utterly regardless of his exquisite make-up, +until quite exhausted.</p> + +<p>"Why, Harcout, you're excited. Tell me what's the +matter, my man," said I, reassuringly.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p><p>"Matter? matter? everything's the matter. Here's +something which should be acted upon at once, and like +an ass I've left it at the hotel. I'll go back and get it immediately."</p> + +<p>"Get what?" I asked him.</p> + +<p>"Get a letter that I just received from Lyon. He's +there all by himself, and they will draw him into some +terrible confession. But I—I must get the letter," and +Harcout grabbed his hat and gloves and started.</p> + +<p>"Hold on, Harcout," I called to him, "what is that +you have in your hand?"</p> + +<p>"In my hand? Oh, just a private note I got in the +same mail."</p> + +<p>"Just look at it before you go," I suggested.</p> + +<p>Harcout stopped in the door, examined the letter, +pulled another from the inside of the envelope, and +blurted out sheepishly: "Ah, bless my soul!—Pinkerton, +this is just what I wanted. Here, quick, read them +both."</p> + +<p>I took the letters as Harcout sat down and fanned +himself with his glove, and saw that they were dated from +Rochester on the previous day. The first one was from +Lyon, in which he stated that he had received the enclosed +letter in the morning, probably shortly after Fox had +strolled out Lake View Avenue, also expressing a desire +that Harcout should submit it to me for advice as to the +best course to be pursued, and have the reply telegraphed. +The enclosed letter was from Le Compte to Lyon, insisting +that he should immediately come to his rooms to receive +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>information of the greatest importance. I did not +let Harcout know that I had any information concerning +Le Compte, but I saw that that portion of Fox's report +which stated that he had followed Le Compte to the +Arcade the previous evening, where the latter had anxiously +inquired for mail, and after that had taken a peep +into Lyon's offices, agreed with Lyon's letter as to the time +when Le Compte probably expected an answer from him.</p> + +<p>I was at loss to know what the dapper little fellow was +driving at—whether he and Mrs. Winslow were after +further blackmail, or whether he had secured some confession +from her while she was lavishing her favors and +money upon him, which the treacherous little villain was +endeavoring to make bring a good price through Lyon's +superstitious faith in the power of those who claimed supernatural +powers and a profession of Spiritualism.</p> + +<p>I at once decided to go to Rochester and interview +this new apparition in the field in company with Lyon, +and accordingly told Harcout that I would do so, and +would immediately telegraph to Lyon to that effect; upon +which he trotted away, announcing his determination to +also telegraph, so that Lyon might see that he was "attending +closely to our case," as he termed it.</p> + +<p>As soon as he had left, I indicted a dispatch to Lyon, +asking him to make an appointment with Le Compte for +an interview on the next afternoon, when I would be +there to accompany him; and after getting my supper, +took the evening train and arrived at Rochester the next +noon.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span></p><p>After taking dinner at the Waverley, I immediately proceeded +to Lyon's offices. He seemed worried and anxious +to see me, and felt extremely alarmed about the +whole matter, having as yet kept it from his attorney. I +had him send a message for him at once, and in a few +minutes we were all three in consultation. His attorney, +a Mr. Balingal, thought we were doing just right, and, on +leaving, privately informed me that in no event should I +allow any person that professed mediumistic powers to +remain with Lyon alone, as he would be certain to do +something which would in some way compromise the +case.</p> + +<p>A few minutes after Lyon's attorney had left, we took +different routes, arriving at the hallway leading to Le +Compte's rooms on State street at about the same time, +ascending the staircase together. A negro, who had borne +a second and a more imperative message to Lyon, was in +waiting at the top, and smilingly showed us along the hall +in the direction of Number 28, which afterwards proved +to be Le Compte's seance-room. The little fellow himself +here stepped out of an adjoining room with a very +insinuating smile upon his face, which suddenly changed +to a look of disappointment as he saw that Mr. Lyon had +rather solidly-built company.</p> + +<p>As Mr. Lyon entered the room, this Monsieur Le +Compte undertook to close the door in my face; but I +shoved myself into the room, and told the mineral locater, +etc., that I was a friend of Mr. Lyon's, and insisted on +being one of the party.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span></p><p>Lyon began timidly looking around the gas lighted +room—though it was not after three o'clock—which was +filled with the ordinary paraphernalia for compelling awe +and fear: "I understand you have some business with me. +My name is Lyon."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes," he replied, "I have great business with +you. But I can only make you my <em>one</em> confidant, Mr. +Lyon."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, well, now," I interrupted, with some assumed +bravado, "this sort of thing better play out before +it begins. I am Mr. Lyon's friend, and whatever you +have to say to him will have to be said before me. Isn't +that so, Mr. Lyon?"</p> + +<p>Lyon assented feebly, and Le Compte asked: "Will +you make me the pleasure of your friend's name?"</p> + +<p>"No matter, no matter," said I quickly, for I knew +how weak Lyon was. "I am here as my friend's friend. +He has nothing to say in this matter. You will have to +inform me of your business with Mr. Lyon."</p> + +<p>Le Compte suddenly arose from his chair, locked the +door and put the key in his pocket. He then went to the +windows, which were slightly raised on account of the +heat, closed them, and lowered the curtains so as to shut +out the light completely. Just as he had completed the +work, which took him but a moment, I said to him +sharply: "See here, sir, you will make this room uncomfortably +warm for yourself as well as us, if you are not +careful. Don't send us to perdition before our time, Le +Compte."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p><p>He made no answer, and looked exceedingly meek; +but I saw that he was determined to endeavor to play +upon Lyon's feelings for future profit, even if the present +interview offered none. He immediately seated himself +at a table opposite us, and said to Lyon: "The clairvoyant +state I will go into before anything I can reveal."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Le Compte," I interrupted, noticing that Lyon +was already weakening before the scoundrel's assumption, +"if you have got anything to say to Mr. Lyon, go on and +say it with your eyes open, like a man. We won't be +humbugged by you or any one else!"</p> + +<p>He did go on now, and with his eyes open, and said: +"Well, gentlemen, I know of this lady who troubles Mr. +Lyon, and learn of much witnesses for his help. But the +clairvoyant state gave it to me."</p> + +<p>"No, no, my young fellow," said I, "we don't pay for +that kind of evidence. If you have any evidence in your +possession which will be of benefit to Mr. Lyon, I am +prepared to receive and pay for it; but clairvoyant evidence +isn't worth a cent!"</p> + +<p>"Well," he replied, somewhat ruffled, "I can go on the +jury and swear clearly of this!"</p> + +<p>I then told him I was satisfied that he did not know +the first principles of law and evidence, and that the probability +was that he had no evidence in his possession at +all. I spoke in a very loud tone of voice, and evidently +frightened the little fellow considerably.</p> + +<p>"You are much intractable—a much intractable man," +he responded. "I could tell about you greatly to convince +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>you of my power; but it is impossible in double +presence."</p> + +<p>"All right," said I. "Mr. Lyon, I don't see as you +have anything to do with this interview, and I want you +to go right back to your office and remain there until I +come!"</p> + +<p>Lyon got up in a scared kind of way, and started hesitatingly +towards the door, looking appealingly at me; but +I paid no attention to it, and the little Frenchman instantly +arose and politely showed him out, saying in a low +voice: "My dear Mr. Lyon, it will be for your great interest +to make appointment without the boor."</p> + +<p>"Lyon will do nothing of the kind, you little villain," +I said, as I saw he was shrewdly arranging for future business. +"The 'boor,' as you are pleased to term me, has +the whole charge of this business, and you will transact it +with him or nobody."</p> + +<p>Le Compte flushed, closed the door without another +word, locked it, and put the key in his pocket.</p> + +<p>I turned on him savagely with: "My friend, what do +you mean? If you make a single treacherous motion, +you'll never get out of this room alive!"</p> + +<p>I was now thoroughly mad, and am sure that the little +jackanapes saw it and felt that I might possibly serve him +as he deserved, for he quickly and tremblingly said, +"Oh, if that is the case, I have no objection if you the +key hold; but in clairvoyant state we shall be alone and +locked."</p> + +<p>There was a bed in the room, and I suggested that he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> +looked flurried and had better take a rest upon it while +going on with his story; but he seated himself at the opposite +side of the table, and began putting his hands upon his +eyes and drawing them away with an indescribably graceful, +though rapid gesture. This he continued for some +little time, when he brought his hands down upon the table +with considerable force. Then he began the old humbug +about my having had trouble with some one, somewhere +in the United States, at some time or other about something; +that there was another man of uncertain size, +peculiar complexion, unusual hair, singular face, and a +strange, general appearance; and that this difficulty was +about money, he thought it would amount to from five +hundred to one thousand dollars, and that I would receive +this sum within a few weeks. As I said that this +was absolutely true, he was greatly encouraged, and went +on for some time in an equally silly and foolish manner. +I stood it as long as I could, and finally said:</p> + +<p>"See here, my friend, you and I must talk business!" +upon which he was wide awake and quite ready to enter +into earthly conversation.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir, what <em>could</em> you want?"</p> + +<p>"I want this nonsense stopped," I replied rising, at +which he also jumped up nimbly.</p> + +<p>"Well," he said, "this woman"—evidently referring to +Mrs. Winslow, though no name had been mentioned—"once +lived in Iowa with wrong names!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, nonsense!" I replied, "I know that already."</p> + +<p>"But," he continued quickly, "I can furnish you the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> +name of another man—very rich, very rich he is, too—who +should be by law more her husband."</p> + +<p>"Well," said I angrily, though now fully believing the +little fellow for the first time, "write this out fully; give +me the man's name, business or occupation; his place of +residence, his standing, etc.; how he became acquainted +with this woman and under what circumstances they lived +together, and when and where; and when you give me +the information, if I find it reliable, I will pay liberally +for it. If not, I won't pay you a cent. Now, do we +understand each other?"</p> + +<p>"I think we do," he answered timidly.</p> + +<p>"Le Compte," said I sternly, "there's no use of your +practising this clairvoyant game any longer. You won't +get a dollar out of it; not a dollar. I understand all +about it as well as you do. Now, have a care about +yourself, sir, or one of these bright days you'll be coming +up with a sudden turn."</p> + +<p>I now started towards the door; but the persistent +scamp seemed anxious to still keep me, on some manner +of pretext, and stood holding the key in a confused, +undecided way.</p> + +<p>"Open that door, you villain!" I demanded; "open +it at once, or you'll get into trouble."</p> + +<p>He started suddenly, put the key in the lock, and then +turned to me and asked: "Won't you give me opportunity +to show you I do not swindle. Just let me make +some few little passes over your head. I will sure put +you to sleep quickly!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p><p>"I am not sleepy, nor do I need sleep now, thank +you. I had a good nap about an hour since," I answered, +laughing at the little fellow's annoyance. "Now +open that door!"</p> + +<p>Le Compte shrugged his handsome shoulders despairingly, +unlocked the door, and as I passed out of the no +less than robber's den—though under the guise of a mediumistic +and spiritualistic blackmailing headquarters—he +said: "Well, sir, I will think of this statement a great +deal; but you are a very untractable man; a very untractable +man—what might I call your name?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, anything you like, my little man!" I replied +pleasantly; "but mind, we won't have any more of this +silly business. It won't pay, and you will certainly get +into trouble from it. You may send the statement to +George H. Bangs, at the post-office, by Monday noon, +and if it is what you represent it to be, and reliable, you +will be paid for it; but you may be very, very certain, +Le Compte, that it will prove extremely unprofitable to +you if you attempt any more of this humbuggery upon +Mr. Lyon!"</p> + +<p>With this admonition I left Le Compte's, and soon +found Lyon in his office. We arranged that he should +pay no further attention to either Le Compte's or any +other person's communications concerning this case, but +should at once turn them over to his attorneys, who +should immediately forward them to me after reading +them, as I was satisfied that if Le Compte had any evidence +he would never swear to it when the case was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> +tried, and only desired to blackmail Lyon on his own +account, while playing the necessary male friend and confidant +to Mrs. Winslow, who for some reason seemed to +have a strange and unexplainable liking for the little +Monsieur, although exercising great care that her passion +for him should not become a matter for public knowledge +and comment.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>The Raven of the Detroit Cottage in another Character.—Mrs. Winslow +yearns for a retired Montreal Banker.—Love's Rivalry.—A mysterious +Note.—The Response.—Another Trip to Port Charlotte by +four Hearts that beat as one.—What Mr. Pinkerton, as one of the +party, sees and hears.—"Jones of Rochester."—Le Compte and +Mrs. Winslow resolve to fly to Paris, "the magnificent, the beautiful, +the sublime!"—"My God, are they all that way?"</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">A</span>T last the promised Saturday came, and there were +at least three people in Rochester who looked +forward to a pleasant day, and were up betimes that they +might get an early start. Mrs. Winslow, from her sumptuous +apartments, looked out upon the streets and the +glorious morning as if it had come too soon—as it always +does to those who have not clean hearts and clean lives—and, +<i>en déshabillé</i>, gazed down through her rich lace curtains +upon the early passers stepping off with a brisk +tread to their separate labors, with a look of contempt.</p> + +<p>Nature had been wantonly generous with Mrs. Winslow, +and as she stood there in her loose morning robes, the +first soft breaths that come with the sun from the far-off +Orient playing hide-and-seek among the sumptuous hangings +of her room, and giving just the least possible motion +to her matchlessly luxuriant black hair, while the mellow +and golden rays of the sun, which was just peeping over<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span> +the roofs and the chimneys, shimmered upon her through +the curtains, lighting her great gray eyes with a wondrous +lustrousness, heightening the fine color of her face, and +giving to her voluptuous form an added grace—this utterly +lone woman had not in her heart an iota of tenderness +for, or sympathy with, the glories without, and was as +dead to every good thing in life as though carved from +marble by some sculptor, as she really had been carved +from stone, or ice, by nature. As she stood there by the +window, regarding the passers with such a wise and ogreish +air that Fox, behind the blinds in his window opposite, +could not but couple her in his thoughts with some +splendid beast of prey—if Mother Blake or the voluble +Rev. Bland could have seen her, the years that had passed +would have been swept away, and in the mature woman +and the conscienceless adventuress would have been +recognized the raven of the Detroit cottage, that, as Lilly +Nettleton, in a habit that ravens have, glided noiselessly +about the other sumptuous apartments, gathering together +what pleased its fancy—not forgetting the money which +was to have been used in the cursed church interests, and +a gold watch, which the raven wore to this day—and then, +kissing its beak to the heavily sleeping man, for all the +world like a raven, had passed out into the storm and the +night.</p> + +<p>In a few moments she retired from the window, and +after dressing passed out upon the street, and went to the +falls for a short walk and an appetite, and then went to +the Washington Hall restaurant, where she had quite frequently +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>taken her meals since she had incidentally +learned that Bristol was a retired Montreal banker, as +gossip had it now among the Spiritualists; and it was evident +that persons of that grade of recommendation were +of peculiar interest to Mrs. Winslow. For hours of dalliance, +the aristocratic though impecunious popinjay, Le +Compte, would more than answer; but when it came to a +matter of serious work, and when a new source of income +was to be sought, Mrs. Winslow, being a shrewd and able +professor of the art of fascination which secured her an +independent and elegant livelihood, in connection with +her ability to compel a large number of people to pay her +for guessing at what had befallen them and what might +befall them, she invariably sought gentlemen on the +shady side of life, with judgment and discretion, who knew +a good thing when they saw it, and who were both able +and willing to carry their bank accounts into their aged +knight-errantry.</p> + +<p>Lyon was not a handsome man, but he had vast wealth. +His weazen face, his grizzly hair, his repulsive, tobacco-stained +mouth, were naught against him. His passion for +her had brought her thousands upon thousands of dollars—would +bring her, she hoped, as much more. Here was +Bristol. He was not handsome, he was not a Canadian +Adonis, he incessantly smoked a very ugly pipe fully as +old as himself. But he had some way got the reputation +of being "a retired Canadian banker" among these +people, and Mrs. Winslow's heart warmed towards him +the way it had towards a hundred others when she had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span> +wanted them to walk into her parlor as the ancient spider +had desired of the fly.</p> + +<p>So she had begun weaving a shining web of loving +looks, of tender glances, of dreamy sighs, and of graceful +manÅ“uvres of a general character about the unsuspecting +Bristol, that resulted in pecuniary profit to the old maids, +who, nevertheless, with the quick instinct of three jealous +women of economical build and mature years, had +already begun to hate her as a rival, and pour into Bristol's +alert ears sad tales about the splendid charmer, all +of which were properly reported to me by the "retired +Montreal banker," who had suddenly found himself a prize +worthy to be sought for, and fought for, if necessary, by +four determined women, one of whom hungered for his +supposed wealth, and three of whom possessed the more +desperate, life-long hunger whose appeasing is worth a +severe struggle.</p> + +<p>After her breakfast, which, unfortunately, had not given +her an opportunity for bestowing a graceful nod or a winning +smile upon Bristol, whom the old maids had furnished +a superb breakfast in his own apartment, Mrs. Winslow +returned to her rooms and seated herself at her windows, +where she read the morning paper for a little time. She +then disappeared from Fox's sight for a half-hour or so, +when, just as he was about leaving his watch at his window +he noticed her descend the stairs, and, after looking +cautiously about for a moment, deposit a card behind +her own sign, which was attached to the frame of the outer +doorway leading to her rooms. As soon as she had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> +retired, and before she could have returned to her windows, +Fox slipped down and out across the street, and +removing the card from its novel depository, saw written +upon it:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>"Le Compte:—Will be at the Garden with carriage at +ten, prompt.</p> + +<p class="ralign smcap">"Mrs. W."</p> +</div> + +<p>Fox had no more than time to return the card to its +place when he saw the person to whom it was addressed +turn into St. Paul street from East Main. He accordingly +got back to his old post as rapidly as possible, and +watched the young Frenchman saunter along towards the +hallway as if carelessly taking his morning walk. He was +irreproachably dressed, as usual, and was daintily smoking +a cigarette with that inimitable grace with only which a +Frenchman or a Spaniard can smoke. After arriving at +the hallway, as if undecided whether he would go farther +up the street or not, he leaned carelessly against the sign, +and in a moment had deftly whipped the card out of its +hiding-place. He then started up the street saunteringly, +and when about a half-block distant, read the card, which +seemed to give him much pleasure, as he smilingly wrote +something upon it, and after walking a short distance, +turned suddenly and walked rapidly back, dexterously depositing +the card in its strange receptacle, without +scarcely varying his pace or direction, and quickly passed +on to Main street, turning down that thoroughfare.</p> + +<p>Fox noticed that Mrs. Winslow had witnessed this incident +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>from her windows, and at the moment when her form +had disappeared, he swiftly stepped across the street and +read the reply, which ran thus:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"Your announcement makes pleasure in your lover's +soul, and your name is saluted by the lips of</p> + +<p class="ralign smcap">"Le Compte."</p> +</div> + +<p>Fox had just time to slip into a tobacconist's for a cigar +when Mrs. Winslow came down stairs, took the card out +of its resting-place, and after going down the street for +some slight purchase, returned to her rooms and prepared +for the drive to Charlotte.</p> + +<p>At half-past nine Mrs. Winslow's carriage arrived and +in a few minutes after she was leisurely riding down Main +street, and from thence out through State street and Lake +View Avenue towards the Port. As I had nothing to do +until Monday's interview with Le Compte, and time hung +heavily upon my hands, I had decided to make one of the +party.</p> + +<p>I knew the direction Mrs. Winslow would take, and so +securing a position on the corner of Main and State +streets, I had but a little time to wait before I saw the +gay madam pass, and also noticed Fox at an opposite corner +evidently making sure of her direction; for, as soon +as he saw her carriage turn down State street, he immediately +started for the depot, from which a train left for +Charlotte at ten o'clock, so that he could be at that place, +under any circumstances, some time before the happy +and unsuspecting couple should have arrived.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span></p><p>At about train-time Fox bought a cigar and took a seat +in the smoking-car, while I purchased a cheap edition of +one of Dickens's stories and settled myself down in a +ladies' car.</p> + +<p>The trip to Charlotte was soon made through a beautiful +country where the farmers were busy stacking their +grain, threshing, and, in some instances, turning the black +loam to the sun that it might early mellow for the next +year's seed-time, and in a half-hour we were at Charlotte, +where the beautiful lake is seen at one's feet, with its rippling +waves dotted here and there by a hundred dreamy +sails and lazy steamers from as many waiting ports.</p> + +<p>Fox immediately made inquiries of the villagers where +he could find the road leading into Charlotte from Rochester, +and started out towards it from the depot at a brisk +walk, while I waited until he had got well under way, +when I took a short stroll among the warehouses and +shipping of the harbor, and then went to the only hotel of +any importance the place contained, where I knew Mrs. +Winslow and Le Compte would be likely to stop, and engaged +a room in the front part of the house, where I resumed +my story and waited, like Micawber, for "something +to turn up."</p> + +<p>I had been engaged at my book but a short time when +I saw Fox come up the street towards the hotel at a +rapid pace, flushed and perspiring freely as from a very +long and rapid walk, and but a moment afterwards also +saw the dashing Rochester turnout whirling up to the +hotel.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p><p>The arrival at the hotel of the couple bore out the +truth of the statement of the little Dutchman, contained +in Fox's report of his trip to the half-way house, as the +habitués of the house seemed quite accustomed to their +presence and the employees stepped about nimbly, as +they generally do at hotels as a greeting to good customers, +and they generally do not when persons of common +appearance arrive.</p> + +<p>As good luck would have it, after a few moments had +elapsed, "Mr. and Mrs. Jones, of Rochester," as Fox saw +they had registered, were ushered into a room adjoining +my own, and between which, as is quite common at hotels, +there was a door, which might be opened for the purpose +of throwing the rooms <i>en suite</i>, as occasion required.</p> + +<p>Although I was prevented from seeing the couple, their +voices, which were both familiar to me, could not be mistaken; +and I could not restrain a smile as I listened to +the little Frenchman's voluble and peculiarly-constructed +expressions of endearment, and the coarser, but none the +less tender, responses of the virtuous Mrs. Winslow, whose +life had been shattered, heart smashed to atoms, and +good name defamed, by the tyrant man in the person of +the weak but wealthy Lyon, and to think how much +nearer I was to the quarry than Fox himself, who in this +instance was making noble efforts to bring down his game +without "flushing" it.</p> + +<p>For the sake of the public whose servant I have been +for the last thirty years, I would blush to put on paper +what I know to have occurred in the adjoining room, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> +which only served to further convince me of the depths +of infamy to which she had sunk; and I will pass on to +those things only necessary to acquaint the reader with +my plan of operation to bring her into the public notoriety +and scorn which she had years before only too richly +deserved.</p> + +<p>But a short time had elapsed after Mrs. Winslow and +Le Compte had been given their room when I heard Fox's +footsteps coming along the hall. He passed their room +slowly, evidently locating it, and after a few moments +stealthily returned and listened at the door. He then +stole away, but returned again with a bold, firm step, as +though conscious of being on legitimate business, walked +right up to the door and gave the knob a quick turn, as if +he had intended to at once walk into the room.</p> + +<p>The door did not open, however, and Fox stepped +back as if surprised, saying: "Why, I can't be mistaken; +the register surely said Room 30!" while within there were +quick, though smothered exclamations of surprise, fright, +and rage of an unusually profane nature.</p> + +<p>Fox immediately returned to the attack as if certain +that he was in the right, and knocked at the door sharply.</p> + +<p>There was no response but the quick hustlings about +the room, from which I, as an attentive listener with my +ear close to the key-hole, learned that the inmates were +preparing for discovery.</p> + +<p>Fox knocked again, this time louder and more persistently +than at first.</p> + +<p>I now plainly heard Mrs. Winslow ordering Le Compte<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> +under the bed among the dust, bandboxes, and unmentionables, +at which he protested with innumerable "<i>Sacrés!</i>" +But she was relentless, and finally, seeing that he would +go no other way, took him up like a recalcitrant cur and +flung him under bodily.</p> + +<p>Again Fox attacked the door, shook the knob furiously, +and knocked loud enough to raise the dead, following it +up with: "Say you?—Jones? Why in thunder don't +you open the door?"</p> + +<p>At this Mrs. Winslow plucked up the courage of desperation, +and asked in a loud and injured voice, "Who's +there?"</p> + +<p>"Why, me, of course; Barker, Jones's partner. I +want to see Jones!"</p> + +<p>"What Jones do you want?" asked Mrs. Winslow, to +get time to think further what to do.</p> + +<p>"Jones, of Rochester, of course," yelled Fox. "Two +ship-loads of spoiled grain's just come in; don't know +what to do with 'em."</p> + +<p>"Sink 'em!" responded Mrs. Winslow, breathing +freer.</p> + +<p>"Where's Jones?" persisted Fox, banging away at the +door again.</p> + +<p>"There's no Jones here, you fool!" answered the +woman hotly.</p> + +<p>"Yes there is, too," insisted Fox. "Landlord told me so."</p> + +<p>"Well," parried the female, raising her voice again, +"Jones ain't in the wheat trade at all; he's a professor of +music; and besides that, he ain't in here, either."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span></p><p>"Oh, beg pardon, ma'am," said Fox apologetically, +"It isn't your Jones I want <em>this time</em>, then. Hope +I haven't disturbed you, madam," and he walked +away, having clinched the matter quite thoroughly +enough for any twelve honest and true men under the +sun.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow stuck her head out of the door, launched +a threat, coupled with a well-defined oath, against Fox, +who was leisurely strolling along the hall, to the effect that +he ought to be ashamed of himself for "insulting a +defenceless woman in that way, and that if he came there +again she would have him arrested." To which he cheerily +responded, "No offence meant, ma'am; 'fraid the wheat'd +spoil, ye see;" and as he went whistling down the stairs, +she slammed the door, locked it, drew the trembling Le +Compte from under the bed, and amid a chime of crockery +set him upon his feet again with a snap to it, and then +threw herself into a rocking-chair and burst into tears, +insisting that she was the most abused woman on the face +of earth, and that Le Compte, with his "<i>Sacrés!</i>" +and "<i>Diables!</i>" hadn't the sense of a moth or the muscle +of an oyster, or he would have followed the brute and +given him a sound beating!</p> + +<p>Not desiring to be seen by Fox, I ordered my dinner +sent to my room, as did the unhappy couple in the +adjoining apartment, who seemed to be greatly put out +by the intrusion, and who were for an hour after speculating +as to the cause of the interruption, and as to +whether it was accidental or not.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span></p><p>"We mustn't come here any more, Le Compte," said +the woman dolefully.</p> + +<p>"And for why, my angel precious?" anxiously asked +the man.</p> + +<p>"Why, do you know," replied Mrs. Winslow with +earnestness, "I sometimes really believe I am being +watched!"</p> + +<p>"No, that was impossible!" said Le Compte, with a +start.</p> + +<p>"And sometimes," she continued, paying no attention +to him, "it seems as though I could not stand this terrible +keeping up appearances any longer."</p> + +<p>"You should have pleasure in the appearance," responded +Le Compte insinuatingly, "it breaks him down +already. He is now like one weak infant."</p> + +<p>"That's so, that's so," she answered quickly, in a tone +of vengeful joyousness. "I'll bring the old devil to my +feet yet. I'll crush him out and ruin his fortune, if it takes +me all my life. I'll get the biggest part of it, too; and +then, Le Compte, we'll get out of this cursed country and +enjoy ourselves the rest of our lives."</p> + +<p>"Yes, in Paris, the magnificent, the beautiful, the +sublime! Then we will live in one heaven of love. +Oh, beautiful, beautiful!" cried the little Frenchman +excitedly.</p> + +<p>"There, Le Compte," said his companion, suddenly +becoming practical again, "don't make a fool of yourself! +Take this bill and go down and get a bottle of +wine; and mind you, don't keep the change either."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p><p>As the train returned at two, and I had but little time +to reach it, as soon as Le Compte had come back with +the wine and they had become sufficiently noisy to admit +of it, I quietly left my room, paid my bill, went to the +train, avoiding Fox entirely, and, with him, was soon +again in Rochester, leaving the roystering couple at the +little hotel at Charlotte building their vain dreams and air-castles +about crushing out Lyon—which would have been +an easy matter if left to himself—their beautiful, magnificent, +and sublime Paris, and their "one heaven of love" +within it.</p> + +<p>As soon as Fox stepped from the train I quietly +handed him a slip of paper directing him to make his +report to me at the Waverley House, where I was stopping +under an assumed name, which he assured me he +would do, without a word being spoken or even a look of +recognition being passed.</p> + +<p>Although the public may not be aware of it, this is +an absolute necessity in detective service. Though I +employ hundreds of persons as detectives, preventive +police, and in clerical duties, at my different agencies, on +no occasion and under no circumstances is there ever on +the street, or in any public place whatever, the slightest +token by which the stranger might know that there had +ever been any previous communication between any of +my people.</p> + +<p>On the next day, Sunday, Lyon called to see me at the +hotel and brought with him two notes from Le Compte—one +having been received late Saturday afternoon, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> +the other delivered at his house that morning—both imperatively +insisting that Lyon should come to his rooms +and leave that "untractable man" behind.</p> + +<p>I complimented him extensively on his having refrained +from visiting the winsome little villain who +seemed determined to get Lyon within his power. He +solemnly pledged his word that he would have nothing +whatever to do with the man, and would bluff him in +every advance that he made; and in order to clinch it, I +read him choice extracts from Fox's report regarding the +Charlotte party of the day before, interspersing it with a +few of the still choicer items that had come under my +own observation.</p> + +<p>"My God!" exclaimed Lyon, as I concluded, "are +they <em>all</em> that way?"</p> + +<p>"Your experience and mine," I smilingly replied, +"would almost point to the fact that a very decided +majority of them are."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Mr. Pinkerton again interviews Le Compte.—And very much desires +to wring his Neck.—A Bargain and Sale.—Le Compte's Story.—"Little +by Little, Patience by Patience."—A Toronto Merchant in +Mrs. Winslow's Toils.—Detective Bristol, "the retired Banker," in +Clover.—Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah individually and collectively +woo him.—Ancient Maidens full of Soul.—A Signal.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">N</span>O jury in the land would render a verdict against a +man on the unsupported evidence of a woman +whose character was so vile as we had already found +Mrs. Winslow's to be; and I would have paid no further +attention to the little Frenchman, had I not suspected +from his expensive style of living, and from Mrs. Winslow's +injunctions to him regarding not swindling her in +so small a matter as a bottle of wine, that his necessities +and cupidity might cause him to make some tangible disclosure +regarding her, that would give us a clue to other +information against her further than that which Bangs +would probably secure in the West, as I never use detective +evidence when it can be avoided, and knew that +a perfect mountain of criminal transactions could be eventually +heaped up against her which could be secured from +reliable parties, who could have no other possible interest<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> +in her downfall than a desire to promote the personal +good of society.</p> + +<p>Le Compte did not desire to see me again, and had +made strenuous efforts to prevent it and secure a surreptitious +interview with Lyon instead. Failing in this, at +the last moment, I had received a very terse note from +him to the effect that he did not desire to transmit any +statement by mail, but would take it as an honor, etc., if +I would call at his place at ten o'clock, Monday morning, +which I did, finding the little fellow in a gorgeous dressing-gown, +freshly shaved, and in a neat and orderly state +generally.</p> + +<p>"Well, my young friend," said I, "I suppose you +have decided to give me some information this morning."</p> + +<p>"Do I get good pay?" he asked in response.</p> + +<p>"You will get good pay if you have a good article for +sale," I replied.</p> + +<p>"Humph!" he responded, with a soft shrug of his +delicate shoulders.</p> + +<p>"Are you ready to make such a sale?" I asked.</p> + +<p>"But where comes my money?" inquired Le Compte, +suspiciously.</p> + +<p>"It is right here," I answered, slapping my pocket in +a hearty way.</p> + +<p>"But suppose it shall stay there, then where is Le +Compte?" he persisted with a doleful look which was +irresistibly funny.</p> + +<p>"It <em>will</em> stay there," I replied, "in case you attempt to +play any of your tricks, my little fellow."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span></p><p>"How shall I then know I am to be paid?"</p> + +<p>"You will have to take my word for it."</p> + +<p>"But I have not pleasure in your acquaintance; how +can I be sure?" he continued anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Le Compte, swindler as you are, you <em>know</em> that I am +an honest man. This quibbling is utterly foolish and simple. +I am acting entirely for Mr. Lyon in this matter, +and should you write to him or call upon him a hundred +times, you would get nothing from him but a bluff. Here +are your two notes," I continued, producing them, "one +written Saturday, the other yesterday. The only response +you got to them was, silence—and this interview. I +thought we understood each other already."</p> + +<p>I saw that he was still undecided about saying whatever +he might have to say, and tenacious of sustaining his +professional reputation as a clairvoyant. I might have +easily frightened him into submission by the slightest reference +to the occurrences of the previous day, but knew +that this would have the effect of putting Mrs. Winslow +on her guard, as she was already becoming suspicious and +anxious, and preferred getting at his communication in +the ordinary way. After he had sat musing for a time he +suddenly asked:</p> + +<p>"How great will be my pay?"</p> + +<p>"What do you think the information is worth?" I said.</p> + +<p>He looked at me as if fixing a price in his mind that I +would stand, and replied:</p> + +<p>"Certain, a thousand dollars."</p> + +<p>"That is a good deal of money, Le Compte," I said<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> +pleasantly. "I hardly think you can divulge a thousand +dollars' worth. But if you can give me reliable information +of a satisfactory character, I think I could pay you +three hundred dollars.</p> + +<p>"Now?" he inquired, suddenly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, oh, no," I replied as quickly; "no, sir, <em>not</em> +until we find the information you give is reliable."</p> + +<p>This dampened the little fellow wonderfully, but he +finally said: "Well, the evidence is certain, but I must +offer it to you by clairvoyance," and he immediately +arose and began darkening the room as on the previous +interview, which act I interrupted by stepping to the window +he had just darkened, and jerking the curtain as high +as it would roll, opening the window, and flinging the +blinds open with a slam.</p> + +<p>"You little villain!" I shouted, advancing upon him +threateningly, "I will wring your neck if you don't stop +this contemptible nonsense!" while he slunk into the +corner, like the mean coward that he was. I could +scarcely keep my hands off the little puppy; but recollecting +that I was there for quite another purpose, I +said:</p> + +<p>"Le Compte, this is the last time I shall come here, +and it is the last time you will have an opportunity of +making a dollar out of any information you may possess. +Now, sir," I said, savagely, starting towards the door, "you +will give it to me, trusting entirely to my honor to pay +you for it, or you will never get a cent for it on earth."</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<a href="images/130-131-lg.jpg" class="noline"> +<img src="images/130-131-sm.jpg" width="400" height="254" alt="" title="" /> +<span class="caption"><br /><i>"You little villain!" I shouted, advancing upon him threateningly:—</i></span></a> +</div> + +<p>The little fellow turned towards me imploringly, with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> +"Please don't go. My dear sir, you are so greatly abrupt. +We have no men like you in La Belle France."</p> + +<p>"Heaven knows, I hope but few <em>like</em> you," I responded. +"Now, which is it, yes, or no? I will give you just thirty +seconds in which to answer," and I timed him, thoroughly +resolved to do as I had said.</p> + +<p>Before the expiration of the time mentioned, Le +Compte sat down, and with a despairing shrug of the +shoulders, said "Yes."</p> + +<p>I immediately returned, sat down in front of him, and +said, "Well, Le Compte, now go ahead with your story +like a man."</p> + +<p>"What must it be like?" he asked innocently.</p> + +<p>"What must it be like?" I repeated, aghast. "Why, +you don't intend to manufacture a story for me against +this woman, do you?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, no, never. But I must know first how bad +it must be, when it is worth three hundred dollars, which +you call such great money?"</p> + +<p>"Well," said I, all out of patience, "if you know of +any occasion when this woman has been with any man as +his wife, or his mistress, and can give names, dates, and +places, and under what circumstances, and this information +on examination proves so reliable that we can get +other witnesses besides yourself—persons of credibility +and reputation—to testify to it, I will pay you three hundred +dollars. Isn't that plain enough?"</p> + +<p>"Will you put it to paper?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir, you have my word for it, that's all."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span></p><p>Le Compte tapped the floor with his delicate foot a +moment, and I saw the impostor was in real misery. He +had a sort of affection for the woman, which she had more +than reciprocated. He could lean on the strong, daring +nature she possessed, and go to her with all his troubles +and disappointments and get help. She had promised +him that, as soon as she had mulcted Lyon of the hundred +thousand dollars, he should share it with her in his +own beautiful Paris. All his self-interest laid in and with +the woman; but need for money was pressing, and there +were a million other women as impressible to his charms +as she had been. Here was an opportunity to make a +few hundred dollars by betraying her; but in doing so he +still might not get the money, and she might at once discover +from what source the information had come, and +he knew enough about Mrs. Winslow to be sure that she +dared any mode of revenge that best suited her fancy, +and he had a wholesome fear of her. I could see that +all these things were flitting through his mind, as plainly +as the reader can see them upon this printed page, and +to some extent pitied his weakness and indecision.</p> + +<p>"Or," said I encouragingly, "as you undoubtedly know +Mrs. Winslow intimately, and are very much in her company, +if you know of any occasion when she had, while +here in Rochester or in the vicinity, say Batavia, Syracuse, +or Port Charlotte, for instance, gone with some one +of her many favorites, and under an assumed name—Brown, +Jones, or anything of the kind—to a hotel where +they had been assigned a room, and had occupied it together +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>for several hours, and you could put us on track +of persons of reliability who would be willing to come into +court and swear to such facts—I presume there are many +persons who could and would with whom you are acquainted—I +would pay you the amount named at once."</p> + +<p>This was cutting pretty close to a tender subject, and +before I had half finished my remarks he started, and +looked me in the face in a suspicious, apprehensive manner, +eyeing me closely until I had finished. But my manner +and looks betraying no knowledge on my part of any +such facts hinted at, he relapsed into a puzzled, nonplussed +look that was really ridiculous.</p> + +<p>"No, no," he said slowly and cautiously. "I have no +such valuable evidence. That would be much more +worth than a thousand dollars—much more worth. But I +can do what you first say, and rest me on the honor +of your word."</p> + +<p>"Go on, then," said I.</p> + +<p>"Well, we shall go back almost a year. I met first Mrs. +Winslow at Port Charlotte, when she was from Canada +returning."</p> + +<p>"Did she formerly live in Canada?" I asked.</p> + +<p>"No, not for a great time; but has had much travel +and friends there. I first see her at Charlotte. I go +there to take a boat. She comes from the boat there. +Lyon meets her, and I think her his wife, he is so much +happy. I like her so much that I do not take the boat. +I follow her back to the city here, and find her beautiful +rooms, when I discover she is not Lyon's wife, but his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> +mistress; but I still have for her admiration, and one day +she comes to me for her future in clairvoyance."</p> + +<p>"And then she became your mistress?" I inquired, +smiling at his earnestness.</p> + +<p>"No, no, no—never!" he replied quickly, growing red +as a rose; "I became her <em>friend</em>!"</p> + +<p>Le Compte did not know how near he came to expressing +the truth while endeavoring to avoid it, but continued:</p> + +<p>"I became her friend, and we came to each other for +advice. She has great faith—great faith," repeated Le +Compte, with much emphasis on the expression, which +seemed to please him, "in my clairvoyance powers. I +give her much comfort. She gives me great confidence +of her affairs, and shows me how rich Lyon makes her. +I see her often—very often, at the Hall and here in my +apartments. She gives me much confidence of her affairs +still, and I am informed when she makes Canada some +visits. She goes much to Canada, and I ask her why? +She does not tell me, but laughs in my face, and shows +me much money, which she ever brings back. I shake +my finger at her so (illustrating), and say to her: 'You +cannot hide from Le Compte,' which she answers: 'No, +I will not. I go for money. See!'—when she would +shake many bills in my face—'I make him come down, +too!'"</p> + +<p>"Did she give you the man's name?"</p> + +<p>"I <em>got</em> it," continued Le Compte proudly, "with much +wine—<em>and</em> clairvoyance!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span></p><p>"Oh, confound your eternal clairvoyance!" said I. +"I want the facts."</p> + +<p>"But I got facts <em>with</em> clairvoyance," persisted the imperturbable +Le Compte. "Little by little, patience by +patience, at the end I got confession from her——"</p> + +<p>"Which was?"——</p> + +<p>"Which was," continued Le Compte, taking his time, +"that Mrs. Winslow had got great power over a Toronto +merchant with much wealth and great family, by name +Devereaux."</p> + +<p>"How long had she known him?"</p> + +<p>"I know not that—five, four, three years, I will think."</p> + +<p>"Did you ever see this Devereaux?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, no—never; but it is all certain that I speak. +Here," continued Le Compte, stepping nimbly to a secretary +and producing a photograph, which he handed to +me, "here you will find the face of Devereaux. Many, +many times I have seen the color of his money."</p> + +<p>"And does Mrs. Winslow visit Canada for the purpose +of meeting this man still?" I asked.</p> + +<p>"Certain," he answered promptly; then, after a little +pause, as if doubtful of the propriety of what he was +about to say, but finally resolving to earn his money, if +possible, "and she shall go there once more in the next +week."</p> + +<p>I began to think that the little Frenchman had really a +good article for sale, and made full memoranda of all the +main points. I asked him some further questions, the answers +to which showed conclusively that Mrs. Winslow<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> +had made a full confidant of him concerning the Canadian +affair, at least; that she had secured a vast amount +of money from Devereaux at the same time that Lyon +was breaking her heart; and that, whether Devereaux +was fated to go through the same final experience as Lyon, +or not, that he had undergone and was undergoing the +same preliminary experience.</p> + +<p>At the close of the interview I informed Le Compte +that his information was quite satisfactory, and that it only +remained for me to prove its correctness in order to permit +the payment of the money, which, however, should +necessarily be on the additional condition that he at once +secured for us information as to the date on which the +madam was to make her profitable little pleasure-trip to +Toronto.</p> + +<p>This he agreed to do, and I left him; not, however, +until he had anxiously requested to know more about me, +and where and when he was to receive his money. I told +him that I was a travelling man; that I had no permanent +residence, was here and there all over the country; but +that the moment we ascertained the truth of his statements, +which would be very soon, he should be compensated.</p> + +<p>I communicated to Lyon the facts elicited during this +interview, which completely overwhelmed him with the +perfidy of human nature in general, and woman in particular; +but gave him considerable encouragement concerning +the progress of our work; and after directing +Bristol, through the post, to continue playing the <i>rôle</i> of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> +the banker, and to keep himself in preparation for telegraphic +instructions, returned to New York.</p> + +<p>All this time Bristol was in clover. The three old +maids, Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah, had looked him +over and saw that he was a good man to tie to. Here +was a man, they agreed, who had come in among them a +perfect stranger, and yet so possessed was he of a frank, +winsome way, and such a reliable, honorable demeanor +had he exhibited towards them, three lone and defenceless +women as they were, that they had instinctively felt that +they could trust him; nay, even more, they were sure +that they could lean upon him, as it were; take him into +their confidence; share their joys with him, rely on him +to sympathize with them in all their sorrows—in fact, +make of him a sort of an affectionate Handy Andy—a +good-natured and attractive attaché to their affections, +and a profitable sign-post to their business.</p> + +<p>Neither had any man ever before received such signs +and tokens of a deep-seated and ineradicable affection.</p> + +<p>Every morning he was awakened from his virtuous +slumbers by the delicious music of a bird training organ, +which was wound in turn by the maidens and set inside +his door, where, "in linked sweetness long drawn out," it +galloped over the harmonies with: "Then you'll remember me," +"Don't be angry with me, Darling," "Who will +care for Mother Now?" "Bonnie Charlie's Noo Awa'," +"Annie Laurie," and like tender airs, until the poor man +cursed the Three Graces of Washington Hall restaurant, +and the detective service, threadbare.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span></p><p>After this delicious reminder of languishing love he was +served with a breakfast fit for a king, at which Tabitha, +Amanda, and Hannah in turn presided, and which was +always graced by a large bouquet of flowers whose language +and fragrance only breathed of love.</p> + +<p>On these occasions the conversation never failed to +turn upon Bristol's merits, the old maids' loneliness, and +the superiority of women without physical beauties, but +full of soul, over those more fortunate in flesh but wanting +in spirituality. This was an advertisement for their +own establishment, and a drive at Mrs. Winslow; and +Bristol always acknowledged the force of the argument.</p> + +<p>Whenever Mrs. Winslow took a meal at the restaurant, +which had now become a frequent occurrence, just so +certain was Bristol's corresponding meal served in the +little snuggery, where, however busy they might be, one +of the ancient ladies kept him good company and quickened +his digestion with sparkling humor and witty jest, +such only as can course through the flowery avenues of +an aged spinster's mind, made fresh and blooming by the +wild fancy of the second childhood of love's young +dream; and at night, when the busy day was over and the +vulgar public shut out by the well-bolted front door, the +little snuggery always held the same wise old company, +where Bristol, ripe in age and experience, passed an hour +with the ladies over tea and sweetmeats, or wine and +waffles, surrounded by the thrilled and blushing trio, who, +preparatory to retiring, discovered to him as many of +their combined charms as modesty would allow, and in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> +their tender hearts built plans for the future when they +would bodily possess Bristol—at least one of them, if the +laws of society did prevent his making a sort of blessed +trinity of himself for their benefit.</p> + +<p>This course of procedure angered Mrs. Winslow. <em>Her</em> +heart also yearned for the retired banker, and when she +saw how securely he was being kept from her grasp by +the wily old maids, she immediately began preparing +a plan the execution of which would foil them, and +eventually give her the coveted game all to herself. To +this end she walked to and fro past the restaurant, and +finally attracted the attention of Bristol while the old +ladies were busily engaged elsewhere, and motioned to +him in so imperative a way and with such earnestness, +that he slipped out of the place, and at a careful distance +followed her in the direction of the Falls Field Garden, +where lovers often met and where there was no danger of +interruption.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Mr. Bangs on the Trail in the West.—Terre Haute and its Spiritualists.—Mrs. +Deck's Boarding-house.—The Nettleton Family broken up.—Back +at the Michigan Exchange.—Mother Blake's Recital.—Through +Chicago to Wisconsin.—A disheartening Story.—The +practical result of Spiritualism.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">S</span>UPERINTENDENT BANGS arrived at Terre +Haute in good time, and found himself in one of +the greatest centres of Spiritualism in the world.</p> + +<p>The very air seemed charged and surcharged with the +permeating power. People watching incoming trains +had a listless, far-away look, as though watching for the +dim spirits which were constantly expected from the other +land, but which never came. The clamorous cabmen +raised their sing-song voices as if only expecting, though +more than desiring, only shadowy freight. The regular +loiterers had long hair, cadaverous faces, and large, lustrous +eyes, and where females appeared, they were generally +in pinched faces, flowing hair, long pantaloons and +short gowns, as if ready for a grand Amazon-march upon +the gullible public.</p> + +<p>On the way to the hotel every other stairway held the +sign of one or more clairvoyants, mediums, or astrologists, +and every manner of business seemed to have the ghostly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> +trail upon it. The pedestrians upon the streets, the +men at their counters, the workmen at their trades, the +women at their various employments, the common laborers +at their most menial toil, each and every, from the +highest to the lowest, seemed to have a weary, listless air, +as if constant wrestling with communicating spirits healthier +and more robust than themselves, had left a chronic +exhaustion upon and with them.</p> + +<p>At the hotel the register was thin and ghostly, the office +was deserted and dreary, the meals were served in a listless, +dreamy way, as if the guests were ghosts and the +waiters not so good. In fact, the whole place and everything +in it was tinctured with the common craziness, and +gave the healthy, wide-awake stranger the impression of +having suddenly come upon a community of mild lunatics, +who were quite happy in the conviction that they were +directing the affairs of both earth and heaven, and establishing +pleasant, intramural relations between their chosen +Hoosier City and the beautiful City beyond the River; all +of which would be very pleasant and profitable if anybody +had ever come back from the undiscovered country to +give us its geographical outlines, define its limits, or +explain any profit that has accrued from becoming a +monomaniac on a subject that has no relation whatever +to the common needs and duties of life, and has never +been known to give to the world or its society a single +healthful, helpful nature or intellect.</p> + +<p>Mr. Bangs was neither pleased with the hotel, or able +to get much information while there, and consequently<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> +changed his quarters to Mrs. Deck's boarding-house, a +long, rambling brick building, that at one time had been +a fine residence after the Southern style. It was covered +with moss and vines, and had a snug, pleasant appearance, +while everything about the house had an air of quaint, +attractive restfulness. Every person who has ever been +in Terre Haute for a few days' stay, as Bangs was, will +remember the genial old soul who presided over the destinies +of this particular boarding-house—the fat, garrulous, +whimpering, but kind-hearted Mrs. Deck; her charming +daughter, the blooming Belle Ruggles, by a former and +more fortunate marriage, with her fair face and wealth of +golden hair, flitting about the house—which was also the +abode of spirits, mysterious materializations and unexplainable +rappings—like a good, sensible spirit that <em>she</em> +was, and letting her good sense and kind ways into the +cobwebbed rooms and dark places, like an ever-changing +though constant flood of sunlight; and "Old Deck," as the +boys called him, who believed in another kind of spirits +still, and, when opportunity offered, became so full of +them that he held a grand and extended "seance" on his +own account.</p> + +<p>People not only sought Mrs. Deck for good board, but +for reliable neighborhood gossip; and Mr. Bangs, learning +of her reputation as a repository of news as well as a liberal +dispenser of creature comforts, changed his quarters +from the hotel to her place, and found from a few days in +her company that she was a sort of historian, having at +her tongue's end numberless incidents connected with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> +the growth of the city and the family relations of every +class of people in or near it.</p> + +<p>He learned from her where the Hosfords had lived, +but could get nothing particular regarding the woman +herself, as Mrs. Deck had never seen her, and only knew +of her by reputation, which she was sure had been good.</p> + +<p>Mr. Bangs at once went into the country neighborhood +where the Hosfords had lived, and found that they had +removed to some point in Wisconsin, near Sheboygan +Falls, the neighbors had heard, but he could not find that +there had been a single trace of trouble at Terre Haute. +All those who had known them spoke of them both in the +highest terms. They had both been staunch members of +the Methodist Church, and though plain, quiet farmers, +had been considered prominent people in the neighborhood.</p> + +<p>Hosford was remembered as a slow-going, easy-conditioned, +good-natured fellow, but as honest as the day was +long; and no one had ever known aught against his wife, +save that some of the old gossips thought that she had +brought too much jewelry and fine clothing into the +neighborhood with her. This, however, she had judiciously +kept out of sight as much as possible, and, as far +as could be learned, had led in every respect an exemplary +life.</p> + +<p>From this point Mr. Bangs proceeded to Kalamazoo. +The Nettleton family were gone, no one knew where; +but here he was told of the escapade to Detroit of Lilly +Nettleton years before, enough of which had floated back<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span> +to her native place—coupled with the old people's later +sorrows, which were largely dilated upon—to account for +the breaking up of the family and its members being scattered +broadcast.</p> + +<p>Accidentally at Kalamazoo, in conversation with the +clerk at the Kalamazoo House, who had formerly been +employed at Detroit, and who was "up to snuff," as he +termed it, Bangs learned of Mother Blake, who had informed +the clerk of Bland's unfortunate experience with +one Lilly Mercer. He also got from the clerk a description +of Mother Blake sufficiently comprehensive to enable +him to find her if she were still at Detroit, where he at +once proceeded.</p> + +<p>On arriving in that city he went to the Michigan Exchange +Hotel, and, through the courtesy of the proprietors, +was allowed to look up the records of the house.</p> + +<p>It was fifteen years previous that the man who said he +was "from Bland" met Lilly Nettleton at the depot and +had taken her to the Michigan Exchange to meet the +reverend circuit-rider; but after he had got at the dusty +records he found on the register, evidently in the handwriting +of a clerk: "Lilly Mercer, Buffalo, Room 34," +under date of August 15, 1856, and also the names of +"R. J. Hosford, Terre Haute, Room 98," and "Lilly +Nettleton, Kalamazoo, Room 34," in a cramped and almost +illegible hand under date of November 28th of the +same year; and on the next day's page, in the same +hand: "R. J. Hosford and wife, Terre Haute, Room 34."</p> + +<p>The next step was to hunt up Mother Blake, which was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> +not a very hard matter, as women of her character generally +run in the same noisome rut, until they are swept +from the great highway with other pestilences of life, and +pass from bitter existence and infamous memory; and +after one or two evenings running about among the +<i>demi-monde</i> he found the woman—quite an old lady now, +but nearly as well-kept and quite as jolly as ever, presiding +over a group of soiled divinities at a neat retreat on +Griswold Street.</p> + +<p>Through the purchase of a vile bottle of wine the old +lady's lips were opened, and her tongue began a perfect +gallop about Bland and Lilly Mercer.</p> + +<p>She gave the latter the reputation of being one of the +shrewdest women she had ever met, and laughed until the +tears came into her eyes over the way in which she had +"played it" on Bland, who had picked her up for a fool, +and had himself been terribly sold. Then she launched +into vituperations towards the young minister, who had accused +her of "standing in" with the girl in the robbery, +when she had been as badly fooled as himself. Whatever +she had been and was, she said, there wasn't a dishonest +hair in her head; which assertion Bangs had reason to +believe to be literally true, as he noticed that she wore a +wig.</p> + +<p>She then in great glee told him how she had "got +even" with Bland by "giving him away" to the papers, +which had soon taken the feathers out of <em>his</em> cap, she remarked +with much satisfaction, broken his mother's heart, +who died and willed all her property to the good cause of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> +furnishing the heathen with an occasional fat missionary +steak, and finally drove Bland out of Detroit, when he +had gone to some Eastern city and, under another name, +with his fine manners, airy ways, and good clothes, was +playing it fine on some old Spiritualist millionaire out +our way.</p> + +<p>When the vision of the magnificent Harcout—which was +almost a constant one, as he rushed into my office on the +slightest pretext whatever, big with his own importance +and unusually full of enthusiasm over "our case"—flitted +before my eyes, it gave to me additional romance +in the work, in the sense that here, after many +years, the man whom Mrs. Winslow in her early career +had so magnificently duped, had unconsciously become +one of her most relentless pursuers.</p> + +<p>But it was a matter for speculation whether Harcout +knew her to be the person who had so neatly taken him +in, or whether he had risen to this condition of fervor in +his work merely to impress Lyon with his useful friendship. +I inclined to the latter opinion, however, as I was +satisfied that if he had known with whom he was dealing +he would have given up all expectations of continued favor +and patronage from Lyon, and left Rochester as hastily +as he had, as Bland, departed from Detroit.</p> + +<p>Bangs also asked her if she had ever seen Lilly Mercer +since that time.</p> + +<p>Of course she had seen her, just at the close of the +war. One day as she was crossing the river in the ferry, +coming back from Windsor, she had met her face to face.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> +Mother Blake said that she seemed wonderfully glad to +meet her, and wanted to borrow some money, which she +had refused. She then gave her her card, upon which she +was called some Madam or other, a clairvoyant, and she +had some shabby rooms on Wisconsin Street, near the +theatres. She was still young and pretty, Mother Blake +said, and she easily persuaded her to come and live with +her, which she did, "and," continued the old woman, +with a withering look at the girls, "low down as she was, +she made more money in a day than any half-dozen +women I ever had." The old lady further said that she +had only remained with her long enough to get some fine +clothing and money together, when she started for the +East.</p> + +<p>She had never seen her since, but she had heard that +she had several times passed through the city towards +Chicago, always returning to the East, however, and also +always richly dressed, and having every appearance of +living in clover. "Let her alone to get along," concluded +the old lady; "she'll live like a queen where another, a +million times better than she, would starve."</p> + +<p>From Detroit, Bangs proceeded to Chicago, and from +thence to Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, where it required +but a few minutes' inquiries to put him on track of the +Hosfords.</p> + +<p>Hosford had come there from Terre Haute several +years ago, bought a fine farm a few miles out, and had, as +far as could be ascertained, lived a comfortable sort of life +for about a year, when trouble began.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span></p><p>Mrs. Hosford, from the good member of society which +she was supposed to be, or really had been, suddenly embraced +Spiritualism, and began running about the country +with any old vagabond tramp of this kind that came +along; and from the hard-working, economical woman she +had been, she had become a spendthrift, a drunkard, and +a prostitute. Hosford had moved away, and after considerable +time and inquiry, it was ascertained that he had +gone to Oskaloosa, in Iowa, determined to get away from +old associations as far as possible, and had taken their +three children with him, which she had vainly endeavored +to secure.</p> + +<p>Bangs spent several days here in hunting up evidence. +There was plenty of it—mountains of it. Merchants and +other business men of the town would button-hole him, +take him into some retired place and tell him how this +man had been caught <i>in flagrante delicto</i> with Mrs. Hosford, +how that man had confessed to having been caught +in her toils, and how some other person had been made a +suspicious person in the society of the place, through +some peccadillo with the dashing <i>Madam</i>.</p> + +<p>All these persons referred to told of all the other persons +who had divulged their weaknesses, until it seemed +to Mr. Bangs, after remaining a few days in the vicinity, +that the entire male portion of the community were implicated. +But securing promises of depositions was quite +another thing. Mr. A. was a married man, belonged to +the church, had extensive business relations, and, while +he would like to assist in the noble effort to show up the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> +infamous woman, he really could not, you see, place himself +in so delicate a position.</p> + +<p>Mr. B. was not a member of any church, but had the +reputation of a high order of morality. While he could +not but acknowledge the justice of the request, and hoped +that Mr. Bangs would have no trouble in securing all the +evidence he needed, which would be a very easy matter, +still he did not see how he could consistently compromise +himself by going on record as a common adulterer.</p> + +<p>Mr. C. was neither a churchman, nor did he claim a +high order of morality; but if he had good luck, he would +in the spring marry a very pretty girl of the village, and +if she should ascertain that he had previously been so +generous with his affections in another direction, he was +satisfied that his dream of future bliss would be dissolved +in thin air at once.</p> + +<p>And so on through the entire village directory. There +were pointed out scores of persons who had the knowledge +desired, were all willing to help him secure <em>some other +person</em> for sacrifice, and all equally enthusiastically hoped +that her suit against Lyon would end in an ignominious +failure; but declined, with thanks, the proud honor of exposing +their own weaknesses, for even the extreme honor +of assisting in her downfall.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>A Chicago Divorce "Shyster."—Hosford found.—His pathetic Narrative.—More +Facts.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">M</span>R. BANGS was in no hurry to leave Sheboygan +Falls, as he found that he was in a fruitful field +for information, and he continued garnering it in and +stacking it away industriously.</p> + +<p>It appeared that Hosford's wife, not content with disgracing +his name, had soon developed her old and never-satisfied +greed for money and any sort of power that might +be wielded mercilessly; and it was evident that she had +money, for she immediately began dressing with much elegance +and travelling about the country extensively. The +probability was that she had still retained the money +stolen from Bland, and had also, during her years of +economy, carefully added to it until she had secured a +large sum, as she had occasion to use a good deal of +money in a certain transaction, which quite thoroughly +illustrated her unprincipled and revengeful character.</p> + +<p>When Hosford had removed from Indiana to Wisconsin, +he had purchased a larger and a finer farm, and had +been obliged to give a mortgage upon it for several thousand +dollars, to be used in making necessary improvements. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span>This had been paid off with the exception of +about three thousand dollars, which amount, as soon as +Mrs. Hosford had begun making it lively for her husband, +and had left him for the purpose of wedding Spiritualism +and all that the term implies, she immediately produced +and bought up the mortgage, placing it in ex-Senator +Carpenter's hands for foreclosure; but poor Hosford, +struggling under his heavy load of desertion, disgrace and +persecution, managed to raise the money and take it +up, thus preventing the villainous woman from turning +him out of his own home, which she had deserted and +desecrated.</p> + +<p>This had proven too much for even the patient Hosford +to endure, and he had set about getting a divorce. +But this was a harder thing to do than he had anticipated. +Although he was in possession of nearly as much information +as Bangs had secured, it was impossible to obtain +definite evidence against her. Her terrible temper, her +unscrupulousness, her unbounded and almost devilish +shrewdness, and the swift and sudden principle of revenge +that seemed only equalled by her greed for money, +compelled thorough awe and fear among those from whom +Hosford had expected assistance, and the result was he +did not get it, and he was obliged to let the suit for +divorce go by default. After this every petty annoyance +that could occur to the woman's mind was visited on him. +She would write him threatening letters; forward him express +packages of a nature to both humiliate him and +cause him fear; run him in debt at every place where she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> +could force, or "confidence," merchants into trusting her; +hire a carriage and secure some male companion as vile +as she, with whom she would proceed to her old home, +and in the presence of her agonized husband and helpless, +innocent children, threaten him with every conceivable +form of punishment, including death, and engage in +profanity and drunken orgies that would have disgraced +the lowest brothel in the land.</p> + +<p>Mr. Bangs learned that after this sort of procedure for +a considerable period, she suddenly disappeared. Hosford +took this opportunity to dispose of his farm and +remove with his motherless family to Iowa. Mr. Bangs +could not learn at Sheboygan what the woman's history +had been during that period, but vague rumors had +floated back to the place that she had become an army-follower, +which was quite probable; but at the close of +the war she had assumed the <i>rôle</i> of an abandoned adventuress, +and had wandered about the Pacific Slope until +she had made too extensive an acquaintance for her +safety in that section, and from thence had wandered +through the country towards the East, seeking for any +kind of prey; and being hunted from place to place, +under countless <i>aliases</i>, until she had in a measure +retrieved herself, as far as money matters were concerned, +and being careful of herself physically, had regained her +good looks which her former terrible dissipation had +almost destroyed, and had eventually so insinuated herself +into the affections of a rich somebody that she had been +furnished money with which to secure a divorce from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> +Hosford, which had been granted in Chicago about a +year and a half previous; when she had come on to +Sheboygan Falls and while there made her boasts that she +would soon marry one of the richest men in New York +State, as soon as his wife died, which wouldn't be very +long she had hoped and believed. Besides this, the +rumors went, she had failed to marry that richest somebody +in New York State, and papers had been seen containing +an account of the woman and Lyon, her suit +against him, and the fact, which particularly interested +her old neighbors, that she had engaged no lawyer whatever, +but had drawn and filed the bill of complaint herself.</p> + +<p>In fact, the entire community were in a state of great +excitement over the woman who was also creating much +excitement in the East, and each person had his or her +story to tell of some striking peculiarity or previous +adventure of the madam's, and it required a great +amount of sifting and careful work for Mr. Bangs to +secure what he came for.</p> + +<p>After a few days, however, he had worked so judiciously +that he had got pledges from several responsible +citizens that they would give their depositions as to her +general character and reputation for chastity, or rather, +want of it, whenever a commission should be forwarded +to a certain lawyer of the city whom he engaged to take +them.</p> + +<p>From here he at once proceeded to Iowa, only stopping +at Chicago long enough to secure a transcript of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> +divorce which had been granted in that city so noted for +divorces, that one shyster alone secured seven hundred +and seventy-seven of these desirable instruments from the +period between the great fire and the close of the year +1875, from whence he immediately proceeded to Oskaloosa, +where he soon became acquainted with parties who +had known the woman, though under as many different +<i>aliases</i> as she had visited cities of that State.</p> + +<p>She had invariably advertised herself as a medium and +female physician, and had swindled every one with whom +she had come in contact, from the editor to errand-boy, +from one end of the State to the other, and had gained +even a worse reputation there than in Wisconsin. He +ascertained that Hosford was not living at Oskaloosa, and +before going through the same experience in listening to +countless tales of the woman's depravity as he had in +Wisconsin, he decided to proceed to his place, which was +near Monroe, twenty-nine miles distant. He procured a +conveyance and drove out to Hosford's farm, arriving at +the place about dusk, where, after he had stated his business, +he was invited to remain over night, and made comfortable.</p> + +<p>Although a farmer, Hosford had everything cozy and +pleasant about him, had married into a very respectable +family, and had secured a most agreeable wife, who was +caring for his children—two bright girls and a boy, from +twelve to fifteen years of age—with almost the tenderness +and affection of an own mother. After supper Hosford +sent his family into another part of the house, and expressed +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span>himself as ready to give any information in his +power.</p> + +<p>He had not yet heard of the suit against Lyon, and +when Mr. Bangs told him, he seemed astonished beyond +expression, and after a little time said that he had often +tried to think of some Satanic scheme that the woman +<em>would not</em> dare to undertake if it occurred to her, but he +had failed to imagine any. But with the record, especially +for personal purity, behind her that Mrs. Winslow possessed, +he could not but be particularly startled and surprised +at her supreme self-possession and audacity. After +a little further desultory conversation, Mr. Bangs told him +that the Agency had all the necessary information regarding +their early career, and of their subsequent history up +to the time when they left Terre Haute, and probably a +great deal after that time, and asked Hosford if he would +be willing to go over the whole matter, giving the outlines +of their troubles, what brought them about, and what had +been their result.</p> + +<p>He was the same old Dick Hosford—abrupt, kind, +generous, with perhaps some of the old "forty-niner" +roughness worn off and a toning-down of his whole nature, +that his keen sorrows had given him; but he was +quite as impulsively reckless, and just as impulsively tender, +and he began his story in a kind of weary way, that, +to one knowing his history, was really sad and touching.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir," said Hosford, "I knew the gal had been +doing wrong at Detroit, but for all these hard years in +Californy I had been working, savin', and goin' through<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> +danger with the purty pictur ahead that the bright girl I +had left by the river would one day make me a happy +home. I worked like a nigger, and it was sometimes up +and sometimes down with me out thar—mostly down, +though. But I struck a good lead one day, and worked +close till it panned dry. I didn't have much aside some +of them fellows out thar; but instead of runnin' it down +my throat, givin' it to cut-throat gamblers, or flingin' it +away on vile women, I started full chisel for the States. +I come to Terre Haute, as you know, and spent nearly +all my dust buyin' a little farm. Then I started fur Nettleton's, +whar I expected heaven—but found hell!</p> + +<p>"It bust me all up like, and I wandered about the old +place jest as though I had went to sleep happy and waked +up in a big grave that I couldn't get out of. The old +folks themselves wasn't any more cut up than me; but I +thought as how I wasn't doin' anything to help matters, +'n only making <em>them</em> more trouble. So I thought and +thought what to do, and finally made up to go a-huntin' +her, 'n told the old folks I wouldn't come back 'thout her.</p> + +<p>"It all come over me then what she was doing; but I +only thought to get her back for the old folks' sake. +Well, sir, I went to Chicago, and hung around that doggoned +city fur a week 'r two; but no Lil. Then I come +back, lookin' everywhere, askin' everybody, an' peerin' +into every place; but no Lil. Finally, I got to Detroit, +and I went into every one of those places where I feared +she <em>might</em> be; but no Lil. Do you know where I found +her?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span></p><p>Mr. Bangs told him he did, and how.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir," continued Hosford, "I was utterly discouraged, +'n was goin' to go back and sell the place, and +get away from the country altogether; but when I saw +her all so rosy, fixed up so gay, and got to be such a +grand sort of a woman, I just caved in altogether and +wanted her for myself more 'n ever. I thought she had a +good heart, and that I loved her enough to always be kind +to her—as God knows I was—and thought <em>that</em> might +keep her right. I never asked her a question, 'n wouldn't +let the old folks. Everybody makes mistakes, ye know, +and it kind of makes people wild to let 'em know <em>you</em> +know it, and to badger 'em with questions. Well, she had +lots of good sense, and took off her finery before we got +to the old folks', who were 'most crazy with joy that we had +come back together as man and wife. We stayed at Nettleton's +a few days, then went direct to Terre Haute. I +don't believe a man ever had a better wife 'n she was +to me while we lived there. We never mentioned the old +times, and were very happy, as the children kept comin' +along. The silks and jewels she got at Detroit were all +put away, 'n I never saw 'em, till one day I come home +unexpected and found the children shut out in the yard, +and my wife afore the lookin'-glass, all rigged out in her +old finery, an' lookin' herself over and over, while countin' +a big pile of money that I had never seen before. I got a +good look at her, but went whistlin' about the house for +a long time, so as to let on that I didn't see her, and to +give her time to get her old clothes on agin.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span></p><p>"It seemed as if right there and then the clouds begun +hangin' over the house. I didn't say a word about it, and +made everything as cheery as I could; but begun tryin' +to think what had set her goin', and after a few days found +that she had been attendin' some of those Spiritual meetings +down to town, and one of the Doctors come up to +our place and stayed a few days, representin' himself as a +good Methodist.</p> + +<p>"I knew it wouldn't do to stay there any longer, an' so +we moved to Wisconsin, I makin' her think it was healthier +'n where they had no ager. Well, sir, after we got there +everything was pleasant and happy agi'n till the Spiritualists +begun overrunnin' that country too, and she commenced +her tantrums at once. I didn't oppose her goin' +to them meetin's, but told her I hoped she wouldn't get +mixed up with 'em too much; but 'twas no use. The +devil had come into the house in that shape, and though +I prayed hard that it might leave, it got worse and +worse, till the children were 'most crazy with fright and +sorrow. I didn't know what to do. She run me in +debt, slandered me, disgraced me. She would not only +run about the country with those terrible people, but she +took to her old life, which was worse than everything else. +I tried every way to reform her; but she was bound to +go her vile way, and I could stand it no longer.</p> + +<p>"You know the rest up there. After she had been +gone some time and had got the divorce in Chicago, I +come here with the children, to try and get away from it +all. You have seen my wife. She ain't a purty woman.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> +She is pure and good though, and I prayed to God that +the shadder would never come here. But 'twasn't any +use. It seemed as though my prayin' never helped things +much! We hadn't more 'n got settled here, when I heard +of her travellin' through the country—you know how. +Some way she found me out here, and I haven't had much +peace since.</p> + +<p>"One time she came here and left a trunk full of nice +silk dresses and things. After a time, wife and I looked +into it and found over two hundred keys of all kinds, besides +pistols and knives. She came and took it away +soon after, accusin' us of stealin' some of her things, and +threatened to have us arrested. A few months afterwards +she went up to Newton, the county-seat, and swore out +a warrant for our arrest on the charge of assault and +battery, and got subpÅ“nas out for all the folks across the +way. The Sheriff came down here to serve his warrant +and subpÅ“nas, and at Monroe learned something about +the woman, so that by the time he got here and talked it +over with us, I come to the conclusion she wanted to get +us away and then steal the children; so we took them all +along, left one of the neighbors to take care of the house, +and went to Newton to stand trial. Sure enough, she +didn't appear agin' us, but did come here in a carriage +fur the children, awful drunk, and come near shootin' the +man that was taking care of the place!"</p> + +<p>Bangs here asked Hosford whether he had ever seen +her since or had heard from her.</p> + +<p>"I have seen her but once," he replied. "But I have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span> +heerd about her doin's, time and time again. She come +here one day in a carriage, dressed fit to kill; and the first +I see, she was tryin' to get the children into the carriage +with her. I ordered them to come in, when, with an oath, +she put her hand to her bosom as if to draw a pistol.</p> + +<p>"I got mad at this, and told her that if she had come to +that agin, <em>I'd</em> have a hand in too; and as soon as I turned +into the house as if to get a pistol—I only had an old +rusty one with a broken lock, but had an idea that I +could some way use it—she blazed away at me, the ball +going through the front door and driving the splinters into +my clothes. As she didn't know whether she had hit me +or not, she drove away at full gallop, and I've never sot +eyes on her since."</p> + +<p>The poor fellow seemed to say this with an inexpressible +sense of satisfaction and relief. He had had more +than his share of her general depravity forced upon him, +and the respite from it, though short, was very dear to him.</p> + +<p>Bangs got from Hosford the names of parties in contiguous +towns who could give him definite information +about Mrs. Winslow, while he offered to come to Rochester +himself, if his presence was required; and after a +good night's rest and an early breakfast, Mr. Bangs returned +to Monroe. After a few days' travel and inquiry +he secured a thousand times more information than necessary +to compel the retiracy of the splendid Mrs. Winslow +from her then public and profitable field of operations, +after which he returned to New York, well satisfied with +the result of his by no means pleasant labors.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Mrs. Winslow's Signal answered.—She endeavors to win Bristol, and +shows that they are "Affinities."—Detective Fox mystified.—An +Evening with the One fair Woman.—Closer Intimacies.—A Journey +proposed.—Detective Bristol as a Lover.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">B</span>ACK in the streets of Rochester, Bristol followed +Mrs. Winslow with much wonderment and some +anxiety as to the result, not sure as to whether any of the +three lovely women had noticed his leaving at the call of +their hated rival, and cogitating what the woman might +want with him.</p> + +<p>They soon arrived at the Garden, the woman frequently +looking back to assure herself that the retired banker +was following her, and finally passed into the Fields and +took a booth, where she ordered a bottle of wine, which +gave her right to its occupancy for an indefinite period; +and as soon as Bristol sauntered in, she signalled him to +join her, which he did with great apparent hesitation and +diffidence, and the general appearance of a man guilty of +almost his first wrong intent, but yet with strong resolution +to not let it get the better of him.</p> + +<p>She did not remove the delicate lace veil from her face, +and it blended the pretty flush which the exercise had +heightened with her naturally clear complexion in a most<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span> +artistic way, and toned the light in her great gray eyes into +a languid lustre, very thrilling to behold when one +knows there is a clean life behind such beauty, but as +dangerous when transformed into a winning mask covering +the perdition in the heart of a wicked woman, as the +dazzling power of the Prophet of Khorassan.</p> + +<p>Bristol was a very courtly sort of fellow, and received a +glass of wine from the neat hand with considerable grace, +though inwardly wondering what it all meant. Their +wine-glasses touched, and the cheap nectar was drunk +in silence, Mrs. Winslow only indulging in those little motions +and changes of features that some women believe +to be attractive and fascinating, and which really are so to +many susceptible people; and though Bristol might ordinarily +have succumbed to the charms of the accomplished +woman before him—and had he been the retired banker +she supposed him to be would probably have done so—as +the sedate, elderly, and capable detective, he only +pretended to be smitten, and coyishly acknowledged her +loving glances with more than ordinary ardor.</p> + +<p>Finally, the fair woman, after modestly biting her lips for +a time, began tapping the table with the handle of her +fan, and looking Bristol full in the face, suddenly said:</p> + +<p>"Mr. Bristol, aren't you a little curious why I wanted +to see you?"</p> + +<p>"Any man who is a man," replied Bristol earnestly, +"could not but have a pardonable curiosity when so fair +a woman as Mrs. Winslow claims his attention!"</p> + +<p>"There, there," said she laughing, and extending her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> +hands across the table as if in a burst of confidence, "let +us wave formalities; let us be friends."</p> + +<p>Bristol took her proffered hands rather stiffly, but held +them as long as was necessary, as they were pretty hands, +warm hands, and hands that could grasp another's with a +good show of honesty, too.</p> + +<p>"There is no reason why we shouldn't," he said gallantly, +as she poured out another glass of wine.</p> + +<p>"Only one," answered Mrs. Winslow archly. "The +three Graces don't like me, and they are bound we sha'n't +meet. Now," she continued, again tapping the table nervously +with her fan, and then raising her fine eyebrows +and looking at Bristol half anxiously, half tenderly, and +altogether meltingly, "<em>I</em> feel as though we had been acquainted +for years. Don't think me bold, Mr. Bristol, +but I have had you in my thoughts much—possibly <em>too</em> +much," she added with the faintest trace of a blush; "but +if I could feel that this—I was going to say attachment, +though that would be quite improper, and I will say—unexplainable +regard I have formed for you was in the least +measure reciprocated——"</p> + +<p>Bristol interrupted her with: "I think I can assure you +that it is, at least, in a proper measure."</p> + +<p>"Then," she continued, apparently radiant with happiness, +"as I was about to say, I am sure it could be arranged +so that we could be more in each other's society. +You know who I am?" she abruptly and almost suspiciously +asked.</p> + +<p>Bristol was almost put off his guard by the sudden<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> +change of the subject, but parried the question with: +"Certainly not; at least no more than through what I +have been told at the restaurant."</p> + +<p>Tears started in her well-trained eyes, but she impetuously +brushed them away and followed the pretty piece +of acting with: "Oh, Mr. Bristol! I fear we may never +be to each other what we might have been if these three +old hags—I mean old maids—had not poisoned your +mind regarding me. Let me tell you," and she took hold +of his collar and drew the reluctant detective towards her, +"they are trying to get your money—your vast wealth. +Let a comparatively unknown friend whisper in your ear, +'<em>Beware!</em>'"</p> + +<p>Bristol started, adjusted his glasses, grasped Mrs. Winslow's +hand, and, as if very much frightened and extremely +grateful, said heartily and with great fervor, "My dear +madam, for this kindness I am yours to command!"</p> + +<p>The woman evidently felt assured from that moment +that she had made a conquest; but her varied experience +and professional tact, as well as her native shrewdness, +prevented her from expressing too great gayety over it, +and she proceeded to inform Bristol how keen and +shrewd the old ladies under Washington Hall were; how +in confidence they had told her that they would compel +him to marry one of them, and were going to draw cuts +to determine which should carry off the prize; and when +that was settled, if he did not marry the fortunate person +willingly, their combined evidence would bring him down, +or despoil him of a great portion of his wealth, which,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> +she had no doubt, he had acquired by long years of +honest toil.</p> + +<p>Bristol expressed himself aghast at the depravity of +women, and told Mrs. Winslow that it seemed to him that +the nearer the grave they got the more terrible their greed +and hideousness became.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow murmured that <em>she</em> was not so very, <em>very</em> +old.</p> + +<p>"Quite the contrary," said Bristol, gallantly, "and +even when you become so, I am sure—very sure, that you +will prove a marked exception."</p> + +<p>An expression of pleasure flitted into her face, succeeded +by one of evident pain—pleasure, probably, that +she had made another dupe as she supposed; pain, that +in one swift moment there had flashed into her mind +some terrible picture of her cursed, lonely, homeless old +age, when the whole world should scoff at her and thrust +her from it, like the vile thing that she was and the hideous +thing that she would surely become; both followed +by the set features, where the cruel light came into her +eyes and the swift shuttles of crimson and ashy paleness +shot over her curled lips—the outward semblance of the +inward tigress, that, though diverted for an instant by +some little sunlight-flash of either tenderness or regret, +never could be won from its irrevocably awful nature!</p> + +<p>But it was all gone as soon as it had come, and she sat +there, to all appearances a handsome woman, as modestly +and carefully as possible encroaching upon the +grounds of a first after-marriage flirtation, and in a few<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span> +moments pleasantly said: "I have become so interested +in you, Mr. Bristol, that I have found myself asking the +question: Why is it that this gentleman is continually +in my mind? until, do you know, I have such a curiosity +about you that I shall be perfectly delighted to get better +acquainted with you."</p> + +<p>Bristol gracefully acknowledged the compliment by +stating to her that he himself, since he had seen her, had +had a strange feeling that he should know more about her, +and the presentiment was still so strong upon him that he +was now quite sure that he <em>should</em>.</p> + +<p>"Ever since I saw you I have felt that we should become +intimate," continued Mrs. Winslow radiantly.</p> + +<p>"And I may myself confess that ever since I saw you, +Mrs. Winslow, I really <em>knew</em> that I should be obliged to +search you out and remain near you."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow blushed and coyishly asked: "Mr. Bristol, +do you believe in affinities?"</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<a href="images/166-167-lg.jpg" class="noline"> +<img src="images/166-167-sm.jpg" width="400" height="252" alt="" title="" /> +<span class="caption"><br /><i>"Do you believe in affinities, Mr. Bristol?"—</i></span></a> +</div> + +<p>"Most assuredly."</p> + +<p>"So do I, and as we have sat here together, it has +seemed to me that the good spirits were hovering over +and around us, and had been, and were even now, whispering +to us the sacredness of the affinity which surely +must exist between us."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow said this in a kind of rhapsody of emotion, +which betokened both an air of sincerity derived from frequent +repetition and long practice, and a sort of superstitious +belief in what she herself said; and then poured out +another glass of wine for each, while Bristol remarked as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> +he drank, that of late years these spirits had been a great +source of comfort to him, and that their free circulation was +a good thing for society.</p> + +<p>An hour or two was pleasantly beguiled in this manner, +but Bristol hardly knew what course to pursue, and began +to feel that in the absence of instructions he might become +altogether too familiar with the charming woman who was +making such an effort to please him. But he dare not +cause her to become angry at him, for that would destroy +his usefulness, and she seemed bound that he should admire +her; so, as he had been directed by me to continue +the <i>rôle</i> of the "retired banker," he concluded it would +be better to humor Mrs. Winslow in the belief that he +was smitten by her, as she showed great anxiety that it +should be so. Accordingly, when she proposed that he +should call at her apartments that evening, he acceded to +the request with such a show of pleasure that Mrs. Winslow +could not restrain her gratification, but rose and terminated +the interview by slapping Bristol heartily on the +shoulder and calling him a "dear old trump, anyhow!" +And Fox, who was reading the morning paper over a glass of +beer at a little table not more than ten feet distant, looked +in blank astonishment at Bristol, as if fearing that the +woman had really bewitched him; while little Le Compte, +who stood at the entrance beyond, looked the very picture +of abject jealousy as he saw his darling lavishing endearments +upon a man old enough to be her father.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow passed out of the Fields, and noticing +Le Compte, who was retreating as rapidly as possible,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> +beckoned to him, and when he had approached her near +enough for her to speak to him, gave him a few quick, +angry words that sent him at a rapid pace over the railroad +bridge in the direction of his rooms; while she, after +a parting smile at the beaming Bristol, who stood radiantly +in the Fields' entrance, walked into St. Paul street, +and from thence back and forth past the restaurant, +where the three deserted old maids might witness her +stride of triumph; while Bristol joined Fox at a retired +spot under the shade of the trees overhanging the brink +of the precipice rising from the gorge of the Genesee +River, and explained the status of affairs which had all +unconsciously to himself drawn him from his quiet work +into an awful whirlpool of love and all that the term +implied. Fox felt much relieved at this information, and +at once proceeded home, while Bristol, with a guilty look +in his face, returned to the little restaurant, where he +found a dispatch from me stating that Mrs. Winslow +intended going to Canada two days later, as I had been +very positively informed by Le Compte, and directing him +to in some manner keep her company and never let her +make a move or meet a person without his knowledge.</p> + +<p>Bristol hardly saw how he was to do this, but concluded +that it might be best to wait until after his interview with +his charmer in the evening, so that he could also forward +the result of that with his regular report; and after expressing +unbounded regret at being obliged to part from +the three graces and a little card-party they had arranged, +he proceeded to Mrs. Winslow's apartments,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span> +which had seemingly been specially arranged for his +reception.</p> + +<p>The mistress of the place was most elegantly attired, +and greeted the "retired banker" with such grace and +marked esteem, that Fox, at his lonely window opposite, +almost felt jealous of the attention bestowed upon his +comrade by their mutual quarry.</p> + +<p>If ever a woman endeavored to make herself irresistibly +winning, it was Mrs. Winslow on that night. She +threw off all reserve at once, and was all smiles, pleasant +words, and pretty ways. The rooms were most beautifully +arranged, and where splendid flowers failed to furnish +aroma, the delicate odors of art took their place. A very +shrewd woman was Mrs. Winslow—a woman who was +supreme in the art of providing <i>bijouterie</i> to appeal to +the sensuous in men's natures. In her conversation, +which apparently was lady-like enough when guarded, +there was always more suggested than said. The tone, +the smile, the eye, the gesture, the touch—every movement, +glance, or sound, betokened an unexpressed <em>something</em> +ready at any moment to be brought forward to +crush down a weakening resolution, and sweep from existence +so much of good or purity as might come into her +baleful presence. She had rich game in Bristol, she +thought. Why could she not work this with the Lyon +case, bring to a successful termination a half-dozen other +cases she was working up, secure a big pile of spoil at one +time, and then with her little Le Compte glide away to +<i>La Belle France</i>, where with his wit and her winning ways<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> +and wisdom, she might yet amass vast wealth in levying +upon the personal and family pride of the thousands of +rich numskulls who annually throng the gay capital.</p> + +<p>And so to any man but a duty-doing detective that +evening would have been a thrilling one. As it was, it +was a hard one for Bristol, who knew that Fox's lynx +eyes were upon him from across the street, who had to +invent legend after legend regarding his life, his present +and his imaginary future, and who was obliged under any +circumstances not only to please the woman, but to preserve +himself blameless—two things to ordinary men +quite difficult to manage.</p> + +<p>During the hour that Bristol remained with her she intimated +to him the propriety of his securing another boarding-place, +so that they might enjoy each other's society +without the annoyance to which the old maids would +subject them both should he remain there. He had +wanted to make a change, Bristol said, but his long and +varied experience had made him cautious, and he never +gave up one good thing until he had secured a better. +How would as pleasant a place as this do, Mrs. Winslow +wanted to know? She had been thinking of renting the +entire flat, she said, and then re-renting it to select +parties, like Mr. Bristol, who were willing to pay a good +price for a really luxurious place in which to live.</p> + +<p>Bristol was apparently flattered by her regard for him, +which had, of course, alone suggested the matter to her +mind; but, being an elderly gentleman of conservative +habits, he required time to think the matter over. In any<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span> +event, it couldn't but be a pleasant theme for contemplation.</p> + +<p>In fact, they got along famously together; so much so, +indeed, that before Bristol had taken his departure, Mrs. +Winslow had pressed him to accompany her on a trip of +both business and pleasure to Toronto, and had so +urgently presented the request that he had half consented +to go, and was quite sure that he would be able to do so, +unless some unexpected business transaction should +detain him. In any case, he would be able to inform her +by the next afternoon, he said, as he gallantly bade her +good-night, and observed Le Compte scowling upon him +from the dark end of the hall beyond.</p> + +<p>Bristol hastened to the post-office and added the events +of the evening to his daily report, which reached me the +next afternoon, when I telegraphed to him to proceed +with Mrs. Winslow, as her friend; but while pleasing her +by feigning extreme regard, to be discreet, and not put +himself too much in her power, nor to allow her to advance +any of her other schemes by a sort of exhibition of +him as her champion and protector.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow was made very happy by Bristol's acceptance +of her invitation, and, at her suggestion, they took +the train for Port Charlotte as strangers—Mrs. Winslow +informing Bristol that the "old scoundrel," meaning +Lyon, was having her watched, she believed, but she +would outwit him at every point; but on arriving at the +Port the loving couple got together quite naturally, and +soon after were on board a steamer bound for Port Hope.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></p><p>It was one of those dreamy, hazy days of early September, +when the disappearing shore seemed to gradually +take upon itself a tint of blue as deep as that of the sky +above and as pure as that of the waters below, which on +this day was almost as smooth as a mirror, only broken +by long, far-reaching swells that seemed to have neither +beginning nor end, but which here and there swept away +in endless ribbons of liquid light, while the trailing wake +of the steamer seemed in the pleasant sun like some +marvellous and limitless lace-work flung across the water +in wanton richness and profusion.</p> + +<p>It was a lovely day for love, and to an unprejudiced +observer Bristol and Mrs. Winslow improved it. At +Charlotte the woman spoke of the matter in such a way +that Bristol understood that she would not object to +make the trip as his wife, but he innocently failed to +catch the meaning of her covert invitation, and was only +the attentive admirer during the entire trip. But in the +cabin, or seated coyishly together under a huge sunshade +upon the forward deck, they were as fine a couple as one +would care to see, while the woman seemed unusually +affectionate and agreeable.</p> + +<p>Arriving at Port Hope after a few hours, the couple +took the night train for the West, and arrived at Toronto +at midnight, being driven to the Queen's Hotel. They +had become so confidential and intimate by this time that +Mrs. Winslow again suggested the propriety of travelling +under more intimate relations than they had done, but +was again carefully diverted from her purpose by the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span> +assumed innocence of the venerable detective, who saw +that her real purpose was to secure evidence of having +travelled as his wife, in order to have a future power +over him, as she certainly believed him to be a man of +great wealth.</p> + +<p>She had told him that she had business that would prevent +her seeing him during the next day, at which he +expressed extreme regret, and they retired to their separate +apartments for the night.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Careful Work.—Bristol's Trick on the Bell-boy at Queen's Hotel, +Toronto.—The old Merchant.—In the Toils.—A Face at the Transom.—A +cowardly Puppet before a brazen Adventuress.—The +Horrors of Blackmail.—"Furnished Rooms to Rent."</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">A</span>S Mrs. Winslow had said, she was not to be seen +the next morning; and Bristol, after breakfasting +early, came to the conclusion that he should also be +busied for the day following my instructions to watch her +every movement.</p> + +<p>He ascertained the number of her room and leisurely +strolled through the hall until he located it, when he at +once took a position where he could observe any movement +in or out of the door. At about ten o'clock he +noticed a waiter enter her room as if by summons, in +a few minutes pass out smiling, and shortly afterwards +return with a very large glass filled with some sort of +liquor. Soon after he brought her breakfast, and about a +half-hour later he saw that the dishes were being removed +from the room, and, lying on one edge of the tray, an +ordinary envelope, from its puffed condition evidently containing +a note. He felt sure that this would give him the +overture to the day's performance; but how to secure +it was another thing entirely. He could not take the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> +letter from the tray, as it rested on the front edge which +projected over the boy's shoulder, and was consequently +immediately before his eyes. He probably would not be +able to bribe him into letting him have it, for the letter +might require an answer, and he would fear getting into +trouble. Bristol was standing at the end of the hall, by +the window overlooking the street, while the waiter was +approaching the stairs which descended to the lower +floors near him. The boy had reached the second step +going down, and it was Bristol's last opportunity.</p> + +<p>"Stop!" he said excitedly to the boy. "Here, give +me that tray," and he pulled it from the boy's shoulder +and rested it upon the stair-rail. "I'll take care of this. +Run down to the street, now, quick, and get me a this +morning's paper. There's a newsboy right in front of the +house. Here's a half-dollar; keep the change!"</p> + +<p>The boy seemed startled at the action, but Bristol had +been so impetuous about it; that he had relinquished the +tray and started down stairs, but, recovering himself, +came back and reached his hand up as if to take the letter.</p> + +<p>"Tut, tut," said Bristol angrily, picking up the letter +and carelessly putting it in his pocket without looking at +the address, "I'll take care of everything until you get +back; get along with you now!"</p> + +<p>Bristol was noted for his benign and fatherly appearance, +and, after another good look at him, the waiter took +a brisk trot down stairs, leaving the detective in possession +of the letter. He hastily put the tray upon the floor, +and whisking the letter from his pocket, saw that it was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> +addressed with a pencil, to "J. Devereaux, No. —, Yonge +St.," and marked "Personal." It was but the work of an +instant to open it, and but of a moment to read it, as it +was short and to the point, and ran as follows:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="ralign sm2"><span class="smcap">Queen's Hotel</span>, <span class="smcap">Toronto</span>, Sept. 6, 186-.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Devereaux</span>—I am hard up. I need one thousand +dollars, though five hundred will do, but I must have that +amount at once. You have intimated that you would not +help me any further. I have merely to say to you that if +you do not either call with, or send the money, during the +day, I will cause you to reflect as to whether your business +and social reputation are not worth to you and your +estimable family immeasurably more than the trifle +named. Exercise your own pleasure about the matter +however.</p> + +<p class="ralign smcap">Mrs. W.</p></div> + +<p>Bristol copied this upon the back of the addressed envelope +in less than a minute, and in a minute more had +the note enclosed in another envelope and addressed in +a handwriting sufficiently similar to that of Mrs. Winslow's +to answer every purpose, and had just got into a +calm and bland position with the tray, when the boy came +up the stairs, three steps at a time, gave the paper a toss +into the hall, jerked the letter out of Bristol's hand, and +after giving him a look that had considerable resentment +in it, strode down the stairs with his tray on his shoulder +and his letter in his pocket, in a very offended and dignified +manner.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p><p>But as Bristol was on this kind of business at Toronto +he thought he might as well ascertain where the little fellow +went; and, taking a position a half-block distant from +the hotel, was obliged to wait but a little time before the +waiter came down and started off on a brisk walk down +the street.</p> + +<p>He waited until the boy had passed him, and then followed +him in and out the streets until he saw him suddenly +turn into a large wholesale house on Yonge street, +when he rapidly lessened the distance between them, arriving +in front of the place as he saw the boy hand the +note to a thin old gentleman, who took him aside and +nervously questioned him for a few minutes, after which +he nodded to him as if assenting to something, or directing +the boy to return an affirmative answer to whoever +had sent the note, or whatever it contained.</p> + +<p>The boy walked briskly back to the hotel, and Bristol +only remained long enough to notice the old man—who +was evidently the Devereaux of whom Le Compte +had informed me, and whose name Bristol had so recently +written—walk tremblingly towards the door as if overcome +with some sudden faintness, and in a sort of vacant, +listless way tear the note into little bits and fling them +piecemeal upon the stones of the street, hurling the last +bunch of pieces upon the pavement with a violent, agonized +action, as if he would to God he could dispose of the +dark and relentless shadow across his life as quickly and +as effectually!</p> + +<p>All Bristol now had to do was to ascertain when Devereaux +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span>called, and, if possible, to overhear what was said +at the interview.</p> + +<p>But this might not be so easy a matter to accomplish +as securing the contents of the letter addressed to the +latter. After studying the matter over for a little time, +but without any definite decision what to do, he found +himself strolling along the hall where Mrs. Winslow's +room was located, and noticed several rooms standing +open and being put to rights after the departure of guests. +Among this number was one next to that occupied by +Mrs. Winslow, and, taking the number, he immediately +repaired to the office and had his baggage changed to that +room, where, after dinner, with a few cigars and some +fresh reading matter, he comfortably and leisurely waited +for developments.</p> + +<p>The day dragged along, and both Bristol and Mrs. +Winslow became anxious. The latter paced back and +forth in her room, and every few moments went to the +door, and even passed out into the hall, going as far as +the stairs and peering anxiously down, while the waiter at +frequent intervals was summoned to provide her courage +and patience of a liquid character. Finally, however, +Bristol noticed that she had either concluded to take a +short nap, or was determined to wait patiently, for quite +a period of silence elapsed in her room, which he took +advantage of to steal quietly out into the hall, leaving his +door ajar so that he might re-enter it noiselessly as occasion +required.</p> + +<p>It was not long before the occasion presented itself, for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> +Bristol had got no more than to the end of the hall when +he saw Devereaux ascending the stairs from below. He +quietly stepped behind the curtains that trailed from the +lambrequin over the window, and watched the old man as +he came up the stairs.</p> + +<p>He was a little, gray, withered old man. Almost all +his strength was gone, and he certainly had but a few +more years to use what little strength was left. His hair +was almost white, and his face was quite as colorless, +while the weak, rheumy eyes seemed almost ready to fall +through the flesh which had withered away to the bones +of his face. He was a living example of the blackmailer's +victim as he labored along, now and then catching +at the stair-rail for help, and looking behind and +around him as if fearing some sudden discovery. Arriving +upon the hall floor, he peered anxiously at the numbers +upon the doors, and after settling in his mind what +direction to take, went on tremblingly with bowed head +towards the woman who was as remorseless as death +itself.</p> + +<p>He found the room after a little trouble, and tapped at +it apprehensively. It was at once opened and immediately +closed after, when Bristol sprang from his hiding-place +and was in the adjoining room almost as soon as +the next door had closed.</p> + +<p>During the afternoon, when Mrs. Winslow had absented +herself from her room, he had dragged the bureau against +the door opening into her apartment, placed a quilt from +his bed upon it in order that his jumping upon it might<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> +occasion no noise, and with his knife cut a diamond +shaped piece out of the green paper covering the glass +transom, darkening his own room so that his eyes +could not by any possibility be seen through the aperture +in the piece of paper, which had a dead black appearance +from Mrs. Winslow's room; and by the time the poor old +man had confronted the woman in a scared kind of a way, +and had seated himself upon the sofa obedient to her imperious +gesture, the "retired banker's" eyes and eye-glasses +looked calmly down upon a scene the whole terrible +import of which, could it have been presented to the +world in all its terrible hideousness, and in some form +become eternally typical of the curse it illustrated, would +have stood for all time a savage Cerberus frightening men +from this kind of infamy and self-destruction.</p> + +<p>In all my startling experience with criminals and the +sad incidents which have in the peculiar nature of my +business forced themselves upon my observation, there +has been no one thing so reprehensible as the trade of +the blackmailer, and there is a no more terrible torture +than that inflicted by that class of criminals; and I am +satisfied that could heads of families realize their terrible +danger when heedlessly forming some unholy alliance, +which is sure to eventually whip and scourge them until +life is a burden, there would be less of the moral laxity +and lechery than now burdens the world from palace +and pulpit to poverty-stricken hovel.</p> + +<p>What more pitiable picture than that of a man just +ready to pass from all that should be worth having and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> +loving to the unknown country, with fear behind and awful +uncertainty beyond—with the work of a whole life, +which should now bring a reward of tenderness, gratitude, +and reverential esteem, embittered and blasted by the +relentless curse that ever trails after weakness and +passion—fear, distrust, and apprehension between himself +and family, and the Damoclean sword ever above him, +ready to fall at the instant he endeavors to throw the +horrible shadow from him to regain honesty and uprightness!</p> + +<p>There the old man sat, a cowardly puppet before a +brazen adventuress—sat there a weak, drivelling, idiotic +wreck before one so vile that she was no longer capable +of regret—sat there ruined in everything worth the preservation +of, suffering what he had for years suffered—the +regret, the remorse, the shame, and the abject fear that +were worse than a thousand deaths; while the utterly +heartless woman, with her hands folded across her waist in +a masculine sort of a way, looked at him smilingly, seemingly +enjoying his efforts to recover the breath lost in the, +to him, severe labor of getting to her room; as it appeared +to be the custom for him to see her there rather +than in the parlor.</p> + +<p>The interview was business-like, and, as it was not overwhelmed +with sentiment, was not protracted.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow asked Devereaux if he had brought the +money, and he stammered that he had. Well, she wanted +it, and didn't want any nonsense with it, either, she said, +with a vast amount of meaning thrown into the words; he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span> +knew whether he <em>owed</em> her that amount or not, and, if he +did, she didn't propose having any bickering about it.</p> + +<p>Then the old man slowly rose, and cursing her, himself, +and all the world, flung her the money and said he would +go, as he knew that was all she wanted.</p> + +<p>She told him frankly that it was pretty nearly all she +wanted, but added jocosely that he was still "a charmer," +and that that fact, too, had its influence in periodically +drawing her to him; and then bade him an affectionate +good-by as he feebly glared at her, and passed, whining, +cursing, and tottering away.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow was very happy and gay now, and during +the evening and on their return to Rochester was all +smiles and winsomeness. Her detective companion +could scarcely enter into her unusual joyousness, but did +the best he could, and that was well enough, as she was +so pleased with the success of her Toronto trip that her +mind was altogether employed with it until nearing home, +when her eminent business ability again asserted itself, +and she became more affectionate than ever to the retired +banker, repeating the proposition concerning the rooms, +which Bristol had of course reported, and which he would +be prepared to act upon when he could secure his mail +at Rochester.</p> + +<p>He told her he had thought favorably of it, and after he +had ascertained whether he should remain in the city a +stated period or not, would inform her of his decision, +which he presumed would be favorable and permit of +their continued pleasant intimacy; while Mrs. Winslow<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> +confided to him that she had thought seriously of the +course for some time. She knew Lyon was having her +watched, she said, and she had decided that it would be +best to change her business to one which could not be so +easily misinterpreted, or at least add to her present business +something that in the eyes of those who scoffed at +spiritualism would have a measure of respectability about +it, and from which she could not only secure a livelihood, +but such a pleasant companion as Mr. Bristol; and they +parted upon the train before arriving at the depot with a +thorough understanding about the future, and an appointment +for another meeting at the first opportunity.</p> + +<p>Unknown to Bristol I had sent another operative to +keep him and Mrs. Winslow company, and on receiving +the reports of each I decided to put my men in her +rooms, where one of them could constantly observe her +actions, and never under any circumstances give her an +opportunity to make any new move without my knowledge. +I therefore sent another man to Rochester for +outside work, and directed Bristol to accept the woman's +proposition and become her lodger, and, as soon after as +possible without exciting her suspicions, appear to become +acquainted with Fox, recommend him as a lodger, +and secure his introduction to the place as M. D. Lyford, +a book-keeper in some establishment of the city which +they might settle upon, so that he might relieve Bristol, +and <i>vice versa</i>, as occasion required.</p> + +<p>So the furnished rooms sign went up over the clairvoyant +sign, and Mrs. Winslow added to the charms of handsome +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span>medium those of an attractive landlady, while the +three old maids under Washington Hall lost their prize, +who became a sort of an aged page to the castaway woman +who had such luxurious rooms for rent in the +autumn of 186-, on South St. Paul street, near Meech's +Opera-house, in the beautiful city of Rochester.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Harcout again.—"Things going slow."—A Bit of personal History.—A +new Tenant.—Detective Generalship.—Mrs. Winslow fears she +is watched.—Mr. Pinkerton cogitates.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">I</span>T is pleasant to realize that the world moves along +just the same, whether the many mild lunatics it carries +attempt to interfere with it or not. There are countless +men, precisely like Harcout, incapable of holding in +their little brains but one idea at a time, and that idea +invariably pushes to the surface their own supreme egotism +and self-consciousness, and just as invariably displays +their utter ignorance of what they are continually interfering +with; and it is both a grateful and charitable thought +that such small minds, burdened with such vast assurance, +are merely provided by Omniscience to make us patient, +to warn us from allowing such knowledge as we may fortunately +gain from developing into similar self-assertion, +and to serve to illustrate true worth by contrast.</p> + +<p>Here was this fellow sweeping into my office every +day, demanding every detail of my operations on Mrs. +Winslow, even intimating that I should consult with him +as to every move to be made, and submit to his consideration +even the character of the men employed, the color +of their clothing and the quality, and every item or act<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> +concerning or included in the work. He had, in some +unexplainable way that is common to brazen assurance +or unmitigated ignorance, fastened himself upon the weak +old man as a sort of confidential agent, or what-not, +worked upon his fears, his superstitions, and his foolish +half-faith in a system of religion that has never yet made +other than male and female prostitutes, adventurers, or +lunatics, until the old man, standing alone and almost +friendless, had learned to cling to him, and almost rely +upon his consummate bravado to extricate him from the +meshes of the web his own vileness and a vile woman +had woven about him; so that in one sense he stood in +the relation of principal to me, and I found it impossible +to shake him off, or relieve myself to any great extent of +his impudent presence and foolish suggestions.</p> + +<p>I knew that he was utterly without principle, and was +only making a show of this extraordinary energy in order +to appear to more than earn whatever he got from Lyon, +and continue in the latter's mind the feeling that he was +utterly indispensable to him. I also knew him to be as +mean an adventurer as Mrs. Winslow was an adventuress; +that he was the villain who had first unloosed this vast +flood of vileness and lechery upon society, and who, as +the shameless Christian minister of Detroit, had put the +fire-brand from hell in this woman's hand, to ever after +continue her moral incendiarism wherever she might go, +until thrust from life and infamous memory, and it annoyed +me that this sort of a man should dictate to me.</p> + +<p>I could have disposed of him at one stroke, and I am<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span> +satisfied that had I on only one occasion addressed him +as the Rev. Mr. Bland, and casually inquired concerning +his old Detroit friends, including Mother Blake, he would +have slunk away without a word or a protest of any kind +whatever; and had I gone farther, and showed him what +he himself did not know, that this woman, whom he was +so anxious to have brought down with some startling +development, was none other than the one whom he had +led into a life of sin from the pleasant Nettleton farm-house +by the winding river, and that he was now playing +guardian to a man that would have probably been free +from the curse that was hanging over him, had it not been +for Harcout's earlier and more rascally villainy, he would +have disappeared altogether, but I realized that this +would not do. It would have had the effect of putting +Lyon at the mercy of a horde of new ghouls, while the +existing one frightened all others away and was in a +measure a protection to Lyon, for he was now only bled +by one, where he would otherwise have been bled by +twenty.</p> + +<p>Aside from this, it would have probably resulted in Mrs. +Winslow's being put on her guard, giving her time, not +only to cover her tracks in many criminal instances we +had already discovered against her, but also cause her to +prevent witnesses from giving depositions, or, where depositions +had already been taken, give her an opportunity +to secure affidavits from the parties who gave them that +they were mistaken as to the identity of the person named +in those instruments, and in other particulars greatly destroy +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span>the effect of the work already done and that which I +had planned; and I was consequently obliged to bear +the fellow's dictatorial manner and suggestions, as he insisted +on doing the work this way or that way, and urged +that I was not "pushing things" fast enough.</p> + +<p>"Why, Mr. Pinkerton," said he one day, his eyebrows +elevated and the corners of his mouth drawn down, his +whole face expressive of lofty condescension and gentle, +though firm reproof, "things are going rather slow—rather +slow. Hem! When we brought this case to you, +we depended upon expedition—depended on expedition, +Mr. Pinkerton."</p> + +<p>"And have you any cause to complain?" I asked +pleasantly.</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't know as we should exactly call it 'complain.' +No, I don't know as we exactly complain; but, +if we might be allowed the privilege—hem!—we would +beg to suggest, without giving offence—beg to suggest, +mind you, without giving offence," he repeated, in the +most offensive way possible, "that, if I might be +allowed the expression, things are not pushed quite +enough!"</p> + +<p>"On the contrary," I continued good-naturedly, "we +have secured what any good lawyer would consider an +overwhelming amount of evidence, and are letting the +woman take her own course, in order to allow her to completely +unwind herself."</p> + +<p>"But you see, Pinkerton, we supposed when we brought +the case to you that you would, so to speak, smash things<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span>—break +her all up and scatter her, as it were—hem!—disperse +her, you know."</p> + +<p>He said this as though he had taken a contract with +Lyon to compel me to avenge them both on the woman, +and it heated my blood to be considered in the light of +any person's hired assassin; but I controlled myself, and +explained the matter to him.</p> + +<p>"Harcout," said I, "do you know anything about my +history?"</p> + +<p>"Well, nothing save what I've seen in the newspapers. +Merely by reputation," he added lightly.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir, whatever that reputation may be, Harcout," +I said, "this is the truth. I never, that I know of, did a +dishonorable deed. I worked from a poor boy to whatever +position or business standing I now have—worked +hard for everything I got or gained, and I never yet found +it necessary to do dirty work for any person."</p> + +<p>"Quite noble of you—quite noble," said Harcout patronizingly.</p> + +<p>"The detection of criminals," I continued, paying no +attention to his moralizing, "<em>should</em> be as honorable—and +so far as I have been able to do, has been made as honorable—while +it is certainly as necessary as that of any +other calling. No element of revenge can enter into my +work. You came to me with a case which I at first objected +to take, on account of its nature. I would not +have taken it for all the money Mr. Lyon possesses, had +I not been assured that this Mrs. Winslow was a dangerous +woman. Nor, knowing that she is one, as I now do,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span> +would I have any connection with the case if I found +that Mr. Lyon insisted on my using the peculiar power +which I always have at command for any other purpose +than the, in this case, legitimate one of securing evidence +against her which actually exists. I am satisfied that a +no more relentless and terrible woman ever lived, but +shall leave her punishment to her disappointment in not +securing what her whole soul is bent on getting, and that +is Lyon's money. I have nothing whatever to do with +punishment, sir, and no person ever did or ever can use +my force for that nefarious purpose!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, exactly—exactly," replied the oily Harcout; +"but, you see, we rather—hem!—expected something +startling, you know. Now, for instance," here he raised +his eyebrows and pursed his lips in a wise way; "supposing +you had just ascertained all about her early history, +you would probably have found that Mrs. Winslow had +played these games all her life. Undoubtedly you could +point to the very first man whom she blackmailed——"</p> + +<p>"Undoubtedly," I interrupted, "I'm sure I could do it +at this moment!"</p> + +<p>Harcout looked at me quickly, but as I was gazing at +the ceiling as if in deep thought, he went on quite enthusiastically:</p> + +<p>"Exactly. They learn it early. They will swindle at +sixteen, rob at eighteen; blackmail at twenty; and kill a +man any time after that!"</p> + +<p>"Why, Harcout are <em>you</em> a woman-hater?" I laughingly +asked, notwithstanding my annoyance.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span></p><p>"Oh, no," he suddenly replied; "but I had a friend who +once suffered from very much the same sort of a woman +as this Mrs. Winslow, and she was not eighteen years old +either. But to resume: Get this point in her life, and +the rest—hem!—the rest reads right on like the chapters +of a book!"</p> + +<p>"And then what?" I ventured to ask.</p> + +<p>"Then what?" he asked indignantly; "go for her +through the newspapers. Drive her out of the country. +Make it impossible for her to ever return;" and then, as +if reflecting, "ruin her altogether. Any reporter will +listen to you if you have anybody to ruin! In fact, get +up an excitement about it and show her up."</p> + +<p>"And try your case in the newspapers instead of in the +courts?" I added, "which would have the effect of +leaving the matter at the end just where it was at the +beginning, with nothing proven, and Mr. Lyon still at the +mercy of any future surprise the woman might conceive a +fancy of springing upon him."</p> + +<p>But there was no means of changing this lofty gentleman's +opinions, and these interviews were always necessarily +closed by the threat on my part that I would have +nothing further to do with the matter if I was not allowed +to conduct my operations according to my own judgment +in the light of my own large experience upon such matters, +and Mr. Harcout would depart in a most dignified and +frigid manner, as though it were a "positively last appearance," +only to return the next day with more objections +and a new batch of suggestions, which were given me for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span> +"what they were worth," as he would remark, and we +would fight our battles all over again, with the stereotyped +result.</p> + +<p>I saw Mr. Lyon very seldom, and he always approached +me in the timid, reluctant way in which he had come +into my office when the case was first begun; but, contrary +to what I had anticipated through Harcout's injunctions +to "push things" and crush the woman out, he +approved of my course throughout, and seemed wonderfully +pleased that everything had been conducted so +quietly and yet so effectively. Of course he shrank from +the trial and the miserable sort of publicity all such trials +compel; but he was <em>more</em> fearful of the woman's future +unexpected and sudden sallies upon him, which both he +and myself were satisfied would be made at her convenience +or whim, and was only too glad to agree to any +course which would compel silence and peace.</p> + +<p>At Rochester everything was working smoothly. After +Bristol had become located, his first work was to secure +the admission to Mrs. Winslow's rooms of Fox, as Lyford, +which was done by representing that, the same day he had +himself gone there, he had suddenly come upon a sort of +relative of his who was a book-keeper in a wholesale +house on Mill street, and who was boarding at the Osborn +House, and would be glad to make some arrangement +whereby he might live comfortably, be near his +business, and take his meals when and where he pleased. +Thinking he would be more pleasantly situated, and, at the +same time, be able to economize somewhat, Bristol said<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> +he had recommended Mrs. Winslow's rooms very highly +and that Lyford had agreed to call and take a look at the +place, which he did, making a good impression, and arranging +to have his baggage sent the next day.</p> + +<p>The rooms were situated so that the two detectives in +a measure had their quarry surrounded, or, at least, completely +flanked. The halls of the floor intersected each +other at right angles at the top of the stairs, and Mrs. +Winslow's reception-room was at the right, as the hall was +entered from the stairway, while her sleeping-room could +only be reached from this sitting-room, although being +situated next the hall running parallel with the front of the +building, while Bristol had shrewdly secured another sleeping-room +fronting on St. Paul street, similar in size to +Mrs. Winslow's, adjoining hers, and also, like hers, opening +into the reception-room, which they had agreed to use +in common, as it seemed that the fair landlady was all of +a sudden, for some reason, becoming close and penurious. +Fox's room was across the hall immediately opposite Mrs. +Winslow's, as he had expressed a strong desire to be as +near his cousin, Mr. Bristol, as possible, so that by chance +and a little careful work the parties were located with as +much appropriateness as I could possibly have wished for. +The operatives each paid a month's rent in advance, taking +receipts for the same, and immediately began paying particular +attention to all parties who came in and out of the +building, circulated freely among the Spiritualists of the +city, and got on as good terms as possible with the charming +landlady, who seemed at times to be a little suspicious<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> +of her surroundings, as it introduced altogether too many +strange faces to suit a person who had a no clearer conscience +than she had.</p> + +<p>From the gay, dashing woman she had been, she became +unpleasantly suspicious. She explained this to +Bristol and Fox as arising from unfavorable visions and +revelations from the spirits through the different mediums +she had employed to give her the truth about her case +with Lyon. The rooms had filled up rapidly with people +whom the operatives had taken pains to ascertain all +about, and who, as a rule, were honest folks; but Mrs. +Winslow could not get it out of her mind that some of +them were spies from Lyon, and were watching her in +everything that she did.</p> + +<p>There had been nothing whatever done to alarm her on +the part of my men; but the fact alone that here were a +dozen people all about her, any one of whom might at +any time spring some sudden harm upon her, began to +affect her as the fear she had all her life inspired in others +had affected them; and she began to form a habit of +talking pleasantly on ordinary subjects, and then turning +abruptly and almost fiercely upon Bristol and Fox, who +were now the only persons left whom she would at all trust—even +distrusting them—with a series of questions so +vital, and given with such wonderful rapidity, that it required +the best efforts of the operatives to parry her home-thrusts +and quiet her regarding them.</p> + +<p>It was a question in my mind whether she had laid by +a large sum of money or not. Years before she had several +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span>thousand dollars; up to the time she came to Rochester +she had had the reputation of never paying a bill, +and, however hedged in she might be by justice, jury, constables, +or sheriff, she not only escaped incarceration, but +beat them all without paying any manner of tribute. She +had done a fair business in duping Spiritualists and other +weak-minded people while in Rochester; she had evidently +levied upon Devereaux often and largely, and to +my certain knowledge had taken some thousands of dollars +from Lyon, and I was at a loss to know why she was +growing so grasping and exacting as the reports showed +was true of her; for she soon complained of being poor, +levied additional assessment for care of the rooms, insisted +upon her tenants receiving sittings at a good round price +from her, and in general dropped the veneer which had +formerly made her extremely fascinating, and became, +save in exceptional moments of good nature, a masculine, +repulsive shrew, who, with a slight touch of hideousness, +might have passed for a stage witch or a neighborhood +plague.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Mrs. Winslow becomes confidential.—Some of her Exploits.—Her +Plans.—A Sample of Legal Pleading.—A fishy Story.—The Adventuress +as a Somnambulist.—Detective Bristol virtuously indignant.—Failing +to win the "Retired Banker," Mrs. Winslow +assails Detective Fox with her Charms.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">A</span>FTER a time Bristol and Fox became Mrs. Winslow's +only confidants. Their business was to become +so, and they successfully accomplished their object. +As Bristol said in one of his reports: "Only set her +tongue wagging, and she spouts away as irresistibly as an +artesian well."</p> + +<p>Had she been possessed of womanly instinct in the +slightest degree, this would have been impossible. But +being a male in everything save her physical structure, it +was quite natural that she should hobnob with those most +congenial; and as she had antagonized all her lodgers +save my operatives, and they made a particular effort to +keep up a good-natured familiarity, the three were certainly +on as easy terms as possible, and passed the +autumn evenings, which were growing long now, in conversation +of an exceedingly varied nature, with an occasional +sitting or seance, and not infrequently a visitation +of spirits of more material character; and the following<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> +are a few of the many facts in this way brought out, and +by Bristol and Fox transmitted to me at New York in +their daily mail reports.</p> + +<p>In one of Mrs. Winslow's peregrinations, probably for +blackmail purposes, she secured the indictment in Crawford +County, Pennsylvania, of one George Hodges, for +swindling. He was not at that time arrested, but a year +or so after, finding that he was in Cincinnati, and claiming +that he was a non-resident, had him arrested as a fugitive +from justice. When the case was called before an +obscure justice, no prosecuting witness appeared, whereupon +Hodges was discharged and at once secured a warrant +against her for perjury, but afterwards withdrew it. +Meantime the woman shook the dust of Cincinnati from +her feet and repaired to St. Louis, where she began several +suits against parties there, notably one against a leading +daily newspaper of that city, from which she afterwards +secured one thousand dollars damages for libel. She +afterwards swung around the circle to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, +where she obtained from the Governor of that +State a requisition on the Governor of Ohio, at Columbus, +upon whom she waited and requested him to designate her +as the person to whom should be delegated the power under +the law to convey the fugitive, Hodges, to the Keystone +State; but the private secretary of the Governor of +Ohio suspecting that the person who had presented the +papers, and for whose benefit they had been issued, would +make improper use of them, they were returned to the +Governor of Pennsylvania, whereupon she had made<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span> +Columbus ring with denunciations of gubernatorial corruption, +and threatened to cause the impeachment of Pennsylvania's +Executive, although those two commonwealths +were never completely shattered by her.</p> + +<p>Again in conversation regarding her case, which now +seemed never out of her mind or off her tongue, she +informed Bristol confidentially that she intended keeping +Lyon in the dark altogether, giving him and his counsel +no inkling as to what course she intended to pursue, +which would so worry him that he would be glad to settle +for at least twenty-five thousand dollars, rather than have +the case come to trial and be exposed as she would expose +him; and if he did not settle at the last moment, she +would have subpÅ“nas issued for Lyon's mother-in-law, all +his children, several other women who, the spirits had revealed, +had been similarly betrayed, and even Lyon himself, +and then she <em>would</em> make a sensation.</p> + +<p>At this stage she was positive he would settle, as she +knew he was half worried to death about the matter; and +besides this, he knew that she knew he had told a certain +lawyer of the city that he had once loved her better than +any other woman on earth, and the only reason he had +discarded her was that he was sure her love had taken +hold on his pocket and forsaken himself.</p> + +<p>She had signed a release of all claims, but she would +stoutly maintain that it was fraudulently secured, which +would only further establish the fact that she had had +a valid claim upon him. Nor did she fear the opposing +counsel. She was lawyer enough to attend to her own case,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span> +she said. Her legal knowledge helped her through many a +difficulty, and as she had been lawyer enough to file a declaration, +she could get a rejoinder in shape whenever the +answer should appear upon the court records. Oh, she +knew how to handle a jury; she had done it before! In +<em>this</em> case she would say: "Gentlemen of the jury:—There +are many who believe that I merely seek for +money. This is not true. I ask for a verdict that I may +gain a husband. For all of the injury that I have +received—lost time, lost money, lost reputation, years of +suspense and hope deferred—I only ask for a verdict in +consonance with what a man in Lyon's position should +be compelled to give to one so grossly wronged. Gentlemen, +if you give me a heavy verdict, you give me Mr. +Lyon. I say this in all sincerity—yes, as a proof of my +sincerity. I want the man, not his money; and a heavy +verdict gives me the man, for Mr. Lyon is so penurious +that he will marry me rather than pay the amount I claim. +With him, he has so won my whole being, even in poverty +I would feel richer than to live without him the possessor +of millions!"</p> + +<p>In delivering this eloquent peroration, Mrs. Winslow in +reality rose upon a chair, and, figuratively, upon the giddy +altitude of her dignity, and tossing back her head, elevating +her eyebrows, looking peculiarly fierce with her great +gray eyes, and flinging the back of her right hand into the +palm of her left with quick, ringing strokes, delighted her +audience of operatives, and male and female Spiritualists, +who on this occasion crowded the reception-room and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span> +cheered their hostess as she descended from her improvised +rostrum to order something to refill the glasses +which had been enthusiastically emptied to her overwhelming +success.</p> + +<p>When business was dull with the woman, she would be +certain to retain the company of the detectives, as it +seemed that she was beginning to avoid being left alone +as much as possible, and would, under no circumstances, +allow them both to be absent at the same time. Though +ordinarily careful of, and close with, her money, to keep +my men at home on these, to her, dreary evenings, she +would send for cigars, liquor, and choice fruits, and after +considerable urging they would remain, when the conversation +would invariably turn upon the Winslow-Lyon case, +or some incident in the fair plaintiff's eventful life, which +the gentlemen as invariably listened to with the closest +interest and attention.</p> + +<p>On one occasion Spiritualism was being discussed, when +Mrs. Winslow touched on her early history, and the revelation +then made to her which in after-life convinced her +of the possession of supernatural powers. Her father had +had several boxes of honey stolen from his bee-hives, +when she was but a little girl. Search was made for them +in every possible direction, but no trace of them could be +found, whereupon she conveniently went into a trance, +the first she had ever experienced, continuing in that +state several hours, and finally awakening from it terribly +exhausted. But the trance brought the honey, for a +wonderful vision came upon her, wherein spirit-forms appeared +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>clothed in overwhelming radiance, and, after caressing +her spiritual form for some time, and making her +realize that she was an accepted child of Light, pointed +their dazzling celestial fingers towards an old hollow +stump standing at the side of the road leading towards +town. So powerful and penetrating was the light which +radiated from these spirits that it seemed to permeate the +stump, leaving its form perfect as ever, but making it +wholly translucent, so that she could see the boxes of +honey piled up within the stump as clearly as though she +had been standing beside it and it had been made of glass. +She gave this information to her father, who ridiculed the +revelation, but was both curious and desirous of getting +the honey, and went to the old stump, where he found the +boxes uninjured and piled in precisely the same manner +as described by his precocious child; all of which was related +as if thoroughly believed—as it doubtless was—in a +voice as hollow and mysterious as the stump itself, while +the operatives preserved the utmost gravity and decorum, +and impressed her in every way with their belief in her +varied and wonderful power.</p> + +<p>Her affection for Bristol continued for a few weeks +unabated, and her most powerful arts were used in endeavoring +to compel him to reciprocate it. These attempts +went as far as a naturally lewd and naturally +shrewd woman dare go—so far, in fact, that in one and +the last instance they became absurdly ridiculous. There +was no bolt upon the door of either of their sleeping-rooms, +and, besides, it was necessary for Bristol to either<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span> +retire first or step into Fox's room for a little chat, or a +sociable smoke, as Mrs. Winslow had an unpleasant and +persistent habit of disrobing for the night in the reception-room.</p> + +<p>One evening, after Mrs. Winslow had given a select +seance to a few admiring friends, including my detectives, +Bristol had hurried off to bed, being tired of the mummery, +and after being obliged to listen for some time to +her tumblings and tappings about the room, had finally +fallen into a peaceful doze of a few minutes' duration, +when he was awakened by that undefinable yet irresistibly +increasing sense of some sort of a presence, which +often takes from one the power of expression, or action, +but intensifies the mind's faculties. The gas in the reception-room +had been turned low, and his door had been +softly opened. The rooms were quite dark, but the light +from the street-lamps were sufficient to show him the +plump outlines of a form which he felt sure that if it had +had an orthodox amount of clothing upon it he could +recognize. It certainly seemed to be the form of a +woman, and her long, dishevelled black hair fell all about +her shoulders and below her waist, while her <i>robe de nuit</i> +trailed behind her with fear-inspiring, tremulous rustlings. +On came the robust ghost, and in the weird gloaming +which filled the apartment, he saw the mysterious thing +moving towards him, and in a sort of frenzy of excitement +yelled:</p> + +<p>"Who's that?"</p> + +<p>No answer; but the slow, firm pace of the apparition<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> +came nearer to Bristol's bedside, and he partially rose +upon his knees as if to defend himself.</p> + +<p>"Say!—you!" shouted Bristol, "get—get out of +here!"</p> + +<p>But the ghostly figure came on as resistless as fate until +it reached his bedside. By this time he had risen to his +feet and was edging along the wall to escape, when to his +horror he saw the spectre bound into the bed he had so +expeditiously vacated and reach for him with a very business-like +grasp which he nimbly eluded, and with a series +of bounds and scrambles reached the floor. He stood +where he had struck for a moment, addressing some very +decided and italicized remarks to the lively ghost in his +bed, and then, in one grand burst of virtuous indignation, +made an impetuous dive at the figure, caught it by one of +its very plump arms, brought the ghost from the bed with +a mighty effort, and securing its left ear with his right +hand, trotted the animated shadow out of his room and +into the reception-room right up to the pier-glass, and then +turning on one of the jets at its side, said to the magnificent +ghost, in a voice husky from excitement and rage:</p> + +<p>"Woman! if you ever do that thing again, I'll—I'll—aren't +you ashamed of yourself, Mrs. Winslow?"</p> + +<p>At the sound of her name, and after a few moments' +apparently bewildered reflection, Mrs. Winslow opened +her eyes, which had previously remained closed, and in an +affectedly startled way gasped:</p> + +<p>"Oh! where am I? what <em>have</em> you been trying to do +with me, Mr. Bristol?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span></p><p>To have seen the couple thus in the full gaslight before +the pier-glass, which both reflected and intensified the odd +situation—the woman, held to the mirror so that she might +more startlingly view the result of her gauzy pretence at +somnambulism, and the man, in his night-shirt, his limp +night-cap dangling from his neck upon his shoulder, the +ring of stubby gray hair around his head raised by excitement +until it almost hid the glistening baldness above, his +legs bare below the knees, but with a face so full of virtuous +resentment at the scandalous and shallow scheme of +the woman to implicate him in something disgraceful, that +his uprightness clothed him as with fine raiment—would +have been to have witnessed the apotheosis of sublimely +triumphant virtue and the defeat of shame.</p> + +<p>"What have <em>I</em> been trying to do with <em>you</em>?" shouted +the now enraged Bristol; "that's all very fine; but what +have <em>you</em> been trying to do with <em>me</em>, madam?"</p> + +<p>"Why, didn't I ever tell you that I often walk in my +sleep?" she asked with apparent innocence; and then, as +if noticing for the first time how meagrely both herself and +her companion were clad, gave vent to a half-smothered +"Oh!—shame on you, Mr. Bristol!" and broke away +from him, running into her own room, while Bristol, after +walking back and forth in a state of high nervous excitement +for some time, muttering, and shaking his fist towards +her room, finally smoothed his rebellious locks so as to +admit of the readjustment of his night-cap, and trotted +fiercely to bed, never more to be disturbed by sleep-walking +female Spiritualists.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span></p><p>There was nothing in all this save a quite common and +silly attempt on the part of the adventuress to get some +of the hard-earned money of which she thought he was +possessed, and it disgusted her that he was no more +appreciative than to look upon her charms, that had set +the heads of so many other men all awhirl, with such a +cool and impressionless regard for them.</p> + +<p>This latter fact bothered her probably fully as much as +in not being able to get at his bank account, and she finally +settled into a sort of suspicious dislike of him, and turned +her attention to Fox, who, being a quiet sort of a fellow, +with less brusqueness than Bristol, was not so well fitted +to keep her at arm's length, and was consequently immediately +the recipient of her torrent-like attentions, caresses, +and confidence.</p> + +<p>A book-keeper was the next thing to a retired banker—sometimes +even better off, Mrs. Winslow thought; and, believing +that Fox was the book-keeper he represented himself +to be, she conceived the idea of travelling during the +pendency of the suit, and gave Fox glowing accounts of +the vast sums of money they could make if she only had +so presentable a man as he for a sort of agent, manager, +and protector.</p> + +<p>One afternoon Fox came in early, and said that as he +was suffering severely from headache he had been excused +from his duties, and had come home for rest. He passed +into his own room and laid down upon his bed, where he +was immediately followed by the woman, who threw herself +passionately into his arms, declaring that he was the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> +only man whom she had ever really and truly loved, and +terminated her expressions of ardor by a proposition that +he should "get hold of a big pile down there to the +store," as she expressed it, and fly to some quiet spot +where they might revel in love and all that the term +implies.</p> + +<p>Had he been a book-keeper instead of what he was, +and able to secure any large sum of money, she would +have probably so bedevilled him that he would have become +a criminal for life for the sake of gratifying his passion +and her demands, and in a week after she would +have had nine-tenths of the money, and Fox would have +been a penniless fugitive from justice.</p> + +<p>He had more trouble than Bristol in dispossessing the +mind of the adventuress of the idea that he was not the +man to allow her to become his Delilah; but when this was +done, and she disgustedly realized that not all men were +ready to sell themselves body and soul for her embraces, +while she was indignant and suspicious, yet a sort of easy +confidence was established between the mysterious three, +which brought out a good many strong points in her character, +and at the same time led to the securing of a large +amount of evidence against her. In fact, it seemed that +so soon as she thoroughly understood the, to her, novel +situation of being in constant contact with two men who, +though probably no better than average men, were still +from the nature of their business compelled to be above +reproach in all their association with her, her self-assertion +and consciousness of power, which she had been able to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> +assert over nearly every man with whom she came in +contact, in a measure left her, and she became, at least to +my operatives, an ordinary woman, whose inherent vileness, +low cunning, and splendid physical perfection, were +her only distinguishing characteristics. This was all natural +enough, for I had compelled these men to be her +almost constant companions, and as they had been with +her long enough to drive away any superfluous constraint, +and she had found both of them unassailable, though +sociable and agreeable, her conversation, which chiefly +concerned herself, became as utterly devoid of decency +as her life had been, so that no incident of rehearsed romance +of herself lost any of its piquancy by unnecessary +assumption of modesty in its narration.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XX.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>A Female Spiritualist's Ideas of Political and Social Economy.—The +Weaknesses of Judges.—Legal Acumen of the Adventuress.—An +unfriendly Move.—Harcout attacked.—Lilly Nettleton and the +Rev. Mr. Bland again together.—A Whirlwind.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">O</span>NE evening, after Mrs. Winslow had had a very +busy day with her spiritualistic customers, which +had become quite unusual, she showed herself to be more +than ordinarily communicative, undoubtedly on account +of the spirits which had kept her such close company, +and at once started in upon an edifying explanation of +her political views, and confided to Bristol and Fox, as +illustrative of her high political influence, that certain +officers of the Government only held their lease of office +through her leniency.</p> + +<p>From this she verged into political and social economy, +stating her earnest belief to be that every man should +have a military education, and that if they were found to +be unfit physically to withstand the rigors of a military +life, they should be immediately condemned to death, +and thus be summarily disposed of. And so, too, with +women. There should be appointed a capable examining +board, and wherever a woman was found wanting in +physical ability to meet every demand made upon her by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> +her affinities through life, she should also be instantly deprived +of existence. She maintained that there should be +a continuous and eternal natural selection of the best of +these mental and physical conditions, just the same as +the stock-raiser bred and inbred the finest animals to +secure a still finer type, and that all persons, male or +female, failing to reach a certain fit standard of perfection +in this regard, should be condemned to death. She +would have no marriage save that sanctioned by the +supreme love of one eternal moment; and shamelessly +claimed that passion was the real base of all love, and +that, consequently, it was but a farce on either justice or +purity that men and women should be by law condemned +to lives of miserable companionship. In this connection +she held that not half the men and women were fit to +live, and were she the world's ruler she would preside at +the axe and the block half of her waking hours.</p> + +<p>These sentiments were quite in keeping with her +expressions concerning the late war, her gratification at +Lincoln's assassination, and her threats that she had President +Johnson in her power through her knowledge of +some transactions in Tennessee. This was, of course, all +silly talk, but it showed the woman's tendencies and disposition, +and enabled Bristol and Fox to gradually lead +her into narrations of portions of her own career during +and after the war.</p> + +<p>She boasted of her ability in fastening herself upon a +command, or military post, by getting some one of the +leading officers in her power so they dare not drive her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> +beyond the lines, and then, when the soldiers were paid +off, getting them within her apartments, drugging them, +robbing them, and finally securing their arrest for absence +without leave. She claims that in this way she often +made over five hundred dollars daily, and would then buy +drafts on northern banks, not daring to keep the thousands +of dollars about her which would frequently accrue.</p> + +<p>Interspersed with these narratives were numberless tales +of adventure wherein Mrs. Winslow, under her <i>aliases</i> +of the different periods referred to, had been the heroine, +and where her shrewdness and daring, she wished my +operatives to understand, had brought utter dismay to +each of her opponents, all of which had for its point and +moral that she was not a person to be trifled with, as Mr. +Lyon would eventually ascertain to his sorrow.</p> + +<p>To more thoroughly impress this, in another instance +the question of being watched and annoyed by Lyon or +his agents arose, when she insisted to Bristol that Fox was +a detective, and to Fox that Bristol was one, and then +abruptly accused them both of the same offence, expressing +great indignity at the assumed outrage; and when they +had succeeded in partially pacifying her, she turned on +them savagely, saying that they had better bear in mind +that she did not care whether they were detectives or +not; that she was a pure woman—an innocent woman; +but still, she wanted not only them, if they <em>were</em> +detectives, but all the world, to understand that she was +capable of taking care of herself, whoever might assail +her. Evidently the good legal mind which the woman<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> +certainly possessed had reverted to her criminal acts in +other portions of the country, for she asserted very violently +that, should Lyon undertake to have her conveyed +to any other State upon a requisition to answer to +trumped-up charges for the purpose of weakening her +case, she would shoot the first man that attempted her +arrest; and that, if finally overpowered by brute force, +she would still circumvent him by securing a continuance +of the trial at Rochester, and make that sort of persecution +itself tell against "the gray-headed old sinner," as +she most truthfully called him.</p> + +<p>She further remarked, with a meaning leer, that she +never had any trouble with the judges. They were +generally old men, she had noticed, and her theory was +that old men, even if they were judges, had a quiet way of +looking after the interests of as fine-appearing women as +she was; and even if they did not have, her powers of +divination were so wonderful that she could at any time +go into the trance state and ascertain everything necessary +to direct her to success, giving as an illustration a +circumstance where a certain St. Louis daily newspaper +had grossly libelled her, whereupon she had sued its proprietors +for ten thousand dollars, retaining two lawyers to +attend to her case. When it came to trial her counsel +failed to appear. With the aid of the spirits she grasped +the situation at once, and, showing Judge Moody a +receipt for attorneys' fees amounting to two hundred +dollars which she had paid them, pleaded personally for a +continuance until the next day, which he granted, showing +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span>her conclusively that he was in sympathy with her. +She then went home, and, again calling on the spirits, +they revealed to her that she should win a victory.</p> + +<p>So she read all the papers in the case, in order to acquaint +herself with the leading points, and then subpÅ“naed +her witnesses. Having everything well prepared, +she proceeded to the court-room the next day, and on the +case being called, the spirit of George Washington instantly +appeared. It had a beautiful bright flame about +its head, and floated about promiscuously through the +upper part of the room. She was certain that it was a +good omen, but it was a long time before she could get +any definite materialization from the blessed ministering +angel from the other side of the river. After a time, however, +George's kind eyes beamed upon her with unmistakable +friendliness, and the nimbus, or flame, that shone +from his venerable head in all directions, finally shot in a +single incandescent jet towards the head of the judge; +and immediately after, the gauzy Father of his Country +placed his hands upon the former's head, as if in benediction. +This was a heavenly revelation to her that the judge +was with her, as afterwards proved true.</p> + +<p>George stayed there until the trial was ended, which she +conducted in her own behalf, constantly feeling that she +herself was being upheld by strong, though invisible hands. +When the jury was being impanelled, the flame, with an +angry, red appearance, pointed to those men who were +prejudiced against her, to whom she objected, and they +were invariably thrown out of the panel; while all through<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> +the trial the judge insisted that there should be no advantage +taken of her, if she had been forsaken by her counsel; +and with the aid of Washington she won a splendid +victory, securing a judgment of one thousand dollars, +which was paid; and there are scores of lawyers and +newspaper men in St. Louis who will remember this case, +that know of the woman and her almost ceaseless litigation +in that action, and who will also recollect that she did +get a thousand dollars from one of the leading newspapers +there.</p> + +<p>Her cunning and shamelessness were largely commented +upon at the time; but it was reserved for Mrs. +Winslow to inform the world, through my operatives, that +George Washington ever descended to this grade of pettifogging. +It can only be accounted for through a knowledge +of that peculiar system of religion which gives to the +very dregs of society a mysterious, and therefore terrible +power, whether assumed or otherwise, over its better elements +for their annoyance, persecution, and downfall.</p> + +<p>There was also a poetical and religious element in the +woman's composition which very well accorded with her +superstitiousness. This was quite strongly developed by +a liberal supply of liquor, which she never failed to use +whenever she became worried and excited over the coming +trial, both of which begat in her impulses for certain +lines of conduct exactly the reverse of those counselled +by her more quiet, calculating reflections.</p> + +<p>One pleasant October day, when suffering from a peculiarly +severe attack of romantic fancies, she conceived the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span> +idea of breaking through all her stern resolves relative to +not seeing Lyon, and making one more effort to win him +back to her altogether, or so affect him by her fascinating +appearance that he would be glad to settle with her at any +reasonable figure he might name—say twenty-five or fifty +thousand dollars.</p> + +<p>It was a pleasant fancy, and Bristol and Fox were exceedingly +interested as they noticed her excited preparations +for her expedition of conquest. She sang like a bird, +and the bright color came into her face as she tripped +about, busied in the unusual employment. All the forenoon +she dressed and undressed, posing and balancing +before the pier-glass like a <i>danseuse</i> at practice, studying +the effect of different colors, shades, and shapes, until at +last, having decided in what dress she should appear the +most bewitching, she retired for a long sleep, so as to rest +her features and give her eyes their old-time lustre.</p> + +<p>At about two o'clock she awakened, and, after dressing +in a most elaborate and elegant manner, at once started +out upon her novel expedition to the Arcade.</p> + +<p>The Arcade in Rochester is a distinct and somewhat +noted place in that city. It has nearly the width of the +average street, and extends the distance of a short block—from +Main Street to Exchange Place—being nearly in +the geographical, as well as in the actual business center +of the city. It is covered with a heavy glass roofing, +filled on either side by numerous book and notion stalls, +brokers' offices, and the offices of wealthy manufacturers +whose business requires a down-town office, and is also, as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span> +it has been from almost time immemorial, the location of +the post-office; so that, as the thoroughfare leads directly +from the Union Depot to the uptown hotels, it is constantly +thronged with people, and is the spot in that city +where the largest crowd may be collected at the slightest +possible notice.</p> + +<p>To Mrs. Winslow's credit it should be said that up to +this time she had kept so remarkably quiet that public +scandal had nearly died away, and as she had gone into +the different newspaper offices with some of the wicked +old light burning in her eyes, and "warned" them concerning +libelling her, both she and her suit were no longer +causing much remark; but now, when she was seen majestically +bearing down Main street, with considerable fire +in her fine eyes, determination in her compressed lips, +and the inspiration of resolve in every feature of her handsome +though masculine face, there were many who, +knowing the woman, felt sure there was to be a scene, +and by the time she had turned from Main street into the +Arcade quite a number were unconsciously following her. +After she had got into the Arcade she attracted a great +deal of attention in sweeping back and forth through that +thoroughfare, as in passing Lyon's offices she gave her +head that peculiarly ludicrous inclination that all women +affect when they are particularly anxious to be noticed, +but also particularly anxious to not have it noticed that +they wish to be noticed; and continued her promenade, +each time brushing the windows of Lyon's offices with her +ample skirts, and growing more and more indignant that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span> +nobody appeared to be interested in her exhibition, save +the lookers-on within the Arcade, who were increasing +rapidly in numbers.</p> + +<p>This seemed to exasperate the woman beyond measure, +and finally, after casting a hurried glance or two +through the half-open door, she apparently nerved herself +for the worst and made a plunge into the office, while the +crowd closed about the door.</p> + +<p>Bristol had of course felt it his duty to inform Mr. Lyon +of the fair lady's intended demonstration, and the latter +had judiciously found it convenient to transact some important +business in another part of the city on that afternoon; +but the elegant Harcout had bravely volunteered +to throw himself into the breach and bear the brunt of the +battle—in other words, sacrifice himself for his friend, and +was consequently sitting at Lyon's desk behind the railing, +which formed a sort of a private office at one side of the +general office, as Mrs. Winslow, pale with rage and +humiliated to exasperation, came sweeping into the +room.</p> + +<p>"Ah, how d'ye do, ma'am?" said Harcout blandly, but +never looking up from his desk, at which he pretended to +be very busily engaged. "Bless my soul, you seem to be +very much excited!"</p> + +<p>"Sir!" said Mrs. Winslow, interrupting him violently, +"I want none of your 'madams' or 'bless my souls.' I +want Lyon, you puppy!"</p> + +<p>"Ah, exactly, exactly," replied Mr. Lyon's protector +with the greatest apparent placidity, though with a shade<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> +of nervousness in his voice; "but you see, my dear, you +can't have him!"</p> + +<p>It was not the first time this man had called this woman +"my dear," nor was it the first time he had attempted to +beat back her overpowering passion. Had he known it +as Mr. Harcout, or had she recognized him as Mrs. +Winslow, it would have made the interview more dramatic +than it was—perhaps a thread of tragedy might have crept +in; as it was, however, she only savagely retorted that +she wouldn't have him, but she would see him if he was +in, whether or no.</p> + +<p>"Well, my dear good woman," continued Harcout +soothingly, but edging as far from the railing and his +caller as possible, "he isn't in, and that settles that. +Further, you can't have, or see, him <em>or</em> his money, and +that settles that. So you had best quietly go home like +a good woman and settle all this," concluded Harcout +winningly and yet impressively, and with the tone of a +Christian counsellor.</p> + +<p>The crowd laughed and jeered at this grave and sarcastic +advice, and it seemed to madden her. Raising her +closed sunshade and hissing, "<em>I'll</em> settle this!" she +rushed towards Harcout, struck at him fiercely, following +up the attack with quick and terrific blows, which completely +demolished the parasol and drove him nimbly from +place to place in his efforts to avoid the effects of her +wrath.</p> + +<p>For the next few moments there was a small whirlwind +in Lyon's offices. The railing was too high for Mrs.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> +Winslow to leap, or she certainly would have scaled it. +Harcout could not retreat but a certain distance, or he +certainly would have sought safety in flight. So the +whirlwind was created by rapid and savage leaps of Mrs. +Winslow, as if to jump the railing and fall bodily upon +her victim, and at every bound the woman made, the shattered +parasol waved aloft and came down with keen certainty +and stinging swiftness, upon such portions of the +gilt-edged gentleman as could be most conveniently +reached.</p> + +<p>It is difficult to realize what the woman would have +done in her mad passion, had not a lucky circumstance +occurred. She and Harcout had never met since the +time when, in the face of her robbery of him, she had unblushingly +compelled him to wed her to the credulous +Dick Hosford at the Michigan Exchange Hotel in Detroit; +and had she now recognized him as the villain who had +made her what she was, it is a question whether she +would not have made a finish of him there and then. +But some one in the crowd raised the cry of "Police!" +which sobered her at once, and, giving the tattered remnant +of her sunshade a wicked pitch into Harcout's face, +she turned quickly, shot into the Arcade as the crowd +made way for her and quickened her speed by wild jibes +and taunts, until she had reached the street, where, in a +dazed, hunted sort of way, she hailed a passing cab, +sprang into it, and was driven rapidly away.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XXI.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Mrs. Winslow, under the Influence of "Spirits" of an earthly Order, +becomes romantic, religious, and poetical.—A Trance.—Detective +Bristol also proves a Poet.—A Drama to be written.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">W</span>HEN the evening came and Mrs. Winslow came +with it, she was observed to be in a high state of +nervous and vinous excitement, and at such times she +contrived to inaugurate a series of actions which proved +not only interesting, but illustrative of her strange +character.</p> + +<p>She declared to Bristol and Fox that the Lord was +hardening Lyon's heart as in the olden times the heart of +Pharaoh was hardened, so that he should rush upon his +fated disgrace as the Egyptian king rushed upon his fate +while forcing the children of Israel into deliverance, and +destruction upon himself; and like the unrelenting Mrs. +Clennam in "Little Dorrit," had at command any number +of scriptural parallels to prove the righteousness of +her sin. This sort of blasphemy is the most pitiable imaginable, +and to hear the woman in her semi-intoxicated, +semi-crazed condition, mingling her vile catch-words with +scraps of spiritualistic sayings, snatches of holy songs, +couplets of roystering ballads, and crowning the hideousness +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span>of the whole with countless Bible quotations, was to +be in the presence of supreme garrulousness, temperamental +religious frenzy, and superstitious vileness.</p> + +<p>It appeared that after she had escaped from the excitement +she had created in the Arcade, she had been driven +to the apartments of every clairvoyant of note in the city +and had a "sitting" with each. In her excited condition, +and being noted for having plenty of money, it was both +easy to rob her and secure what was uppermost in her +mind. Consequently, it was revealed to her by every +medium that Lyon would settle with her for a large sum +of money.</p> + +<p>One medium averred that in her vision Lyon was seen, +as it were, bending a suppliant at her feet, and, at the last +moment, admiring her character as much as fearing the +nature of the testimony he knew she could bring against +him, he declared his love for her and begged that they +might be married in open court.</p> + +<p>Another depicted the sorrows she would be obliged to +endure before her affairs culminated. She would be +watched, annoyed, harassed; but her way would be well +watched by the spirit-forms which were evidently floating +around promiscuously to protect the pests of society; +and, whether she got the man or not, she should share his +fortune. This much could be surely promised.</p> + +<p>Another was wonderfully favored with divine "spirit +light" upon the subject—so favored, indeed, that time +without number her other-life had insensibly and unconsciously +wandered away in search of correct information<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> +regarding the result of the Winslow-Lyon suit, and, without +her volition or bidding, it had delved into the mysteries +for her suffering sister. She could assure her +suffering sister, the clairvoyant said, that Lyon was spiritually +at her feet. All the trouble had arisen between +them from Mrs. Winslow's standing upon a higher spiritual +plane than Mr. Lyon. He, as was natural to man, +had more of the sensual element beclouding his spirit-life. +Now, pleaded the clairvoyant, couldn't she adjust an +average between them? She was certain—yes, the spirits, +who never lie, had positively revealed to her that all that +was needed was some one to properly discover each of +these affinities to the other. In any case, all would eventually +be well, and there was peace, prosperity, and a large +amount of money in waiting for her.</p> + +<p>This sort of absurdity was related by Mrs. Winslow to +an unlimited extent that evening, as the three sipped the +liquor she had provided, and she insisted with great fervor +that all these revelations strongly corroborated the light +she herself had received on the same subject.</p> + +<p>As a long pause ensued after one of these heated asseverations, +Bristol ventured to ask how she had been enlightened +concerning the matter.</p> + +<p>Raising her flushed face towards the ceiling, then lifting +her right arm above her head and holding it there for +a moment, she allowed it to slowly descend with a coiling, +serpentine motion, when she burst into a sudden ecstasy +of speech, movement and feature, and partly as in answer +to the inquiry, and partly as if struck with a swift and irresistible +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span>inspiration, she said in a low, unearthly voice, +and with weird effect:</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes, I hear your angel voices calling; I see +your beautiful forms; I feel your tender fingers touching +my aching head; I am listening to your sweet, soft whispers. +Ah! what is it you say?—yes, yes, yes! You <em>are</em> +with me. You will watch over and guard me. You will +ward off the evil influences that surround me, and despite +the darkness which envelops me, even as the glorious sun +leaps from his couch of crimson and with his burnished +lances drives the grim hosts of shadows before him with +the speed of the light!—What! are you now leaving?"</p> + +<p>Here Mrs. Winslow gasped and kicked with her pretty +feet alarmingly.</p> + +<p>"What—what is that?—that rosy, effulgent light that +fills all space? Ah, yes! I see they beckon for me to +look up, to not be cast down or despair. I <em>will</em> look up. +See! in their hands are long, feathery wands with which +they sweep the flaming sky, while across its burnished +arc I see, yes, I see in letters of purple that oft-recurring +legend—<em>Twenty-five thousand dollars!</em>"</p> + +<p>Now, although I am not arguing this question of Spiritualism, +and am only giving to the public the history so +far as I dare of an extraordinary woman and practical +Spiritualist, I cannot resist asking the question, or putting +forward the theory, which, during the progress of this case +particularly, and a thousand times before and since in a +general way, has irresistibly forced itself into my mind. +I give it in all fairness, I am sure, and only with a view<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> +that it may dispel certain feelings of squeamishness with +which a good many people approach the subject to investigate +it. I may be accused of presenting it with too +little delicacy; but the public must recollect that the +nature of my business compels me <em>to get at the truth</em> of +things, and to do that, matters must in a majority of +cases be handled without gloves. This is my only excuse, +and perhaps it may be a good defence; but in any +event this is the question: Has there ever been a so-called +Spiritual "manifestation" that has not subsequently +been explained as trickery by persons more credible +of belief than its medium or originator? After that +has been answered in the affirmative, for it can be answered +in no other way, all there is left of this Spiritualistic +structure is, how account for such exhibitions as that +given by Mrs. Winslow and those given by others of her +craft, even granting their personal purity, which is undoubtedly +exceptional?</p> + +<p>This is the question which has oftenest come into my +mind in my necessarily almost constant study of these +people, and the answers, though continually varying, have +all eventually forced upon me the conviction that this religion, +as it is sacrilegiously called, only takes hold of +people of abnormal or diseased temperaments—people +diseased in mind, in morals, in body, or in all; and if +that is true, as I sincerely believe it to be, the dignifying +of a disease or infirmity as a religion is simply an absurdity +too foolish for even ridicule.</p> + +<p>She sat rigid as a church-spire for a few moments, as if<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> +the sight of so much money, even if only in purple letters +upon a burnished sky, had transfixed her, and then, after +a little hysterical struggling, became as limp as a camp-meeting +tent after a thunder-storm; and after a few +passes of her long, white and deft fingers over her eyes +in a scared way, asked, "Oh, gentlemen, where—where +am I?"</p> + +<p>"On the boundaries of the spirit-land," gravely replied +Bristol, pushing the bottle of liquor to the side of the +table.</p> + +<p>The woman was certainly exhausted, for she had +worked herself into such a state mentally—precisely the +same as in all similar demonstrations, whether visions are +claimed to be seen, or not—that she was completely enervated +physically, and said in a really grateful tone, +"Thank you, Mr. Bristol," and, pouring out a large portion +of liquor, tossed it off at one gulp, like a well-practised +bar-room toper.</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes," she continued languidly, "I have a certain +promise of eventually being victorious. When the good +spirits are with one, there's no cause for fear."</p> + +<p>"Not the slightest," affirmed Fox sympathetically.</p> + +<p>"But it seems," replied Mrs. Winslow in a discouraged, +desolate tone, "as though everybody's hand is raised +against me—as though the dreary days pass so slowly—and +that I haven't a true friend in the world!"</p> + +<p>"My dear Mrs. Winslow," interrupted Bristol in a +calm, fatherly, even affectionate tone, "that melancholy's +all very fine; but we are your friends, and we will stand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span> +by you through thick and thin to the end of the suit. A +few fast friends, you know, are better than a thousand +sunny-weather friends."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; oh, yes," returned the woman in a tone of +voice that said, "I can't argue this, but I somehow <em>know</em> +you are both betraying me," and then, closing her eyes, +and clasping her hands tightly together, sang in a weird +contralto voice, cracked and unsteady from her excitement +and exhaustion, some stanza of an evidently religious +nature, the burden of which was:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i00">"I am weary, weary waiting<br /></span> +<span class="i2">While the shadows deeper fall;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I am weary, weary waiting<br /></span> +<span class="i2">For some holy voice's call!"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Undoubtedly the song, though desecrated by the singer, +the place, and the occasion, was a wailing plaint from the +depths of the woman's soul, for moments of utter desolation +and absolute remorse come to even such as she.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Bristol, becoming suddenly interested, +"I'm something of a poet myself. When the seat of +government was moved from Quebec to Ottawa, I constructed +a lampoon on the government that set all Canada +awhirl. Really, Mrs. Winslow, I'm surprised at your +poetical nature."</p> + +<p>"Poetical nature?" repeated the woman excitedly. +"Why! that is what Lyon loved in me most. My trance-sittings +are wonderful exhibitions of poetical power. In<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span> +that state I can compose poems of great length and +power."</p> + +<p>The gentlemen of course seemed incredulous at this +statement, and challenged her to a test of her poetical +trance-power, which she instantly accepted, the wager +being a quart of the best brandy that could be had in the +city of Rochester.</p> + +<p>Putting herself in position, she asked: "What subject?" +Bristol replied, "Lyon," when she struggled a +little in her chair, kicked the floor a little with her heels, +rubbed up her eyes, gasped, and after a moment of rest +began to incant in a kind of monotone tenor:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i00">"Oh, Lyon, Lyon! don't you run;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The suit's begun; we'll have our fun<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Before we're done. I'll tell your son<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That I have won, although you shun<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Your darling one!"<br /></span> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i00">"Oh, Lyon, pray, why speed away?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To fight a woman is but play.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Although you're old, and bald, and gray,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Do right by your Amanda J.—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">You'll soon be clay!"<br /></span> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Amanda J. Winslow, for this was the woman's assumed +name in full, might have continued in this divine strain +for an indefinite period, had not the operatives burst into +loud and prolonged laughter at her ludicrous appearance, +which so disgusted the woman that, though communicating +with celestial spheres, as she assumed to be, and undoubtedly +was doing as much as any of her craft ever did,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span> +she jumped up with a bound, savagely told the men they +were a brace of fools, and with a lively remark or two, +which had something very like an oath in it, went to bed, +leaving the men to finish the bottle and the poetry as +they saw fit.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow was a thorough church-goer, and distributed +the favor of her attendance among the orthodox +churches and the "meetings" of the members of her own +faith, quite fairly—perhaps, as was natural, giving the +Washington Hall Sunday evening Spiritualistic lectures +a slight preference; and soon after the Arcade affair, +which had launched her into poetry, she returned to the +rooms one Sunday evening, declaring that all her evil +spirits had left her, and that her former passionate love +for Lyon had also departed, her only desire now being +for his money.</p> + +<p>To show how thoroughly she had been dispossessed of +her evil spirits, she remarked that she now thoroughly +hated Lyon, but it would not do to let this appear on +trial, or she would lose the sympathy of the jury. Every +effort should now be bent towards compelling him to divide +his wealth with her, whom he had so deeply +wronged. There should be no compromise; she would +not even be led to the altar by him now. She would +have from him what would most annoy him, and that was +his money.</p> + +<p>Having resolved on this, the darkness that surrounded +her was dispelled and the spirits of light rallied as a sort +of standing army; and in this beneficent condition she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> +wished to either go into the country to recuperate for +a few weeks, or seek the retirement of Fox's room and +there expend her superfluous brain and spirit power upon +a play to be entitled "His Breach of Promise." To this +end she proposed removing the elegant furnishings of her +apartments and storing them in a spare room, giving out +to callers that she was absent from the city, and then, +after having secured Fox's room, she would be able to +burn the midnight oil unmolested so long as her inspiration +might continue.</p> + +<p>She also favored Fox and Bristol with a sketch of the +play, which was to be a sort of spectacular comedy-drama, +which, according to the lady's description, would contain +certainly seven acts of five scenes each, and would be preceded +by a prologue which would play at least an hour; +in fact, it seemed that the great play "His Breach of +Promise" was to be constructed on the Chinese plan, to +be continued indefinitely, and admission only to be +secured in the form of course tickets. Outside of these +great aids to the popularity of the play, it was to have the +additional startling and novel attractions of representations +of her first meeting with Lyon, his regret because +she was married, his copious tears whenever in her +presence, his securing her divorce, the death of Lyon's +wife, and every manner of pathetic and ludicrous incident +connected with the case; how they each wooed and won +the other, including a grand transformation scene typical +of Lyon's subsequent treachery, and her reward of virtue +in a fifty thousand dollar verdict for damages.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XXII.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Mr. Pinkerton decides to favor Mrs. Winslow with a Series of Annoyances.—The +mysterious Package.—The Detectives labor under +well-merited Suspicion.—"My God! what's that?"—The deadly +Phial.—This Time a Mysterious Box.—Its suggestive Contents.—"The +Thing she was."—Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah assaulted.—A +Punch and Judy Show.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>HE reports which I had for some time received +daily regarding Mrs. Winslow's behavior satisfied +me that the delay in reaching the Winslow-Lyon case—which +was at the bottom of the docket of the fall term, +and on account of a press of court business had been put +over to the winter term—the strict silence I had enjoined +upon Mr. Lyon, and the general suspicion which +possessed her of everybody and everything, were all +having the natural effect of unsettling her completely, and +I determined upon a series of surprises and annoyances +to the woman, without in any way apprising Bristol and +Fox of what was to be done; so that although they might +imagine from what source the unwelcome "materializations" +came, they would still be sufficiently uninformed +to share in the general surprise and escape the charge of +complicity.</p> + +<p>I accordingly sent three additional men to Rochester<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> +with thorough instructions and full information as to the +madam's residence and habits, with a description of her +tenants, including Bristol and Fox, who were unknown to +the operatives sent.</p> + +<p>My object in doing this was a double one. I desired, +first, to test the woman's so-called spirit power; for, should +these annoyances prove of the nature of a persecution, +she and her friends, the Spiritualists, would be able to +call celestial spirits to her aid, or, better still, divine from +whence the persecution came, and compel its discontinuance +by the means provided by ordinary mortals. In +case she could not do this, which was of course rather +doubtful, I knew from her superstitiousness and the guilty +fear possessed by every criminal, which she largely shared, +that she would be quite likely to either make some confessions +which would implicate her in further blackmailing +operations, or force her into a line of conduct agreeing +perfectly with her true character, and which would compel +her to show herself thoroughly to the public; and +further, I think I must confess to a slight desire to assist +a little in punishing her, after I had become so fully aware +of her villainous character.</p> + +<p>Accordingly, while Mrs. Winslow was still deep in the +plot of her great drama, but before the changes suggested—which +would have made her a sort of literary nun in +Fox's room—had occurred, she was the recipient of a +large package of railway time-tables, with the farthest terminus +of each road underscored, and further called attention +to by a hand and index finger pointing towards it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span> +from Rochester, intimating that it was either desired or +demanded, on the part of somebody, that she should leave +Rochester for one of the points indicated.</p> + +<p>When Bristol and Fox returned "home," as they had +come to call their lodgings, that evening, Mrs. Winslow +was at her escritoire, completely immersed in time-tables +and manuscript, and had all the air of an important author +struggling for fitting expressions with which to clothe some +suddenly inspired, though sublime idea.</p> + +<p>She looked at them closely a moment, as if she would +read their very thoughts. Whether seeing anything suspicious +or not, she remarked very pointedly:</p> + +<p>"Good deal of railroad rivalry nowadays, isn't there?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, considerable," replied Bristol pleasantly, and +then asking, "Are you going to introduce some rival railroads +in your new play, Mrs. Winslow?"</p> + +<p>"Not much!" she answered tersely.</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't," replied Bristol, taking a seat near the +chandelier and pulling a paper from his pocket; "they're +dangerous."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow paid no attention to this, but suddenly +eyed Fox, and sharply asked:</p> + +<p>"They like very much to sell through tickets, don't +they?"</p> + +<p>"I believe they do—ought to pay better," he promptly +rejoined, eyeing her in return.</p> + +<p>"Well," said she, after a slight pause, and as if with +something of a sigh, "it's all right, perhaps; but if +either of you should meet any railroad agent who seems<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span> +to be laboring under the delusion that I want to found a +colony in some far country, just tell him to expend his +energies in some other direction!"</p> + +<p>Of course my operatives were surprised, and demanded +an explanation; but the recipient of the circulars was +quite dignified, and would only clear the matter up by +occasional little passionate bursts of confidence, as if +finding fault with them for not being able to unravel the +mystery to her. They protested they knew nothing about +the matter, and she undoubtedly believed them; but she +ventured to inform them that if anybody—mind you, anybody—supposed +they could scare her away from Rochester +by any such hint as that, they were mightily mistaken, +that's all there was about <em>that</em>.</p> + +<p>My detectives allayed her fears as much as possible, +but it was plainly observable that she was really annoyed +by the occurrence. There is always a hundred times +more terror in the fear of unknown evil than in that +which we can boldly meet, and this particularly applies to +those who know they <em>deserve</em> punishment, as in Mrs. +Winslow's case.</p> + +<p>The next evening they were all sitting discussing general +topics and a pint of peach brandy, and had become +exceedingly sociable, particularly over the railroad circulars, +which Fox and Bristol had by this time induced her +to regard in the light of a huge joke, or error, when the +party were suddenly startled by some object which caused +a peculiar ringing, yet deadened sound, as it struck the +partly-opened door and then bounded upon the carpet<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> +where it glisteningly rolled out of sight under the sofa +where the thoroughly-scared Mrs. Winslow sat.</p> + +<p>"My God! what's that?" she screamed, rushing to the +door and peering down the staircase, as rapidly retreating +footsteps were distinctly heard; but not being able to discover +anybody, scrambled back into the room, shutting +and bolting the door behind her.</p> + +<p>The woman was deathly pale, the color brought to her +face by the brandy having been driven from it as if by +some terrible blow; but it came back with her into the +room, where Bristol and Fox <em>appeared</em> nearly as frightened +as she.</p> + +<p>She looked at them a moment in a dazed, stupefied +way, and then demanded: "What does this mean?"</p> + +<p>"That's what I'd like to know!" returned Bristol, +hunting for his quizzers, which he had lost in his jump +from his chair. "This is all very fine, but it's pretty +plain somebody here's sent for!"</p> + +<p>"And <em>I</em> don't want to go!" chimed in Fox, climbing +down from a safe position upon the <i>escritoire</i>.</p> + +<p>The three looked at each other in an extremely suspicious +way, and the woman again demanded, this time +threateningly, what it all meant.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<a href="images/234-235-lg.jpg" class="noline"> +<img src="images/234-235-sm.jpg" width="400" height="258" alt="" title="" /> +<span class="caption"><br /><i>The three looked at each other in an extremely suspicious way.—</i></span></a> +</div> + +<p>"Something with a glitter, and it rolled under there," +was all Bristol could tell her about it.</p> + +<p>"Let's get it, whatever it is!" said Fox, with an apparent +burst of bravery and spirit.</p> + +<p>So Bristol at one end and Fox at the other end of the +sofa, rolled it out with a great show of caution, while Mrs.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> +Winslow, though preserving a good position for observation, +kept nimbly out of the way.</p> + +<p>"What can it be?" she persisted excitedly.</p> + +<p>"A vial sealed with red wax, with a string attached, +and containing some clear liquid," said Fox, stooping to +pick it up.</p> + +<p>"Don't—don't, Fox!" shouted Bristol, pushing him +back impetuously; "the devilish thing may burst and kill +us all—nitro-glycerine, you know!"</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow shuddered, drew her elegant wrappings +about her fair shoulders, as if the thought chilled her like +the sudden opening of some cold vault, and looked appealingly +at the two men.</p> + +<p>"Or might contain some deadly poison," said Fox, in +a warning tone.</p> + +<p>"And the fiend who threw it in here expected the bottle +to break and the poison to murder us!" said Mrs. +Winslow indignantly.</p> + +<p>"Things have come to a pretty pass when attempts like +this are made on people's lives!" said Bristol, adjusting +his spectacles and edging towards the mysterious missile.</p> + +<p>"I shall move at once," stoutly affirmed Mrs. Winslow.</p> + +<p>"Don't do any such thing," said Fox earnestly. "That +will only show whoever may be committing these indignities +that we are alarmed by them."</p> + +<p>"We?—<em>we?</em>" repeated the adventuress, with a peculiar +accent upon the word "we." "It isn't you men that +is meant. It's <em>me</em>. This is some of that Lyon's doings. +Oh, I could cut his heart out!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span></p><p>The detectives saw that she was getting greatly excited, +and Bristol, with a view of quieting her as much as possible +for the night, picked up the vial by a string tied to +it and hung it upon a nail, remarking that he was something +of a chemist himself and didn't believe it was explosive, +and also expressed a conviction that Mrs. Winslow +should have it analyzed.</p> + +<p>To this she acceded, and expressed a determination to +"get even" with the author of these outrages, in which +laudable resolve the detectives promised to assist her; +but the peach brandy seemed the only relief possible to +Mrs. Winslow for the remainder of the evening, which +was chiefly passed in wild speculations and theories concerning +the new "manifestations," which she began to fear +might be the result of jealous clairvoyants and vindictive +spiritualists, who had endeavored to blackmail both herself +and Mr. Lyon, and, failing in this, were now persecuting +her.</p> + +<p>The next day Mrs. Winslow went out quietly and secured +the services of a chemist under the Osborne House, +who pronounced the contents nothing but water, which +proved a great relief to the agitated trio, but did not remove +from Mrs. Winslow's mind the anxiety and unrest +that these undesired and unlooked-for materializations +were causing.</p> + +<p>About noon, after Fox and Bristol had come in from a +little stroll and they were all laughing over the scare of +the previous evening, a step was heard on the stairs, and +soon after a little man with a big box on his shoulder, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span> +a slouched hat on his head which hid his face pretty +thoroughly, came to the head of the stairs, knocked at the +door, and without waiting for an invitation to come in, +entered, and depositing the box with the remark, "For +Mrs. Winslow, from the Misses Grim," spryly sprang back, +shut the door, and clattered away down the stairs and into +the street before Mrs. Winslow could get a second look at +him, though she sprang after him, shouting, "Here! +here! come back here or I'll have you arrested!" But he +only clattered away the livelier, and she returned to the +room raging and vowing that the box contained some infernal +machine for the purpose of distributing minute portions +of her anatomy all over the city of Rochester.</p> + +<p>This became more likely when Mrs. Winslow recollected +that the Misses Grim—Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah—were +the three old maids from whom she had thought she +had secured a wealthy old banker to pluck; and though +he had proven to her a very ordinary man, somewhat infirm +from rheumatism, and a trifle quarrelsome, though +eminently virtuous and punctilious, she had never, of +course, let them know how badly she had been swindled; +and as they yet regarded their lost boarder, Bristol, as a +priceless treasure, lost to them through her perfidy, it was +no more than natural, Mrs. Winslow thought, that in their +chagrin and disappointment they should concoct some +diabolical plan to injure her.</p> + +<p>But still it might not be from them. She had other +enemies, many of them, and the Misses Grim's name +might have been given to cover up some other person's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span> +misdeeds. But whatever it might be, her curiosity soon +overcame her fear, and she requested Fox to open it.</p> + +<p>After securing a hammer from his room, the latter proceeded +to open the mysterious box; but after the cover +had been partially drawn and it was evident that the box +had not been delivered for the purpose of exterminating +anybody, it occurred to its fair owner that there might +be something within it not desirable for her to let the +gentlemen see, whereupon she requested them to retire; +but after Bristol had grumblingly disappeared, and Fox +had got to the door, she recalled the latter and asked +him anxiously if he would not open it for her. He +gallantly agreed to, and got down on his knees upon the +carpet and began taking off the cover.</p> + +<p>"I do wonder what it can be!" said Mrs. Winslow +anxiously.</p> + +<p>"I can't find anything but bran," returned Fox, digging +about the box carefully.</p> + +<p>"Bran!" she exclaimed incredulously; "that box is +too heavy for bran."</p> + +<p>Fox dug away for a little while longer and finally shouted, +"I've got something!"</p> + +<p>"And what is that something?"</p> + +<p>The question was answered by the thing itself, which +now appeared from the bottom of the box, vigorously lifted +by Fox's hand and plumped through the bran upon the +carpet.</p> + +<p>"Well, what is it?" she demanded.</p> + +<p>"Vegetable," said Fox tersely.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span></p><p>"Oh, pshaw! is <em>that</em> all?" asked the disgusted woman.</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's all," he replied, after digging about in the +bran for a moment. Mrs. Winslow also satisfied herself +that it was all by searching in the bran, and the two then +proceeded to investigate the vegetable.</p> + +<p>"It's a turnip, and somebody's been digging in it," +said Mrs. Winslow.</p> + +<p>"I think you are mistaken," mildly interposed Fox. +"It's something else entirely."</p> + +<p>"What's this!" exclaimed the woman; "sure as I +live, a cross-bones and skull on one side, and on the +other side, 'D-e-a-d'—dead!"</p> + +<p>"It isn't dead turnip!" interrupted Fox.</p> + +<p>"Dead beet?" she asked musingly, a sudden crimson +flooding into her face.</p> + +<p>"Shouldn't wonder," he answered.</p> + +<p>Biting her lips she glided to a window. It was a cold +autumn day, and the panes rattled drearily as she seemed +to shrink and hide between them and the heavy curtains, +while the color came and went hotly in her face. It hurt +her, wounded her, showed her to be the thing she was +in a way that could never have been effected by ten thousand +innuendoes or direct charges; and she pressed her +face against the cold panes as if to force and drive away +the hideous picture that a momentarily honest glimpse of +herself had revealed to her, and continued standing +thus, buried in the memories which build remorse, until, +noticing the thing in her hand which had caused this humiliation, +she flung it violently across the room, and rushing +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span>into her sleeping-room, hastily prepared for going out, +then dashing through the reception-room, she passed into +the hall, and meeting Bristol, said:</p> + +<p>"Bristol, I want you to come with me!"</p> + +<p>Bristol immediately complied, but was given a lively +chase, for Mrs. Winslow was strong of limb, fleet of foot, +and, on this occasion, was impelled by a burst of spirit +which, if rightly directed, would have led a conquering +army.</p> + +<p>She started directly for Main Street, and turned up that +thoroughfare at a pace which attracted considerable attention. +After rapidly walking two blocks she swept +across the street, and after having waited for Bristol to +come up with her, plunged into the little restaurant under +Washington Hall, with my operative close at her heels.</p> + +<p>The sudden entrance of the couple caused a great commotion +in the quaint little eating-room, and the drowsy +customers smiled when they saw the unaccustomed form +of the woman whom the Misses Grim—Tabitha, Amanda +and Hannah—had taken no trouble to prevent being +known as her deadly enemy.</p> + +<p>Tabitha, the most ancient, at once bristled up and took +a position behind her neat counter, her wrinkled head +trembling with so much excitement that her sparse curls +created a kind of quivering nimbus about it.</p> + +<p>"Well, ma'am and what can <em>I</em> do for <em>you</em>?" asked +Tabitha with a flaunt of her head and a sarcastic tinge in +her voice.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow got to the counter in two or three quick<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span> +jumps or starts, and asked, husky with rage, "I—I just +want to know which one of you old straws sent that box +to me?"</p> + +<p>"Box to <em>you</em>!" jerked out Amanda, the next less +ancient of the Misses Grim, who had just entered and at +once stopped stock still to catch Mrs. Winslow's remark; +"box to you? Tush!—box to nobody!" and she too +sidled in behind the counter to reinforce, and tremble +with, her very old sister.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you can't play your innocence on me!" retorted +Mrs. Winslow very violently. "You wear very white +collars, and very black caps and very straight dresses, +and look very saintly, but you're just three old witches; +that's what you are!"</p> + +<p>"Pooh, pooh!" snorted Tabitha and Amanda hysterically.</p> + +<p>"Pooh, pooh! if you like; but if I find out which one +of you sent that box, I'll—I'll shake every bone in her +old body into a match!" shouted Mrs. Winslow, dancing +up and down against the counter and working her fingers +savagely.</p> + +<p>"Match?" responded Hannah, the least ancient and +most fiery of the three virgins, and who entered at this +critical moment; "match indeed! you're a match for +anything villainous!" and then she too trotted behind +the counter to throw the weight of her presence into the +conflict.</p> + +<p>By this time the interested customers had gathered +around, and people from the street, noticing the unwonted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span> +enthusiasm awakened in the Washington Hall restaurant, +were rapidly collecting upon the outside and flattening +their curious noses against the intervening panes.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow could no more control herself than could +the old maids, and quickened by the presence of the +increasing crowd, burst into a screaming demand for the +person who sent the "dead" beet to her.</p> + +<p>"Dead beat!—ha, ha, ha!" laughed the three sisters +convulsively, at once realizing the appropriateness of the +joke and excitedly enjoying it; "dead beat, eh? we +didn't do it!" "But," added Hannah, maliciously, "if +you do find the person as did send it, Mrs. Winslow, and +will send 'em around, we'll board 'em for a month free!"</p> + +<p>There was war, direful war, imminent; and no one +could imagine what might have resulted had the conflict +of tongues culminated in a conflict of hands. But to have +seen the three ancient, prim, and trembling women on +the one side, and the ponderous, though handsome Mrs. +Winslow on the other—the old maids either with arms +akimbo or with hands firmly clenched upon the counter's +edge as if to compel restraint, their bodies weaving back +and forth, their heads bobbing up and down, and their +stray frills and curls wildly dancing as if each particular +hair was in a mad ecstasy of its own; and Mrs. Winslow, +upon her side of the counter, in a perfect frenzy of +excitement, stamping her feet, jumping backward and +forward, bringing her clenched hand down upon the +counter with terrible force for a woman, and shaking it +furiously at the agitated row of old maids, would be to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> +have witnessed a marvellous improvement upon any form +of the Punch and Judy show ever exhibited.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<a href="images/242-243-lg.jpg" class="noline"> +<img src="images/242-243-sm.jpg" width="400" height="257" alt="" title="" /> +<span class="caption"><br /><i>"A marvelous improvement over any form of the Punch and Judy show ever exhibited."—</i></span></a> +</div> + +<p>Bristol saw that unless they were separated he would +become implicated in a case of assault and battery, and +after great effort pacified the women sufficiently to enable +him to pilot his landlady out of the restaurant, through +the streets and finally into her own apartments, where she +passed the remainder of the dreary day in weeping, +storms of baffled rage, or protracted applications to the +spirits which can be controlled, whether one is a spiritualist +or not, so long as money lasts and total prohibition +is not enforced.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Cast down.—"Trifles."—A charitable Offering.—Dreariness.—Going +Crazy.—An interrupted Seance.—A new Form of the Devil.—The +Red-herring Expedition and its Result.—A mad Dutchman.—Desolation.—An +order for a Coffin.—The sympathizing Undertaker, Mr. +Boxem.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">M</span>RS. WINSLOW now began to show great perturbation +of spirits. In conversation with my detectives, +who endeavored to cheer her up and lead her +to regard these surprises as mere jokes not worth any +person's notice, she constantly argued the opposite, and +thus arguing, conjured up countless possibilities of harm, +gradually working herself into that condition of mind +where every little unusual noise or movement of any person +in the building or upon the street was a signal for +some querulous inquiry or complaint.</p> + +<p>She was also very much worried concerning her suit, +and went about among the Spiritualists seeking their advice +and encouragement, and giving and receiving a good +deal of scandal concerning the case. From one she +would hear that Lyon was employing certain other mediums +in his behalf, and that she had better look out for +them. Another would inform her that Lyon had several +other mistresses, among them a Miss Susie Roberts, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span> +a Madame La Motte, both Spiritualists and mediums, +from whom Lyon intended to prove her bad character, +and whom she, in turn, vowed she would have subpÅ“naed +in her own behalf, and impeach their testimony through +what she could compel them to admit of both themselves +and Lyon. At other places she learned that these persecutions +were Lyon's work entirely, or rather, the work of +his agents, principal among whom were the two ladies +mentioned. And, in fact, wherever she went she heard +or found something to give her uneasiness or cause her +unrest.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she said sadly to my operatives, "I can't stand +this sort of thing much longer."</p> + +<p>"Oh, nonsense!" rejoined Bristol; "you haven't been +hurt, have you?"</p> + +<p>"No; but I can't tell when I shall be. That's what I +can't bear."</p> + +<p>"But I thought you were a woman of too great force +of character to allow trifles to trouble you," exclaimed +Fox tauntingly.</p> + +<p>"Trifles!" said she hotly; "trifles! Is expecting +every moment to be murdered, or blown up, a trifle? Is +fearing that everything you taste will poison you, or everything +you touch do you deadly harm, a trifle?"</p> + +<p>"People will think you deserve to be annoyed if you +show them you are annoyed," argued Fox.</p> + +<p>"I have long since ceased to care what people think. +Sometimes I am sure I hate every human being; and I +do believe the more the world hates me, the more money<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span> +I make. If these things are not stopped soon, I tell you," +she continued in a tone of voice that seemed to say they +could stay the annoyances if they would, "I'll go to St +Louis and attend to my cases there!"</p> + +<p>This opened the eyes of my operatives, and they simultaneously +conveyed the intimation to each other that careful +working might secure some information about any St. +Louis cases the woman might have which would be desirable; +and in a short time, by gradually leading Mrs. +Winslow on, they discovered that the brazen adventuress, +according to her own story, had pending no less than +seven cases in the Circuit Court at St. Louis, every one +of them being suits on some trivial, trumped-up charge.</p> + +<p>It seemed fated that Mrs. Winslow should leave Rochester, +if her remaining depended upon these mysterious +offerings ceasing, for while they were yet in conversation +upon the subject, a colored porter called with a great +basket-load of provisions, and without a word, after +spreading a newspaper upon the carpet, began unloading +his store.</p> + +<p>"In heaven's name, who sent you here with those?" +she entreated of the colored gentleman.</p> + +<p>"It's all right; it's all right," he said soothingly, and +winking hard at my operatives.</p> + +<p>"But it isn't all right; it's all wrong!" she retorted, +warming.</p> + +<p>"Guess not, missus; lemme see: Quart split peas, +quart beans, one punking, jug m'lasses, 'n a mackerel. +Done got 'em all, sure!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span></p><p>"Where did they come from, you black imp?" the +woman demanded, advancing threateningly.</p> + +<p>He grabbed his basket quickly, and, slowly retreating +towards the door, winked again very knowingly at Bristol +and Fox, tapped his forehead and shook his head deploringly, +and then nodded towards Mrs. Winslow, very +plainly saying in pantomime, "Poor thing!—badly demented!" +and, as Mrs. Winslow, in the excess of her +anger, made a dive at him, he sprang back through the +door, ejaculating, "Lo'd, <em>ain't</em> she crazy, though!" and +made good his escape, laughing with that expression of +complete enjoyment which only an Ethiopian can give.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow was now thoroughly convinced that the +two men who had been her constant companions of late +had had something to do with annoying her, and she cunningly +followed the negro to the store where he was employed, +where she at once sharply questioned the proprietor, +who told her just as sharply that only a few minutes +before, a ministerial-looking man, claiming to be city missionary +for some church up-town, called and purchased the +goods, remarking that they were for some crazy woman +living in the block next to Meech's opera-house, whom +he had just visited, and found to be possessed of the +peculiar mania that she would receive no provisions save +in full dress in the presence of her physicians, and that it +was his desire to so humor her. So he had entrusted the +errand to the colored man, who had carried out the instructions +given him; and that that was all there was +about it.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span></p><p>When she returned crestfallen to the apartments, and +Bristol and Fox had heard her story, they so derided it, +claiming that the groceryman had fallen in love with her +and invented the story upon the spur of the moment, fearing +to disclose his languishing affection, she now believed +that they were innocent of complicity in the +matter and seemed to lapse into a bewildered sort of +condition, where she would wander about the rooms, suspiciously +pass and repass my operatives and searchingly +scrutinize their faces, and for long periods stand at the +dreary window peering into the street as if into a dead +blank, never noticing the scurrying snow-flakes which +were coming as a silent prelude to another winter, and +only occasionally breaking the silence by murmuring, +"Crazy? crazy? Yes, I <em>shall</em> become so if these terrible +things are not stopped!"</p> + +<p>But Mrs. Winslow had seen too much of life and was +too hard a citizen generally to be terribly borne down by +these manifestations for any great length of time, though +they completely overpowered her at their occurrence, and +she was allowed to become quite cheery before being +favored with another materialization, which came in the +following manner.</p> + +<p>They were having a pleasant little seance in the rooms +one evening soon after the colored grocery porter had +accused Mrs. Winslow of being crazy, and the several +ladies and gentlemen collected there were engaged in +communing with the Spiritualistic heaven in the old and +very common table-rapping method. They were, as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span> +a rule, lank, lean people, the ladies wearing short hair, +and the gentlemen wearing long hair. This, with a few +other affectations and irregularities, was nothing against +them, had it not been equally as true that, according to +my operatives' subsequent inquiries, every member of this +company was either living in open adultery or practising +all manner of lewdness without even the convenient cloak +of an assumption or pretension that the marriage relations +existed. But, good or bad as they were, they were at +the threshold of heaven, and had very appropriately +darkened the room to get as near to it as possible without +being seen, and only the faintest possible jet flickered +in the chandelier. They had all, save Mrs. Winslow, +been served with a message, and she was now the +inquirer, solemnly asking of another medium some information +from the dear departed from over the river.</p> + +<p>"Shall I soon receive word from an absent friend?"—(evidently +meaning Le Compte, who had disappeared +a month or two previous). Three affirmative raps +followed.</p> + +<p>"Shall I succeed in my case against Lyon?" The +spirits were certain that she would.</p> + +<p>"Shall I be rewarded for all my trouble?" she asked, +waiting tremblingly for an answer.</p> + +<p>To this inquiry three thundering raps were heard at the +door.</p> + +<p>What could it mean?</p> + +<p>The members of the little circle were completely unnerved. +And it was not strange either. Here were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> +nearly a dozen people closely huddled in the centre of a +room so dark that only the dim, indistinct outline of any +person, or thing, could be seen in the ghostly gloaming. +They believed, pretended they believed, or acquiesced in +the belief or pretension, that they were in direct communication +with the spirit-land.</p> + +<p>In the most ridiculous condition of mind which any +person might enter into such a performance, the secrecy +and mysteriousness of the seance, the hushed silence, the +darkness, and that tension of the mind caused by a constant +expectation of some startling manifestation, will +compel in the most sceptical mind a strange feeling of +solemnity akin to awe; so that when Mrs. Winslow's last +inquiry was answered so pat, as well as with such an +alarming loudness, the entire company sprang to their +feet, and on this occasion there was genuine surprise in +the faces of my detectives.</p> + +<p>Bang, bang, bang! came the second series of raps, +which promised Mrs. Winslow she should be "rewarded +for all her trouble."</p> + +<p>But the answer, in the way it came, didn't seem to satisfy +her. Somebody stepped to the chandelier and +turned on the light, which showed all the company to have +been considerably startled; but the hostess was white +from fear.</p> + +<p>"Won't <em>somebody</em> see what new form of the devil has +been sent here to annoy me?" she asked passionately.</p> + +<p>Fox, as "somebody," stepped briskly to the door and +turned the key just as the first "Bang!" of another<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> +series of raps was begun, and opening it quickly discovered +a dapper young fellow with a big black bottle held +by the neck in his hand, which was raised for the purpose +of giving the door bang number two.</p> + +<p>In response to Fox's loud and sharp inquiry as to what +on earth was wanted, he reversed the position of the +bottle with the dexterity of a bar-tender, took from the +floor a huger basket than that brought by the colored porter, +and slipping into the room, nodded familiarly to Mrs. +Winslow, and then coolly to the company, after which he +quietly proceeded to unload his store.</p> + +<p>"Great heavens!" said she despairingly, "I <em>don't</em> want +those things left here. I have no need for anything of +the kind. I take my meals at the Osborne House!"</p> + +<p>"Gettin' 'toney' lately!" responded the intruder with +a shrug, piling the packages up neatly in one corner and +taking no heed of her expressed wish concerning them.</p> + +<p>There was no response to this, and he resumed in a +light and airy tone: "Times has changed, Mrs. ——; eh? +What <em>was</em> it at Memphis and Helena, anyhow?"</p> + +<p>This reference to the less aristocratic, though quite as +respectable, vocation of a female camp-follower, though +it caused the woman to change color rapidly, only brought +from her the remark, "I don't know what you mean, sir! +I'll get even with whoever is responsible for this outrage"—here +she glared around upon the company as if to +ascertain whether any one present was guilty—"if it +costs me a thousand dollars!"</p> + +<p>The new-comer only smiled sarcastically at this and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span> +checked off his packages, concluding the operation by +carefully counting two dozen red herrings, whose aroma +was sufficient to announce their presence if he had not +exhibited them at all; while members of the company +looked about them and at each other as if for some explanation +of the strange proceeding.</p> + +<p>Finally, Mrs. Winslow, with a mighty effort to restrain +herself, advanced and asked the young man if he would +not please give her the name of the person to whom she +was indebted for the articles.</p> + +<p>He arose, and smiling blandly, remarked, "You didn't +used to be so particular about presents and such things!" +Then he added with a meaning leer: "At Helena and +St. Louis, ye know, old girl!"</p> + +<p>"Old girl!" the ladies all screamed. "Why what +<em>does</em> this mean, Mrs. Winslow?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing, nothing!" she replied hastily; and then she +hurried the too talkative young fellow away, and came +back into the room with a show of gayety. But it broke +up the little party, and soon after the ladies, with frigid +excuses about not having very much time, and the gentlemen, +with peculiar glances out of the corners of their +eyes towards the woman who had been so familiarly termed +an "old girl," took their departure, leaving Bristol, +Fox, Mrs. Winslow and the melancholy pile of packages +surmounted by aromatic red herrings in a state of solemn, +moody silence.</p> + +<p>Bristol was first to break the stillness, which he did by +asking rather testily:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span></p><p>"You think Fox and I have had something to do with +this, don't you?"</p> + +<p>She looked at him a moment as if she would read his +innermost thoughts, and replied: "No, I don't! It comes +from some of those strumpets of mediums, and I would +give a good deal—a good deal, mind you, Bristol!—to +know who it was. I'd—I'd——"</p> + +<p>"What would you do?" asked Fox, putting her on her +mettle for a savage answer.</p> + +<p>"I would either burn them out, poison them, push them +over the falls, or lie in wait for them and shoot them!"</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow said this with as much sincerity and +coolness as if giving an estimate on any ordinary business +transaction, and evidently meant it.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you wouldn't kill anybody, Winslow," replied Fox +airily.</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't I, though, Mr. Fox?" she rejoined with the +old glitter in her eyes and paleness upon her upper lip +that had at an earlier period worried the Rev. Mr. Bland; +"wouldn't I? If you had fifty thousand dollars in your +trunk, I would kill you, appropriate the money, cut you +up and pack you in the trunk and ship you to the South—or +some other hot climate by the next express!"</p> + +<p>She was just as earnest about the remark as she would +have been in carrying out the act; and after Fox had congratulated +himself, both aloud cheerfully and in his own +mind very thankfully, that neither his trunk, or for that +matter his imagination, contained any such gorgeous sum, +he went to his own room for the night, leaving the very excited +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span>Mrs. Winslow and the very calm Mr. Bristol to contemplate +the groceries and each other.</p> + +<p>After a few minutes' brown study she suddenly turned +to her companion with: "Bristol, you and I are pretty +good friends, aren't we?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly," he replied.</p> + +<p>"And haven't I always treated you pretty well?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; with one exception."</p> + +<p>"What is that?"</p> + +<p>"The sleep-walking you did in my room."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's nothing, Bristol. Never happened but +once, and won't occur again. Otherwise I have treated +you pretty well, haven't I?"</p> + +<p>Bristol felt compelled to confess that she had.</p> + +<p>"Well, then," she continued wheedlingly, "will you do +me a favor?"</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"I want you to take a walk with me."</p> + +<p>"Pretty late, Winslow, pretty late; nearly ten o'clock," +replied the detective, looking at his watch.</p> + +<p>"The later the better," she replied earnestly. "I want +to use those herrings."</p> + +<p>"Use those herrings! Why, there are at least two +dozen. How on earth will you use them all?"</p> + +<p>"Some of these humbug mediums," replied Mrs. Winslow +in a style of expression that showed her to be very +familiar with the Spiritualists, "or old Lyon himself, +have sent me these things. I'm going to adorn the door +knob of every one of their places with a string of herrings. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span>In that way I'll hit the right one sure. Come, won't you +go?"</p> + +<p>Bristol saw that the woman would go anyhow, and fearing +that she might get into some trouble that would cause +her arrest and thus expose him and Bristol to public +notice, which a capable detective will always avoid, consented +to accompany the woman, which so pleased her +that she immediately sent out for brandy, and not only +imbibed an inordinate amount of it herself, but also +pressed it upon Bristol unsparingly.</p> + +<p>Her mind seemed filled with the idea that Lyon had +become the "affinity" of nearly every female medium of +prominence in the city in order to further his designs +against her; and to remind them that they were watched, +she had Bristol write "Lyon-La Motte," "Lyon-Roberts," +"Lyon- ——," etc., upon about a half-dozen couples of +herrings, and upon all the rest, save those intended for the +Misses Grim, which were labelled "Tabitha, Amanda, and +Hannah," she had written the names of the different +ladies who, in her imagination, had supplanted her, and +tied all the herrings so labelled together with one very dilapidated +herring marked "Lyon." It is needless to say +that the latter bundle of sarcasm was intended for the +ornamentation of Mr. Lyon's residence.</p> + +<p>Bristol felt like a very bad thief, and Mrs. Winslow +acted like a very foolish one. The moment they gained +the street she began a series of absurd performances that +well-nigh distracted Bristol and greatly increased the +danger of police surveillance. She laughed hysterically,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> +chuckled, and expressed her delight in a noisy effort to +repress it, until the tears would roll down her face. Occasionally +they would meet or pass parties who knew +her, who would say to companions, in the tone and manner +with which they would have probably spoken of other +sensations, "There's the Winslow!" when she would +shrink and shudder up to Bristol's side, begging for the +shelter and protection of his capacious cloak. Again, +imagining she saw somebody following them, or was sure +that loungers lingering in deserted doorways or at the +entrance to dark hallways or alleys were detectives on +their trail, she would give the patient Bristol such nudges +as nearly took his breath away, and, at his lively protest, +would whimper and tremble like a querulous child.</p> + +<p>Their first work was to be done on State Street, near +Main, and when they had arrived at a certain hallway, +Mrs. Winslow insisted that Bristol should accompany her +to the rooms which she desired to decorate. This he +flatly refused to do, when she began moaning something +about want of spirit, and then, with a sudden gathering +of the admirable quality for her own use, stole quietly up +stairs and in a moment after came plunging down, as if +the inmates of the entire block had turned out to give her +chase. But this was not the case, and the expedition +progressed without any developments of note, Mrs. La +Motte, Miss Susie Roberts, and the Misses Grim being +properly remembered, until they arrived at Mr. Lyon's +residence, some little distance from the thickly settled +portions of the city.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span></p><p>The house was one of the rambling, moss-covered +buildings of ancient style and structure, and was set back +from the road some distance among a score of trees +quite as grand and ancient as the mansion itself; and +the old pile did have a gloomy appearance to the +adventurous couple that paused breathlessly before the +gates.</p> + +<p>"Bristol," said Mrs. Winslow shiveringly, "do you +know that sometimes, when I see that great black pile up +there, I'm glad he didn't marry me?"</p> + +<p>"Why?" her companion impatiently asked. He was +getting cold and tired, and was in no condition to appreciate +maudlin melancholy.</p> + +<p>"Because I'm sure I'd die in the old rack-o'-bones of +a place; and besides that, I'm sure there are spooks +there!"</p> + +<p>"Pooh, pooh!" sneered Bristol angrily; "go along +and attend to your business, or I'll go back and leave +you!"</p> + +<p>Thus admonished, the sentimental lady proceeded with +her work.</p> + +<p>For some reason the gate was very hard to open, and +considerable time was consumed in getting into the +grounds. Then it was a long walk to the house. Bristol +anxiously watched the woman move slowly along the +broad walk until she disappeared in the shadows which +surrounded the house and the darkness of the night; and +it seemed an age to him, as he stamped his feet as hard +as he dare upon the stone pavement and whipped his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span> +hands about his shoulders to drive away the chilliness +which he found creeping on.</p> + +<p>He heard her footsteps first, then saw her emerge from +the gloom, and finally saw her stop as if to listen. He +also listened very intently, and thought he heard somebody +moving about the house; and was immediately +satisfied of the correctness of his hearing by noticing +that Mrs. Winslow suddenly turned towards the road +and made remarkably good time to the gate, which, +feeling sure of trouble, he made strenuous efforts to +open.</p> + +<p>"For heaven's sake, Bristol," she gasped, "why <em>don't</em> +you open this gate. I'll be eaten up with the dogs, and +we'll both be caught!"</p> + +<p>The last clause of Mrs. Winslow's remark roused +Bristol to a vigorous exercise of his muscle. He tugged +away at the gate, shook it, threw himself against it from +one side, and his companion threw herself against it from +the other side; but all in vain. Not a moment was to be +lost. Lights were seen flashing to and fro in the great +mansion, angry voices came to them, with the by nowise +cheering short, gruff, savage responses of loosened bulldogs, +and in a moment more the front door was passed +by two men and as many dogs that came dashing out in +full pursuit.</p> + +<p>Matters at the gate were approaching a crisis. The +gate could not be opened, and Mrs. Winslow must pass +it or get captured.</p> + +<p>"Climb or die!" urged Bristol, reaching through the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span> +pickets of the gate, which was a high one, and lifting on +the portly form of the excited woman.</p> + +<p>"I will, Bristol!" she returned, with a gasp.</p> + +<p>And she did climb!</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<a href="images/258-259-lg.jpg" class="noline"> +<img src="images/258-259-sm.jpg" width="400" height="252" alt="" title="" /> +<span class="caption"><br /><i>"And she did climb!"—</i></span></a> +</div> + +<p>It was best that she did so, as a good deal of trouble +was coming down that brick walk like a small hurricane, +and it would logically strike her in a position and from +a direction that would not enable her to respond; and +if either or both of those dogs had been able to have +grasped the situation, partially impaled as she was upon +the pickets, the fascinating Mrs. Winslow would have +fallen an easy prey.</p> + +<p>She was very clumsy about it, but in her desperation +she in some way managed to scale the gate, leaving a +good portion of her skirts and dress flying signals of distress +upon the pickets, and finally fell into Bristol's arms. +It was a moment when silk and fine raiment were as +bagatelle in the estimate of chances for escape, and it was +but the work of an instant for Bristol to tear her like a +ship from her fastenings and make a grand rush towards +home.</p> + +<p>Those portions of Mrs. Winslow's garments which were +left flaunting upon the gate not only set the dogs wild, +but served to detain them. The men were also halted a +minute by the natural curiosity they awakened, after +which they made a furious onslaught upon the gate, that +only yielded after sufficient time had elapsed to enable +the culprits to get some distance ahead, when the men +and dogs started pell-mell down the street after them.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span></p><p>Bristol fortunately remembered that when they were +nearing Lyon's house, he had noticed that the door leading +to an alley in the rear of a pretentious residence had +been blown open and was then swaying back and forth in +the wind. With the advantage in the chase given by the +dog's criticism upon Mrs. Winslow's wearing apparel and +the men's hinderance at the gate, they were able to seek +shelter here, which they did with the utmost alacrity, +fastening the gate behind them, where they tremblingly +listened to the pursuers tearing by.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow insisted on immediately rushing out and +taking the other direction, but Bristol, feeling sure that +the party would go but a short distance, held on to her +until the two men returned with the dogs, swearing at +their luck, and telling each other wonderful tales of burglaries +that never took place, while Bristol thoughtfully +put in the time by making Mrs. Winslow's skirts as presentable +as possible, by the aid of the pins which every +prudent man carries under the right-hand collar of his +coat, and hurriedly ascertaining from her that she had unfortunately +tied the herrings upon the door-bell instead of +the door-knob, thus involving pursuit.</p> + +<p>After everything had become quiet, and Bristol had +made several expeditions of observation to doubly assure +himself of the coast being clear, the couple stole cautiously +out of the alley into the deserted street, and after +much precaution and many alarms, caused by the creaking +of signs, the sudden flaring of gas-lamps, and the fierce +gusts of wind dashing after and into them around the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span> +sharp corners of buildings, they at last arrived at home +past midnight; and, having ordered it as they neared the +block, for a half-hour longer they sipped hot toddy by a +rousing coal fire, recounting their exploits of the night, +and eventually retiring with something of the spirit of +conquerors upon them.</p> + +<p>Down came the snow and the wind next morning, two +things which will usually in early winter call a whole cityful +out of bed, and set the human tides in a rapid motion. +Fox and Bristol had long before got into the streets and +had heartily enjoyed some newspaper items, one recounting +racily the outrage of labeled herrings being hung to +the door-knobs of the houses of many respectable citizens, +and another, under glaring head-lines, giving the minutest +details of a desperate attempt at burglary of Mr. Lyon's +house, and a double-leaded editorial which agonizedly +asked in every variety of form, "Where are our police?" +But Mrs. Winslow, from her adventures and toddy of +the previous night, slept late and long, and when she did +come creeping out into the sleeping-room, half dressed +and altogether unlovely in disposition and appearance, +she looked out upon the snow-flakes and the crowds of +people without any emotion save that of anger at being +aroused.</p> + +<p>The only thing to be seen of anything like an unusual +object was a very large load of hay standing at the entrance +of the building; but of course this had no particular +interest to a Spiritualist. She had had a half-formed +impression that she had heard knocking at the door, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span> +she turned from the window to ascertain whether that impression +had been correct. Throwing a shawl about her +head and shoulders, she unlocked the door and peered out +cautiously. There was nobody there, and the wind whistled +up the stairs so drearily that she closed the door with +a slam, and after starting up the fire, which was slumbering +on the hearth, she crept into bed again.</p> + +<p>She had no more than got at the drowsy threshold of +dreamland than she was startled by a loud knocking, this +time proceeding from something besides an impression of +the mind, each knock being accompanied by some lively +expression of German impatience. The demonstration +was intelligible, if the words were not, and Mrs. Winslow +bounded out of her bed and into the reception-room in +no pleasant frame of mind.</p> + +<p>On protecting her form as much as her indelicate disposition +required—and that was not much—she flung the +door open and savagely asked:</p> + +<p>"What's wanted?"</p> + +<p>"Ef you keep a man skivering and frozing to died mit +der vind und schnow-vlakes, I guess mebby I charge more +as ten dollars a don for 'em!"</p> + +<p>He was all smiles at first, but he resented her brusque +manner as swiftly and severely as he could with his broken +brogue. He was an honest, broad-shouldered, big-headed +German farmer, and though wrapped and wound from +head to foot in woollens, the only thing that seemed warm +about him was his glowing pipe and his disturbed temper. +He shook his head at the woman, and again began a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span> +stammering recital of his wrongs, when she cut him short +with:</p> + +<p>"You're crazy!"</p> + +<p>"Grazy? Of I make a foolishness of a fellar like as +you do—well, dot's all right!" and he stood up very +straight and puffed great clouds of smoke past her into +her elegant room.</p> + +<p>She had got a stolid customer on hand, and she +saw it. So she asked him civilly what he wanted at <em>her</em> +door.</p> + +<p>"Yust told me vere ish der parn, und I don't trouble +you no more."</p> + +<p>"Whose barn?"</p> + +<p>"Vere der hay goes."</p> + +<p>"Hay? What hay? I don't know anything about +any hay," she replied, laughing at his perplexity.</p> + +<p>"I shtand here an hour already, und ven I got you +up no satisfagtion comes. Py Shupiter, dot goes like a +schwindle!"</p> + +<p>He was very mad by this time, and walked back and +forth in front of her door, shaking his fists and gesticulating +wildly; and to prevent a scene, which might cause a +collection of the inmates of the building, she quieted him +as much as possible, and ascertained that some obliging +person, more enthusiastic about the amount than the +character of some token of esteem, had taken the trouble +to order a load of hay to be delivered at her number, +describing the place, room, and woman so minutely that +there could be no possibility of mistake, where the owner<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span> +was to collect all additional charges above two dollars, +which had been paid.</p> + +<p>It took Mrs. Winslow a long time to persuade the farmer +that she owned no barn, kept no animals, had no use +for hay, and that there had been some mistake, or that +some person had deliberately played a joke upon <em>him</em>, +but finally, after a shivering argument of fully fifteen minutes, +and the expenditure of a dollar bill, with the seductive +offer that she would give him ten dollars if he would +find and bring to her the man who ordered the load, her +obstinate visitor departed, roundly swearing in good German +that he would have the <i>Gottferdamter schwindler</i> +brought up by der city gourts and hung, to which Mrs. +Winslow groaned a hearty approval as she shut the door +of the—to her—desolate room.</p> + +<p>If there had previously been any doubts in her mind +as to there being a preconcerted plan to annoy and exasperate +her beyond endurance, they were now entirely removed, +and the woman broke down completely, wringing +her hands in mute expression of bitter anguish. The +storm without was not half so violent as the storm within, +and the blinding flakes which swept from the bitter sky +raged upon a no more barren, frozen, desolate soil than +her own selfish heart.</p> + +<p>There may be a kind of pity for such a woman; there +should be pity for every form of human suffering, or even +depravity; but in my mind there should be none to verge +from pity into palliation and excuse for this woman. +Great as was her mental suffering, there was in it not a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span> +single touch of remorse. Terribly as her mind was +racked and tortured with doubt, uncertainty, fear, and +despair, there was in it no trace of the womanhood which, +however low it may descend, is still capable of regret. +She was not heart-sick for the life she was leading, but +dreaded the punishment she knew it deserved. Her +nature had never shrunk from the countless miseries she +had entailed on others, and her heart never misgave her +only in the absence of her kind of happiness or in the +superstitious fear of the evils which she felt assured were +constantly her due. She was, as far as I ever knew, or +can conceive, a soulless woman whose troubles only produced +vindictiveness, whose utter aim in life was social +piracy, whose injuries only begat hate, and whose sufferings +only concentrated her exhaustless hunger and thirst +for revenge.</p> + +<p>After the first burst of rage and passion, she settled +down into a condition of deep study and planning, and +about the middle of the afternoon began passing in and +out and visiting various places, in a way which, though it +might not particularly attract attention, yet betokened some +business project being resolutely and quietly carried out.</p> + +<p>During one of the periods when she was within her +apartments, quite a commotion was raised in the lower +story, the stores of which were occupied by a tobacconist +and milliner, by a call from a prominent undertaker of +Main Street, who with a mysterious air exhibited the following +note, at the same time asking whispered conundrums +about it.</p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="smcap">"Mr. Boxem:</p> + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>—Please quietly deliver a full-sized coffin +at No. — South St. Paul Street, at the first room to the +right of the stairway as it reaches the third floor. Enclosed +please find five dollars, in part payment. Will +make it an object to you to ask no questions below, and +deliver the coffin as soon after dark as possible.</p> + +<p class="ralign"><span class="pad-r">(Signed)</span> "<span class="smcap">Mrs. A. J. W——.</span>"</p></div> + +<p>Mr. Boxem was by no means a solemn man; but he +had a heavy bass voice, which he used to such great effect +in asking questions below stairs, that he succeeded in +creating a fine horror there, so that by the time he had +proceeded to Mrs. Winslow's rooms, it was settled in the +minds of the tobacconist and the milliner, their employees, +and any customers of either who had happened in during +Mr. Boxem's preliminary investigation, that each and +every one's previous solemn prediction as to "<em>something</em> +being wrong upstairs" had now come true, as they each +and every one reminded the other that "Oh, I told you +so!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Boxem, finding Mrs. Winslow's door ajar, quietly +stepped in and reverently removed his sombre crape +hat.</p> + +<p>"Evening, ma'am," he said politely, but with a professional +shade of sympathy in the greeting.</p> + +<p>"And what do <em>you</em> want?" she asked in a kind of desperation, +noticing an open letter in his hand.</p> + +<p>"Your order, you know," he replied tenderly; "these<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span> +things are sad and have to be borne. Can't possibly be +helped, more 'n one can help coming into the world."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow could not reply from rage and anger, and +hiding her face in her hands, walked to the window.</p> + +<p>"No, it's the <em>way</em> of the world," continued Boxem, +with a sigh; "ah—hem!—might I ask if <em>it</em> is in there?" +he concluded, producing a tape-line case.</p> + +<p>"It?—in God's name, what <em>it</em>!" sobbed the woman.</p> + +<p>"Why—the—the"—stammered her visitor somewhat +abashed, "the body—the corpse, you know! Have +come to measure it. Painful, I know; but business is +business, if it's only coffin business; and I can't possibly +do a neat job without I get a good measure. Something +like the tailoring trade, you see!"</p> + +<p>"Body?—corpse?—come to measure it? Oh, I shall +go wild, I shall go wild," persisted the woman, half frantic +at the intimation which came to her that a corpse was +not only in her place, but in the very room where she +slept, and that this fiend who was pursuing her—this +Nemesis, who struck her pride, her ambition, her desires, +her very life, at every move she made, had actually sent +an undertaker there to measure the dead body.</p> + +<p>It is hard to tell what would have happened if the good +sense of the undertaker had not come to the relief of the +situation; and, hastily answering her that there had probably +been some mistake, that the order was probably +meant for the next block, and offering other similar +excuses while hastily apologizing for the intrusion, Mr. +Boxem very sensibly went back to his business and his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span> +coffins, five dollars ahead until more promising inquiries +should bring to light the friend of the alleged dead, and +the owner of the money, who, fortunately for Mr. Boxem, +has not appeared to this day.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Breaking up.—Doubts and Queries.—Suspected Developments.—The +Detectives completely outwitted.—On the Trail again.—From +Rochester to St. Louis.—A prophetic Hotel Clerk.—More Detectives +and more Need for them.—Lightning Changes.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">B</span>RISTOL and Fox happened around in time to participate +in the general excitement which the undertaker's +visit had awakened, and after getting as full particulars +as possible from the people below, who refused to +believe that some dark deed had not been committed upstairs, +they proceeded to the rooms, where they found the +door to Mrs. Winslow's private apartment closed, and the +two, finding no opportunity to converse with their landlady, +shortly went out for supper.</p> + +<p>On their return they found Mrs. Winslow in a remarkably +pleasant frame of mind, and quite full of jokes about +the order for a coffin—so much so, in fact, that my operatives +were quite surprised at the change from her previous +demeanor under similar circumstances. Altogether they +passed one of the pleasantest evenings since they became +the woman's tenants. Several ladies that lived in the same +building were invited in, refreshments of wines and some +rare fruits out of season were served, singing, card-playing,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span> +and piano-playing with some waltzing were indulged in, +and it was noticed by the two men that Mrs. Winslow +was almost hysterically happy, as if she had decided upon +some exceedingly brilliant and satisfactory plan, the execution +of which was being preluded in this way.</p> + +<p>At the close of the evening she casually announced +that the next time she had any company she hoped to +show them a better place.</p> + +<p>Somebody at once inquired if she was going away, +whereupon she gayly replied that instead of going away she +was going to make better arrangements for staying. She +had intended all along, she said, tidying up the place, but +had been so lazy that she had kept neglecting it until it +was really too bad, and now she had decided to begin +tearing up things to-morrow.</p> + +<p>In answer to Bristol and Fox's inquiries as to what was +to be done with them in the meantime, she said that she +had already arranged that, and had secured a pleasant +room at the Osborn House, where they were to remain +without additional expense to themselves until she had +concluded her changes. This rather dashed the operatives, +but they made no further remark upon the subject +until the company had dispersed, when they urged the +propriety, both on the grounds of economy and convenience +of "doubling up," as Bristol termed it, in one room until +another was finished, and then removing to that, until their +respective apartments had been renovated. But Mrs. +Winslow was obdurate, alleging that on account of these +annoyances she had become weak and nervous of late,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span> +and did not desire to be annoyed with either the argument +or arrangement.</p> + +<p>So that early on the next morning, when Mrs. Winslow +announced to the detectives that an express wagon was in +waiting to convey their baggage to the Osborn House, +there was no alternative but to go, as the persons engaged +to do the renovating were on hand and had already begun +their work of turning the rooms into chaos. Mrs. Winslow +assured them that but a few days would elapse before +they would all be together again in their old quarters; +and as they grumblingly went away complaining of +short notice and the like, she bade them a merry good-by, +adding that she should stay about with some of her +Spiritualistic friends in the city, and perhaps take a little +trip down to Batavia; but in any event would let them +know the first moment that the rooms were ready for +occupancy.</p> + +<p>While Bristol and Fox were settling themselves in their +new quarters they indulged in a very heated argument as +to Mrs. Winslow's object in this all but forcibly ejecting +them from their rooms, which they had occupied so long +that they had come to consider them something of a +home; as to whether Mrs. Winslow meant to do without +their presence hereafter or not, Bristol feeling sure that +the woman meditated some future action which was to relieve +herself of their society, if indeed it did not mean +more than that, while Fox felt equally as certain that the +whole affair was only one of the whimful woman's whims, +that, being satisfied, would result in their early recall.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span></p><p>In any event in this way the combination of mediumistic +and detective talent was broken up.</p> + +<p>I was at once informed about the turn things had +taken, and ordered that extra diligence should be used +in keeping the woman under notice, as I felt apprehensive +that making her rooms tidy was not her object at all. +I had no right to detain her, go wherever she might; but +Lyon's counsel had been for some time absent from +Rochester, and some things in connection with the defence +had not yet received proper attention. The depositions +as to the woman's character and adventures +throughout Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri had not yet +been taken, nor indeed had the very necessary formula +of serving notice upon Mrs. Winslow of the proposed +taking of such evidence been gone through; so that, as it +would require some time to take this evidence after +notice had been served, it was very desirable that she +should be kept in sight.</p> + +<p>The next development, showing her to be a very +shrewd woman, was in her sending word over to the hotel, +the same day that my operatives left her rooms, that she +had been taken suddenly and severely ill, and had been +obliged to turn over the work to a lady friend of hers, and +might not be able to resume the supervision of it for several +days.</p> + +<p>Bristol called, ostensibly to tender his condolence, but +was unable to find Mrs. Winslow, being met by a very smart +little lady, who informed him that it would be impossible +to see his former landlady, as she was extremely ill and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span> +could not be at present disturbed; but that should any +change in her condition occur, both he and Fox should be +promptly informed. I had instructed them to do their +best in watching the premises, which I am satisfied they +had done, and I had also put the two other men, Grey +and Watson, on the lookout, but none of them had observed +her either pass out of or into the place, and they +began to be convinced that she really was lying ill within +the building.</p> + +<p>During this condition of things, and being somewhat +anxious about the matter, I went to Rochester myself, +and held a consultation with my men, having the block +further examined under various guises and pretexts, +which proved beyond doubt that the woman was gone, +and had probably left the building a very few minutes +after the operatives had departed; and, for some reason +best known to herself, but probably on account of the +mysterious annoyances which had been following each +other very rapidly, had either left the city entirely or was +hiding very closely within it, with a view to discover +whether, with the two men out of her society, and herself +in peaceful retiracy, she could not ascertain from what +source her troubles came, or avoid them altogether.</p> + +<p>To my further annoyance, the magnificent Harcout appeared +and kindly offered me countless suggestions and +theories, which were each one considered by Mr. Harcout +to be worthy of immediate adoption; and in order to get +rid of him, I was obliged to appear to acquiesce in an imaginative +theory of Mrs. Winslow's flight to New York,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span> +and represent myself as so interested in his idea of how +she could be traced to her hiding-place, that I desired of +him as a personal favor that he would follow the trail, +giving him a man, and the man a wink—and there never +was a finer picture of pomposity and assumption than +when Harcout and his man started for New York. Rid +of him, I again turned to my work of getting upon the +right trail.</p> + +<p>I was sure the woman had left the city, and further inquiry +at the rooms convinced me that I was correct. +The little woman finally acknowledged flatly that she had +gone, but would under no circumstances tell whether she +had left the city or not. She also exhibited a bill of sale +of the goods and a transfer of the lease, and wanted to +know if <em>that</em> did not look as though she had gone? But +she persisted in her refusal to give further information, +and that was the end of it.</p> + +<p>No one had seen any trunks or packages leave the +place, nor could my detectives get any trace of her having +left the city over any of the different roads. Inquiries +made at all the leading livery stables, express and hack-stands, +of the city, failed to discover that Mrs. Winslow +had been conveyed to any near railroad station where she +might have taken a train; nor could it be by any means +ascertained that such a person had purchased a ticket at +any of the adjacent towns for any point to the east, west, +or south.</p> + +<p>In fact, all trace of Mrs. Winslow was lost, and I was +satisfied that she had for some time been sure of the danger +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span>of her surroundings; and, while not able to fasten +any particular suspicious act upon Bristol or Fox, undoubtedly +intuitively felt that they were either directly +responsible for her troubles, or were in some unexplainable +way connected with their cause; and being enough +of a professional litigant to be aware of the necessity of +service of notice upon her as to the taking of evidence +before such evidence could be taken, and that it would +be possible by a sudden disappearance and remaining +secreted until the case might be called, to defeat Lyon's +attorneys from using this mountain of evidence which she +knew existed against her, whether she knew we had collected +it or not, the double motive for her mysterious +absence was plainly apparent.</p> + +<p>Remembering Bristol and Fox's reports as to her threat +to go to St. Louis and "attend to her cases" there unless +the annoyances ceased, and knowing from previous evidence +already secured that she had figured extensively in +various capacities, but principally as Spiritualist, blackmailer +and courtesan in that city, I finally concluded that +she had gone there, though her mode of leaving Rochester, +if she had left the city, had certainly been such as +to demonstrate ability worthy of a better cause.</p> + +<p>I accordingly directed Bristol and Fox to return to +New York, and detailed the two men who had made it +lively for Mrs. Winslow, and who, of course, knew her, but +whom she had not seen face to face, the "materializations" +having all been done for them by other parties, to proceed +to St. Louis in search of her, stopping at any point where<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span> +railroad divergences were made from the trunk lines between +the east and the west, and make extremely diligent +inquiries for her, while I left another man in Rochester +for the purpose of watching for her reappearance there, +which would undoubtedly occur as soon as her former +tenants were gone, in the event that she was secreted in +Rochester, instead of being at the west, and to make this +plan more certain, caused Bristol to write a letter to Mrs. +Winslow, stating that both he and Fox had made numberless +efforts to see her, but, failing to ascertain either +where she was, or the cause of her sudden disappearance, +and both being out of active business, they had concluded +to go on to New York, but would return to Rochester +should she resume charge of the rooms and desire them +for tenants. I made arrangements also at the post-office +to ascertain whether any letters were reforwarded to her +at any point, and also at the express office regarding +packages, so it could be hardly possible for her to keep +up any correspondence or relation of any kind with parties +in Rochester without disclosing her place of retreat.</p> + +<p>Having completed these arrangements, I returned to +New York and anxiously waited for some news from the +West.</p> + +<p>No trace was found of the woman until Operatives +Grey and Watson had arrived at Chicago, where they immediately +circulated among the Spiritualists of that city, +who are both numerous and of rather doubtful moral +standing. They ascertained that a woman answering her +description had been there, and advertised largely under<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span> +another <em>alias</em> than Mrs. Winslow, but nothing definitely +could be learned until in their reports I discovered that +the little Frenchman, Le Compte, was figuring as the +unknown lady's companion and business manager, when +I telegraphed to follow Le Compte and his woman, being +morally certain that these two were Monsieur the Mineral +Locater and the celebrated plaintiff in the Winslow-Lyon +breach of promise suit.</p> + +<p>It was discovered after some trouble, and with the assistance +of my Chicago Agency, that Le Compte had +suddenly left that city for some southern or south-western +point, possibly St. Louis, but no information could be +gained as to what direction Mrs. Winslow had taken, it +being evidently her plan to avoid pursuit, should there be +any made. My conviction still being strong that her objective +point was St. Louis, I ordered the men on there, +without positively knowing that either of the parties were +there; but was gratified to learn that Le Compte had +been in the city, whether he was there or not on the operatives' +arrival. The operatives, Grey and Watson, at +once searched the newspapers and found no advertisements +which would cover the desired couple, or either of +them; but, notwithstanding, visited all the mediums, +clairvoyants, and prominent Spiritualists of the city, but +could find no trace of the fugitives from that generally +very prolific source, and began to have the impression +that her trip there, if she were in the city at all, was one +of pleasure or of blackmail business outside of her regular +clairvoyant line.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span></p><p>The next move made by the men was to search about +among the hotels and boarding-houses, and really ferret +her out. This was a tedious process, and very little +success was made in this endeavor for two or three days, +when one noon, as Grey was wandering about the city in +a seemingly useless endeavor to find the woman, he +stepped into the Denver House, formerly the old City +Hotel, and began to search over the register. He had +not proceeded far when the clerk, eyeing him cautiously, +said:</p> + +<p>"See here, Mister, ain't you lookin' for somebody?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly I am," he replied pleasantly.</p> + +<p>Grey looked at him a moment and saw that he would +not drop the subject, and immediately endeavored to mislead +him by answering, "Of course I am; I came in +from the country this morning, and I don't know what +hotel she was going to."</p> + +<p>"Ah, ha," mused the clerk, as if at loss how to proceed, +"I guess you didn't know where to find her, and +you haven't found her yet, have you?"</p> + +<p>"No," Grey replied quietly.</p> + +<p>"Is she big or little?"</p> + +<p>"Well, she ain't little," answered Grey.</p> + +<p>"Now, see here, my friend, that's all right; but I'm +pretty sure you didn't just come in from the country, and +further, I think I can show you the woman you've been +hunting."</p> + +<p>Grey smiled and intimated that he was perfectly willing +to be shown the woman.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span></p><p>"Well, you just let me have your hat; I'll put it on the +hat-rack inside the dining-room door, then you go to the +wash-room and pass into the dining-room as though you +had forgotten your hat and had come back for it. Look +at the head of the first table over by the windows, and +if you don't find your woman with a little Frenchman, +I'll treat!"</p> + +<p>Grey was surprised at the revelation, as there could be +no possible means for him to know of his mission; but +the clerk's reference to the "little Frenchman" convinced +him that there was something worth following up +in the matter, and he followed his new friend's instructions +implicitly, passed into the dining-room, took his hat +from the rack, turned and got a good view of the fair +Mrs. Winslow and the faultless Monsieur Le Compte, +who were evidently enjoying life as thoroughly as perfect +freedom from restraint, and spiritualistic free love, would +enable them.</p> + +<p>He expressed no surprise, however, at seeing the +woman, and remarked to the clerk as he passed into the +hall, "Why, that isn't any friend of mine!"</p> + +<p>"Nor anybody else's!" said the clerk with a leer. +"But really, now," he anxiously added, "<em>ain't</em> you after +her?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly not," Grey stoutly replied; but as the clerk +took him into the bar-room to treat him according to +agreement, which he submitted to unblushingly, he admitted +that he had a curiosity to know something about her, +as he had either seen her, or heard of her, previously.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span></p><p>Then the clerk told him a good deal about the woman, +unnecessary for me to recite to my readers, which only +further showed her vile character, and so worked upon +my operative's curiosity and interest that he decided to +come to the hotel for a few days; but as he was informed +that Mrs. Winslow's intentions were to remain there the +remainder of the week, and the clerk promised to keep a +good lookout for her, he concluded to hunt up his companion, +inform him of his good fortune, and transfer their +baggage to that hotel.</p> + +<p>As it was now about two o'clock, Grey did not find +Watson before six, and it was fully eight o'clock before +they got settled at the Denver House. But their eyes +were not gladdened by a sight of the fugitive on that +evening, nor was she at breakfast next morning. The +operatives began to be alarmed lest the bland clerk had +taken them in, and were particularly so, when, at their request, +for the purpose of ascertaining whether she was in +her room, he knocked at her door, and after a few minutes +returned with a blank, scared face, saying that the Jezebel +had left, and more than that, that she owed the hotel over +fifty dollars for board and wine furnished on the strength +of her elegant and dashing appearance.</p> + +<p>On further examination of the room it was evident that +the woman had not occupied it at all during the previous +night, but had left the hotel immediately after dinner +whether from a previous decision to do so, or from one of +those sudden impulses, quite contrary to the general rule +of human action, which made her an extraordinarily difficult +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span>quarry to follow, or still, from some suspicion that she +was being followed.</p> + +<p>Grey felt quite crestfallen that he had lost Mrs. Winslow +by one of her characteristic manÅ“uvres, and at once +made inquiries concerning her baggage, ascertaining from +the clerk that she only had a portmanteau with her at the +hotel, but had had a trunk check which she had exhibited +when asking some question about the arrival and departure +of trains.</p> + +<p>Grey sent Watson to intersections of prominent streets +to keep a lookout for parties, while he at once proceeded +to the "Chicago Baggage Room," as it is called, under +the Planters' House, where he ascertained, after considerable +trouble and representing himself as an employee of +the Chicago, Alton, and St. Louis road, looking for lost +baggage, that Mrs. Winslow had come there personally +about two o'clock the day previous and presented the +check for her trunk, which had been taken away by an +expressman with "a gray horse and a covered wagon."</p> + +<p>The next step, of course, was to find the expressman +with the gray horse and covered wagon, who had taken the +woman's trunk, and this was no easy matter to do. There +were plenty answering that description, but Grey labored +hard and long to find the right one, and finally found it +this way.</p> + +<p>Being an Irishman himself, and a pretty jolly sort of a +fellow, he was not long in finding a compatriot the +owner of a gray horse and a covered wagon, of whom he +asked:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span></p><p>"Did you move the big woman with the big trunk at +two o'clock yesterday?"</p> + +<p>"An' if I did?" said the expressman, on the defensive.</p> + +<p>"Nothing if you did; but <em>did</em> you?" replied Grey.</p> + +<p>"It's chilly weather," replied the expressman, winking +hard at a saloon opposite.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I think a drop of something wouldn't hurt +us," added Grey, following the direction of the +expressman's wink and thought quickly.</p> + +<p>They stepped over to the saloon and were soon calmly +looking at each other through the bottom of some glasses +where there had been whiskey and sugar. They looked +at each other twice this way, and finally they were obliged +to take the third telescopic view of each other before they +could resume the subject.</p> + +<p>Then the expressman looked very wise at Grey, remarking +musingly, "A big 'oman with a big trunk, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, a pretty fine-looking woman, too."</p> + +<p>"Purty cranky?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And steps purty high wid a long sthride?"</p> + +<p>"Exactly."</p> + +<p>"'N has clothes that stand up sthiff wid starch 'n silk +'n the makin'?"</p> + +<p>"The very same," said Grey anxiously.</p> + +<p>"I didn't move her," said the expressman, shaking +his head solemnly.</p> + +<p>Grey felt like "giving him one," as he said in his reports, +but repressed himself and said pleasantly that he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span> +was sorry he had troubled him, and turned to go away, +knowing this would unloosen his companion's tongue, if +anything would.</p> + +<p>"Sthop a bit, sthop a bit; you didn't ax me did I know +ef any other party moved her?"</p> + +<p>"That's so," said Grey, smiling and waiting patiently +for developments.</p> + +<p>"Av coorse it's so." Then looking very knowingly, he +said mysteriously, "The man's just ferninst the Planters',—not +a sthone's throw away. He's a big Dutchman, 'n +got a dollar fur the job."</p> + +<p>They were both around the corner in a moment, and +Grey at once made inquiries of the German owner of a +"grey horse and a covered wagon" as to what part of the +city he had removed the trunk.</p> + +<p>He was very secretive about the matter, and refused +any information whatever.</p> + +<p>"Come, come, me duck," said the Irishman, "me frind +here is an officer, 'n ef ye don't unbosom yerself in a +howly minit, ye'll be altogether shnaked before the +coort!"</p> + +<p>He said this with such an air of pompous sincerity, as +if he had the whole power of the government at his back, +that the German at once began relating the circumstances +in such a detailed manner that he would have certainly +been engaged an entire hour in the narrative, if Grey had +not, as he himself expressed it, "out of the tail of his eye" +seen Mrs. Winslow, not twenty feet away, sailing down +Fourth street, towards the Planters'. In another moment<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span> +she would pass the corner of the court-house square, +where she could not help but see the little crowd of expressmen, +hackmen and runners, his inquiries, and the +statement by his companion that he was an officer, had +attracted.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XXV.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Still foiled.—Mr. Pinkerton perplexed over the Character of the Adventuress.—Her +wonderful recuperative Powers.—A lively Chase.—Another +unexpected Move.—The Detectives beaten at every +Point.—From Town to Town.—Mrs. Winslow's Shrewdness.—Among +the Spiritualists at Terre Haute.—Plotting.—The beautiful +Belle Ruggles.—A wild Night in a ramshackle old Boarding-House.—Blood-curdling +"Manifestations."—Moaning and weeping +for Day.—Outwitted again.—Mr. Pinkerton makes a chance +Discovery.—Success.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">G</span>REY took in the situation at once, and was equal +to the emergency. He knew if the German saw +Mrs. Winslow, and thinking him an officer who might arrest +him for complicity in something wrong, he would probably +shout right out, "There she is, now!" He was +also just as sure that his new-found Irish acquaintance, in +the excess of his friendliness, would rush right over to +Fourth street and stop the woman. So in an instant he +created a counter-attraction by calling the German a liar, +collaring him, and backing him through the line of wagons +out of sight, and as Mrs. Winslow passed farther +down Fourth street, backed him through the line of teams +in the opposite direction, while the German protested +volubly that he was telling only the truth; and just +the moment Mrs. Winslow's form was hid by the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span> +Planters' House, he released the now angry expressman, +flung him a dollar for "treats," and running nimbly around +the block, fell into a graceful walk behind Mrs. Winslow, +keeping at a judicious distance, and following her for +several hours through the dry-goods stores, to the Butchers +and Drovers' Bank, where she drew a portion of the +amount which she had secured from the prominent St. +Louis daily as damages, and which had remained undisturbed +in that bank until this time; into several saloons, +where she boldly went, and, in defence of the theory of +women's rights, stood up to the counter like a man, ordering +and drinking liquor like one too; to the Four Courts, +where she at least <em>seemed</em> to have considerable business; +to numberless Spiritualist brothers and sisters, including, +of course, the mediums; and finally to a very elegant private +boarding-house kept by a respectable lady named +Gayno, whom the adventuress had so won with her oily +words and dashing manners, accompanied by her large +Saratoga trunk, that not only she, but a little French gentleman +named Le Compte—whom Grey had hard work to +avoid, as he had followed Mrs. Winslow at a respectful +distance, and as if with a view of ascertaining whether +any other person besides himself was following the madam—had +managed to secure quarters in an aristocratic home +and an aristocratic neighborhood, for all of which the experienced +female swindler had no more idea of paying, +unless compelled to, than she had of paying her fifty-dollar +hotel bill at the Denver House.</p> + +<p>On receipt of this information, I directed Superintendent +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span>Bangs to proceed to Rochester and hurry up Lyon's +attorneys in securing the legal papers necessary to avail +ourselves of the large amount of evidence already discovered, +and serve notice upon her while she was still in +sight, and before her suspicions of being watched and followed, +which it was evident was now growing upon her, +had forced her into still more artful dodges to evade us.</p> + +<p>It was certainly her determination to clothe all her acts +with as much mysteriousness as possible, and in this manner +work upon Lyon's feelings and fears until she would +compel him, through actual disgust of and shame at the +long-continued public surveillance of his affairs, to end the +worrying tension upon his mind by a compromise that +would yield her a large sum of money.</p> + +<p>That she was able, and had the means to make these +quick moves and sudden changes, was equally as certain, +though it was a question in my mind then, and has been +to this day, how much money she might have had at command. +I know that at times she must have had almost +fabulous sums in her possession. I was also often quite +as sure that she was absolutely penniless, when, of a sudden, +she would carry out some bold scheme that required +a great deal of money, which invariably came into requisition +from some mysterious source in the most mysterious +manner possible. Whatever might have been the +woman's pecuniary resources, I must confess that in +nearly every instance I underrated her, and in fact that, +in every respect, the more I endeavored to analyze her +the more of an enigma she became.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span></p><p>Like nearly all women of disreputable character, she +was terribly extravagant, reckless, and improvident; but +as an offset to this she was supreme in the meanness +ordinary courtesans are above—that petty but never-ceasing +swindling so terribly annoying to the public.</p> + +<p>With all these things in her favor, so far as being an +ingenious pest is concerned, she was also possessed of +the power of physical as well as financial recuperation to +a wonderful degree; and to whatever depth of temperamental +dejection or physical exhaustion and degradation +she might descend, she would of a sudden reappear, fresh +and blooming, with no perceptible trail of her vileness +upon her, in which condition she would remain just so +long as would conserve her interests.</p> + +<p>While Superintendent Bangs was on his way to St. +Louis, Grey and Watson were being led a lively chase +about the city by Mrs. Winslow, and the bland clerk of +the Denver House was devoting nearly all his time in +tracking her from place to place to enforce the collection +of his employer's bill.</p> + +<p>Her first exploit was to borrow twenty dollars from +Mrs. Gayno on her baggage, who was thus prevented +from turning her out of doors when her true character was +learned; and as a further illustration of her shrewdness, +after she had remained at the house as long as she desired, +she left between days, without refunding the borrowed +money or paying her bill, and in some mysterious way +also spirited away all her baggage.</p> + +<p>This of course caused more trouble in finding her, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span> +she was finally discovered in furnished rooms. Even here +she suddenly made her presence so unbearable to the +landlord that he gladly paid her a bonus to depart, which +she did equally as mysteriously as on the previous occasion, +when she was lost again, and the third time found at +a Spiritualistic gathering at the hall near the corner of +Chestnut and Seventh streets, where she was one of the +speakers of the evening and did herself and the cause +justice.</p> + +<p>In this way—following her while she was securing +abstracts of her many cases against the people of St. +Louis, the number and trivial character of which had +become a matter of public scandal, newspaper comment, +and universal condemnation among members of the bar, +keeping track of her in numberless conditions and localities, +and listening to endless tales of the woman's reckless +conduct during her previous residence in the city—Mrs. +Winslow gave the two men all they could possibly attend +to.</p> + +<p>One Wednesday morning about eleven o'clock, when +Grey had just stepped out upon the street from a late +breakfast at the Planters'—having been out until nearly +morning the night previous on a fruitless attempt to keep +the woman under surveillance for a few hours, that detective +was looking up and down the street quite undecided +as to what course to pursue—he saw Mrs. Winslow just +leaving an expressman at the court-house square, who +immediately jumped into his wagon and drove off.</p> + +<p>Grey ran quickly down Fourth street, and after a few<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span> +minutes' chase succeeded in overtaking the vehicle. +Halting it he asked the driver:</p> + +<p>"Are you going to move that woman?"</p> + +<p>He checked his horse with an air that plainly said that +kind of interruption was neither profitable nor desirable; +but driving on at a brisk pace, there was jolted out of +him the remark: "My friend, I'm working for the public. +Sometimes it pays better to keep one's mouth shut than +to open it, especially to strangers."</p> + +<p>Grey hurrying on at the side of the wagon, and holding +to it with his left hand, with his right he found a greenback. +Handing this to the driver, he sprang into the +seat beside him, saying, "Sometimes it pays better to +open one's mouth!"</p> + +<p>"That's so," replied the driver stuffing the bill into +his pocket and elevating his eyebrows as if inquiring +what Grey wanted him to open his mouth for.</p> + +<p>"I want you to drive slowly enough for me to keep up +with you. Mind, you needn't <em>tell</em> me anything unless you +have a mind to."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'd just as leave tell you as not," he replied. +"She's going over to East St. Louis to try and get the +'Alton Accommodation,' if it hasn't gone yet. The Chicago +train's way behind, and the 'Alton' don't go until +the 'Chicago' comes; ye see?"</p> + +<p>Grey knew this was partially true, for he had but a few +moments before received a telegram from Mr. Bangs, +stating that he was aboard the down train which had been +belated; so that the best thing to do was to take the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span> +expressman's number, so that he could find him again in +case of a mistake, or any deception being practised, +which he did. He then returned to the Planters', paid +his bill, wrote notes to both Watson and Superintendent +Bangs stating how matters stood, went to the levee, and +in a few minutes had the pleasure of seeing the trunk put +on board the ferry, where its owner shortly followed.</p> + +<p>Grey went on board, taking a position near the engines, +where he could have an unobstructed view of the stairs, +so that if this should prove to be another ruse of the +madam's to get him started across the river and then +glide off the boat to take up still more retired quarters, +he could beat her at her own game. But Mrs. Winslow +remained on the boat, and just as it was pushing off for the +Illinois shore the landlord of the Denver House, accompanied +by a constable, came rushing on board.</p> + +<p>Seeing Grey, he immediately applied to him for information +as to whether the woman was on board. He +replied by pointing her out where she was leaning over +the guards immediately above them. The landlord and +his man at once proceeded to interview the woman, +threatening all sorts of things if that bill was not paid, to +all of which she gave evasive answers until the Illinois +shore was reached, when she reminded them that she was +outside the jurisdiction of the State of Missouri, and that +if either of them laid their hands upon herself or her +property, she would feel compelled to cause a St. Louis +funeral, as she was a good shot, and when in the right did +not hesitate to shoot; which so frightened the hotel man<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span> +and "the little minion of Missouri law," as Mrs. Winslow +called the constable, that they retreated empty-handed +and with a confirmed disgust at the active exponents +of modern Spiritualism.</p> + +<p>Grey was now in a quandary as to what to do. The +Chicago train was reported as over two hours late, and +he was informed by the conductor of the Alton Accommodation +that though his train could not leave St. Louis +until the Chicago train had arrived, yet that he dare not +hold the train a moment after that time. This precluded +Grey's informing Mr. Bangs of his whereabouts, as the +train was now too near the place to admit of his being +reached by a telegram; and should he risk losing the +woman to apprise Mr. Bangs, it might be impossible to +find her again at all. Fortunately he learned that the passenger +train stopped at the Baltimore and Ohio railroad +crossing, and, interesting a brakeman in his behalf, he +arranged with him to go up to the crossing, board the +train, rush through it and call out for Mr. Bangs as he +went, directing the latter to pay the brakeman two dollars +for his trouble, then jump off the train, walk rapidly back +to the crossing and there board the Alton train as it was +going out, if possible; which latter plan would have +succeeded, no doubt, had not Mr. Bangs been chatting +upon the rear platform of the rear car, and failed +altogether to hear the extremely loud inquiries made for +him.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow recognized Grey as a person in somebody's +employ who was following her, and the moment he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span> +seated himself in the single passenger-car attached to the +train, the woman began such a terrible tirade of abuse +against him that he was made to feel that the detective's +life is not altogether one of roseate hue, and so annoyed +the other passengers that a large-sized brakeman was selected +as a delegation of one to quiet her. It was evident +she had been drinking heavily, and she kept this +brakeman pretty well employed for some time in not only +endeavoring to quiet her termagant tongue, but to keep +her in her seat, as she would often rise in the ecstasy of +her wrath and denounce poor Grey, who meekly bore it +all with a patient smile, until the conductor again appeared, +when Grey showed him his thousand-mile employee's +ticket and claimed that he was an employee of +that road looking up lost baggage; that it was suspected +that Mrs. Winslow had stolen the trunk she had with her, +and that he had been ordered to follow her for a day or +two until he got further instructions from headquarters. +This put him all right with the trainmen, and caused the +conductor to compel the woman into some sort of civility +and silence.</p> + +<p>At about two o'clock the train arrived in Monticello, +where Mrs. Winslow left the train, and the detective followed. +The agent informed Grey that it was at least +a mile to a telegraph office uptown, but that no train +save a "wild-train" would pass either way until after he +would have time to send a dispatch and return. He immediately +went uptown and sent a telegram to the agent +at East St. Louis to please inquire for a Mr. Bangs about<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span> +the depot, and if there, to have him answer; also one to +Mr. Bangs himself at the Planters'.</p> + +<p>Returning to the depot, the agent informed Grey that +Mrs. Winslow had also been uptown, which was quite evident, +as she had donned an entirely different suit of clothing, +evidently with some inebriated sort of an idea that +this might change her appearance enough to enable her +to escape him. She finally bought a ticket to Brighton, +and got her trunk checked to that point.</p> + +<p>On their arrival at Brighton, Grey saw several ladies +get off the rear platform of the ladies' car, among whom +was his unwilling travelling companion, and watched +until they had passed into the depot. In order to make +sure that she was to stop here, he ran rapidly to where +the baggage was being unloaded, where he found that +her trunk had been put off. He waited there until he +saw the trunk wheeled into the little baggage-house, when +he leisurely walked back to the depot and stepped into +the ladies' waiting-room, to keep the company of the +adventuress.</p> + +<p>What was his surprise to see it almost deserted, no +Mrs. Winslow there, and no surety of anything at all. +He rushed into the gentlemen's room, galloped around +the depot, looked in every direction, only to turn towards +the train with the startling suspicion that he had again +been outwitted by the shrewd Spiritualist who made her +livelihood by villainy and shrewdness, which was quickly +confirmed as he made an ineffectual attempt to overtake +the departing train, only to see the face of Mrs. Winslow<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span> +pressed hard against the rear window of the ladies' car, +and almost white with a look of fiendish enjoyment and +hate at the useless attempts of her relentless pursuer whom +she had so neatly foiled.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow had slipped a detective—and a good +detective, too—again, was gone, and all Grey could do +was to wait at Brighton until Superintendent Bangs could +overtake and counsel with him.</p> + +<p>By telegrams to and from conductors it was speedily +ascertained by Superintendent Bangs, who had come on +to Brighton and directed Watson to report at the Chicago +Agency, that the woman had gone to Springfield, Ills., +and, after arranging with the station-agent at Brighton +to send information to Chicago regarding any call that +might be made for her trunk, or as to any orders that +might be received to have it forwarded, Mr. Bangs and +Grey went at once to Springfield, where a trace of the +woman was found at the St. Nicholas Hotel.</p> + +<p>It was ascertained that she had remained at the hotel +over night, and the clerks thought it probable that she +was then at the house, her bill not having been paid; but +a thorough search for her only developed the fact that +she was at least absent from the hotel, whether with an +intention of returning or not.</p> + +<p>Mr. Bangs directed Mr. Grey to remain at the St. +Nicholas, keeping on the alert for her, while he visited +the more elegant houses of ill-repute with which that +capital abounds during legislative sessions and which +were just at this time getting in readiness to receive lawmakers +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span>and lobbyists; and also the other and less respectable +establishments for piracy, managed by professed +mediums, astrologists, fortune-tellers, and all the other +grades of female swindlers; and after a considerable time +spent in investigation, found a certain Madam La Vant, +astrologist—who professed to cast the horoscope of +people's lives with all the certainty of the famous Dr. +Roback—who was descended from the vikings and jarls +of the Scandinavian coast, but in reality kept a house of +assignation, that most dangerous threshold to prostitution.</p> + +<p>Madam La Vant at once acknowledged that Mrs. +Winslow <em>had</em> been there; even showed Superintendent +Bangs a bundle she had left with her. She stated that +she had called there early in the morning and left the +package, with the promise to return about three o'clock in +the afternoon, when she was to occupy a room she had +engaged there, and had already paid in advance for its +use. Mr. Bangs did not feel exactly at rest about the +matter, but could not do otherwise than return to the +hotel for his dinner, promising to call in the afternoon, +and alleging that he had information to give the woman +regarding certain persons who had been, and then were, +following her; for if she were then in the house she +would remain there, and he had no legal authority to +molest her or search the place without Madam La +Vant's consent, which he could not of course get if she +was shielding her, which she undoubtedly was; and if +Mrs. Winslow was really away from the house, the +madam would take some means of preventing her return.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span></p><p>He went to the hotel as quickly as possible, found +Grey, whom he immediately sent to watch for the ingress +or egress of the adventuress, took a hasty dinner, and +then relieved my operative so that he might dine, after +which the two watched the house until dark.</p> + +<p>But their closest vigils over the place failed to cause +the discovery of Mrs. Winslow, who was doubtless by +this time many miles away from Springfield, enjoying +peace and quiet in some other city. Superintendent +Bangs called on Madam La Vant as soon as the evening +had come, and that lady expressed great surprise that he +had not seen his "friend, Mrs. Winslow," as she expressed +it; following this remark by the explanation that she +had returned to her house not over a half-hour after he +had left it, and had stated that she had decided to go on +to Chicago immediately, whereupon Madam La Vant had +refunded her the money advanced for the room, and the +woman had taken her bundle and departure simultaneously.</p> + +<p>The detectives were satisfied that the astrologist was +squarely lying to them, and that she had in some way +aided the fugitive to escape, or had effectually secreted +her—the former opinion being the most reasonable; and +when I had been apprised of the turn things had taken, I +was satisfied that Mrs. Winslow was in Madam La Vant's +house at the very time that Mr. Bangs was first there; +that her friend, the madam, way merely carrying out her +instructions in stating that she had been there, was then +out, but would return, and that at the very moment Mr.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span> +Bangs had started for the St. Nicholas she had left La +Vant's, and, as soon as possible thereafter, the city.</p> + +<p>I immediately concluded that as I had no authority to +arrest or in any way detain the woman—which put my men +at a great disadvantage, preventing their telegraphing in +advance for her detention, or securing and using official +assistance of any kind for the same purpose—that I had +better recall Mr. Bangs at once, which I did, and trust to +Grey's doggedness in following her, instructing him particularly +to if possible prevent being seen by her, or in +any way alarming her, hoping either for her speedy return +to Rochester, on the principle that the guilty mind +constantly reverts and is drawn towards its chief topic +of thought, and that strive to keep away from it as much +as she might, she would be irresistibly drawn to it; or +that through the former plan I might get her into some +little village or secluded spot, or quiet town, where, upon +Grey's announcement, Mr. Bangs or some other deputized +person might cautiously reach her before she was +aware of her danger, and serve the notice that would +make the legal fight not only possible, but a stormy one +on account of the vast amount of crushing evidence I had +secured for Mr. Lyon against her.</p> + +<p>It was more and more apparent that the woman's plan +was to beat us in this way, and thus by long and unbearable +suspense, mysteriousness of action, and constant annoyance +in the shape of threatening letters, which now +continually poured in upon Mr. Lyon, not only from +Rochester, but from other portions of the country, compel +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span>him to settlement; and I saw that the whole supreme +and devilish ingenuity of the Spiritualistic adventuress +was being aimed at avoiding legal process, and to the +accomplishment of this result.</p> + +<p>So much time had now elapsed that it was necessary +for Lyon's attorneys to go into court to explain the difficulties +attendant upon reaching the woman, and secure +an extension of time in serving the papers; and by the +time this was accomplished, Grey had tracked her from +town to town and city to city, all through Central Illinois, +riding on the same train with her times without number, +doubling routes and meeting her at unexpected points, +travelling at all hours and in all manner of conveyances, +never sleeping for days, eating from packages and parcels, +with scarcely time for personal cleanliness or care, which +often debarred him from admission to places where a +woman, by that courtesy which is due to her for what she +ought to be, was admitted and very properly protected +from such hard-looking citizens as Grey had become; so +that finally the two came into Terre Haute together, the +adventuress as fresh as a daisy, and perfectly capable of +another grand expedition of the same extent, and the +detective completely worn out and entirely unfit for further +duty.</p> + +<p>Anticipating something of this kind and knowing that +the woman might quite naturally gravitate to that point, +I had ordered Operative Pinkham to proceed from Chicago +to Terre Haute, and there assist Grey, or relieve +him altogether, as occasion required, and continue the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span> +trail east towards Rochester, to which point the woman +seemed gradually drifting, though evidently determined +to prolong her journey so as to arrive in Rochester not +more than a day or two before the time set for trial of +the Winslow-Lyon breach of promise case.</p> + +<p>Arriving at Terre Haute, Mrs. Winslow immediately +went to Mrs. Deck's boarding-house, and upon telling +that sympathetic old lady a harrowing tale about her persecutions, +was received with open arms, and it was not +long before her pitiful story had drawn a crowd of attenuated +automatons to sympathize, suggest, and harangue +against the entire orthodox world.</p> + +<p>So impressed were these people with the woman's +pitiable condition, that word was immediately passed +among them that the persecuted lady should lecture to +them at Pence's Hall, after which a sort of a general love-feast +should be held, to be followed by seances and a collection +for the benefit of the now notorious plaintiff.</p> + +<p>That winter afternoon a quiet gentleman dropped into +Mrs. Deck's and secured accommodations for a few days' +stay, representing himself as a commercial traveller from +Cincinnati. Mrs. Deck was absent working energetically +in the interests of her spiritualistic guest, and the +quiet man was obliged to transact his business with the +handsome Belle Ruggles. He was a pleasant, winning +sort of a fellow, young, shapely, and adapted to immediately +gaining confidence and esteem.</p> + +<p>From a little conversation with her the quiet man, who +was none other than Detective Pinkham from my Chicago<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span> +Agency, was sure that he could trust the girl, whom he at +once saw had no sympathy with these people or their +crazy antics. He saw that she was full of spirit, too, +capable of carrying out any resolve she had made, and +altogether the single oasis of good sense in this great +desert of unbalanced minds.</p> + +<p>So it was not long before he had her sentiments on +Spiritualism, on Spiritualists, and on Mrs. Winslow, whom +she denounced with tears of anger in her eyes as a disgrace +to womanhood and to their place, and he had not +been three hours in the house before the young lady and +himself had entered into a conspiracy to give the woman +such a scare as she had not recently had, and drive her +from the pleasant though quaint old home her presence +was contaminating.</p> + +<p>The snow and the night came together, and the storm +shook the old house until its weak, loose joints creaked, +and every cranny and crevice wailed a dismal protest to +the wind and the driving snow. It would take more than +that though to keep people of one idea at home, and the +entire household departed at an early hour for Pence's +Hall, from which, whatever occurred there, Mrs. Deck's +large family did not return until nearly midnight, by which +time Operative Pinkham and Belle Ruggles had concluded +their hasty preparations for a little dramatic entertainment +of their own, and were properly stationed and accoutred +to make it a brilliant success.</p> + +<p>"Good-night, my poor dear!" said the kind-hearted +old body as she ushered Mrs. Winslow into her best<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span> +room, a long antiquated chamber, full of panels, wardrobes +set in the wall, and ghostly, creaking furniture. "I +have to give you this room, we are so full. My first husband +died there, but you don't care for anything like +<em>that</em>. I never sleep there, the place scares me; but I +know you will like it, you are so brave!"</p> + +<p>Whether brave or not, Mrs. Winslow seemed all of a +shiver when she had entered the room where Mrs. Deck's +first husband had died.</p> + +<p>She closed the door carefully, and putting her candle +upon a grim old bureau, began a thorough and seemingly +frightened examination of the room. The storm had not +gone down, and as it beat upon the old place with exceptionally +wild and powerful gusts, the feeble structure +seemed to shrink from them and tremble in every +portion.</p> + +<p>On these occasions doors to the wardrobes and closets +of the strange room would open suddenly as if sprung +from their fastenings by unseen hands, while panels +would slide back and forth, cracks in the ceilings and +walls would open alarmingly, until, in fact, to the woman's +vivid imaginations every portion of the lonely old +chamber or its weird furnishings seemed possessed of +supernatural life or motion. The fact is, Mrs. Winslow +was trembling like the house itself; but after a few +moments she snuffed the waning candle which the frugal +Mrs. Deck had given her, and in its flickering rays hastily +began preparing for bed.</p> + +<p>Just as she bent over to blow out the candle, some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span> +invisible assistant did the work for her, and at the same +moment a hissed "<em>Beware!</em>" caused her to start with a +scream and plunge for the bed, into which she scrambled +after upsetting a chair or two, when she pulled the covering +over her head and groaned with fright.</p> + +<p>And now the blessed materializations began.</p> + +<p>A sudden click and then a sliding sound above her +head announced that the "control" had begun operations, +and in a moment a few grains of plastering and +some strange and weird combinations of musical sounds +seemed to simultaneously fall into the room. The +plaster, of course, came right down, some of it upon +exposed parts of the trembling medium's person; but the +music, which seemed to be badly out of harmony, +appeared to have the power of circling in the air, which +it did for some little time, and as suddenly ceased as it +had begun, when from these mysterious upper regions +came a long, low, tremulous, unearthly groan, that died +away into a ghastly sigh as the storm clutched the +decayed old mansion and shook it until it rattled and +rattled again.</p> + +<p>"My God!" quavered the half-smothered woman, +"that's Mrs. Deck's first man's ghost; he'll kill me! +Mur——!"</p> + +<p>She had begun to shout "Murder!" but a still more +awful voice proceeding from the direction of the bureau +bade her keep silence.</p> + +<p>She was silent for a moment, but the storm wailed +about the house so dismally that the "poor dear," who,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span> +according to Mrs. Deck, was brave enough to cheerily +retire in what had been the bed-chamber of the dead, +could bear the horror of her position no longer, and began +a vocal lamentation which gave promise of attracting +more than a spirit audience, when the materialized spirit +of "Mrs. Deck's first man," or whatever owned the voice, +laid a heavy hand upon the trembling woman, sepulchrally +warned her to desist from her outcries, and then +read her such a lecture from the Other World as she had +never transmitted in her most effective "seances;" after +which she was ordered, on pain of instant death, to leave +Mrs. Deck's and Terre Haute as soon as morning should +come, and a pledge being secured from her to the effect +that she would, and that she would under no circumstances +leave the room for the night, the spirit—which had +very much the appearance of Detective Pinkham, the +commercial traveller from Cincinnati—left the room by the +door in a twinkling, very like a mortal, and still very like +a mortal, quietly stole upstairs and helped extricate Miss +Ruggles from her gloomy position, where she had done +"utility" business as a groaning garret ghost.</p> + +<p>All that dreary night the wicked woman moaned and +wept for day. Her coward heart shrank from the evil +she knew she deserved. The storm never ceased, but +rose and fell as if keeping pace with her terrors, and the +old place furnished her crazed imagination untold horrors.</p> + +<p>At last the dawn came, but she had found no moment's +sleep, and before the household was astir the wretched +woman crept out upon the street, and plodding through<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span> +the swollen drifts, followed by a very pleasant appearing +commercial traveller from Chicago, she staggered to the +station, and was rapidly borne away from her sympathizing +friends towards the east.</p> + +<p>Being apprised by telegraph of Pinkham's rather strange +method of giving her an impulse in the direction of Rochester, +I at once proceeded to that city with Superintendent +Bangs, anticipating her arrival there shortly after +our own; but was again disappointed, the adventuress +having doubled on the detective, and so successfully +avoided him, that the third day after leaving the Hoosier +City he arrived in Rochester with a long face and in an +extremely befogged condition.</p> + +<p>After having directed Mr. Bangs and Pinkham to remain +and watch every incoming train, one stormy evening, +as I was about returning to New York, by the merest +chance I espied the woman cautiously emerging from the +Arcade, and following her I soon housed her in the apartments +of an old mediumistic hag on State street. Calling +a carriage I was rapidly driven to the Osborn House, +where I found Mr. Bangs, and with him and the legal +papers returned to the place in less than fifteen minutes +from the time I had left it.</p> + +<p>Cautiously approaching the room, we listened and heard +low, earnest voices within. Through the transom we +could see that the light inside was turned very low, and +rightly judged that somebody was being given a "sitting," +for, carefully trying the knob, I found that the place was +secured against ordinary intrusion, and throwing my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span> +weight against the door it flew from its old and rusty +fastenings, and in an instant we were within the medium's +room.</p> + +<p>"That is the woman!" said I, pointing to Mrs. Winslow, +who had sprung from her chair white with fear, while +the wretched-looking medium, though previously in the +"trance state" stared at us with protruding eyes.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<a href="images/306-307-lg.jpg" class="noline"> +<img src="images/306-307-sm.jpg" width="400" height="257" alt="" title="" /> +<span class="caption"><br /><i>"That is the woman!" said I, pointing to Mrs. Winslow who had sprung from her chair, white with fear.—</i></span></a> +</div> + +<p>"And who are <em>you</em>?" she gasped, looking from one to +the other in dismay.</p> + +<p>"Persons whom you will give no more trouble after +the service of these papers," gallantly replied Mr. +Bangs, passing the legal documents into her hands, which +closed upon them mechanically; and after I had politely +handed the medium sufficient money to repair the damage +I had caused her door, we bade the two spiritualists a +cheery good-night and left them to a consideration of the +contrast between mortal and immortal "manifestations."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Shows how Mrs. Winslow makes a new Move.—Also introduces the +famous Evalena Gray, Physical Spiritual Medium, at her sumptuous +Apartments on West Twenty-first Street, New York.—Reminds +the Reader of the Aristocratic Classes deluded by Spiritualism.—Describes +a Seance and explains the "Rope-trick," and +other Spiritualistic Sleight-of-hand Performances.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">M</span>RS. WINSLOW was quite crushed by her failure +to evade service of the notice to take evidence +in just those sections of the country where she had been +too well known for her present good, and for a few days +seemed to be in that peculiar mental condition where one +may be easily led, or driven, into committing a desperate +act for mere relief from a too great conflict of emotions.</p> + +<p>She flitted about the city in a state of great unrest for +a little time, not being able to dispossess her mind of the +fear or feeling of being pursued; stealing into the houses +of those of like belief, and with an air of great secrecy +insisting that they should give her refuge and protection +from Lyon's minions, who, she claimed—and perhaps had +come to believe—would yet in some way do her bodily +harm; mysteriously gliding about the Arcade and in the +vicinity of his house, as if expecting by some occult power +to be able to divine what might be the rich man's plans +concerning her; and like the very evil thing that she was,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span> +hiding in uncanny places, scared at her own voice or +footsteps, until the spell had left her.</p> + +<p>About this time New York city dailies, and many of +the newspapers of large circulation throughout the interior +of the State, were publishing the following advertisement:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"Immense Success!—Miss Evalena Gray, the celebrated +Spiritual Physical Medium, lately from the Queen's +Drawing-room, Hanover Square, London, also Crystal +Palace, Sydenham, and assisted by Mlle. Willie Leveraux, +from Paris, will give one of her marvellous seances +this evening at her elegant parlors, No. 19 West Twenty-first +street, opposite the Fifth Avenue Hotel, at 7:30 +<span class="sm2">P.M.</span>"</p></div> + +<p>New York city knew Miss Evalena Gray as a new +aspirant to the honors and emoluments derived from her +ability to do mysterious things very gracefully. She was +as beautiful a woman as had ever come into New York on +this kind of business, and those who considered her a +true medium were in ecstasies over the magnificent contortions +and superb evolutions which her "great spiritual +power" enabled her to execute with bewildering rapidity, +while disbelievers in the source of these phenomena +originating in celestial spheres could not resist her fascinating +powers; and the consequence was that her adroitness +and beauty had created a great sensation, so much +so in fact that respectable people had begun arguing +about her, which answered just the purpose sought.</p> + +<p>New York also knew her as a woman so full of soul<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span>—that +latter-day substitute for brains and personal purity—as +to have readily confused and silenced great throngs in +Europe wherever she had appeared; and she had invariably +challenged investigation, and that, too, with as +much audacity as success, which had in every instance +been wonderfully marked and complete.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow knew her as a little sprite she had met +three years before at Chardon, Ohio, a pleasant little +village of about 3,000 inhabitants, twelve miles south of +Painesville, where Mrs. Winslow had been giving seances. +Miss Gray was then just starting in her Spiritualistic +career, and Mrs. Winslow, seeing her aptitude and general +fascinating qualities, endeavored to persuade her to +accompany her.</p> + +<p>Miss Gray evidently believed in her own powers, at +least had considered the proposition unfavorably; but the +two had become warm friends, and Mrs. Winslow had +cheerfully imparted to the demure novitiate all her supply +of manifestations, which she had rapidly acquired, +and the two had parted with the promise to meet again +at the very first opportunity, each drifting away to fulfil +her traitorous course against society and blasphemous +satire upon respectability.</p> + +<p>So, Mrs. Winslow, being in that condition of mind +wherein its possessor <em>must</em> have some person's confidence, +saw this advertisement, and feeling sure that Miss Evalena +Gray had been in clover, concluded that she could go +to her for rest and consolation; accordingly, she threw off +the clouds which had seemed to settle upon her, gathered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span> +her baggage together from various secret places where it +had been deposited, took rooms at the National Hotel +for a few days in quite a rational manner, and after a +week of perfect rest and physical care, which told wonderfully +in her favor, in connection with her great recuperative +powers, and having provided a wardrobe of no +mean character, left Rochester for New York as handsome +and attractive a woman as one would meet in a +day's journey.</p> + +<p>I was apprised of her departure by telegraph, and had +a spry little operative at the Hudson River depot at +Thirty-first street, ready to play the lackey to her. She at +once proceeded in a carriage to the Fifth Avenue Hotel, +where she secured fine apartments overlooking the entrance +to Miss Evalena Gray's elegant parlors at No. 19 +West Twenty-first street; and although I had no previous +information as to what called Mrs. Winslow to +New York, I was for several reasons satisfied that it was +for the purpose of communicating with Miss Gray, and at +once took measures for securing the substance of the +interview.</p> + +<p>As Mrs. Winslow had arrived late in the afternoon, I +thought probably she would make no move until the following +day, but took the precaution to secure a room +adjoining hers for the use of an operative, sending another +detective to Miss Gray's seance at half-past seven, to +ascertain whether Mrs. Winslow was at any time present, +and also, if necessary, to devise some means to remain in +the house until the two women had met, should they do so.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span></p><p>The detective sent to Miss Gray's place was barely +able to secure admission, on account of having come on +foot, that fact alone laying him liable to suspicion. For +an hour's time, splendid equipages, at short intervals, +rolled up to the mansion, and their occupants were turned +over to a negro butler of such gigantic proportions and +gorgeous livery as to give the ordinarily aristocratic place +an air of oriental splendor, the interior appointments being +fully in keeping with the promise of sumptuousness which +the reception always gave. Once entered, my operative +had an opportunity to study these appointments.</p> + +<p>The carpets were of such rich and heavy texture that +they gave back no sound to the foot-fall, and by an ingenious +arrangement, beneath the lambrequins adorning the +windows, two noiseless fan-like blinds opened or closed +instantly, lighting or darkening the room as suddenly, and +evidently for use during day seances, which were sometimes +given; while opposite, two broad parlors led away, +<i>en suite</i>, to a raised dais at the rear, upon which Miss +Evalena Gray, assisted by Mlle. Leveraux, from Paris, +gave her wonderful spiritual manifestations.</p> + +<p>At either side of the centre of the first room, and on +a level with the floor, was a fountain cut in marble, +back into the basin of which the water fell with a dreamy, +tinkling sound which suggested poetical luxuriousness. +Rare statuary filled every accessible niche. Heroic paintings +of the olden times, and the softer, more sensual +paintings of the late French schools, blended together +until they gave the walls a rosy glow. Flowers loading<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span> +the air with fragrance, warmed the room with the color +and life which flowers only can give. Hidden music-boxes +gave forth the rare and blended melodies of sunny, +southern climes; while rich divans, arranged with that +pleasant kind of taste that bespeaks no arrangement at +all, were scattered negligently about the room, now rapidly +being filled with the aristocratic people who had arrived +and were constantly arriving.</p> + +<p>My operative, having gained a good point for observation, +now turned his attention to the rapidly-increasing +assemblage. Almost without exception, they were men +and women of evident wealth and leisure, but with +scarcely a face denoting culture and refinement. They +were representatives of that numerous class who, after the +rapid acquirement of money, have found no good thing +with which to occupy their minds, or, what is more probable, +have no minds to be thus occupied; and, while not +giving Spiritualism any public endorsement, secretly follow +its, to them, fascinating superstitions and mysteries, +and practice, in an easy way that prevents scandal or infamous +notoriety, the sensualities which inevitably result +from its teachings or association with those hangers-on of +society professing its belief, all the time building a hope +that a lazy, sensuous heaven may be reached without effort +or struggle by merely cherishing a secret faith in what +most satisfies their animal nature, and yearning to live +hereafter as they most desire to live here—were it not for +the voice of society—in a brutal freedom from restraint, +utterly devoid of moral and social purity, and without the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span> +slightest semblance of that law, written and unwritten, +which, from the creation of man and woman, has built +about the domestic relations a protection and defence of +sacred oneness and sanctified exclusiveness which no vandal +dare attack without eventually receiving some just and +certain punishment.</p> + +<p>A conscientious detective will allow but little to escape +his attention, and my operative, who had already had considerable +experience with these illusionists, noticed a few +arrangements which the spirits had evidently insisted on +being made to insure the success of Miss Gray's seances, +which were varied in their character, and "never comprised +her entire repertory," as the actors would say, so +that she was able to continue an attraction for some time +to those persons who came to see her and witness her +manifestations out of mere curiosity.</p> + +<p>The frescoing of the walls of the back parlor had been +done in lines and angles, which admitted of any number +of apertures being cut and filled with noiseless pantomime +doors, so neatly as to almost defy detection. The semi-circular +platform was raised fully three feet, sloping considerably +to the front, and—whether it did or not—might +have contained a half-dozen "traps" such as are used for +stage effects; while, as is contrary to all rules for lighting +places for public entertainment, the front parlor was +lighted very brilliantly, the back parlor scarcely at all, +while but a few glimmering rays fell from the chandeliers +over the platform, where the spirits, like certain "star" +actors, could not appear unless under certain conditions.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span></p><p>Shortly Mlle. Leveraux conducted Miss Gray through a +side door to the platform, and as the latter smiled recognition +to the large number present, exclamations of "Isn't +she sweet?" "How beautiful!" "Almost an angel as she +is!" and other expressions of extreme admiration, filled +the room.</p> + +<p>A deft little woman was Evalena Gray; a sprite of a +thing, light, airy, graceful, and with such a gliding, +serpentine motion when walking, glistening with jewels +as she always did, that one instinctively thought of some +lithe and splendid leopard trailing along the edge of a +jungle with an occasional angry flash of sunlight upon it. +From her feet, both of which could have rested within +your hand, and given room for just such another pair, to +her shoulders, which were sloping and narrow though +beautifully symmetrical, she was as straight as an arrow. +Then her slender, faultless neck carried her head a little +forward, with a slight bend to the side, which gave her +face a half-daring or wholly appealing expression, as +people of different temperaments might look at it, +though it always attracted and held an observer, for it +was as strange a face as its owner was a strange woman. +The chin stood there by itself, though shapely, and at the +point was prettily depressed by a little dimple, just +needed to save the lower part of the face from a shrewish +look. Above this the lower lip curved gradually to the +edge of the carmine point, but was stopped there by a +sort of drawn look, which with her dazzling white, though +slightly irregular teeth, thin upper lip quickly parting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span> +from the lower, at either pleasure or anger, rather large, +thin nostrils, which noticeably expanded and contracted +with the rise and fall of her not over large bosom, and her +languid blue eyes, one a trifle more closed than the other, +but both looking demurely from under lashes of wonderful +depth of sweep and length—all gave the face, which +was witchingly attractive notwithstanding these marked +features, either a plaintively spiritual appearance, or a +wickedly fascinating expression beyond the power of description; +while her hair, of that nameless color which +might be formed of gold and silver, mingled and fell from +her fine head, half hiding her delicate ears—pretty and faultless +ears they were—in wonderful richness and profusion.</p> + +<p>Never were seen more beautiful hands and fingers than +those belonging to Miss Gray, and they had a way of +assuming all manner of positions in harmony with the +changes of her expressive face and the motions of her +supple form, while her little body was a mere bundle of +pliable bones and elastic sinews, which could compel all +manner of contortions without change of posture, by mere +will-power. She was not a beauty; but altogether, with +her real or assumed languor, her strange eyes that might +mean lasciviousness or might arouse your pity, her +parted lips which would seem to protest of weariness or +be ready to whisper a naughty secret to you, with her +elf-like form that made her appear at once a dainty innocent +thing and a pretty witch—she was a woman possessing +a terribly fascinating power and capable of any +devilish human accomplishment.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span></p><p>When the murmurs of admiration had died away, she +arose, and in her languid manner especially prepared for +the public, told her audience a long, though interesting +fabrication, of how she first discovered she was possessed +of this blessed spirit-power; how she had at first doubted +it, and endeavored to free herself from its possession; +but finally saw that it could not be forced from her. On +thorough conviction that she was a medium she had +begun a laborious scientific investigation into the subject, +and finally resolved to fathom the remotest secret of +Spiritualism.</p> + +<p>But even to her the blessed gates had been barred when +she came with this spirit of unclean scepticism. Still, +being assured that it had been given to her to walk with +celestials, her future course was only a natural sequence. +What had most sorely tried her in this life, she remarked, +was to be herself morally sure of these wonderful mediumistic +powers, and then realize how cruelly the world +scoffed at her as well as at all others who were anchored +upon the same beautiful faith. To prevent this and find +use for her powers in the highest spheres, she had travelled +in Europe from Rome to St. Petersburg, and from Vienna +to London.</p> + +<p>In every instance the impossibility of any deception +being practised in her manifestations was admitted; but +until she had arrived in London, she had failed to find +anybody of repute honest enough to speak the truth. +But there she had met a high-minded man who had +broken through the barriers of prejudice, and, in an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span> +open, manly way, fearless of the sneers of the common +herd, or of his business peers, had thoroughly investigated +her exhibitions, found that they had proceeded from +supernatural power, and had publicly stated his belief in +their genuineness.</p> + +<p>With such irrefutable evidence of the possession of this +spirit-power, she was now fulfilling her mission of convincing +the public of the existence of these heaven-inspired +phenomena, explainable upon no other possible +theory than that of the inter-communication between this +and the other world of ministering angels, self-determining +their actual existence by more or less perfect materializations.</p> + +<p>With this and much more of the same sort, Evalena +Gray began her revelations, all of which had previously +been performed and exposed as ordinary tricks of an illusionary +character, but which were given by the languid, +<i>spirituelle</i> lady with such a show of her being on the threshold +of the celestial spheres, that the very atmosphere, already +charged with everything to provoke mystification +and solemn curiosity, now seemed filled with some weird, +supernatural influence and presence.</p> + +<p>First the little lady, who was dressed in white muslin, +with long flowing sleeves exposing very pretty arms, came +down from the platform and seated herself in the centre +of the back parlor, inviting the forming around her of a +circle of from twelve to fifteen persons, who should sit so +closely together that there could be no possibility of her +passing out of the circle, and, if the rest of the audience<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span> +chose, they might form a circle around the inner circle so +that no confederates might reach her. This was done, +when she requested some gentleman to place his feet +upon her tiny feet to assure the audience that she did not +leave her chair.</p> + +<p>Members of the mystic circle then clasped hands, and +the lights were turned off completely. The stillness of +death followed, broken only by a low, shuddering sigh +announcing the control of the medium by the spirits, and +immediately after came raps so loud and distinct as to +almost give the impression that an echo followed them. +Then the medium began patting her hands together <em>as an +absolute proof that none of the succeeding manifestations +could by any possible means be produced by her</em>. While +this continued without interruption, in the face of some +came a whispered "God bless you!" others were patted +caressingly upon the face and head; whiskers and mustaches +were delicately tweaked; watches were taken from +one pocket and put into another; a gent's quizzers would +be placed upon a lady's nose, and <i>vice versa</i>; music +floated about in the air over the heads of those composing +the circle; lights were seen to glitter like fire-flies +above the medium's head, and a score of other equally +startling phenomena occurred. When silence, with the exception +of the soft and delicate, but never-varying hand-patting, +again fell upon the assemblage, a few raps announced +the departure of the spirits; and when the gas +was turned on, the dainty little medium sat in precisely +the same position as when the circle was formed, and the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span> +gentleman had taken good care to hold her neat little feet +between his own. A sceptical lady now held Miss Gray's +feet—held them as securely as only a sceptical lady could—when +precisely the same manifestations occurred. +Again her feet were secured as before, with the additional +precaution of their being tied. She was then tied +to her chair securely, her hands tied firmly with a large +handkerchief, and a delicate wine-glass filled with water +placed upon the floor several feet from the chair. The +lights were again turned off, the raps were heard as before, +and were in turn immediately followed by the hand-patting, +and when the room was again lighted the +wine-glass of water was found delicately poised upon +Miss Evalena Gray's head.</p> + +<p>Many startling variations of the same general character +were introduced, and when this portion of the seance was +concluded, the astounded company gathered about the +pale and interesting medium with expressions of unbounded +wonder almost amounting to awe, mingled with +terms of endearment; for she sweetly conversed with +them for a little time, and, with rare insight into character, +gave each a pleasant word of recognition especially +fitted to every case, in a manner winning beyond +expression.</p> + +<p>She now retired for a short time, while Mlle. Leveraux +entertained the assemblage with selections from her companion's +exceptionally interesting European experiences, +as put in form probably by some enterprising, though impecunious, +New York Bohemian.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[320]</a></span></p><p>When Miss Gray returned she was attired quite differently. +Instead of wearing the white, soft muslin which +had given her a peculiarly graceful appearance, she had +donned a closely-fitting basque of black rep silk, heavily +trimmed with the costliest of lace, while the skirts to her +dress were drawn very tightly around her form into a neat +panier.</p> + +<p>It <em>might</em> have been noticed by any other person in the +room, as it <em>was</em> noticed by my operative, <em>that her bust and +shoulders seemed to have undergone considerable change +during her absence</em>. She seemed much more full across +the breast, and her waist was certainly not so narrow and +graceful as when she was operating in muslin within the +circle. But then, the spirits might have caused this sudden +growth, and she was still physically handsome and +shapely.</p> + +<p>A committee of gentlemen was then called for, and +Miss Gray announced that she would submit to being +tied to a chair as securely as it was in the power of the +gentlemen selected by the audience to tie her; whereupon +Mlle. Leveraux walked about the room and exhibited +the rope to be used, which, though slender, seemed +strong as a Mexican lasso.</p> + +<p>There could have been no deception or fraud about this +rope.</p> + +<p>The three who had been selected to do the work then +expressed their determination to tie Miss Gray "so +the devil himself would have to help her," as one said, +proceeding with the interesting operation in the bright<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[321]</a></span> +gaslight, while all the people gathered about as if anxious +to see that it was done properly, or curious to notice how +the little woman would bear the ordeal. They certainly +did their work well, and as the rope was wound around +and about her, being drawn taut in every instance, it +seemed to sink into her delicate flesh in a cruel way that +made her wince and tremble, the operation calling forth +numberless sympathetic remarks from those present, +which she acknowledged by a painful martyr-like smile as +she patiently bore the infliction until thoroughly tied. At +her special request, as she said, to prevent a stoppage of +circulation, her hands were tied at the wrist over a fold of +silk to prevent abrasion of the flesh; and after all the +knots had been sealed with wax, she was pronounced tied +so securely that, without connivance of confederates, it +would require superhuman aid to release her.</p> + +<p>With a pleasant smile she looked around upon the +wondering spectators and said:</p> + +<p>"Good friends, I will absolutely and incontestably +prove to you that I am possessed of that kind of aid. I +want you all to form a circle around me. Every one in +the room should join it. Stand so closely together, clasping +hands, that no living person can pass the circle either way."</p> + +<p>The circle was then formed as she had requested, half +upon the platform and half upon the floor, Miss Gray +being at least ten feet from any of the persons composing +it. She then asked anxiously:</p> + +<p>"Are you all really satisfied—yes, convinced, that there +can be no shadow or form of deception about this?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[322]</a></span></p><p>Some hesitated about giving a decided affirmation to +that belief, when she swiftly singled out the doubters and +pressed upon them not only the privilege, but the desirability +and necessity, if they sought the truth, of personally +examining the manner in which she had been tied. After +this had been done and all scepticism had been silenced, +she bade them a cheerful "Good-by!" and closing her +eyes in a weary manner, seemed to pass into a peaceful +slumber, as the lights were gradually turned off, finally +leaving the room in total darkness, and with no sound to +relieve the painful stillness save the orthodox rappings +announcing the arrival of the spirits, the hidden music +stealing softly to the hushed circle or the still softer water-wimplings +from the fountains making <em>their</em> music in the +carved marble basins.</p> + +<p>It seemed a long time to the breathless people composing +the circle, but probably not more than ten minutes +had elapsed when the raps again startled the listeners, and +in an instant the full light of the chandeliers flooded the +room.</p> + +<p>There sat the marvellous Physical Spiritual Medium +utterly free, but as if just recovering from a swoon—the +ropes, their seals unbroken, lying a few feet from the +chair.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<a href="images/322-323-lg.jpg" class="noline"> +<img src="images/322-323-sm.jpg" width="400" height="255" alt="" title="" /> +<span class="caption"><br /><i>There sat the marvelous Physical-Spiritual medium, utterly free, but as if just recovering from a swoon.—</i></span></a> +</div> + +<p>There was a simultaneous rush to where she was sitting +apparently limp and exhausted from the great struggle +which the spirits had had through her human personality, +to release her from bondage, during which Mlle. Leveraux +took occasion to remark that the strain upon Miss Gray's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[323]</a></span> +powers had been too great, and begged that the ladies +and gentlemen would excuse her at once, as the medium's +condition would unfortunately necessitate the immediate +termination of the seance for that evening; whereupon +she left the room supporting the delicate Miss Gray in a +manner that would have done credit to any theatre in the +world.</p> + +<p>There was no illusion and could have been no collusion.</p> + +<p>Every one in the parlors had seen the woman tied so +firmly that the ropes had sunk into her very flesh. The +circle had been formed so securely as to admit of the +passage out or in of no person whatever. They had all +seen her sitting in the chair in a secure condition, and +could have heard any movement on the part of any +person within the circle who might have attempted to +steal to her assistance. But there were the ropes with +unbroken seals, lying there, silent but absolute evidence +that no human agency had uncoiled them.</p> + +<p>In the face of all this, what were reasoning people to +believe?</p> + +<p>They could not but believe the one thing that they +generally did believe after having visited Evalena Gray's +seances, and that was that there <em>does</em> exist an intercommunication +between this and the "Land of the Leal;" +that all persons at times feel these spirit forces working +upon or within them in different forms and with different +degrees of intensity; and that there are these fine organisms, +so free from earthly conditions or hinderances, as to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[324]</a></span> +almost permit the rehabilitation of spirit-lives which, as +truly friendly aids and assistants, often perform what +seem to the comprehension of ordinary mortals as past +belief, giving in their materializations many blessed +glimpses of the spirit-land.</p> + +<p>All of which would be thrillingly pleasant to believe +and ruminate over if it was not true that there are probably +hundreds in this country alone who can do this sort +of thing without looking pale and interesting over it; +without necessitating the indorsement of a millionaire +brewer or anybody else; and who would consider it +hardly fair to charge two dollars admission, as Miss +Gray did, for the utter humbug of sitting within a circle +as a woman dexterous enough to have her feet held and +then be able with the left hand to pat the right palm for +a moment, then the right arm—made bare from the wrist +to the shoulder by the sudden unloosening of a delicate +elastic, clasped into the bracelet—or her cheek, forehead, +or neck, as necessity compelled, but making this patting +incessant and so like that of the two hands, that detection +(in the dark) would be a matter of impossibility; +and with this same bared right arm and hand producing +all of these manifestations, ordinarily so marvellous, even +to taking a little music-box out of the pocket, springing +a catch to start the melody, "floating" it all about the +heads of those composing the circle, shutting off the +music, and putting the box in the pocket; or even neatly +balancing a wine-glass of water upon the head.</p> + +<p>And when this was all done, without claiming any particular +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[325]</a></span>nearness to heaven regarding it either, I am +satisfied that I have lady operatives in my employ who +can step into a room adjoining a seance-parlor, adjust +a rubber jacket, inflate it, hiding the tube of the same +under a closely-fitting collar, allow themselves to be tied +so that the ropes would seem to cruelly sink into the +flesh; and that, after a room had been darkened ten +minutes they would be able to have allowed the air to so +escape from the rubber jacket, that, with the contraction +of the form possible to many, the ropes, with unbroken +seals, would almost fall from their forms of their own +weight.</p> + +<p>This is precisely how Miss Evalena Gray performed +her tricks.</p> + +<p>They did not reach to the dignity of respectable +sleight-of-hand; and I could go on endlessly multiplying +these farces, which are so continuously and disgustingly +played upon the public for just what money they will +bring and nothing more; for who ever saw a Spiritualist +that went about the world bringing ministering spirits +from heaven to earth for the good such materializations +might do? And further, who ever saw a Spiritualistic +medium, preacher or lecturer that did not make his +religious faith, assumed or otherwise, yield him his living, +and provide him his luxuries besides?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[326]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>After the Seance.—Daddy, the "Accommodation Husband."—The +two fascinating Swindlers in Council.—Miss Evalena's European +Career.—How the Millionaire Brewer was baited and played with.—A +Bit of Criminal History.—A choice Pair.—Mrs. Winslow's Aspirations +and Resolves.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">I</span>T appeared that Miss Evalena Gray and Mlle. Leveraux, +and their male companions, or affinities, did not +reside at No. 19 West Twenty-first street, but in more +modest quarters farther down-town; and after the assemblage +had dispersed, the two Misses, an attendant or two, +a tall, gaunt, meek-looking fellow, whom the no longer +angelical Evalena called "Daddy," and a very fascinating +young man called in the advertisements W. Sterling Bischoff, +manager, were gathered in the front parlor previous +to being driven home, when W. Sterling said quickly, and +as if suddenly recollecting something which it would not +be profitable for him to forget:</p> + +<p>"See here, Gray; 'most forgot. Here's a note sent +over from the Fifth Avenue. None of your larks now!"</p> + +<p>The person addressed so familiarly as Gray was none +other than the interesting Evalena, who, putting her languor +aside, and snatching the note from the "manager," +said:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[327]</a></span></p><p>"Give it here, now! I'll lark if I like, and <em>you</em> won't +hinder."</p> + +<p>"But there's Mr. Gray," persisted the manager, nodding +towards the meek, gaunt man, whose lips seemed to move, +though he ventured no remark.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Daddy don't mind, do you, Daddy?"</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<a href="images/326-327-lg.jpg" class="noline"> +<img src="images/326-327-sm.jpg" width="400" height="252" alt="" title="" /> +<span class="caption"><br /><i>"Oh daddy don't mind:—do you daddy?"—</i></span></a> +</div> + +<p>"Daddy" was Miss Evalena Gray's husband, but was +under such peculiarly good spiritual "control" that he +merely smiled a sickly smile and murmured that he believed +not.</p> + +<p>Miss Gray proceeded to examine the note without waiting +for the timid Mr. Gray's opinion, and suddenly +exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Gracious! I'm going right over there!"</p> + +<p>"What for?" inquired Bischoff anxiously, while Mr. +Gray's lips pursed into the form of an unspoken inquiry; +"man or woman, eh?"</p> + +<p>"None of your business!" she answered promptly. +"Here, Leveraux, help me on with my wrappings. You +drive home. A friend of mine that I haven't seen for +all the last three years is stopping over there, and wants to +see me. I may stay all night. If I shouldn't want to, I'll +order a carriage and come down in an hour or two."</p> + +<p>The three, who were elegantly supported by this +woman's juggleries, seemed to realize that there was no +use of opposing her; and without knowing whether it +was a man or woman she intended visiting at that hour +of the night, went gloomily home, while a few minutes +later Miss Gray, unannounced, and at the unseasonable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[328]</a></span> +hour of eleven o'clock, was knocking at the door of Mrs. +Winslow's room.</p> + +<p>In a moment more, though Mrs. Winslow was on the +point of retiring, and was in that easy <i>déshabillé</i> in which +women love to wander about, doing a hundred unmentionable +and unimportant things before getting into bed +for good, Miss Gray was pushing her lithe form through +the cautiously opened door, and at once unlimbered her +tongue and her reserve; the result of which, as noted by +my operative, showed the eminent vulgarity of the two +female frauds, and illustrated the fact that whatever pretensions +they might make, their conversation alone would +serve to discover the inherent and low vileness of their +character.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you dear old fraud!" said Evalena, entering, +after Mrs. Winslow had virtuously given herself sufficient +time to ascertain that there was no evil-minded man at +the door, and had gladly admitted her visitor; "if you've +got any other company, of course I won't come!"</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow laughed knowingly, and then told her +visitor how really glad she was to see her. She was +sincere in this, and sincerity, even in a bad cause, is a +redeeming feature.</p> + +<p>"Well, well, you rascal," continued Miss Gray in a +jolly, rollicking sort of a way, "couldn't wait until +to-morrow. Where <em>have</em> you been, what <em>have</em> you been +doing, and how <em>are</em> you, anyhow? Come, now, tell me +all about yourself!"</p> + +<p>Saying this in a kind of a rush of excitement, Miss<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[329]</a></span> +Gray settled herself in a corner of the luxurious sofa, +pulled her feet under her to get a more comfortable +position, and like an interested philosopher, waited for +and listened to the narrative which comprised many of +the facts I have given; but instead of telling the whole +truth, only gave that part of it which made her appear +to have been eminently successful in her swindling operations, +and showed life with her to have been floating +calmly upon one continuous, peaceful stream.</p> + +<p>"And now, Evalena," said Mrs. Winslow, rounding off +her story with a great flourish over what she was to make +out of Lyon, whom she described as still madly in love +with her, "where have <em>you</em> been, and what have <em>you</em> been +doing since I saw you at Chardon?"</p> + +<p>The glib tongue of the marvellous Physical Spiritual +Medium began at once, and she rattled away at a terrible +rate.</p> + +<p>"Well, I've got the same husband——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, pshaw!" interrupted Mrs. Winslow half contemptuously.</p> + +<p>"But he's such a dear, good old fool that I can't throw +him over. Why, I can make him shrink from six feet two +to two feet six by just looking at him! Money couldn't +hire such a devoted servant anywhere. He'll do just +anything I tell him; and if I want him out of the way +for a few days," she continued with a comical wink, "I +just give him a fifty-dollar bill and say: 'Daddy, you +don't look well; take a run into the country, and I'll +write for you when I want you!' He goes away then<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[330]</a></span> +with his face about a yard long. But he goes; and he +never made a rumpus in his life!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's quite another thing," said Mrs. Winslow, +evidently relieved to know that Miss Gray had had so +good a reason for living so long a time as three years +with the same man.</p> + +<p>"Yes, he's what I call an 'accommodation husband.' +He accommodates me, and I—" here Miss Gray sighed +piously—"accommodate myself!"</p> + +<p>"Exactly," remarked Mrs. Winslow, beginning to appreciate +the pleasant nature of such an arrangement.</p> + +<p>"Well," resumed the marvellous medium, "we went +all through the Ohio towns giving <i>exposés</i>; went out +through Chicago, and then down to St. Louis. But the +<i>exposé</i> business didn't pay. We found that people would +pay more money to be humbugged than to learn how +some other person might be deluded!"</p> + +<p>"Every time!" tersely observed Mrs. Winslow.</p> + +<p>"So at St. Louis we resolved to become Spiritualists."</p> + +<p>"The very best thing you could have done!" said +Mrs. Winslow approvingly.</p> + +<p>"And at Quincy," resumed Evalena, "we blossomed +out. Oh, but didn't the papers go for us, though!—called +us everything."</p> + +<p>"D——n the newspapers, anyhow!" exclaimed Mrs. +Winslow in a burst of indignation over her own wrongs.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, no, no! <em>that</em> won't do. Make huge advertising +bills. That's better—much better. That's what +<em>we</em> did, and we made big money too. By and by we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[331]</a></span> +came on here to New York, made a huge show, took in a +vast pile, and then went to Europe. Oh, that's the only +way to do it!"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Mrs. Winslow with a deep sigh. "I have +often felt the want of that peculiar tone which going to +Europe gives one."</p> + +<p>"Well, we did have a gay time, though," said Miss +Gray in a dreamy way, as if ruminating over her conquests; +"and at Venice—oh, that delicious, ravishing, +dreamful Venice!—I bilked a swarthy nobleman from the +mountains out of five thousand dollars. At Rome I did +a swell American out of everything he had. At Vienna, +a Hungarian wine-grower fell, and I trampled upon him +as his brutes of peasants beat out the grapes in vintage-time. +At Berlin a German student killed himself for me; +and at St. Petersburg I fooled the Czar himself. But +when I got back to London I got better game than him."</p> + +<p>"Bigger game than the Czar? Oh, my!" exclaimed +Mrs. Winslow, thinking how she had wasted her sweetness +on two detectives like Bristol and Fox.</p> + +<p>"Well, bigger game this way," pursued little Miss Gray, +reasoning it out slowly. "This Spiritualistic business can +only be played on low, ignorant people ordinarily. Get +the recognition of so big a man as one of the wealthiest +brewers in Great Britain, and then, if Miss Gray has +money and can open sumptuous parlors in so fashionable +a vicinity as Madison Square, and can own a quarter of a +column of the New York papers every day, Miss Evalena +Gray's fortune is made. Do you see?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[332]</a></span></p><p>Mrs. Winslow did see, but wanted to know how she +had secured such approval.</p> + +<p>Her companion looked at her a moment in blank astonishment; +then drawing down the corners of her mouth +as if protesting against such verdancy on the part of so +old a Spiritualistic soldier as Mrs. Winslow, gave a very +expressive series of winks, broke into loud laughter, and +then suggested that if she wanted anything like <em>that</em> explained +it would be no more than fair to order either +Krug or Monopolé to help her through so dreary a recital; +whereupon the latter did as requested, and after +the two had washed down a ribald toast with wine, the +angelic Miss Gray continued:</p> + +<p>"Well, you see, we came directly from St. Petersburg +to London, and got up a big excitement there right off. +The <cite>Times</cite> denounced us, and we replied savagely through +the <cite>Telegraph</cite> at a half-crown a line. We kept this up +until all London was engaged in the controversy, and our +rooms were constantly thronged."</p> + +<p>"What luck!" sighed Mrs. Winslow, sipping her +wine.</p> + +<p>"By and by the 'nobbies' got discussing the matter at the +clubs. We challenged examination by committees everywhere, +of course, and one day a batch of M.P.s, clergymen, +merchants, and all that, came down upon us. I +picked out one man named Perkins—a brewer from the +Surrey side, and one of the wealthiest men in all England, +and a man of education and standing, too—for game +right off."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[333]</a></span></p><p>"Must be lots of fools over in London," remarked +Mrs. Winslow, as if she would like to help pluck them.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Miss Gray, "and millions in this +country. We're going to take a run over to Washington +this winter."</p> + +<p>"I would if I had your talent," replied her companion.</p> + +<p>"Well," resumed the medium, "I saw Perkins was an +easy-going fellow, and I wrote him, saying it was something +unusual for me to do, but as the 'spirits'"—here +Miss Gray winked very hard at Mrs. Winslow, who snickered—"had +revealed to me that he was an arrant unbeliever, +but at the same time a fair, honorable man, magnanimous +enough to be just—I wished him to make a +private investigation."</p> + +<p>"'Private investigation's' good!" said Mrs. Winslow, +laughing heartily.</p> + +<p>"Certainly good for me," continued the little medium +in a self-satisfied way. "He came, though, and I gave +him my tricks in my best possible style. I pretty nearly +scared him to death. Then I let him tie me, and the +old man's hands trembled as he put the ropes around my +waist and over my bosom. 'Miss Gray,' said he tenderly, +'I shall injure you!' 'Mr. Perkins,' I replied, also tenderly, +'the good spirits will protect me. Pull the ropes +tighter!'</p> + +<p>"He pulled the ropes tighter and tighter, and finally +got me tied. Then he darkened the room and in a few +minutes I was entirely free of the ropes of course, and I +told him to raise the curtain. As soon as he did so I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[334]</a></span> +left, telling him I was ill; and as soon as I could change +my dress, came back and sat down with him. I got close +to him—as close as I am to you now, Mrs. Winslow—and +then, putting my right hand on his knee, and my left hand +on his shoulder——"</p> + +<p>"Splendid!" interrupted Mrs. Winslow, pouring more +wine for the ingenuous Miss Gray, and taking some herself.</p> + +<p>"Then," continued Miss Gray, laughing in a peculiarly +wicked manner, "I got my face pretty close to his and +asked: 'Mr. Perkins, I want you to give me an answer +that you are willing to have made public. On your honor +as a man, do you not now believe in the genuineness of +these spiritual manifestations produced through me?' 'I +do,' he said passionately, throwing his arms around me, +and—and I don't know what he would have done had not +Leveraux entered the room at that supreme moment!"</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<a href="images/334-335-lg.jpg" class="noline"> +<img src="images/334-335-sm.jpg" width="400" height="260" alt="" title="" /> +<span class="caption"><br /><i>"Leveraux entered the room at that supreme moment."—</i></span></a> +</div> + +<p>"Oh, <em>I</em> see!" murmured the other blackmailer.</p> + +<p>"Think of it, Mrs. Winslow!" added Miss Gray +tauntingly; "think of it! In the arms of a man who can +draw his check for a million sterling—and poor little me +from Chardon, Ohio!"</p> + +<p>"My! but you are a little rascal, though!" said Mrs. +Winslow admiringly. "I always knew you'd make an +impression somewhere."</p> + +<p>"'Leveraux!' said I indignantly, and springing from +Perkins's embrace after I had kissed him in a way that set +him shaking again, 'if you ever breathe a word of this, +or annoy Mr. Perkins in any manner under heaven, I'll +kill you! Go!'</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[335]</a></span> +"Poor Leveraux knew her cue and replied hotly, 'I'd +kill myself before I'd do so disgraceful an act!' and then +flounced out of the room."</p> + +<p>"<em>What</em> a pair!" exclaimed Mrs. Winslow.</p> + +<p>"He thought I was just perfectly splendid after that; +kept coming and coming, indorsed me publicly, got +wild over me; but I held him at arm's length for months, +until I thought the man would really go crazy; and finally—well, +you know I told you Daddy was an 'accommodation +husband,' and if he hadn't been one after I had +tripped up one of the richest men in all England, I +would have just hired somebody to have dumped him into +the Thames, sure!"</p> + +<p>The sparkling flow of Miss Gray's experience was here +interrupted by Mrs. Winslow's ordering another bottle of +wine, and after the couple had partaken of the same, the +spicy narrative was continued:</p> + +<p>"But now comes the fun, Winslow. I can't tell you +<em>how</em> my rope trick is done. I've got a little addition to +it that makes it a regular sensation. It don't hurt me a +particle, and allows the strongest men to pull away with all +their might."</p> + +<p>"I'd give a thousand dollars for it, Evalena," said her +friend warmly.</p> + +<p>"No good; no good for you," replied Miss Gray, +critically looking over Mrs. Winslow's splendid physical +completeness. "Fact is, Winslow, you aren't built +exactly right for that kind of work. There's too much +of you to do the rope trick with eminent success. I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[336]</a></span> +played Daddy as my brother, and myself for an innocent, +so neatly that Perkins honestly thought he had made a +wonderful conquest. He believed it all, for he was one of +those honest fools—in fact, came near being too honest +for me."</p> + +<p>"Why, how?"</p> + +<p>"Well, he installed me as his mistress in grand style; +but, of course, I insisted in giving seances and compelled +public recognition through <em>his</em> public recognition of my +'wonderful spirit-power.' The man was so infatuated +that he bored me terribly with his visits. Why, I could +hardly get time to attend to business. You know we +always have a stock of ropes on hand in the seance-rooms, +so that when any one objects to the one I ordinarily use, +there are always other ropes at hand that I <em>can</em> use. One +night some fellow broke my best rope, and the next day I +was carelessly practising with another with my door unsecured. +Perkins had been down to Brighton for a week +or two, and of course had to rush over to see me the +minute he got in London—to give me a 'happy surprise,' +I suppose. There I sat when he suddenly bolted into +the room and saw the thinness of the whole thing in an +instant."</p> + +<p>"What did he see?" asked Mrs. Winslow abruptly.</p> + +<p>"You <em>are</em> shrewd, Winslow, but you can't catch me +that way; no, no, no! But he did see the whole trick as +dear as a June day. Do you think I fainted?"</p> + +<p>"Not much," said her companion tersely.</p> + +<p>"No; but <em>he</em> nearly did. He reeled and staggered as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[337]</a></span> +though he had been struck by a sledge-hammer, and I +saw in his face a determination to rush from the room and +denounce me to all London. It was make or break with +me then, Winslow, and with a bound I got to the door, +turned the key, and sent it crashing through a five-pound +pane of glass into the street below. Then I just whipped +out this little derringer," she continued, producing a beautifully +mounted, though diminutive weapon, "just run it +right up under his eyes, and backed him into a seat."</p> + +<p>"'Great God!' he whimpered, 'I'm undone! I'm undone!—what +a very devil you are!'</p> + +<p>"My heart did go thumping to see the man used up so; +but I had to be rough, and said: 'Yes, I <em>am</em> a devil, Perkins, +and you must pledge me your word—yes, you must +take a solemn oath before that God you have called upon, +that you will never expose me, or I will blow your brains +out!'"</p> + +<p>"Splendid! splendid!" ejaculated Mrs. Winslow. +"Did he do it?"</p> + +<p>"I should say he did do it! He got down on his knees +and begged like a baby. And do you know, my blood +was up so then, and I so despised him for his want of +manliness, that I came within an ace of killing the infernal +booby!"</p> + +<p>"He deserved it!" said Mrs. Winslow sympathetically.</p> + +<p>"After I had him nearly scared to death," resumed the +marvellous medium, "I began reasoning with him, and, +by being excruciatingly tender, convinced him that by +exposing me he would gain nothing, but would lose in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[338]</a></span> +everything that a man of spirit prided in—honor, social +reputation, and business standing, and drew a lively picture +of his disgrace at the clubs and in social circles, and of the +cartoons which would certainly appear in <cite>Punch</cite> and the +other comic papers; and the result was that I held on to +his affection and his purse-strings by compelling him to +feel that my detaining him in the room and threatening to +shoot him was the only thing which prevented him from +rashly ruining both. Altogether, Winslow, I got over two +thousand pounds out of him. He wasn't deprived of a first-class +mistress while I remained in London, and—and we +are so good friends now that every little while I get a splendid +remittance from him; and if I ever should want to go +back, I could have the very best in all England!"</p> + +<p>"Well, well, well!" murmured Mrs. Winslow for the +want of something better with which to express her +admiration.</p> + +<p>"I <em>do</em> think I played it pretty well," resumed Miss +Gray; "and I made him swallow it all, too. He really +believed everything from the moment I fell into his arms +until he caught me with the ropes. I was his spirit-wife—" +another hard wink—"and he my only affinity. Leveraux +helped me in the whole thing splendidly.</p> + +<p>"Who is Mlle. Willie Leveraux?" inquired Mrs. +Winslow.</p> + +<p>"She is a sister of Ed. Johnson, the 'bank-burster,' +and a keen girl, too," answered the medium.</p> + +<p>"How did you happen to get hold of her?"</p> + +<p>"Well, you see, Ed. Johnson, Mose Wogle, Frank<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[339]</a></span> +Dean—'Dago Frank'—and Dave Cummings, with Chief +of Police McGillan and Detective Royal, of Jersey City, +put up a job on the First National Bank there. McGillan +was to keep everybody away from them; and he, or +Royal, was to always remain at headquarters to let the +boys off if they got nabbed. They played it as plaster-workers—Italians, +you know—and began working from a +room over the bank down through the ceiling into the +vault; but an old scrub-woman about the place got suspicious, +and had them arrested one day when both McGillan +and Royal happened to be in Philadelphia. They +had promised the boys help to break jail, but they failed +everywhere; and Willie, thinking to get Johnson off, went +to the bank officers and told them the whole story. They +promised to help her brother, but said her evidence would +have to be corroborated. So she sent for McGillan and +Royal, got them into her rooms, then over on Thirty-seventh +street, and had a Hoboken official in a closet, +with a stenographer, who took all the conversation, which +amounted to a complete confession of their complicity. +It never did any good, though. McGillan and Royal +got the most swearing done, and got clear; while Johnson +and the rest of the boys got fifteen years' solitary confinement +in the New Jersey penitentiary. It almost +broke Willie down; but she is splendid help now."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow drew a long sigh, and the two drank +again to drown the doleful feelings raised by this recital; +for even high-toned and uncaught criminals do not find +the contemplation of stone walls and iron bars by any<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[340]</a></span> +means pleasant and refreshing; and with this lively history +of herself and her companions, the "Marvellous +Physical Spiritual Medium" called a servant, ordered a +conveyance, and was driven home, after having promised +to call with her own carriage on the next day; while Mrs. +Winslow, after surveying her own magnificent physique as +reflected in the pier-glass, muttered:</p> + +<p>"<em>I'll</em> make an effort, go to Europe, and, like so many +others, win fame too!"</p> + +<p>Then with a resolute toss of her head the adventuress +plumped into her bed, where, for aught we know, she +carried on her vile conquests and miserable villainies in +her dreams the whole night long.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[341]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2> + +<div class="chapdesc"><p>Mrs. Winslow demonstrates her Legal Ability.—The "Breach of +Promise Trial."—A grand Rally of the Spiritualistic Friends of the +Adventuress.—The Jury disagree.—Mrs. Winslow convicted at +St. Louis of Common Barratry.—An honest Judge's Rebuke.—A +new Trial.—The Spiritualistic Swindler overthrown.—Remorse and +Wretchedness.</p></div> + +<p><span class="dropcap">M</span>RS. WINSLOW'S stay in New York was rather +an interruption to Miss Evalena Gray's business, +as those two champions of the theory that earth and +heaven are connected by a spiritual hyphen only adjustable, +or to be made serviceable, by the brainless imbeciles +or the remorseless sharks of society, to the +exclusion of people of purity and worth, indulged in +several lapses from sobriety, and in spiritual love-feasts of +such remarkable length and enthusiasm that W. Sterling +Bischoff, Mlle. Leveraux, and the mournful accommodation +husband, "Daddy," became quite alarmed for the result, +were obliged to discontinue the marvellous seances +at No. Nineteen West Twenty-first Street—on account +of the "alarming illness of the fascinating little medium," +as the manager was careful to see that the truthful newspapers +announced—and at the close of a term of spirituous +rapture of remarkable intensity and duration, the +three who were vitally interested in Miss Gray's recovery<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[342]</a></span> +from her peculiarly alarming illness, managed to part the +loving couple, induce the languid Evalena to return to +her fascinations and fools, and sent Mrs. Winslow to +Rochester and her roguery.</p> + +<p>Although her trip to New York had been one of prolonged +dissipation, Mrs. Winslow had evidently gained +courage from it from the assurance of Miss Gray's friendship, +and through that ingenious little woman's recitals +of daring and conquest now applied herself with new +vigor and dash to her infamous work.</p> + +<p>During her absence in New York, Superintendent +Bangs and a legal gentleman from Rochester had proceeded +to the West and were rapidly gathering in the harvest +of evidence I had reaped, and which subsequently +became so serviceable.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Winslow, seeing she had been outwitted, began +diligently arranging matters for the coming trial, and +having lost the main point of dependence which she had +hoped to make in our inability to use the evidence which +she was sure Lyon's counsel could get by a liberal expenditure +of money, which she also knew must be at +hand, she began the tactics of delay, and secured a change +of venue from Rochester to Batavia, on the ground of +prejudice; and, without the assistance of counsel, boldly +manÅ“uvred her case nearly as carefully and judiciously +as the most proficient of criminal lawyers.</p> + +<p>Ascertaining that Lyon's counsel had secured damaging +evidence against her in those sections of country +where she had previously been the spiritualistic harlot<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[343]</a></span> +that she was, she rapidly followed Mr. Bangs and his companion, +and through her wonderful personal magnetism, +physical force, consummate bravado, and skilful manipulations, +succeeded in securing numberless affidavits—not +that she was a pure woman, but that as far as the affiant +knew, she was not a bad woman.</p> + +<p>Some, who had given Lyon's counsel depositions comprehensive +enough to have crushed her in court, were +compelled by her to depose under oath that their previous +depositions given Mr. Bangs were made under a misapprehension +of facts. Others were induced to swear that +they were mistaken in her identity, which would naturally +have the effect of breaking the chain of evidence connecting +her with her numberless different aliases, and therefore +with her numberless offences against the laws and +society; so that unless our work had been, in this respect, +anything but faultless, Mr. Lyon would have certainly +suffered defeat.</p> + +<p>As the date of trial at Batavia neared, however, +although the woman had showed great skill in her management +of her own case, and had got things into as good +shape for herself as nearly any lawyer in the country +could have done, she suddenly changed her decision regarding +conducting the case personally, and engaged the +services of a Rochester lawyer of good repute, who certainly +would not have pleaded her cause had he at first +been aware of her character in the slightest degree.</p> + +<p>At last the case came to trial at Batavia, Judge +Williams presiding, and was considered of sufficient importance +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[344]</a></span>to command the quite general attention of +newspapers, and a large number of reporters were in attendance, +while the little city had never before attracted +such a crowd of curious people, brought there and kept +there by the great interest which the trial had awakened.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lyon seldom appeared in court, being detained in +Rochester by the faithful and still voluble Harcout, +where the latter busied himself in predicting Mrs. Winslow's +downfall on account of the thorough manner in +which he had conducted matters, and in constant trips to +the newspaper and telegraph offices for the latest news +concerning the progress of the case.</p> + +<p>At Batavia Mrs. Winslow had in some unexplainable +manner worked up quite a feeling in her behalf, and had +busily engaged herself, laboring day and night, in all the +little things that form public opinion as well as cause the +application of law to individual preferences, whether +justice enters into such decisions or not.</p> + +<p>Especially was her business ability shown in securing a +jury a portion of whom she brazenly boasted <em>dare</em> not +find for the defendant. She had evidently given up all +expectation of a verdict in her favor; but, in perfect +accord with her line of policy to annoy her victim into a +settlement, had arranged matters in every respect so that +there would be delay, that as much as possible nauseating +scandal should reach the public to react upon Lyon, +and that in every way the outcome of the case would be to +belittle, bemean and disgrace him, for having had to do in +any way with so bad a woman as she knew herself to be.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[345]</a></span></p><p>The latter was a point most people's pride would prevent +them from making. She had lost that, but her +active mind saw how revolting it all would be to him, and +her cupidity, greed and vindictiveness made the prosecution +a persecution that had a measure of fiendish pleasure +in it for her.</p> + +<p>Here her mental and her pecuniary resources were +again demonstrated in a way that surprised everybody at +all cognizant of her habits and history. The cost of +carrying on a case of this importance was very large. +Money had unquestionably been largely used in bribery. +Many of the affidavits she had so expeditiously secured had +been purchased outright. The court costs were no inconsiderable +sum. Her lawyer, feeling somewhat doubtful of +her character, and wholly satisfied of her irresponsibility, +demanded his fee—and it was a large one—in advance. +But every demand, save those that would not injure her +case by refusing, was promptly met, and the mysterious +source of supply seemed as exhaustless at the end as at the +beginning; though at all times she was a female combination +of the Artful Dodger and Job Trotter, capable of compelling +confidence and sympathy. During the progress of +the trial she also had time for the practice of her spiritualistic +mummeries, and so worked upon the ignorance, passions, +and pockets of a few wealthy farmers, who were in +attendance at court, that she drove a thriving trade in revelations +and prophecies that, whatever other effect they +might have, certainly brought her large sums of money.</p> + +<p>Although the larger amount of evidence on both sides<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[346]</a></span> +was of a documentary character, the case occupied nearly +a week, and public interest was wrought up to the highest +possible pitch of excitement as day after day some +startling episode or dramatic incident was developed; +and finally, when Judge Williams charged the jury and +that body retired for consultation, both sides of the case +had been so ably conducted, such a terrible flood of vileness +had been launched upon the community, and so intense +was the feeling against the woman on the part of +the public—who condemn with a terrible intensity when +once made aware of the danger in the heart and life of a +social assassin, that the pretty city of Batavia was all +awhirl from agitation and excitement.</p> + +<p>All this had been greatly increased by the following +dispatches from St. Louis to the Rochester papers, which +had, of course, been received and widely read in that section, +and were all preceded by an item clipped from the +Detroit <cite>Tribune</cite>, to the effect that the notorious female, +Mrs. Winslow, had been indicted in St. Louis as a common +scold, and several public speakers therein named had +better take warning. The first dispatch read:</p> + +<p>"The trial of Mrs. Winslow, charged with common +barratry, has been proceeding in the Four Courts all day. +Scores of lawyers are here from all parts of the West, as +witnesses for the prosecution. The case excites great interest, +a similar one never having occurred in St. Louis +before."</p> + +<p>The second and final dispatch from St. Louis on the +subject was:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[347]</a></span></p><p>"The case of the notorious Mrs. Winslow, indicted for +common barratry, terminated to-day. The jury assessed +her punishment to be six months' imprisonment in the +county jail."</p> + +<p>These dispatches, with the editorial comments they +evoked, had been received during the progress of the case, +and though it was too late to offer the facts in evidence +as to the woman's character, they had intensified the +feeling against her until Mrs. Winslow was given an opportunity +of realizing something of the depth of human scorn.</p> + +<p>A day passed, but no agreement. What could it mean? +the public asked. The second day, being Sunday, passed +slowly over the town, for no news of the jury could be obtained; +and though it was a raw winter's day, the streets +were full of people anxious to learn the result. Monday +came and went, and still the jury were out. Whispers of +bribery now began to fly about the city, and when the +fourth day had passed with no agreement and with repeated +requests from the jury that they might be discharged, +the whole city was filled with indignation, while public resentment +ran so high that it was with some personal risk +that this exponent of Spiritualism passed to and fro between +the court-room and her hotel.</p> + +<p>Finally, it being ascertained that the jury disagreed irreconcilably, +they were called into court for their discharge, +and filed solemnly into their box. After a silence that +could be felt had settled upon the vast audience, Judge +Williams wheeled around, and, facing the jury—many of +whom shrank from his severe and penetrating glance—in a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[348]</a></span> +voice of quiet power, his whole bearing being one of dignified +scorn, he delivered with great solemnity the following +well-deserved rebuke and protest against the corruption +of the power of the jury, and its contempt of justice and +the sacred dignity of the Court:</p> + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Gentlemen of the Jury</span>—I had hoped you would +agree upon a verdict. The cause is a plain one, and there +is no need of a disagreement. Another trial would be +expensive to the county, and would occupy much time. +A second trial would again crowd this court-room with a +throng of auditors, who would listen day after day to the +disgusting depositions which are on file in this cause. +One trial such as this is too much for the decency and +morality of any community, and another jury should +never be called to pass upon this case. It is the policy +of all courts to secure agreements from juries, and in +such a case as this, more than in almost any other, a disagreement +should not be allowed.</p> + +<p>"You are, after being out four days, irreconcilably divided. +Some of you, I know, are determined to be only +guided by the evidence and the law, as given to you by +this Court. For your long and persistent resistance of +all attempts on the part of some of your number to prevent +justice, you are entitled to my sincere thanks and +those of all right-minded men in this community. Others +there are upon this jury who, I am bound to believe, have +consulted only their passions and prejudices; have deliberately +ignored the evidence and the instruction of the +Court, and are anxious to perpetrate what they know<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[349]</a></span> +or might have known, was gross injustice. If there are +such men upon this jury, their conduct merits severest +condemnation. I have great respect for the honest convictions +of jurors, even when I think they are wrong. I +could not censure jurors for honest prejudices; but I can +have no respect for men who, from base and unworthy +motives, seek to secure unworthy ends.</p> + +<p>"If any one was to look leniently upon the plaintiff, it +would, of course, be her counsel. But to make twelve +honest men ever see that she was entitled to a verdict of +even one cent, is a work that transcends human ability.</p> + +<p>"One of the plainest principles of law applicable to +all civil cases, is that the plaintiff can only recover where +there is a fair preponderance of evidence in his favor. +Upon the principal question in this case—that is, whether +or not there was an agreement of marriage between plaintiff +and defendant—they were the only witnesses. Supposing +both to be equally credible, how can the plaintiff +recover when every act affirmed by her is denied by the +defendant? But are they equally credible? The defendant +is proved by the evidence to be a man of character, +reputation, and social position. Who is the plaintiff? +By her own evidence she is one who years ago deserted her +husband and three children in Wisconsin, and commenced +the life of an itinerant fortune-teller. Since then, as a clairvoyant, +a mesmerist, a medium, she has perambulated the +country, professing in her handbills to predict future events +and to cure all manner of diseases by her occult arts.</p> + +<p>"She has assumed in her travels those invariable proofs<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[350]</a></span> +of guilt, <i>aliases</i>. She has been proven, by her own writing, +daily conversation, and every-day conduct, to be +grossly profane and indecent. By the testimony of several +unimpeached witnesses, produced by defendant, she is +shown to have been an inmate of a house, or houses, of +ill-fame, and to have committed acts of the most shocking +indecency and lewdness. And yet this is the woman +whose testimony some of you have received with absolute +verity, while rejecting the testimony of the defendant as +of no value in comparison with it. The question before +you was, whether between this woman and the defendant +there had been a binding contract of marriage. There is +no one of you so low that you would have entered into +such an obligation with this woman. You would have +started back in horror at such a proposition; and yet you +have been so lost to decency that you have seemed determined, +by your verdict, to thrust such a disgrace and outrage +upon the defendant!</p> + +<p>"You were told by the Court that if the plaintiff was +married at the time when she said the defendant agreed to +marry her, such a promise was absolutely void. The +plaintiff had herself sworn that the promise was made in +186—, and that she was then, and had remained for nearly +two years thereafter, a married woman. Did not the +Court tell you that such a promise was void? The Court +told you that no subsequent ratification of such a promise +could make it binding. The Court further instructed you +that if the plaintiff was unchaste at the time of the promise +of marriage, and her unchastity was not known to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[351]</a></span> +defendant, that the marriage contract, if entered into, was +not binding. The entire record in this case teems with +the history of her licentiousness. No witness has been so +reckless as to swear that within the last ten years she has +had either virtuous habits or virtuous associations. That +she was virtuous in 1860, or rather, that if then vicious, +her character in this regard was then unknown to her +neighbors in Indiana and Wisconsin, is rendered highly +probable from the evidence. But there was a period preceding +this by many years, when the maiden merged into +the woman, that the almost exhaustless evidence produced +by the defendant shows to have been a time without +shame, and when her keen shrewdness and wicked nature +had already been developed to a degree of depravity beyond +human belief; and there has since been a period +when the vilest inmate of the lowest den of prostitution +was happy in her virgin purity in comparison with this +woman!</p> + +<p>"Previous to the first-mentioned time the plaintiff had +followed the army of the Southwest in its weary marches—not, +however, as the evidence discloses, for any honest +purpose. She had wandered infinitely further from purity +than from her Northern home. And yet you have at +tempted to render a verdict that after all these wanderings, +and after this incomparably vile career, she is fit to +become the wife of a respectable citizen of Rochester, +the mistress of his mansion, and the sharer of his large +fortune.</p> + +<p>"You were further instructed that if a promise of marriage +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[352]</a></span>had been made, and if the plaintiff had at that time +been virtuous, and had subsequently become unchaste +the defendant was released from the obligation of such +a promise; what regard, in view of the evidence in this +case, have you paid to that instruction?</p> + +<p>"Am I too severe, then, when I say that when, through +four long days and nights in your jury room, some of this +jury have attempted to force a verdict in favor of the +plaintiff, notwithstanding she was not entitled to it, and +the defendant's witnesses had proven that she was utterly +unworthy of it, you have been actuated by passion and +prejudice, and have attempted to pervert justice? Had +you been able to infect all your comrades with your +pestilential breath, and had a verdict in her favor been +rendered, I should certainly have set it aside immediately.</p> + +<p>"I cannot but express my severest censure at the result +of this cause at your hands, knowing, as I cannot but +know, that the same vile machinations which have left a +hideous trail of this female monster over every portion +of the land, have brought about this disagreement which +is a shame and a disgrace to yourselves, to Genesee +County, and this Court!"</p> + +<p>The suit necessarily went over to the next term of +court, over which Judge Williams also presided, when no +developments worthy of note occurred, the same evidence +being introduced, the same tactics on the part of Mrs. +Winslow—who, however, had been obliged to secure new +counsel—being attempted, and the same crowd of morbid +curiosity-seekers being in attendance.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[353]</a></span></p><p>But the woman had by this time become too well +known for the slightest hope of success, or even to enable +her to receive the ordinary consideration and protection +of the Court.</p> + +<p>Without leaving their seats the jury found for the +defendant, and the woman, defeated yet insolent and daring, +passed out into the summer-decked streets of the +little city of Batavia a scorned, dreaded being, driven +from everything but infamous memory.</p> + +<p>I was never sufficiently interested in Le Compte to +trace his future, but it is safe to say that he never visited +"La belle France" and "Paris, the beautiful, the sublime, +the magnificent," in company with the once fascinating +Mrs. Winslow.</p> + +<p>Harcout is still the pompous henchman of the harassed +millionaire, Mr. Lyon, and quite covered himself +with glory from having claimed the entire work of securing +the evidence that caused the overthrow of the adventuress.</p> + +<p>Were I a novelist, rather than a detective and obliged +to relate facts, I could have made an effective climax by +a tragic meeting between Harcout and Mrs. Winslow, +where Lilly Nettleton would have recognized the Rev. +Mr. Bland and wreaked summary vengeance upon him; +but, so far as I am aware, they never met, and the much-named +social scourge is now wearing out an inconceivably +vile and wretched old age—the irrevocable result of her +course of life—an outcast and a wanderer among the +lowest classes that people portions of the Pacific Slope<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[354]</a></span> +cities, with remorse and wretchedness behind, and utter +hopelessness beyond; while Mr. Lyon, now a feeble old +man, who has atoned, through regrets and humiliations, +for his part of the wrong launched through his as well as +her sin upon society, has at least become thoroughly +satisfied of the thousands of evils following in the trail of +this so-called spirit-power, his fulness of knowledge of its +workings having been gained through this particular experience +with <span class="smcap">The Spiritualists and the Detectives</span>.</p> + +<p id="end">THE END.</p> + +<p class="center med"><b>G. W. DILLINGHAM, Successor.</b></p> + +<div class="ad"> +<p class="center"><span class="pad-r">1889.</span> 1889.</p> + +<h2 class="ads smcap">G. W. Carleton & Co.</h2> + +<p class="center"><span class="lg wider">NEW BOOKS</span><br /> +AND NEW EDITIONS,<br /> +<span class="sm2">RECENTLY ISSUED BY</span><br /> +<b>G. W. DILLINGHAM, Publisher,</b><br /> +<span class="sm2">Successor to <span class="smcap">G. W. Carleton & Co.</span>,</span><br /> +<b>33 West 23d Street, New York.</b></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 45px;"> +<img class="decoline" src="images/short-line.png" width="45" height="2" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p class="center sm2">The Publisher on receipt of price, will send any book<br /> +on this Catalogue by mail, <em>postage free</em>.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 45px;"> +<img class="decoline" src="images/short-line.png" width="45" height="2" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p class="center sm2">All handsomely bound in cloth, with gilt backs suitable for libraries.</p> + +<h3>Mary J. Holmes' Novels.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> + <tr><td>Tempest and Sunshine</td> <td align="right">$1 50</td></tr> + <tr><td>English Orphans</td> <td align="right">1 50</td></tr> + <tr><td>Homestead on the Hillside</td> <td align="right">1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>'Lena Rivers</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Meadow Brook</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Dora Deane</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Cousin Maude</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Marian Grey</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Edith Lyle</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Daisy Thornton</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Chateau D'Or</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Queenie Hetherton</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Bessie's Fortune</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td class="pad-r">Darkness and Daylight</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Hugh Worthington</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Cameron Pride</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Rose Mather</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Ethelyn's Mistake</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Millbank</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Edna Browning</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>West Lawn</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Mildred</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Forrest House</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Madeline</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Christmas Stories</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Gretchen <span class="pad-l">(New)</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Charles Dickens—15 Vols.—"Carleton's Edition."</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>Pickwick and Catalogue</td><td align='right'>$1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Dombey and Son</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Bleak House</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Martin Chuzzlewit</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Barnaby Rudge—Edwin Drood</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Child's England—Miscellaneous</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Christmas Books—Two Cities</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Oliver Twist—Uncommercial</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>David Copperfield</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Nicholas Nickleby</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Little Dorrit</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Our Mutual Friend</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Curiosity Shop—Miscellaneous</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Sketches by Boz—Hard Times</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Great Expectations—Italy</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td><em>Full Sets</em> in half calf bindings</td> <td align='right'>50 00</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Marion Harland's Novels.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>Alone</td><td align='right'>$1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Hidden Path</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Moss Side</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Nemesis</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Miriam</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>At Last</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Sunnybank</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Ruby's Husband</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>My Little Love</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>True as Steel <span class="pad-l">(New)</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Augusta J. Evans' Novels.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>Beulah</td><td align='right'>$1 75</td></tr> +<tr><td>Macaria</td><td align='right'>1 75</td></tr> +<tr><td>Inez</td><td align='right'>1 75</td></tr> +<tr><td>At the Mercy of Tiberius <span class="pad-l">(New)</span></td><td align='right'>2 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>St. Elmo</td><td align='right'>2 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Vashti</td><td align='right'>2 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Infelice</td><td align='right'>2 00</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>May Agnes Fleming's Novels.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>Guy Earlscourt's Wife</td><td align='right'>$1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Wonderful Woman</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Terrible Secret</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Mad Marriage</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Norine's Revenge</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>One Night's Mystery</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Kate Danton</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Silent and True</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Maude Percy's Secret</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Midnight Queen <span class="pad-l">(New)</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Heir of Charlton</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Carried by Storm</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lost for a Woman</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Wife's Tragedy</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Changed Heart</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pride and Passion</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Sharing Her Crime</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Wronged Wife</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Actress Daughter</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Queen of the Isle</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Allan Pinkerton's Works.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>Expressman and Detectives</td><td align='right'>$1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Mollie Maguires and Detectives</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Somnambulists and Detectives</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Claude Melnotte as a Detective</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Criminal Reminiscences, etc.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Rail-Road Forger, etc.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Bank Robbers and Detectives</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Double Life <span class="pad-l">(New)</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Gypsies and Detectives</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Spiritualists and Detectives</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Model Town and Detectives</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Strikers, Communists, etc.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Mississippi Outlaws, etc.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Bucholz and Detectives</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Burglar's Fate and Detectives</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Bertha Clay's Novels.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>Thrown on the World</td><td align='right'>$1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Bitter Atonement</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Love Works Wonders</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Evelyn's Folly</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Under a Shadow</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Beyond Pardon</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Earl's Atonement</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Woman's Temptation</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Repented at Leisure</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Struggle for a Ring</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lady Damer's Secret</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Between Two Loves</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Put Asunder <span class="pad-l">(New)</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>"New York Weekly" Series.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>Brownie's Triumph—Sheldon</td><td align='right'>$1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Forsaken Bride. <span class="pad-l">do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Earl Wayne's Nobility. <span class="pad-l">do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lost, a Pearle. <span class="pad-l">do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Young Mrs. Charnleigh—Henshew</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>His Other Wife—Ashleigh</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Woman's Web—Maitland</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Curse of Everleigh—Pierce</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Peerless Cathleen—Agnew</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Faithful Margaret—Ashmore</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Nick Whiffles—Robinson</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Grinder Papers—Dallas</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lady Lenora—Conklin</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Stella Rosevelt—Sheldon <span class="pad-l">(New)</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Miriam Coles Harris' Novels.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>Rutledge</td><td align='right'>$1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Louie's Last Term, St. Mary's</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Sutherlands</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Frank Warrington</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>A. S. Roe's Select Stories.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>True to the Last</td><td align='right'>$1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Star and the Cloud</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>How Could He Help it?</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Long Look Ahead</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>I've Been Thinking</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>To Love and to be Loved</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Julie P. Smith's Novels.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>Widow Goldsmith's Daughter</td><td align='right'>$1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Chris and Otho</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Ten Old Maids</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lucy</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>His Young Wife</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Widower</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Married Belle</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Courting and Farming</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Kiss and be Friends</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Blossom Bud <span class="pad-l">(New)</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Artemas Ward.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="100%"> +<tr><td>Complete Comic Writings—With Biography. Portrait and 50 + illustrations</td> +<td align="right">$1 50</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>The Game of Whist.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="100%"> +<tr><td>Pole on Whist—The English Standard Work. With the "Portland + Rules"</td> +<td align="right">$ 75</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Victor Hugo's Great Novel.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="100%"> +<tr><td>Les Miserables—Translated from the French. The only complete + edition</td> +<td align="right">$1 50</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Mrs. Hill's Cook Book.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="100%"> +<tr><td>Mrs. A. P. Hill's New Southern Cookery Book, and domestic + receipts</td> +<td align="right">$2 00</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Celia E. Gardner's Novels.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>Stolen Waters. (In verse)</td><td align='right'>$1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Broken Dreams. <span class="pad-l">do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Compensation. <span class="pad-l">do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Twisted Skein. <span class="pad-l">do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Tested</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Rich Medway</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Woman's Wiles</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Terrace Roses</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Captain Mayne Reid's Works.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>The Scalp Hunters.</td><td align='right'>$1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Rifle Rangers.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The War Trail.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Wood Rangers.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Wild Huntress.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The White Chief.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Tiger Hunter.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Hunter's Feast.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Wild Life.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Osceola, the Seminole.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Popular Hand-Books.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="100%"> +<tr><td>The Habits of Good Society—The nice points of taste and good +manners.</td><td align='right'>$1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Art of Conversation—For those who wish to be agreeable +talkers.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Arts of Writing, Reading and Speaking—For +Self-Improvement.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>New Diamond Edition—The above three books in one volume—small +type.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Carleton's Hand-Book of Popular Quotations.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Carleton's Classical Dictionary.</td><td align='right'>75</td></tr> +<tr><td>1000 Legal Don'ts—By Ingersoll Lockwood.</td><td align='right'>75</td></tr> +<tr><td>600 Medical Don'ts—By Ferd. C. Valentine, M.D.</td><td align='right'>75</td></tr> +<tr><td>Address of the Dead—By Charles C. Marble.</td><td align='right'>75</td></tr> +<tr><td>The P. G. or Perfect Gentleman—By Ingersoll Lockwood.</td><td align='right'>1 25</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Josh Billings.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="100%"> +<tr><td>His Complete Writings—With Biography, Steel Portrait and 100 + Illustrations.</td> <td align='right'>$2 00</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Annie Edwardes' Novels.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>Stephen Lawrence.</td><td align='right'>$1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Susan Fielding.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Woman of Fashion.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Archie Lovell.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Ernest Renan's French Works.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>The Life of Jesus. Translated.</td><td align='right'>$1 75</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lives of the Apostles. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 75</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Life of St. Paul. Translated.</td><td align='right'>1 75</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Bible in India—By Jacolliot.</td><td align='right'>2 00</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Mrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>The Hidden Hand.</td> <td align='right'>$1 75</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>M. M. Pomeroy (Brick).</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>Sense. A serious book.</td><td align='right'>$1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Gold Dust. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Our Saturday Nights.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Nonsense. (A comic book).</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Brick-dust. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Home Harmonies.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Miscellaneous Works.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="100%"> +<tr><td>Philosophers and Actresses—By Houssaye. Steel Portraits, +2 vols.</td><td align='right'>$4 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Men and Women of 18th Century—By Houssaye. Steel Portraits, +2 vols.</td><td align='right'>4 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Fifty Years among Authors, Books and Publishers—By J. C. +Derby.</td><td align='right'>2 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Children's Fairy Geography—With hundreds of beautiful +illustrations.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>An Exile's Romance—By Arthur Louis.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Laus Veneris, and other Poems—By Algernon Charles Swinburne.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Sawed-off Sketches—Comic book by "Detroit Free Press Man." +Illustrated.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Hawk-eye Sketches—Comic book by "Burlington Hawk-eye Man." +<span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Culprit Fay—Joseph Rodman Drake's Poem. With 100 +illustrations.</td><td align='right'>2 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Frankincense—By Mrs. Melinda Jennie Porter.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Love [L'Amour]—English Translation from Michelet's famous +French work.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Woman [La Femme]—The Sequel to "L'Amour." <span class="pad-l">Do.</span> <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Verdant Green—A racy English college story. With 200 comic +illustrations.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Clear Light from the Spirit World—By Kate Irving.</td><td align='right'>1 25</td></tr> +<tr><td>For the Sins of his Youth—By Mrs. Jane Kavanagh.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Mal Moulée—A splendid Novel, by Ella Wheeler Wilcox.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Northern Governess at the Sunny South—By Professor J. H. +Ingraham.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Birds of a Feather Flock Together—By Edward A. Sothern, the +actor.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Mystery of Bar Harbor—By Alsop Leffingwell.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Longfellow's Home Life—By Blanche Roosevelt Machetta. +Illustrated.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Every-Day Home Advice—For Household and Domestic Economy.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Ladies' and Gentlemen's Etiquette Book of the best Fashionable +Society.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Love and Marriage—A book for unmarried people. By Frederick +Saunders.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Under the Rose—A Capital book, by the author of "East Lynne."</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>So Dear a Dream—A novel by Miss Grant, author of "The Sun +Maid."</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Give me thine Heart—A capital new domestic Love Story by Roe.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Meeting her Fate—A charming novel by the author of "Aurora +Floyd."</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Faithful to the End—A delightful domestic novel by Roe.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>So True a Love—A novel by Miss Grant, author of "The Sun +Maid."</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>True as Gold—A charming domestic story by Roe.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Humorous Works and Novels in Paper Covers.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>A Naughty Girl's Diary.</td><td align='right'>$1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Good Boy's Diary.</td><td align='right'>50</td></tr> +<tr><td>It's a Way Love Has.</td><td align='right'>25</td></tr> +<tr><td>Abijah Beanpole in New York.</td><td align='right'>50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Never—Companion to "Don't."</td><td align='right'>25</td></tr> +<tr><td>Always—By author of "Never."</td><td align='right'>25</td></tr> +<tr><td>Stop—By author of "Never."</td><td align='right'>25</td></tr> +<tr><td>Smart Sayings of Children—Paul.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Crazy History of the U. S.</td><td align='right'>50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Cats, Cooks, etc.—By E. T. Ely.</td><td align='right'>50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Miss Varian of New York.</td><td align='right'>50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Comic Liar—By Alden.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Store Drumming as a Fine Art.</td><td align='right'>50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Mrs. Spriggins—Widow Bedott.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Phemie Frost—Ann S. Stephens.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>That Awful Boy—N. Y. Weekly.</td><td align='right'>50</td></tr> +<tr><td>That Bridget of Ours. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Society Star—Chandos Fulton.</td><td align='right'>50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Our Artist in Spain, etc.—Carleton.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Man Abroad.</td><td align='right'>25</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Miscellaneous Works.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>Dawn to Noon—By Violet Fane.</td><td align='right'>$1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Constance's Fate. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Nellie Harland—Vance.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lion Jack—By P. T. Barnum.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Jack in the Jungle. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Dick Broadhead. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>How to Win in Wall Street.</td><td align='right'>50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Life of Sarah Bernhardt.</td><td align='right'>25</td></tr> +<tr><td>Arctic Travels—By Dr. Hayes.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Flashes from "Ouida."</td><td align='right'>1 25</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Story of a Day in London.</td><td align='right'>25</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lone Ranch—By Mayne Reid.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Train Boy—Horatio Alger.</td><td align='right'>1 25</td></tr> +<tr><td>Dan, The Detective. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 25</td></tr> +<tr><td>Death Blow to Spiritualism.</td><td align='right'>50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Life of Victor Hugo.</td><td align='right'>50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Don Quixote. Illustrated.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Arabian Nights. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Robinson Crusoe. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Swiss Family Robinson—Illus.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Debatable Land—R. Dale Owen.</td><td align='right'>2 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Threading My Way. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Spiritualism—By D. D. Home.</td><td align='right'>2 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Princess Nourmahal—Geo. Sand.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Northern Ballads—E. L. Anderson.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Stories about Doctors—Jeffreson.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Stories about Lawyers. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3>Miscellaneous Novels.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="65%"> +<tr><td>Doctor Antonio—By Ruffini.</td><td align='right'>$1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Beatrice Cenci—From the Italian.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Story of Mary.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Madame—By Frank Lee Benedict.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Late Remorse. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Hammer and Anvil. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Her Friend Laurence. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Mignonnette—By Sangrée.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Jessica—By Mrs. W. H. White.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Women of To-day. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Baroness—Joaquin Miller.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>One Fair Woman. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Burnhams—Mrs. G. E. Stewart.</td><td align='right'>2 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Eugene Ridgewood—Paul James.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Braxton's Bar—R. M. Daggett.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Miss Beck—By Tilbury Holt.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A Wayward Life.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Winning Winds—Emerson.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>A College Widow—C. H. Seymour.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>An Errand Girl—Johnson.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Ask Her, Man! Ask Her!</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Hidden Power—T. H. Tibbles.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Two of Us—Calista Halsey.</td><td align='right'>75</td></tr> +<tr><td>Cupid on Crutches—A. B. Wood.</td><td align='right'>75</td></tr> +<tr><td>Parson Thorne—E. M. Buckingham.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Errors—By Ruth Carter.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Unmistakable Flirtation—Garner.</td><td align='right'>75</td></tr> +<tr><td>Wild Oats—Florence Marryat.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Abbess of Jouarre—Renan.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Mysterious Doctor—Stanley.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Doctor Mortimer—Fannie Bean.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Two Brides—Bernard O'Reilly.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Louise and I—By Chas. Dodge.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>My Queen—By Sandette.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Fallen among Thieves—Rayne.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Saint Leger—Richard B. Kimball.</td><td align='right'>1 75</td></tr> +<tr><td>Was He Successful?—Kimball.</td><td align='right'>1 75</td></tr> +<tr><td>Undercurrents of Wall St. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 75</td></tr> +<tr><td>Romance of Student Life. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 75</td></tr> +<tr><td>To-day. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 75</td></tr> +<tr><td>Life in San Domingo. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 75</td></tr> +<tr><td>Henry Powers, Banker. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 75</td></tr> +<tr><td>Led Astray—By Octave Feuillet.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lava Fires—Smith.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Darling of an Empire.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Confessions of Two.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Nina's Peril—By Mrs. Miller.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Marguerite's Journal—For Girls.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Orpheus C. Kerr—Four vols. in one.</td><td align='right'>2 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Spell-Bound—Alexandre Dumas.</td><td align='right'>75</td></tr> +<tr><td>Purple and Fine Linen—Fawcett.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pauline's Trial—L. D. Courtney.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Tancredi—Dr. E. A. Wood.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Measure for Measure—Stanley.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Charette—An American novel.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Fairfax—By John Esten Cooke.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Hilt to Hilt. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Out of the Foam. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Hammer and Rapier. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Kenneth—By Sallie A. Brock.</td><td align='right'>1 75</td></tr> +<tr><td>Heart Hungry—Mrs. Westmoreland.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Clifford Troupe. <span class="pad-l">Do.</span></td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Price of a Life—R. F. Sturgis.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Marston Hall—L. Ella Byrd.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Conquered—By a New Author.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Tales from the Popular Operas.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Edith Murray—Joanna Mathews.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>San Miniato—Mrs. C. V. Hamilton.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>All for Her—A Tale of New York.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>L'Assommoir—Zola's great novel.</td><td align='right'>1 00</td></tr> +<tr><td>Vesta Vane—By L. King, R.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +<tr><td>Walworth's Novels—Seven vols.</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr> +</table> +</div> + +<div class="ad"> +<h2 class="ads smcap">Mrs. Mary J. Holmes' Works.</h2> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 113px;"> +<img class="decoline" src="images/line-1diamond-sm.png" width="113" height="9" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<div class="sm-booklist"> +<p class="fl">TEMPEST AND SUNSHINE.<br /> +ENGLISH ORPHANS.<br /> +HOMESTEAD ON HILLSIDE.<br /> +'LENA RIVERS.<br /> +MEADOW BROOK.<br /> +DORA DEANE.<br /> +COUSIN MAUDE.<br /> +MARIAN GREY.<br /> +EDITH LYLE.<br /> +DAISY THORNTON.<br /> +CHATEAU D'OR.<br /> +QUEENIE HETHERTON.<br /> +BESSIE'S FORTUNE.</p> + +<p class="fr">DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT.<br /> +HUGH WORTHINGTON.<br /> +CAMERON PRIDE.<br /> +ROSE MATHER.<br /> +ETHELYN'S MISTAKE.<br /> +MILLBANK.<br /> +EDNA BROWNING.<br /> +WEST LAWN.<br /> +MILDRED.<br /> +FOREST HOUSE.<br /> +MADELINE.<br /> +CHRISTMAS STORIES.<br /> +GRETCHEN. (<em>New.</em>)</p> +</div> + +<h4>OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.</h4> + +<p>"Mrs. Holmes' stories are universally read. Her admirers are numberless. +She is in many respects without a rival in the world of fiction. Her characters are +always life-like, and she makes them talk and act like human beings, subject +to the same emotions, swayed by the same passions, and actuated by the same +motives which are common among men and women of every-day existence. Mrs. +Holmes is very happy in portraying domestic life. Old and young peruse her +stories with great delight, for she writes in a style that all can comprehend."—<cite>New York Weekly.</cite></p> + +<p><b>The North American Review</b>, vol. 81, page 557, says of Mrs. Mary J. +Holmes' novel "English Orphans":—"With this novel of Mrs. Holmes' we +have been charmed, and so have a pretty numerous circle of discriminating readers +to whom we have lent it. The characterization is exquisite, especially so far as +concerns rural and village life, of which there are some pictures that deserve to +be hung up in perpetual memory of types of humanity fast becoming extinct. +The dialogues are generally brief, pointed, and appropriate. The plot seems +simple, so easily and naturally is it developed and consummated. Moreover, the +story thus gracefully constructed and written, inculcates without obtruding, not +only pure Christian morality in general, but, with especial point and power, the +dependence of true success on character, and of true respectability on merit."</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Holmes' stories are all of a domestic character, and their interest, +therefore, is not so intense as if they were more highly seasoned with sensationalism, +but it is of a healthy and abiding character. The interest in her tales +begins at once, and is maintained to the close. Her sentiments are so sound, her +sympathies so warm and ready, and her knowledge of manners, character, and +the varied incidents of ordinary life is so thorough, that she would find it difficult +to write any other than an excellent tale if she were to try it."—<cite>Boston +Banner.</cite></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 75px;"> +<img class="decoline" src="images/med-line.png" width="75" height="2" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p><span class="lg">☛</span> The volumes are all handsomely printed and bound in cloth, sold everywhere, +and sent by mail, <em>postage free</em>, on receipt of price [$1.50 each], by</p> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 50px;"> +<img src="images/logo.png" width="50" height="35" alt="" title="" /> +</div> +<p class="ralign"> +<span class="med r-in4"><b>G. W. DILLINGHAM, Publisher</b>,</span><br /> +<span class="sm2 r-in2"><i>Successor to G. W. CARLETON & CO.</i>,</span><br /> +<b>33 W. 23d St., NEW YORK.</b></p> +</div> + +<div class="ad"> +<h2 class="ads">CHARLES DICKENS' WORKS.</h2> + +<p class="center med"><b>A NEW +<img class="adlogo" src="images/logo.png" width="50" height="35" alt="" title="" /> +EDITION.</b></p> + +<p>Among the many editions of the works of this greatest of +English Novelists, there has not been until <em>now</em> one that entirely +satisfies the public demand.—Without exception, they each have +some strong distinctive objection,—either the form and dimensions +of the volumes are unhandy—or, the type is small and +indistinct—or, the illustrations are unsatisfactory—or, the binding +is poor—or, the price is too high.</p> + +<p>An entirely new edition is <em>now</em>, however, published by G. W. +Carleton & Co., of New York, which, in every respect, completely +satisfies the popular demand.—It is known as</p> + +<p class="center med">"Carleton's New Illustrated Edition."</p> + +<p class="center smcap">Complete in 15 Volumes.</p> + +<p>The size and form is most convenient for holding,—the type is +entirely new, and of a clear and open character that has received +the approval of the reading community in other works.</p> + +<p>The illustrations are by the original artists chosen by Charles +Dickens himself—and the paper, printing, and binding are of an +attractive and substantial character.</p> + +<p>This beautiful new edition is complete in 15 volumes—at the +extremely reasonable price of $1.50 per volume, as follows:—</p> + +<div class="booklist"> +<p> +<span class="l-in">1.—PICKWICK PAPERS AND CATALOGUE.</span><br /> +<span class="l-in">2.—OLIVER TWIST.—UNCOMMERCIAL TRAVELLER.</span><br /> +<span class="l-in">3.—DAVID COPPERFIELD.</span><br /> +<span class="l-in">4.—GREAT EXPECTATIONS—ITALY AND AMERICA.</span><br /> +<span class="l-in">5.—DOMBEY AND SON.</span><br /> +<span class="l-in">6.—BARNABY RUDGE AND EDWIN DROOD.</span><br /> +<span class="l-in">7.—NICHOLAS NICKLEBY.</span><br /> +<span class="l-in">8.—CURIOSITY SHOP AND MISCELLANEOUS.</span><br /> +<span class="l-in">9.—BLEAK HOUSE.</span><br /> + 10.—LITTLE DORRIT.<br /> + 11.—MARTIN CHUZZLEWIT.<br /> + 12.—OUR MUTUAL FRIEND.<br /> + 13.—CHRISTMAS BOOKS.—TALE OF TWO CITIES.<br /> + 14.—SKETCHES BY BOZ AND HARD TIMES.<br /> + 15.—CHILD'S ENGLAND AND MISCELLANEOUS. +</p> +</div> + +<p>The first volume—Pickwick Papers—contains an alphabetical +catalogue of all of Charles Dickens' writings, with their exact +positions in the volumes.</p> + +<p>This edition is sold by Booksellers, everywhere—and single +specimen copies will be forwarded by mail, <em>postage free</em>, on receipt +of price $1.50 by</p> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 50px;"> +<img src="images/logo.png" width="50" height="35" alt="" title="" /> +</div> +<p class="ralign"> +<span class="med r-in4"><b>G. W. DILLINGHAM, Publisher</b>,</span><br /> +<span class="sm2 r-in2"><i>Successor to G. W. CARLETON & CO.</i>,</span><br /> +<b>33 W. 23d St., NEW YORK.</b></p> +</div> + +<div class="tn"> +<p class="center med">Transcriber's Note:</p> + +<p>Minor punctuation errors (e.g. missing or misprinted periods, commas, +and quotation marks) and poorly printed letters have been corrected +without note. Other than the corrections listed below, all spelling +variants have been left as in the original.</p> + +<p>The following changes were made to the text:</p> + +<ul> +<li>Front Matter: EXPRESSMEN to EXPRESSMAN (6.--EXPRESSMAN AND DETECTIVES.)</li> + +<li>p. <a href="#Page_21">21</a>: smoothy to smoothly (smoothly-shaven face)</li> + +<li>pp. <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, and <a href="#Page_45">45</a>: Lily to Lilly</li> + +<li>p. <a href="#Page_38">38</a>: unmanagable to unmanageable (she became almost unmanageable)</li> + +<li>p. <a href="#Page_62">62</a>: wildet to wildest (the wildest affection)</li> + +<li>p. <a href="#Page_68">68</a>: wherupon to whereupon (whereupon she had raised)</li> + +<li>p. <a href="#Page_78">78</a>: Bang's to Bangs's (put in Mr. Bangs's hands)</li> + +<li>p. <a href="#Page_94">94</a>: povety-stricken to poverty-stricken (and the poverty-stricken +hovel)</li> + +<li>p. <a href="#Page_106">106</a>: Waverly to Waverley (After taking dinner at the Waverley,)</li> + +<li>p. <a href="#Page_114">114</a>: deshabille to déshabillé (<i>en déshabillé</i>)</li> + +<li>p. <a href="#Page_127">127</a>: interspering to interspersing (interspersing it with a few)</li> + +<li>p. <a href="#Page_153">153</a>: role to <i>rôle</i> (she had assumed the <i>rôle</i>)</li> + +<li>p. <a href="#Page_158">158</a>: removed duplicated "to" (better wife 'n she was to me)</li> + +<li>p. <a href="#Page_168">168</a>: <i>role</i> to <i>rôle</i> (continue the <i>rôle</i>)</li> + +<li>p. <a href="#Page_176">176</a>: removed extra "a" ("a this morning's paper" to "this morning's +paper")</li> + +<li>p. <a href="#Page_278">278</a>: havn't to haven't (you haven't found her)</li> + +<li>p. <a href="#Page_311">311</a>: Evalina to Evalena (upon which Miss Evalena Gray)</li> + +<li>p. <a href="#Page_325">325</a>: Evelena to Evalena (how Miss Evalena Gray performed)</li> + +<li>pp. <a href="#Page_334">334-335</a> (Illustration caption), <a href="#Page_338">338</a> and <a href="#Page_341">341</a>: Levereaux to Leveraux</li> + +<li>Advertisements (end of book): Agusta to Augusta (Augusta J. Evans' +Novels.), Expressmen to Expressman (Expressman and Detectives), "and +Detectives" to "as a Detective" (Claude Melnotte as a Detective), +Marryatt to Marryat (Wild Oats--Florence Marryat.)</li> +</ul> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Spiritualists and the Detectives, by +Allan Pinkerton + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SPIRITUALISTS AND THE DETECTIVES *** + +***** This file should be named 32007-h.htm or 32007-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/2/0/0/32007/ + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, S.D., and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was +produced from images generously made available by The +Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Detectives, by Allan Pinkerton + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Spiritualists and the Detectives + +Author: Allan Pinkerton + +Release Date: April 16, 2010 [EBook #32007] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SPIRITUALISTS AND THE DETECTIVES *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, S.D., and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was +produced from images generously made available by The +Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + + + + + +ALLAN PINKERTON'S + +DETECTIVE STORIES. + +*** + +VOL. V. + +THE SPIRITUALISTS AND DETECTIVES. + + + + +ALLAN PINKERTON'S + +GREAT DETECTIVE BOOKS. + +*** + + + 1.--MOLLIE MAGUIRES AND DETECTIVES. + 2.--STRIKERS, COMMUNISTS, AND DETECTIVES. + 3.--CRIMINAL REMINISCENCES AND DETECTIVES. + 4.--THE MODEL TOWN AND DETECTIVES. + 5.--SPIRITUALISTS AND DETECTIVES. + 6.--EXPRESSMAN AND DETECTIVES. + 7.--THE SOMNAMBULIST AND DETECTIVES. + 8.--CLAUDE MELNOTTE AS A DETECTIVE. + 9.--MISSISSIPPI OUTLAWS AND DETECTIVES. + 10.--GYPSIES AND DETECTIVES. + 11.--BUCHOLZ AND DETECTIVES. + 12.--THE RAILROAD FORGER AND DETECTIVES. + 13.--BANK ROBBERS AND DETECTIVES. + 14.--BURGLAR'S FATE AND DETECTIVES. + 15.--A DOUBLE LIFE AND DETECTIVES. + + *** + + These wonderful Detective Stories by Allan Pinkerton are + having an unprecedented success. Their sale far + exceeding one hundred thousand copies. "The + interest which the reader feels from the outset + is intense and resistless; he is swept along + by the narrative, held by it, whether + he will or no." + + *** + + All beautifully illustrated, and published uniform with this + volume. Price $1.50 each. Sold by all booksellers, and + sent _free_ by mail, on receipt of price, by + + G. W. CARLETON & CO., Publishers, + New York. + + + + + THE + SPIRITUALISTS + AND + THE DETECTIVES. + + BY + + ALLAN PINKERTON, + + AUTHOR OF + "THE EXPRESSMAN AND THE DETECTIVE," "CLAUDE MELNOTTE AS + A DETECTIVE," "THE SOMNAMBULIST AND THE DETECTIVE," + "THE MODEL TOWN AND THE DETECTIVES," ETC. + + [Illustration] + + NEW YORK: + _G. W. Dillingham, Publisher_, + SUCCESSOR TO G. W. CARLETON & CO. + LONDON: S. LOW, SON & CO. + MDCCCLXXXIX. + + + COPYRIGHTED, 1876, BY + ALLAN PINKERTON + + TROW'S + PRINTING AND BOOKBINDING CO., + PRINTERS AND STEREOTYPERS, + _205-213 East 12th St._, + NEW YORK. + + + + +CONTENTS. + +*** + + +CHAPTER I. + + "Kal'm'zoo!"-- The Home of the Nettletons.-- Lilly + Nettleton.-- A wild Heart and a burning Brain. 13 + +CHAPTER II. + + The "Circuit-Rider."-- Mr. Pinkerton and these Gospel + Knights-Errant in the early Days.-- The Rev. Mr. Bland + appears.-- "And Satan came also!"-- A "charge" is + established.-- A Compact "where the golden maple-leaves + fall."-- Bland departs.-- "The scared form of a young + Woman steals away from her Home!" 19 + +CHAPTER III. + + Lilly in Detroit.-- First and last Remorse.-- The reverend + Villain and his Victim enjoy the Hospitality of the + Michigan Exchange Hotel.-- A Scene.-- "Bland, am I to go + to your Mother's, as you promised?"-- The Clergyman(?) + "crazed."-- Everything, save Respectability.-- A Woman's + Will.-- And a Man's Cajolement. 27 + +CHAPTER IV. + + Tells how the Rev. Mr. Bland preached a Funeral Sermon.-- + Shows a dainty Cottage, holding more than the Neighbors + knew.-- Installs Lilly as a Clergyman's Mistress.-- + Reverts to a Desolate Home.-- Introduces Dick Hosford, a + returned "Forty-Niner," who begins a despairing Search.-- + And shows that unholy, as well as true Love, does not + always run smoothly. 33 + +CHAPTER V. + + Reckless Fancies.-- The "Cursed Church Interests."-- Bland's + "little Bird" becomes a busy Bird.-- Merges into a great + Raven of the Night.-- Gathers together Valuables.-- And + while a folded Handkerchief lies across the Clergyman's + Face, steals away into the Storm and the Night.-- Gone!-- + "Are ye all dead in there?"-- Drifting together.-- "Don't + give the Gal that Ticket!"-- A great-hearted Man.-- The + Rev. Bland officiates at a Wedding.-- Competence and + Contentment. 39 + +CHAPTER VI. + + Mr. Pinkerton is called upon.-- Mr. Harcout, a + ministerial-looking Man, with an After-dinner Voice, + appears.-- A Case with a Woman in it, as is usually + the case.-- Mr. Pinkerton hesitates.-- An anxious + Millionaire. 47 + +CHAPTER VII. + + In Council.-- Mr. Lyon the Millionaire, with Mr. Harcout the + Adventurer and Adviser, appear together.-- How Mr. Lyon + became Mrs. Winslow's Victim.-- "Our blessed Faith" and + the Woman's strange Power.-- A Tender Subject.-- Deep + Games.-- A One Hundred Thousand Dollar Suit for Breach + of Promise of Marriage.-- A good deal of Money.-- All + liable to err.-- A most magnificent Woman.-- The "Case" + taken. 55 + +CHAPTER VIII. + + The Case begun.-- Mr. Pinkerton makes a preliminary + Investigation at Rochester.-- Mrs. Winslow, Trance + Medium.-- A Ride to Port Charlotte.-- Harcout as a + Barnacle.-- Much married.-- Mr. Pinkerton visits the + Mediums.-- Drops in at a Washington Hall Meeting.-- Sees + the naughty Woman.-- And returns to New York convinced + that the Spiritualistic Adventuress is a Woman of + remarkable Ability. 65 + +CHAPTER IX. + + "Our Case."-- Harcout's Egotism and Interference.-- The + strange Chain of Evidence.-- A Trail of Spiritualism, + Lust, and Licentiousness.-- Superintendent Bangs locates + the Detectives.-- A pernicious System.-- Three Old Maids + named Grim.-- Mr. Bangs baffled by Mr. Lyon, who won't be + "worried."-- One Honest Spiritualistic Doctor.-- The Trail + secured.-- A Tigress.-- Mr. Bangs "goes West." 75 + +CHAPTER X. + + Rochester.-- A Profitable Field for Mrs. Winslow.-- Her + sumptuous Apartments.-- The Detectives at Work.-- Mrs. + Winslow's Cautiousness.-- Child-Training.-- Mysterious + Drives.-- A dapper little Blond Gentleman.-- Two Birds + with one Stone.-- A French Divinity.-- Le Compte. 87 + +CHAPTER XI. + + The Half-way House.-- A jolly German Landlord.-- Detective + Fox runs down Le Compte.-- A "Positive, Prophetic, Healing + and Trance Medium."-- Harcout the Adviser reappears, and + is anxious lest Mr. Lyon be drawn into some terrible + Confession.-- Mr. Pinkerton decides to know more about Le + Compte.-- And with the harassed Mr. Lyon interviews him.-- + Treachery and Blackmail.-- "A much untractable Man."-- + Light shines upon Mrs. Winslow.-- Another Man.-- Mr. + Pinkerton mad. 98 + +CHAPTER XII. + + The Raven of the Detroit Cottage in another Character.-- Mrs. + Winslow yearns for a retired Montreal Banker.-- Love's + Rivalry.-- A mysterious Note.-- The Response.-- Another + Trip to Port Charlotte by four Hearts that beat as one.-- + What Mr. Pinkerton, as one of the party, sees and hears.-- + "Jones of Rochester."-- Le Compte and Mrs. Winslow resolve + to fly to Paris, "the magnificent, the beautiful, the + sublime!"-- "My God, are they all that way?" 114 + +CHAPTER XIII. + + Mr. Pinkerton again interviews Le Compte.-- And very much + desires to wring his Neck.-- A Bargain and Sale.-- Le + Compte's Story-- "Little by Little, Patience by + Patience."-- A Toronto Merchant in Mrs. Winslow's Toils.-- + Detective Bristol, "the retired Banker," in Clover.-- + Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah individually and + collectively woo him.-- Ancient Maidens full of Soul.-- + A Signal. 128 + +CHAPTER XIV. + + Mr. Bangs on the Trail in the West.-- Terre Haute and its + Spiritualists.-- Mrs. Deck's Boarding-house.-- The + Nettleton Family broken up.-- Back at the Michigan + Exchange.-- Mother Blake's Recital.-- Through Chicago to + Wisconsin.-- A disheartening Story.-- The practical result + of Spiritualism. 141 + +CHAPTER XV. + + A Chicago Divorce "Shyster."-- Hosford found.-- His pathetic + Narrative.-- More Facts. 151 + +CHAPTER XVI. + + Mrs. Winslow's Signal answered.-- She endeavors to win + Bristol, and shows that they are "Affinities."-- Detective + Fox mystified.-- An Evening with the One fair Woman.-- + Closer Intimacies.-- A Journey proposed.-- Detective + Bristol as a Lover. 162 + +CHAPTER XVII. + + Careful Work.-- Bristol's Trick on the Bell-boy at Queen's + Hotel, Toronto.-- The old Merchant.-- In the Toils.-- A + Face at the Transom.-- A cowardly Puppet before a brazen + Adventuress.-- The Horrors of Blackmail.-- "Furnished + Rooms to Rent." 175 + +CHAPTER XVIII. + + Harcout again.-- "Things going slow."-- A Bit of personal + History.-- A new Tenant.-- Detective Generalship.-- + Mrs. Winslow fears she is watched.-- Mr. Pinkerton + cogitates. 186 + +CHAPTER XIX. + + Mrs. Winslow becomes confidential.-- Some of her Exploits.-- + Her Plans.-- A Sample of Legal Pleading.-- A fishy + Story.-- The Adventuress as a Somnambulist.-- Detective + Bristol virtuously indignant.-- Failing to win the + "Retired Banker," Mrs. Winslow assails Detective Fox with + her Charms. 197 + +CHAPTER XX. + + A Female Spiritualist's Ideas of Political and Social + Economy.-- The Weaknesses of Judges.-- Legal Acumen of the + Adventuress.-- An unfriendly Move.-- Harcout attacked.-- + Lilly Nettleton and the Rev. Mr. Bland again together.-- A + Whirlwind. 209 + +CHAPTER XXI. + + Mrs. Winslow, under the Influence of "Spirits" of an earthly + Order, becomes romantic, religious, and poetical.-- A + Trance.-- Detective Bristol also proves a Poet.-- A Drama + to be written. 220 + +CHAPTER XXII. + + Mr. Pinkerton decides to favor Mrs. Winslow with a Series of + Annoyances.-- The mysterious Package.-- The Detectives + labor under well-merited Suspicion.-- "My God! what's + that?"-- The deadly Phial.-- This Time a Mysterious Box.-- + Its suggestive Contents.-- "The Thing she was."-- Tabitha, + Amanda, and Hannah assaulted.-- A Punch and Judy + Show. 230 + +CHAPTER XXIII. + + Cast down.-- "Trifles."-- A charitable Offering.-- + Dreariness.-- Going Crazy.-- An interrupted Seance.-- A + new Form of the Devil.-- The Red-herring Expedition and + its Result.-- A mad Dutchman.-- Desolation.-- An order + for a Coffin.-- The sympathizing Undertaker, Mr. + Boxem. 244 + +CHAPTER XXIV. + + Breaking up.-- Doubts and Queries.-- Suspected + Developments.-- The Detectives completely outwitted.-- On + the Trail again.-- From Rochester to St. Louis.-- A + prophetic Hotel Clerk.-- More Detectives and more Need for + them.-- Lightning Changes. 269 + +CHAPTER XXV. + + Still foiled.-- Mr. Pinkerton perplexed over the Character of + the Adventuress.-- Her wonderful recuperative Powers.-- A + lively Chase.-- Another unexpected Move.-- The Detectives + beaten at every Point.-- From Town to Town.-- Mrs. + Winslow's Shrewdness.-- Among the Spiritualists at Terre + Haute.-- Plotting.-- The beautiful Belle Ruggles.-- A wild + Night in a ramshackle old Boarding-House.-- Blood-curdling + "Manifestations."-- Moaning and weeping for Day.-- + Outwitted again.-- Mr. Pinkerton makes a chance + Discovery.-- Success. 285 + +CHAPTER XXVI. + + Shows how Mrs. Winslow makes a new Move.-- Also introduces + the famous Evalena Gray, Physical Spiritual Medium, at her + sumptuous Apartments on West Twenty-first Street, New + York.-- Reminds the Reader of the Aristocratic Classes + deluded by Spiritualism.-- Describes a Seance and explains + the "Rope-trick," and other Spiritualistic Sleight-of-hand + Performances. 307 + +CHAPTER XXVII. + + After the Seance.-- Daddy, the "Accommodation Husband."-- The + two fascinating Swindlers in Council.-- Miss Evalena's + European Career.-- How the Millionaire Brewer was baited + and played with.-- A Bit of Criminal History.-- A choice + Pair.-- Mrs. Winslow's Aspirations and Resolves. 326 + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + + Mrs. Winslow demonstrates her Legal Ability.-- The "Breach of + Promise Trial."-- A grand Rally of the Spiritualistic + Friends of the Adventuress.-- The Jury disagree.-- Mrs. + Winslow convicted at St. Louis of Common Barratry.-- An + honest Judge's Rebuke.-- A new Trial.-- The Spiritualistic + Swindler overthrown.-- Remorse and Wretchedness. 341 + + + + +PREFACE. + + +I wish to anticipate any adverse criticism that may be made upon the +following pages, by being as frank with the public as I trust the +critics will be fair with me. + +Therefore I must say at the beginning that I expect many well-meaning +people to differ with me as to the propriety of giving this book to the +public; but I am exceedingly hopeful that that difference will not +amount to a serious condemnation. Nor can I think it will when I +earnestly assert that I have caused its publication out of as honest a +motive as I ever possessed; and I am sure that whatever the American +people have come to think of me in other respects, they are pretty +certain of my honesty. + +The incidents related are true, though, out of a proper regard for my +patrons and many who do not sustain that relation, but who unavoidably +become identified in numberless ways with my operations in ferreting out +crime and criminals, I have deemed it best to locate the story in a city +several hundred miles from the place where the occurrences really +transpired, and, for the same reason, have given the characters +fictitious names; but the incidents are exact parallels of the original +facts, and in many cases are literal transcripts of, while in every +instance they agree with, the records of the case as minutely reported +during its progress. + +By way of further explanation, I desire to remind my readers how very +difficult it is for those not familiar with the detective business to +realize the masses of iniquity we are often obliged to unearth, +unpalatable as the work may be and is. But while, from the nature of my +business, my records are necessarily so exhaustive, and have been made +so thoroughly minute, as to contain simply everything, good or bad, +regarding an operation, and are, therefore, as records, reliable and +true--though they thus become repositories of much that is vile--I have +striven in every instance, while relating the truth and nothing but the +truth, to speak of unpleasant things in as delicate a manner as +possible, and in a way which, while plain enough to convey with proper +force and directness the moral lessons that these developments cannot +fail to impress upon the minds of all readers, might still leave no +unclean thought behind them; and the only sense in which a charge that +my "Detective Stories" were in any respect untrue might be sustained, +would be in the fact that I have in numberless instances, for the very +good reason mentioned, told immeasurably less, and never more, than the +whole truth. + +I make no assumption of having given in this book an exhaustive _expose_ +of modern spiritualism, and I wish it as well remembered that I have no +more prejudice against the good there is in that ism than I have +against the good there is in any other ism; but my experience with these +people, which has been large, has invariably been against their honesty +or social purity. + +So far as there being anything about Spiritualism to compel awe or +attract any but weak-minded or "weak-moraled" people, the assumption is +simply absurd; for the few illustrations given in the following pages +will show how utterly preposterous the claim of supernatural power is, +as applied to the _cause_ of these "manifestations," which are not, in +themselves, first-class tricks, but which, when made mysterious and +enshrouded with the element of superstitious fear--which all of us in +some measure possess--lead crowds of inconsiderate people into unusual +eccentricities, if not eventually into insane asylums, as in some +painful instances of which the public are already well aware. + +In my exceptionally strange avocation I have been enabled to view this +entire matter from the side which the public cannot reach--the side +where the fraud of it all is so apparent that it becomes disgustingly +monotonous and common; and as a matter of duty to those who are half +inclined to accept Spiritualism as a divine revelation and blessed +experience, I have given but a single case--a sample of hundreds of +others--which illustrates the despicable character of many, if not a +majority, of Spiritualism's public champions and private disciples; only +adding that in this instance the picture does not show a thousandth part +of the hideousness of the original. + +The Judge Williams mentioned as having presided at Batavia, N. Y., is +no myth, but an eminent jurist at present sitting upon the bench of one +of the most important courts in the country. He has not only furnished a +copy of his scathing remarks to the Winslow-Lyon jury upon their +disagreement, as related, but will vouch for the correctness of much of +this narrative, as most of the facts mentioned came under his personal +observation. + +I have given them to the public trusting they will fill some good place +in the world, and assist in removing from the minds of those who are +occupying the debatable ground regarding the question of the genuineness +of Spiritualism and Spiritualistic "manifestations" the superstitious +fear and the sensuous fascination which have heretofore bound and held +them. + + ALLAN PINKERTON. + +CHICAGO, January, 1877. + + + + +THE SPIRITUALISTS + +AND + +THE DETECTIVES. + +*** + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + "Kal'm'zoo!"-- The Home of the Nettletons.-- Lilly + Nettleton.-- A wild Heart and a burning Brain. + + +Most commercial and uncommercial travellers filling the swift shuttles +of transit between the East and the West will remember that while +passing through Michigan, over the Central road, the brakeman has +shrieked the legend "Kal'm'zoo!" at them as the train rushed into one of +the prettiest little cities in the country. There is nothing +particularly picturesque about Kalamazoo, unless the wondering face of +some harmless lunatic, on parole from the Asylum which stands so +gloomily among the hills beyond the town, the solemn visage of some +Baptist University student, who with his toast, tea and Thucydides, has +become grave and attenuated, or the plump form of some "seminary girl" +who _will_ look at the incoming trains, and flout her handkerchief too, +in spite of parents, principals, and all the proprieties, and the +ordinary ebb and flow of the life of a stirring provincial town, may be +so considered. Neither is there anything particularly interesting about +Kalamazoo, save its native, quiet beauty. It meets life easily, and, +like a happily-disposed tradesman, takes its full measure of traffic and +enjoyment with undisturbed tranquillity, cultivating neat yards and +streets, the social graces, and occasionally the arts, with a lazy sort +of satisfaction that is pleasant to look upon and contemplate. + +Standing at any street-corner of the city, you will see wide avenues of +fine business houses or elegant residences, and, where the latter, a +wealth of neatly-trimmed shrubbery, and long lines of overarching maple +trees merging into pretty vistas which seem to invite you beyond to the +beautiful hills, uplands and valleys, with their murmuring streams, +sloping farms and well-kept homes, where both plenty and contentment +seem to be waiting to give you a right hearty welcome. + +About twenty-five years ago, when the country was much newer, and the +sturdy farmers that have made this great West blossom so magically until +it has become the whole world's storehouse, were held closely to their +arduous work by the hard hand of necessity and toil, a few miles up the +river from the then little village of Kalamazoo might have been seen a +comfortable log farm-house which nestled within a pretty ravine sloping +down to the banks of the lazily-flowing stream. It was a plain, homely +sort of a place, but there was an air of thrift and cleanliness about +the locality that told of earnest toil and its sure reward. + +The farm was of that character generally described as "openings;" here a +clump of oak, beech, and maple trees, there a rich stretch of +meadow-land; beyond, a series of hills extending to the uplands, the +bases of which were girted with groves, and whose summits were composed +of a warm, rich, stony loam, where the golden seas of ripening grain, +touched by passing zephyrs, waved and shimmered in the glowing summer +sun; while where the river wound along towards the villages below, there +was a dense growth of elm, maple, and beech trees, standing there dark +and sombre, save where the glintings of sunlight pierced their foliaged +armor, like grim sentinels of the centuries. + +This was the home of Robert Nettleton, a plain and uneducated farmer, +who had several years before removed from the East with his family, and +with them was slowly accumulating a competence for his declining days. + +Robert Nettleton's family consisted of himself, his wife, and their +three children. He was looked upon by his neighbors as somewhat erratic +and strange, being repelling in his manner, and at times sullen and +reticent. He went about his duties in a severe way, and at all times +compelled the strictest obedience from each member of his family. On the +contrary, his wife was a meek-eyed little woman, patient and +long-suffering, and was looked upon in the neighborhood as a nonentity +from her unresisting, broken-down demeanor, save in times of sickness +and trouble, when she was immediately in great demand, as she had little +to say, but much to do, and had an effective method of noiseless, tender +watching and nursing at command, which was at all times ungrudgingly +employed. + +The children consisted of one boy and two girls, the eldest of whom, now +in her eighteenth year, little dreamed of the despicable commotion she +was to create in after-life, and was the reigning belle of the +community, though she always kept the country bumpkins at a respectful +distance and was feared by fully as many as she was admired, from her +impetuous, imperious ways, that brooked no opposition or hinderance. One +would have to travel a long distance to find a more attractive figure +and face than those possessed by this country girl. She was somewhat +above the medium height, a living model for a Venus, supple and lithe as +the willows that grew upon the banks of the winding stream, and so +physically powerful that she had already gained some notoriety among her +acquaintances through having soundly shaken the pedagogue of the +district school, and afterwards pitched him through the window into an +adjacent snow-drift, where he had remained buried to his middle, his +legs wildly waving signals of distress, until she had just as +impulsively released him. + +Although somewhat strange and unusual, her features, while not +strikingly beautiful, were still singularly attractive. Her head, which +was large and seemingly well provided with faculties of quick +perception, was covered with a wondrous wealth of black hair, so heavy +and luxurious as to be almost unmanageable, and which, when not in +restraint, fell about her form, hiding it completely, nearly to her +feet. Her forehead was full and prominent, while her eyes, large and +rather deeply set, and fringed with heavy lashes, were of that peculiar +gray color which at times may be touched by all shades, while a trace of +blue always predominates. There was nothing worth remarking about other +portions of her face, save that, critically examined, too much of it +seemed to have got into her chin, and her upper lip had a strange habit +of hugging her brilliantly white teeth too closely, and then curling +upward before meeting the lower one, where sometimes crimson and ashy +paleness played like quick and cruel lightning, a key to the slumbering +devils within her. At these times, too, there was a certain light in her +eyes that an observing person would feel a peculiar dread of awakening, +though usually her face showed a complete repose, and it would have been +difficult to decide whether she was a very ordinary or a very +extraordinary character. + +Still, with her magnificent figure and strangely attractive face, she +was a young woman to strongly draw just two classes of men towards +her--students of character and students of form. The first she +invariably disappointed and repelled, always awakening the indefinable +dread I have mentioned, while her presence among the latter class as +swiftly opened the floodgates of passion to swiftly sweep the better +nature and all good resolves before it. So, with her peculiarly +unfortunate construction, it is not strange that, on arriving at that +period of life when the almost omnipotent power of a self-willed woman +begins to develop and hint at the possibilities beyond the threshold of +the strange life her inexperienced feet had just reached, Lilly +Nettleton should have felt an oppressive sense of littleness in the +quiet community in which she lived, and experienced a burning desire to +cast these humble associations from her, to compel admiration and +conquer whoever and whatever she might meet in the wide, wide world +beyond. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + + The "Circuit-Rider."-- Mr. Pinkerton and these Gospel + Knights-Errant in the early Days.-- The Rev. Mr. Bland + appears.-- "And Satan came also!"-- A "charge" is + established.-- A Compact "where the golden maple-leaves + fall."-- Bland departs.-- "The scared form of a young + Woman steals away from her Home!" + + +During the summer the presiding elder of the Kalamazoo district decided +to bid for the benighted souls that dwelt in Mr. Nettleton's +neighborhood, and made arrangements to "supply" the school-house at the +corners where Lilly had distinguished herself in giving the schoolmaster +a cold bath in the snow-bank, with circuit-riders, or with young +clergymen who had just graduated and were supposed to be in training for +more extended fields of labor. + +At that time the system of salvation as carried on by the Methodist +Church--which must certainly be credited with a vast amount of push and +energy in furthering its peculiar plan of redemption--outside of the +large cities was almost exclusively one which necessitated the +employment of circuit-riders, as they were then called, and are now +called in some portions of the extreme west. They were usually men of +great suavity of manner, personal bravery, unbounded zeal, and +remarkable religious enthusiasm. They trusted principally in the Lord, +but also placed implicit confidence in the extraordinary hospitality of +the plain pioneer people with whom they came in contact, who, if not +prepared to accept everything told them, responded to their strenuous +efforts for their salvation by an unqualified welcome; so that the +appearance of the circuit-rider, or "supply," was not only cause for +unusual Bible catechism and hymn reading, but also a signal for culinary +preparations on a grand scale, to which, as a rule, the hen-roost +materially contributed. + +Time and time again, in the early days, have I journeyed with these +Gospel Knights-errant, listening to their interesting adventures, almost +as strange as my own, and their simple tales of blessed experiences; +often tarrying with them at their "stations," and for some good purpose, +best known to myself, joining in their efforts to sow seed meet unto +repentance as we crossed the beautiful streams and broad prairies of +Illinois; and as we journeyed along so pleasantly together the thought +that my comrade was giving his whole life to the work of saving sin-sick +souls, while mine was as irrevocably devoted to bringing many of them to +summary justice, has flashed across my mind with such startling force, +that the dramatic nature of the life we live was presented to me more +powerfully than I have since seen it shown before the footlights of any +of the grandest theatres of the world. + +As the Nettleton family had belonged to that church in the East, and had +also attended service at the village when the roads and weather were +favorable, they were, of course, leaders in the plan to secure +"meetings" nearer home; and when the good brother made his appearance +one pleasant autumn Saturday afternoon, as was natural, he directed his +faithful Rozinante to the comfortable log-house by the river, where both +it and its reverend rider were given a genuine welcome. + +The new preacher was none of your soiled, worked-out, toiling +itinerants. He was a young clergyman, scarcely thirty years old, and +just from college; tall, well-formed, with a florid, smoothly-shaven +face, and plenty of hair and hallelujah about him. He could tell you all +about the stars, and just as easily point out the merits or demerits in +your plate of mutton or porter-house; and, being of this tropical +nature, if there were two things above any other two things in life for +which he had a penchant, they were a spirited nag and a spirited woman. +In fact, he had accepted the ministry just the same as he would have +accepted any other profession, merely as a makeshift, and had submitted +to being ground through the theological mill, and afterwards to this +backwoods breaking-in process, simply because his widowed mother, a +Detroit lady, was immensely pious and also immensely wealthy; and if he +should become a noted minister, he would get all her property, which +otherwise would go to the good cause direct, but which, once in his +hands, would enable him to gratify his elegant tastes and do as he +pleased generally. + +So, being a thorough judge of women, he was at once more interested in +Lilly Nettleton than in the welfare of the souls of the Nettleton +neighborhood; and after a bountiful supper had been disposed of, and +the family were gathered upon the verandah for a pleasant chat with the +minister in the long, hazy September sunset, and the Rev. Mr. Bland--for +that was the young clergyman's name--had flattered Mr. Nettleton on the +merits of his pretty farm, Mrs. Nettleton upon her elegant cooking, and +the younger children upon their various degrees of perfection, he passed +directly to the subject which most occupied his mind, and in a +patronizing way, evidently with a view of attracting Lilly's attention +without arousing the suspicions of her honest parents, said: + +"By the way, Mr. Nettleton, your beautiful daughter here--ah, what may I +call her? thank you, Lilly; and a very appropriate name, too--is the +perfect image of a very dear friend of ours--my mother's and my own--in +Detroit." + +There was certainly a flush on Lilly's face deeper than could have been +put there by the red glow of the setting sun. Mr. Bland did not fail to +notice it either; and as there was no response to his remark, he +continued, occasionally glancing at Lilly, who, though apparently only +interested in her needle-work, drank in every word that fell from the +reverend gentleman's lips. + +"In fact," said the minister, "the resemblance is quite striking, though +I really think your daughter Lilly is the finer-looking of the +two--indeed, has quite an intellectual face, and would, I am sure, make +a thorough student." + +"But she won't go to school here," interrupted Mr. Nettleton; while the +strange light came into Lilly's eyes and the crimson and ashy paleness +played upon the curled lips. + +"But, Brother Nettleton, you must remember that we are not all similarly +created. The world must have its hewers of wood and drawers of water, +but it must also have its grand minds to direct----" + +"I can do all the directin' necessary here," bluntly persisted Mr. +Nettleton. + +"Of course, of course," pleasantly continued Mr. Bland, talking _at_ +Lilly, though answering her father; "but I hope Lilly can some time have +those advantages which would certainly cause her to shine in +society----" + +"And despise her home!" said Mr. Nettleton, bitterly. + +The storm was still playing fiercely over Lilly's face, and her heaving +bosom told how hard a struggle was necessary to restrain her from then +and there saying or doing some reckless thing, and then rushing away +into the woods and the night to escape the restraint that set so heavily +upon her imperious spirit. + +"No, I think not," replied Mr. Bland soothingly. "I am a pretty good +judge of human nature, though a young man, and am sure that Lilly has a +kind heart and will prove a blessing to your later years. Our dear +Detroit friend was also a little spirited, but she is now one of the +leaders of Sunday-school and church society, and is much sought +after--yes, much sought after," repeated Mr. Bland slowly, as he saw its +effect upon Lilly. + +The clergyman's good opinion of their daughter made the simple parents +really happy; but she knew as well as he what it was all said for, and +she already hated the flippant Mr. Bland, for her quick woman's +instinct--they never reason--had analyzed him thoroughly. But her heart +throbbed at the idea of being considered "fine-looking," and her brain +burned with the desire to also become "sought after." Yes, young and +inexperienced as she was, she was old in the crime of impure thought and +unbridled ambition, and was ready to lend herself to any scheme, however +questionable, that might offer release, or give promise of the +gratification of her passion for notoriety, and ruling or ruining +anything with which she came in contact. + +After this the evening passed pleasantly to the old people, who, after a +time, went into the house to attend to their several duties; and also to +the young people, Mr. Bland and Lilly, who, without any effort on the +part of either, had arrived at a thorough understanding--so much so, +indeed, that when the voice of Mr. Nettleton was heard apprising Mr. +Bland that he would show him to his room whenever he desired to retire, +he quietly stepped near to where Lilly was sitting in the weird +moonlight, and taking her pretty, warm hand within his own, said +rapidly, but in a low voice: + +"My dear Lilly, I have a deep interest in you; your people cannot +understand it, and, should they know it, would only suspect me, and +watch and restrain you. _Make_ an opportunity for us to be together +alone. I will remain until you accomplish it; and--" Mr. Nettleton's +step was now heard in the hall--"quick, Lilly! do we understand each +other?" + +She gave him a look that would have withered any but a lecherous +villain as he was; but he met it in kind, as she whispered "Yes!" and +added, disengaging herself as Bland stealthily stepped back and +carelessly leaned against the door: + +"What book did you say?" + +"Ah, yes--'hem! 'Young's Night Thoughts.' It is a pure book, and would +not only cultivate your mind, but aid you in the common duties of life. +I will send it to you, and you can read it aloud to your parents. I know +they will enjoy it too! Ha! Mr. Nettleton, excuse me Lilly, of course +you will join us at prayers?" + +She had been taught her first lesson, was an apt scholar, too; and as +the man of God on his bended knees prayed that all blessings might +descend upon this happy home, however much his cursed soul might have +been stung by the devilish hypocrisy of the hour, there was not a pang +of remorse in her heart for the bold step she knew she had taken. + +Lilly did not attend service at the school-house on Sabbath, and made +her appearance but once or twice during the day, feigning illness; but +on Monday she was about the house fresh and rosy as ever, and the first +opportunity that offered suggested to Bland the propriety of asking her +out for a boat-ride on the river, which he did in the afternoon during +Mr. Nettleton's absence, his meek wife thinking it a great honor to the +family, and in her poor mother's heart, no doubt, praying that the good +man might so soften her proud daughter's heart that she might be +bettered, and eventually led to the source of all good. + +Whether he did or not, if the reader of this book could have followed +the couple up the winding river to a secluded spot where the golden +maple-leaves fell upon the stream and were borne away in silence, +whatever of mad passion or reckless guilt might have been discovered, +just before they stepped into the boat to float with the tide back to +the dishonored home, a certain Rev. Mr. Bland might have been seen +placing in Lilly Nettleton's shameless hand a roll of bills, and heard +to say to the same person: + +"Be sure, now--next Sunday night. Row down to Kalamazoo in this boat, +and take the late night train for Detroit. Go to the Michigan Exchange +Hotel, where I will meet you Monday evening!" + +So the little neighborhood had had its "religious supply," but had also +had its loss; for, as the weird moonlight of the next Sunday evening +fell upon the quiet log farm-house, built strange forms among the +moaning, almost leafless trees, and pictured upon the river's bosom a +thousand ghostly figures, the scared form of a young woman stole away +from her home, glided to the murmuring stream, sprang into the little +boat, and was borne away to the hell of her future just as noiselessly +but just as resistlessly as the river itself pushed onward to the great +lakes, and was swept from thence to the ultimate, all-absorbing sea! + + + + +CHAPTER III. + + Lilly in Detroit.-- First and last Remorse.-- The reverend + Villain and his Victim enjoy the Hospitality of the + Michigan Exchange Hotel.-- A Scene.-- "Bland, am I to go + to your Mother's, as you promised?"-- The Clergyman(?) + "crazed."-- Everything, save Respectability.-- A Woman's + Will-- And a Man's Cajolement. + + +To the imagination of the wayward country girl Detroit was a great city, +and as she was whirled into the depot, where she saw the rushing river +beyond, and was hustled hither and thither by the clamorous cabmen, a +sense of giddiness came upon her, and for the first, and undoubtedly +last time, she yearned for the quiet of the old log farm-house by the +pleasant river. + +Perhaps the old forms and faces called to her imploringly, pleading with +her, as only the simple things of home, however plain and commonplace, +can plead with the wandering one; and in a swift, agonized longing for +the restfulness which the meanest virtue gives, but which had forever +fled from her, the thought, if not the words: + + "Of all sad words of tongue or pen + The saddest are these: It might have been"-- + +sped through her mind in a pitiful way; but just as she had almost +resolved to return to her parents, ask their forgiveness, and disclose +the character of the reverend villain, a man approached her, who, +saying he was "from Bland," conducted her to a carriage in waiting and +conveyed her to the Michigan Exchange Hotel, where she was fictitiously +registered, and the clerk informed that her brother would call for her +in the evening. + +She had been assigned a very pretty room, elegantly furnished, and the +windows gave her a view of the river and the shipping, with Windsor and +the bluff hills of Canada beyond. It was all beautiful and wonderful to +her--the hotel a palace, the river, with its great steamers, vessels, +and ferries--a fairy scene; and Windsor, with the broken country beyond, +all covered by the soft, blue, gossamer veil of early autumn--a +beautiful dream! + +With her thoroughly unprincipled nature there was a lazy sort of +enjoyment in all this; and when her dinner was brought to her room, as +had been previously ordered by the hackman, and she was gingerly served +by an ordinarily nimble waiter, but who took every possible occasion to +illustrate the fact that he was cultivated and she was not, she received +the attention in as dignified a manner as though born to rule, and had +been accustomed to the service of menials from infancy. + +The afternoon wore away, and as the gas-lights began to flare out upon +the city, a gentle tap was heard at her door, and a moment after, before +an invitation to enter had been given, the oily Bland slid into Lilly's +apartment, closed the door after him, and turned the key in the lock. +Then he walked right over to where Lilly was sitting upon the sofa, and +took her in his arms, saying: + +"Well, I see my dearest Lilly has kept her word." + +She allowed him to fondle her just long enough to dare to repel him +gently, and answered: + +"After what passed by the river, I could not do otherwise than keep my +word. Yes, your 'dearest Lilly' has kept her word. And what now, Mr. +Bland?" + +Seeing that she was disposed to ask leading questions, he changed the +subject laughingly. + +"Why, some supper, of course," and immediately rang the bell, ordering +of the servant, who appeared directly, a sumptuous spread, not +forgetting a bottle of wine. + +During the preparation of the meal Lilly stepped to the window, and +pressing her restless face against the panes, seemed intently regarding +the dancing lights upon the broad river, while Bland whistled softly, +and warmed his delicate, pliable hands at the coals in the fireplace, +which gave to the chilly evening a pleasant, cheery glow. Suddenly she +stepped close to him, leaned her head in her left hand, her elbow +resting upon the marble mantel, while with her right hand she firmly +grasped his shoulder. She then said, in a quiet, determined way: + +"Bland, am I to go to your mother's, as you promised?" + +[Illustration: _"Bland, am I to go to your mother's as you +promised?"--_] + +She said this in such a resolute, icy way, and her hand rested upon his +shoulder so heavily, that, for the first time, he looked at her as if +satisfied that he had a beautiful tigress in keeping, and it might +possibly require supreme will force to control her. + +"No, Lilly, you will not go to my mother's." + +"Then I will go home." + +"You will not go home. You will remain here." + +"Bland, no person on God's earth shall say 'will' to me. That is just as +certain as the course of that river!" and her long, trembling forefinger +swept towards the rushing stream. + +The appearance of the waiter with supper quieted the conversation, which +was becoming stormy, and it was only resumed when Bland saw that Lilly +was mellowing under the influence of the wine, which thrilled through +her veins, pushing the rich, healthy blood to her cheeks, and lighting +her great gray eyes with a wonderful lustre. It could not be said that +he loved the girl, but he had a mad passion for her which was simply +overwhelming at these times when, untutored and uncultivated as she was, +she became truly queenly in appearance. + +It was a dainty little supper served upon a dainty little table, and +they were sitting very closely together, and Bland, after feasting his +eyes upon her magnificent form for a time, drew her into his arms +impulsively, kissing her again and again, calling her endearing names, +and promising her everything that could come to the tongue of a talented +man made wild by wine and a woman. + +"Lilly, you have crazed me--ruined me!" he said, excitedly. "You know +what I profess to be--a Christian minister! God forgive me for my cursed +weakness, but you have me in your power!" + +Although her face rested against his, and their hot cheeks burned +together, the old wicked light gleamed in her eyes, and the crimson and +ashy paleness played upon the curled lip. If it all could have been seen +by the reverend gentleman, it would have sobered him. The words "in your +power" had flung the lightning into Lilly Nettleton's face. Power, +power, power! No matter how secured; no matter what the result. The very +word maddened her, made a scheming devil of her, but also made her ready +for any proposition Bland might offer, as it swiftly came into her mind +that the deeper she sank with him the greater would be her power over +him. + +"Well?" she said, reassuringly. + +"'Well?'--I am at your mercy. A knowledge of what has passed between us +would be my ruin; your ruin also. We have done what cannot be undone; +yes," he continued passionately, and drawing her closer to him, "what I +would not undo!" + +"Well?" It was tenderly said, and gave him courage. + +"I am rich, or will be, Lilly." + +"If you are careful," she added with a light laugh. + +"Exactly. I can do a great deal for you, and will----" + +"Conditionally?" + +"Yes, conditionally. The conditions are that you live quietly at an +elegant place to which we will shortly be driven. You will be mistress +of the place; that is, you will have everything you can desire----" + +"Save respectability, Mr. Bland?" + +She was shrewder than he--in fact, his master already; but hinted at +the sale of her soul so heartlessly that it shocked even him. + +"You had 'respectability' at home, Lilly; and," glancing at her plain +garments, which were a burlesque upon her beautiful figure, "and old +clothes, and surveillance, and restraint, and----" + +"Bland," she said, springing to her feet with such violence as to send +him sprawling to the floor, from which he stared in amazement at her +magnificent form, which trembled like a leaf, while the wicked lightning +gleamed from her eyes, and swift shuttles of color flashed back and +forth upon her lips; "Bland, be careful! Never speak to me again of the +meanness of my home. The meanness of your black heart is a million times +greater. You have something more than a country girl to deal with, sir; +you have a woman and a woman's will. It is enough that I have sold my +body and soul for what you can, or might, give me. I bargained for no +contempt; and, Bland," she continued, advancing towards him fiercely as +he regained his feet and retreated from her in dismay, "as sure as there +is a heaven, and as sure as there ought to be a hell for such as we, if +you begin it, I will kill you! Yes," she hissed, "I will kill you!" and +then, woman-like, having passed the climax of feeling and expression, +she threw herself on the bed for a good cry, while Bland, with wine and +words and countless caresses, soothed her wild spirit, bringing her back +to pliant good nature, where she was as putty in his dexterous hands. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + Tells how the Rev. Mr. Bland preached a Funeral Sermon.-- + Shows a dainty Cottage, holding more than the Neighbors + knew.-- Installs Lilly as a Clergyman's Mistress.-- + Reverts to a Desolate Home.-- Introduces Dick Hosford, a + returned "Forty-Niner," who begins a despairing Search.-- + And shows that unholy, as well as true Love, does not + always run smoothly. + + +Shortly afterwards a closed cabriolet containing two persons was rapidly +driven from the Michigan Exchange up Wisconsin street, from thence into +Griswold, and out towards the suburbs, finally drawing up before a neat +cottage-house, where the lights, peeping around the edges of the drawn +curtains, showed the place to be in a state of preparation. + +A man and a woman quickly alighted from the carriage, and as the woman, +apparently a young one, though closely veiled, stepped to the gate, +opened it and waited for her escort, the gentleman said in a low tone to +the coachman: + +"James, drive to the house and inform mother that while down town this +evening I received an unexpected call to Ann Arbor, to preach a funeral +sermon over the remains of an old student-friend at the University, and +that I may not be home until late to-morrow evening;" then, after +handing James some coin, "you understand, James?" + +James thought he understood, grinned grimly, put the money in his pocket +and drove away. + +"Remember, Lilly," said Bland, stepping to the gate and taking her arm, +"you are Lilly Mercer here." + +"Yes, Bland." + +"And you are never to mention anything regarding yourself to the lady +who owns this place." + +"I think I can keep my own counsel." + +"And, if any inquiries are made here, by any person whatever, regarding +myself, you are to be innocently and utterly ignorant." + +"And what are you to do?" asked Lilly, naively. + +"I?--why I am to do well by you." + +"Just so long as you do that, Bland, you are perfectly safe!" + +She had taken to dictating also; but it was a pretty little cottage and +grounds, and a feeling of satisfaction at being their mistress, even if +it necessitated being his mistress, came over her that made her affable +and winning, if she did occasionally say things that hinted at a stormy +future. + +They strolled up the broad brick walk, he thrilled with his magnificent +capture, and she just as satisfied with the power she had attained over +one so high socially, and who stood in such near prospect of obtaining +vast wealth. Instead of entering the house at its little front door with +its highly ornamented porch, they opened the door of a little +trellis-worked addition to the cottage, which was now covered by an +almost leafless mass of vines, and passed to a side entrance, where a +gentle pull of the bell caused the immediate appearance of a very fat +and very flabby woman of middle age, who at once conducted them to a +suite of rooms, consisting of a parlor and a large sleeping-room, +between which, in place of the original folding-doors, had been +substituted rich hangings sufficiently drawn apart to admit of the +passage of one person, and which, with the tastefully draped windows, +the deeply-framed pictures, the vari-colored marble mantels and +fireplaces, the heavy, yielding carpet giving back no sound to the +foot-fall, and the great easy-chairs into which one sank as into pillows +of down, gave the rooms the hintings of such luxuriousness that Lilly +was completely dazzled and bewildered with the unexpected elegance, and +the, to her, never before realized splendor. + +"Mother Blake," said Bland, "this is Lilly Mercer, who is my friend, and +whom you are to make comfortable." + +Mother Blake, as if realizing that her duties began whenever Bland +spoke, majestically crossed the room, sat down beside Lilly and +immediately kissed her very affectionately, merely remarking, "And a +very nice girl she is, too, Mr. Bland." + +"That'll do, mother. You may get us a small bottle of wine, and then go +to bed. It's getting late, and you know you need a good deal of sleep." + +Mother Blake chuckled, and shook from it as though her enjoyment of any +sort of pleasantry came to the surface only in a series of ripples over +her great fat body, instead of in echoes of enjoyment from her great fat +throat. But it might have been merely a habit with its origin in the +necessities of her quiet mode of life; and, doing as requested, only +lingered to fasten back the curtain so that the low, luxurious bed came +temptingly into view, after which she beamingly backed out of the room, +wishing the couple "a pleasant night, and many of 'em!" + +If shame hovered over this pretty place, it did not pale the amber glow +of the sparkling wine; it came not into the ruddy coals upon the hearth, +which gave forth their glowing warmth just as cheerily as from any other +hearth in the broad land; it never dimmed the light from the gilded +chandeliers; it put no crimson flush upon the faces which touched each +other with an even flow of blood, nor quickened the pulses of the hands +that as often met; and God only knows whether, when, as sleep came down +upon the city, and the man and woman rested in each other's arms upon +the bed beyond the rich curtains (which, as the light in the fireplaces +grew or waned, never contained one ghostly rustle or semblance), there +was even a guilty dream to mark its presence! + +But what of the inmates of the old log farm-house by the pleasant river? + +The morning came, and the agonized parents found that their daughter had +gone. Robert Nettleton set his teeth and swore that he would never +search for her, while his poor wife was completely broken and crushed as +much from the agonized fears that flooded into her heart as from the +actual loss of her child. + +The most dejected member of the household, however, was a new-comer, one +Dick Hosford, who years before had drifted into the Nettleton family and +had been brought up by them until, becoming a stout young man, he was +borne away in the gold excitement with the "Forty-niners" to California, +where by hard work and no luck whatever, being an honest, simple soul, +he had got together a few thousand dollars; with no announcement of his +proposed return, had come back as far as Terre Haute, Indiana, where he +had purchased a snug farm, and immediately turned his footsteps towards +Mr. Nettleton's, arriving there the very morning after Lilly's +departure, as he said, "to marry the gal, but couldn't find her +shadder." + +He was simply inconsolable, and it took off the keen edge of the +parents' grief somewhat to find that another shared it with them, and +even seemed to feel that it was all his own. + +So it was arranged that the inquisitive neighbors should only know that +Lilly had "gone to town for a week or two," while Dick Hosford should go +to Chicago, and then back east as far as Detroit, making diligent search +for something even more tangible than the "shadder" of the lost girl; +and as he said good-by to the Nettletons with quivering lips and +suspiciously dimmed eyes, he added: + +"Bob Nettleton, and mother--for you've always been a half-dozen mothers +to me--don't ye never expect to see me back to these yer diggin's +'thout I bring the gal. I've sot my heart onto her; and" with an oath +that the Recording Angel as surely blotted out as Uncle Toby's, for it +was only the clinching of a brave determination, "I'll have her if I +find her in a----" He stopped suddenly as he saw the pain in their +faces, shook their hands in a way that told them more than his simple +words ever could have expressed, and trudged away with as little +certainty of finding whom he sought, save by accident--or, if found, of +securing the prize for himself, unless through her whim--as of ever +himself becoming anything save the honest, faithful, gullible soul that +he was. + +At Detroit, Mother Blake had orders to provide Lilly Mercer, her latest +charge, with a suitable wardrobe and some fine pieces of jewelry, which +was accordingly done; and in the novelty of her transformation, which +really made her a beautiful young woman, her ardor of fondness for Bland +was certainly sufficient to gratify both his vanity and passion to the +fullest extent. But, to some women, both passion and finery must be +frequently renewed in order to insure constancy; and while Bland was as +hopelessly in her toils as ever, as she had always despised him and now +despised his offerings, which were neither so numerous or costly as at +first, she became almost unmanageable, caused Mother Blake great +perturbation of spirit, and led Bland a deservedly stormy life. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + + Reckless Fancies.-- The "Cursed Church Interests."-- Bland's + "little Bird" becomes a busy Bird.-- Merges into a great + Raven of the Night.-- Gathers together Valuables.-- And + while a folded Handkerchief lies across the Clergyman's + Face, steals away into the Storm and the Night.-- Gone!-- + "Are ye all dead in there?"-- Drifting together.-- "Don't + give the Gal that Ticket!"-- A great-hearted Man.-- The + Rev. Bland officiates at a Wedding.-- Competence and + Contentment. + + +A few weeks later, one November evening, the first snow-storm of the +year came hurrying and skurrying down upon the city. The streets seemed +filled with that thrilling, electric life which comes with the first +snow-flakes, and as they tapped their ghostly knuckles against the panes +of Lilly Mercer's boudoir, the weird _staccato_ passed into her restless +spirit and filled her mind with wild, reckless fancies. The storm had +beaten up against the cottage but a little time until it brought Bland +with it. + +He came to tell his Lilly, he said, that the cursed church interests +would compel him to go to the West, to be absent for several weeks. In +mentioning the fact he sat down by the fireplace and gave her some money +for use while he was away, and also counted over quite an amount which +he had provided for his travelling expenses. + +He also told her that he should leave the next evening, and would, +after a little time, of course, return for the night, as he could never +go on so long a journey without spending the parting hours with his +little bird, as he had come to call her. + +His little bird had sat remarkably passive during all this, but now +fluttered about him with cooings and regrets innumerable, and seemed to +still be in a flutter of excitement when he had gone; for, after walking +up and down the rooms for a time, she flung some wrappings about her, +and quickly glided out among the pelting flakes that hid her among the +hurrying thousands upon the streets and within the shops, until she as +rapidly returned. + +Within the warm nest again, there was a note to be written, and several +feathery but valuable trifles to be got together. In fact, Bland's +little bird was a busy bird, until when, at a late hour, he came back to +its unusually tender ways and wooings, and was soon slumbering beside +it. + +Then the little bird became a great raven of the night, and stole +quietly about the apartments, gathering together, quite like any other +raven, everything that pleased its fancy, including even the money that +was to have been used in the "cursed church interests," and the gold +watch that ticked away at its sleeping owner's head, but not loud enough +to awaken him, for he slept with a peculiar heaviness, and, strangely +enough, with a folded handkerchief across his face. But the raven of the +cottage, in a quiet way that ravens have, never ceased gathering what +pleased it, until the early hours of morning, when, kissing its beak to +the bed and the sleeper, and flinging upon the bed a little note which +read: + + _A double expose if you like._ + + LILLY "MERCER."-- + +took itself and its gathered treasures out into the storm and the night. + +The storm was gone when the chloroformed man awoke, and the bright sun +pushed through the shutters upon his feverish face. Slowly and with +great effort he groped his way back to consciousness, and with a thrill +of fear reached out his hand for his little bird, and to reassure +himself that what was flooding furiously into his mind was untrue, and +was but some horrible nightmare that her dear touch would drive away. +But the place where she had lain was as cold and empty as her own +heartless heart; and as he faintly called, "Lilly! oh, Lilly!" the very +realistic voice of Mother Blake was heard in the hall, and her very +realistic fists banging away against the door. + +"Say, Bland, are ye all dead in there? Lord! it's broad noon!" + +All dead? No; but far better so, as the Rev. Mr. Bland with a mighty +effort sprang from the bed and saw the gas-light struggling with the +sunlight, the dead ashes in the fireplace, and himself in the great +mirror, a dishonored, despoiled, deserted roue, drugged, robbed and +defied by the simple maiden from the log farm-house by the pleasant +river. + +The same evening two persons on wonderfully different missions drifted +into the depot and transfer-house at Detroit, and mingled with the great +throng that the east and the west continually throw together at this +point. One was a handsome, apparently self-possessed young lady, who +attended to her baggage personally, and moved about among the crowds +with apparent unconcern; though, closely watched, her face would have +shown anxiety and restlessness. The other was a gaunt, though solidly +built young fellow, whose clothes, although of good material, had the +appearance of having been thrown at him and caught with considerable +uncertainty upon his bony angles. He wandered about in a dejected way, +looking hither and thither as if forever searching for some one whose +discovery had become improbable, but who should not escape if an honest +search by an honest, simple fellow as he seemed to be, could avail +anything. By one of those unexplainable coincidences, or fatuities, as +some are pleased to term them, these two persons--the one desirous of +avoiding a crowd, and the other anxious to ascertain whom every throng +contained--approached the ticket-office from different directions at the +same moment. + +He at the gent's window heard her at the ladies' window say to the +agent, "Yes, to Buffalo, if you please;" and he jumped as though he had +been lifted by an explosion. He peered through the window and saw her +face at the other window, and without waiting to step around to her, +yelled to the agent like a madman: "Say, you, mister!--don't give the +gal that ticket. It's a mistake. She's going 'tother way;" and shoving +his gaunt head and shoulders into the window and wildly gesticulating to +the young lady, as the agent in a scared way saw the muscular intruder +hovering over his tickets and money-box, he continued excitedly: + +"Say, Lil, old gal! Lil Nettleton!--Dick--Dick Hosford, ye know! Ain't I +tellin' the truth? ain't it all a mistake, and ain't you goin' the other +way--with _me_, ye know--yes, 'long with Dick?" + +[Illustration: _"Say, you?--mister?--don't give the gal that ticket! +It's all a mistake!"--_] + +Lilly Nettleton, for it was no other, nodded to the agent--who returned +the money--and quickly stepped around to help Dick disengage himself +from the window, and then quickly drew him away from the crowd which the +little episode had collected, sat down beside him, and, heartily +laughing at his ludicrous appearance, said, "Why, Dick, where under +heaven did _you_ come from?" + +"Lil, gal," said poor Dick, wiping the tears of joy out of his eyes, "I +come all the way from Californy fur ye, found ye gone and the old folks +all bust and banged up about it. Fur six weary weeks I've been huntin', +huntin' ye up and down, here and yon, and was goin' back to Terre Haute, +sell the d----d farm I bought fur ye, and skip back to the Slope to kill +Injuns, or somethin', to drown my sorrow, fur I told the old folks I'd +bring ye back, or never set foot in them diggin's agin'!" + +Lilly looked at the great-hearted man beside her in a strange, +calculating kind of a way, never touched by his tenderness and simple +sacrifice, but moving very closely to him in a winsome way that quite +overcame him. + +"And I come to marry ye, Lil," persisted Dick, anxiously. + +"To marry me, Dick?" + +"Yes, and bought ye a purty farm at Terre Haute." + +"A farm, Dick?" + +"Yes, Lil, a farm, with as snug a little house as ye ever sot eyes on." + +"But where did you get so much money? You never wrote anything about +it." + +"No, I wanted to kinder surprise ye; but I got it honest--got it honest; +with these two hands, Lil, that'll work for ye all yer life like a +nigger, if ye'll only come 'long with me and never go gallavantin' any +more." + +"And won't you ask me any questions or allow them--at home, Dick--to ask +any, and take me just as I am?" + +"Just as ye are; fur better, or fur wus, Lil." + +"And marry me here, now, before we go home?" + +"Marry ye, Lil? I'd marry ye if I'd a found ye in a----; I won't give it +a name, Lil. I didn't to them, and I won't to you." + +She gave him her hand as firmly and frankly as though she had been a +pure woman, and said, "I'm yours, Dick. We'll be married here, +to-morrow." + +She took charge of all the arrangements; called a cab which took them to +the Michigan Exchange; sent Dick off to his room with orders to secure a +license the first thing in the morning; wrote two notes to a certain +person, one addressed to Mother Blake, and the other to _his_ +post-office box, ordering them posted that night; and went to her room +to sleep the sleep of the just, which, contrary to general belief, also +often comes to the unjust. + +Early in the morning, Dick came with the license and suggested securing +the services of a preacher; but Lilly said that she had arranged that +matter already, and had got a clergyman who, she was sure, would not +disappoint them; and promptly at two o'clock in the afternoon +courteously admitted the Rev. Mr. Bland, whom she had given the choice +of officiating or an exposure, and who performed the ceremony in a pale, +trembling way as the wicked old light gleamed in her great, gray eyes, +and the swift shuttles of color played over her curled lip. + +That night found the newly-wedded couple whirling back to Kalamazoo, +where they arrived the next morning and were driven out to the +farm-house, where they were joyfully welcomed, and where Dick Hosford in +his blunt way announced that he had "found Lil workin' away like a good +girl, had married her and took a little bridal 'tower,' and had come +back to have no d----d questions asked." + +So in a few days the young couple bade the Nettletons good-by and were +soon after installed in the pleasant farm-house near Terre Haute, where +the years passed on happily enough and brought them competence and +contentment and three children, who for a long time never knew the +meaning of the strange light in the eyes, or the swift colors on the +lips, of the mother who cared for them with an apparent full measure of +kindness and affection. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + + Mr. Pinkerton is called upon.-- Mr. Harcout, a + ministerial-looking Man, with an After-dinner Voice, + appears.-- A Case with a Woman in it, as is usually the + case.-- Mr. Pinkerton hesitates.-- An anxious Millionaire. + + +One hot July afternoon in 186-, I was sitting in my private office at my +New York Agency, located then, and now, at the corner of New Street and +Exchange Place, in the very heart of the money and stock battles of +Gotham, pretty well tired out from a busy day's work in carrying to +completion some of the vast transactions that had accumulated during the +war, and which were in turn waiting for my professional services to +unravel. + +It had been a terribly hot day, and the city seemed like a vast caldron +filled with a million boiling victims; and now that the day's labor was +nearly over, I was principally employed in an attempt to keep cool, but +finding it impossible with everybody about me, settled myself in my +easy-chair at the window to watch the Babel of brokers below. + +From such an altitude, where one can look down soberly upon these madmen +and see their wild antics, when for the moment they are absolutely +insane in their thirst for gold, never halting at the most extreme +recklessness even though they know it may compel wholesale ruin, it is +easy to realize how isolated cases occur where the whole human nature +yields to greed, and sweeps on to the certain accomplishment of crime +for its satisfaction. + +Just after a particularly heavy "rush" had been made, resulting in a few +broken limbs and numberless tattered hats and demolished garments, and +the bulls and bears were gathered about in knots excitedly talking over +their profit and loss, and wiping the great beads of perspiration, from +their lobster-like faces, I noticed an important-looking gentleman turn +into New Street from the direction of Broadway, and after edging through +the crowds, occasionally halting to ask a question in the politest +possible manner--the replies and gestures to which seemed to indicate +that he was seeking my agency, which afterwards proved true--this vision +of precision and politeness passed from my sight into Exchange Place, +and in a few moments after I was informed that a gentleman desired to +see me on very important business. + +After ascertaining who the gentleman was, and already knowing him to be +a harmless sort of an adventurer, and under the particular patronage of +a wealthy Rochester gentleman, I admitted him and he was introduced as +Mr. Harcout, of Rochester and New York. + +Mr. Harcout was a character in his way, and deserving of some notice. He +was a tall, heavily-built, obese gentleman of about forty-five years of +age, impressive, important, and supremely polite. His face was a strange +combination of imbecility and assumption; while his head, which was +particularly developed in the back part, indicating low instincts that +were evidently only repressed as occasion required, was consistent with +the formation of his square, flat forehead, which sloped back at a +suspiciously sharp angle from a pair of little, gray, expressionless +eyes, which from the lack of intelligence behind them would look you out +of face without blinking. His nose was straight and solidly set below, +like some sharp instrument, to assist him in getting on in the world. +His lips, though not unusually gross or sensual, had a way of opening +and closing, during the pauses of conversation with a persistency of +assertion that had the effect of keeping in the mind of the average +listener that great weight should be attached to what Mr. Harcout had +said, or was about to say; and at the same time, as also when he +patronizingly smiled, which was almost constantly, disclosed a set of +teeth of singular regularity and dazzling whiteness. A pair of very +large ears, closely-cut and neatly-trimmed hair, and a whitish-olive +complexion that suggested sluggish blood and a lack of fine +organization, complete the sketch of his face, but could never give the +full effect of the grandeur of his assumption and manners, which were a +huge burlesque on chivalric courtliness. As he entered the room his +gloved hand swept to the rim of his faultless silk hat, and removed it +with an indescribably graceful gesture that actually seemed to make the +hat say, "Ah! my very dear sir, while I belong to a gentleman of the +vastest importance imaginable, be assured that we are both +inexpressibly honored by this interview!" Nor were these all of his +strikingly good points. He was a man that was always dressed in a suit +of the finest procurable cloth, most artistically fitted to his +commanding figure, and never a day passed when there was not an +exquisite favor in the neat button-hole of his collar. When he had +become seated in a most dignified and engaging manner, he had a neat +habit of showing his little foot encased in patent leather so shining +that, at a pinch, it might have answered for a mirror, by carelessly +throwing his right leg over his left knee, so that he could keep up an +incessant tapping upon his boot with the disengaged glove which his left +hand contained; and, with his head thrown slightly back and to one side, +emphasized his remarks in a graceful and convincing way with the digit +finger of his soft white right hand. Altogether he would have passed for +a person of considerable importance and good commercial and social +standing; but to one versed in character-reading he gave the impression +that he might at one time have been an easy-going clergyman, who had +lapsed into some successful insurance or real estate agency that had +been unexpectedly profitable; or, at least, was a man who had thoroughly +and artistically acquired the science of securing an elegant livelihood +through the confidence he could readily inspire in others. + +"Ah! Mr. Pinkerton, I am very glad to see you--very glad to see you; in +fact, I take it as a peculiar honor, though my business with you is of +an unpleasant nature," said Mr. Harcout, settling into his chair with a +kind of bland and amiable dignity. + +I saw that he was making a great effort to please me, and told him +pleasantly that it was quite natural for people to visit me on +unpleasant business. + +"Thank you, thank you," he replied in his rich, after-dinner voice, that +seemed to come with his winning smile to his lips through a vast measure +of good-fellowship and great-heartedness. "I feel that I am occupying a +peculiar position, both painful and embarrassing to me: first, as the +friend and agent of a wealthy man who is also an acquaintance of yours, +and operates on the Produce Exchange, here; and second, in being obliged +to ascertain whether you will take our case without your becoming too +fully aware of the particulars, in the event of your refusal." + +"Well," said I encouragingly, highly enjoying his embarrassment and +assumed importance, "if you will give me a general outline of the +matter, I will take it into consideration; and, in any event, you can +rest assured that our walls have no ears to what our patrons have to say +within them." + +"Well, then," replied Harcout with a winning smile, "to be honest with +you, Mr. Pinkerton, there's a woman in our case; yes--though I'm very +sorry to say it--the case is almost entirely a woman case." + +"In that event, Mr. Harcout, I must plainly say to you that I don't like +those cases at all. I have all the business that I can attend to, and +even more than I sometimes desire; and I really think you had better +secure the services of some other person." + +"Pray don't say so; pray don't say so, Mr. Pinkerton. Ah! what _could_ +induce you to take the case?" + +"No sum of money," I replied, "unless I was fully assured that it was +all right--that is, had the right on your side. Almost without exception +these cases with women in them, where men become jealous of their +mistresses, mistresses of their men, wives of their husbands, husbands +of their wives, or when the lively and vigorous mother-in-law lends +spice to life, and, indeed, all those troubles arising from social +abuses, are a disgrace to every one connected with them." + +Harcout seemed quite disappointed that I did not express more avidity to +transact the business he proffered, but continued in his blandest +manner: + +"Still, supposing, although we were not altogether in the right, we were +endeavoring to defend ourselves against a vile woman who had manipulated +circumstances so that she had us greatly in her power?" + +"I should still feel a great reluctance in taking the case. All my life +I have had one steady aim before me, and that has been to purify and +ennoble the detective service; and I am sure that all this sort of +business is degrading in the extreme to operatives engaged upon it." + +"Very good, very good. But, Mr. Pinkerton, supposing the person pursued +was worth two or three millions of dollars; that after the parties had +met in a casual way, and, through a strange and unexplainable feeling of +admiration mingled with awe which she had compelled in him, she had +acquired a familiarity with his habits, business, and vast wealth, and +had from that time schemingly begun a plan of operations to entrap him +into marrying her, working upon his rather susceptible temperament +through his peculiar religious belief, in order to gain power over him, +and then, failing to secure him as a husband, had for some time pursued +a system of threats and quiet, persistent robbery, constantly becoming +more brazen and impudent, until he could bear it no longer, when he had +refused to see her or submit to further blackmail, whereupon she had +heartlessly attempted his social and financial ruin, by bringing a suit +against him for $100,000 damages for breach of promise of marriage?" + +This extended conundrum flushed Harcout, and his magnificent silk +handkerchief came gracefully into use to very gently and delicately +absorb the perspiration that had started upon his porous face. + +"Mr. Harcout," I still insisted, "I should then require to be +unqualifiedly assured that the woman in question was not a young woman +who had really been led to believe the promise of some man old enough to +be her father, and who should accept the consequences of his +indiscretion philosophically." + +"Exactly, exactly," responded Harcout, quite uneasily, though with an +evident endeavor at pleasantry; "and quite noble of you, too, Mr. +Pinkerton! Really, I had not anticipated finding such delicate honor +among detectives!" and he laughed a low, musical laugh which seemed to +come gurgling up from his capacious middle. + +I told him he might term it "delicate honor" or whatever he liked; that +I had made thorough justice a strict business principle, and found that +it won, too; but that, with the understanding that he had fairly +represented the case, I would give it my consideration and apprise him +of my decision the next day, giving him an appointment for that purpose; +after which, while verbosely expressing the hope that I would assist +him, he bowed himself out in a very impressive manner, passed into the +street, which was now nearly as quiet as the Trinity Church-yard close +by, and immediately went to the St. Nicholas, where he flourishingly +reported the interview to the anxious millionaire, who thanked fortune +for such a powerful and majestic friend. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + + In Council.-- Mr. Lyon the Millionaire, with Mr. Harcout the + Adventurer and Adviser, appear together.-- How Mr. Lyon + became Mrs. Winslow's Victim.-- "Our blessed Faith" and + the Woman's strange Power.-- A Tender Subject.-- Deep + Games.-- A One Hundred Thousand Dollar Suit for Breach of + Promise of Marriage.-- A good deal of Money.-- All liable + to err.-- A most magnificent Woman.-- The "Case" taken. + + +In the meantime I had a conversation on the subject with my General +Superintendent, Mr. Bangs, in which we weighed the case thoroughly in +all its bearings. I held, as I always do in such cases, if further +investigation proved that the woman was one whose youth, or even +inexperience, was such as to make it probable that she had been met by a +man whose position had dazzled and bewildered her, and who, from his +wealth and opportunities for exerting the immense influence of wealth, +had led her to believe that he loved her, and had had such attention +lavished upon her as had awakened in her heart an affection for him +which should deserve some consideration, and that finally, after +accomplishing his purpose, he had flung her from him, as was an +every-day occurrence, it was a case which I could under no circumstances +touch; its justice ought only to be determined in the courts. + +On the other hand, I argued that if this troublesome woman was grown in +years, had arrived at a mature age, and had deliberately planned to +secure a certain power over Harcout's friend in the questionable manner +ascribed--had, in fact, used the "black arts" upon him, and in every +manner possible fascinated him irresistibly, and wrung from him promises +and pledges which no man in his sane moments would give, in order +through this dishonorably-gained power to secure him for a husband--or +worse, in the event of failing in this, of levying upon his wealth for +the dishonor she had herself compelled, it was a case where I had a +right to interfere in the best interests of society, as the professional +female blackmailer is below pity, ought to be beyond protection of any +sort whatever, has forfeited all the actual and poetical regard due her +sex, and should be in every instance remorselessly hunted down. + +This conclusion was easily arrived at; for at each of my agencies all +that is necessary for a decision upon a desired investigation is that my +local superintendent shall sift the matter, to prove beyond the shadow +of a doubt that the vast power of the detective service under my control +shall not, under any circumstances, be prostituted to the assistance of +questionable enterprises, or the furtherance of dishonorable schemes. + +Accordingly, when Mr. Harcout wafted himself into my office the next +day, like a fragrance-laden zephyr of early summer, I informed him that +he could depend on my assistance to discover the history and antecedents +of the woman; but that I should have to reserve the privilege of +discontinuing the service, should it at any time transpire that my +operatives were being employed for the purpose of discouraging a +defenceless woman in securing the justice due her. + +It was arranged that Harcout was to call the next day with his patron, +the persecuted millionaire, and he also expressed a desire to defer a +settlement of the case in detail until that time, which was quite +agreeable to me, as I wished to see the parties together and closely +observe them, as well as their statements. + +The next afternoon Mr. Harcout's elegant card was delivered to me, with +the message that his friend was also with him. I ordered that they +should be at once admitted, and in a moment the two gentlemen were +ushered into my private office. I immediately recognized the elder of +the two as J. H. Lyon, one of the wealthiest elevator owners and millers +of Rochester, a quiet, shrewd, calculating business man, who had amassed +vast wealth, or the reputation of its possession, and its consequent +commercial respect and credit. + +He was a short, small-sized man, dressed in plain but rich garments, and +wore no jewelry save a massive solitaire diamond ring. His head, which +seemed to contain an average brain, was solidly set on a great, heavy +neck, that actually continued to the top of the back of his head without +a curve or depression. His hair, and beard--which was shaven away from +his lower lip to the curve of his chin--had a shaggy sort of look, +though generally well kept, and were considerably tinged with gray; +while his eyebrows were remarkably long, irregular, and forbidding. His +eyes were medium-sized, of a grayish-brown color, and under the heavy +shade of the brows somewhat keen and restless. His cheek-bones were +quite prominent, and below them his cheeks sank away noticeably, which +served to more strikingly show the upward turn of his nose and his full +lips and broad, sensual mouth, which, with its half-shown, irregular +teeth and ever-present tobacco-stains (for he smoked or chewed +incessantly), gave him a face quite unlike those ordinarily supposed to +be captivating to women. With his broad, bony hands, large, ill-shaped +feet, and retiring, hesitating way, as if never exactly certain of +anything, he was truly a great contrast to the pompous, elegant +gentleman who seemed to have taken him under his fatherly protection. + +Lyon slid into his seat in a nervous, diffident way; while Harcout, who +had just drawn his chair between us, as if he desired it understood that +he did not propose to yield his office of general manager of this +vitally important affair under any circumstances, beamed on his friend +reassuringly. + +After a few remarks on the current topics of the day, and before they +were themselves aware of it, we were getting along swimmingly towards an +understanding of the subject-matter--Lyon, who had removed his cigar, +fairly eating an immense amount of fine-cut as the voluble Harcout +rattled away about the bold, bad woman who had entrapped him. + +"Why, my dear Mr. Pinkerton, it's a terrible matter--an infamous +affair! My friend here, Mr. Lyon, is quite nettled about it--I might +say, quite cut up. You can see for yourself, sir, that it's wearing on +him." This with a deprecating wave of his hand towards Lyon, who +nervously gazed out of the window from under his shaggy brows. + +I merely said that these things _were_ sometimes a little wearing. + +"But you see, Mr. Pinkerton, this is a peculiarly cruel case--a +peculiarly cruel case. Hem! _I_ know what is cruel in this respect, as I +was once victimized by very much the same sort of a female, though she +was _much younger_. Why, do you know, sir," and here the sympathetic +Harcout's voice fell into a solemn murmur, "that my friend's beloved +wife was scarcely at rest beneath the daisies when this Mrs. Winslow +began worming herself into the confidence of my somewhat impressible +friend here?" + +I made no answer, and only took a memorandum of the facts developed, not +forgetting Harcout's statement that he had once been victimized by very +much the same sort of a female. + +"She came to Rochester as a shining light among the exponents of our +blessed faith----" + +"And what may your religion be?" I asked. + +"We believe in the constant communication between mortals and the +occupants of the beautiful spirit home beyond the river." + +"Exactly," said I, noticing the remarkable development at the back of +their heads and about their mouths. + +"And our friend here, Mr. Lyon," continued Harcout, with his eyes +devoutly raised to the ceiling, "met her at one of our pleasant +seances." + +I made another note at this point. + +"To be frank--'hem! it's my nature to be frank--" then turning his face +to me and raising his eyebrows inquiringly--"I suppose, Mr. Pinkerton, +it is quite desirable that I should be so?" To which I responded, +"Necessarily so," when he resumed: "To be frank, then, Mr. Lyon was +wonderfully interested in her. In fact, the woman _has_ a strange power +of compelling admiration and even fear--shall I say fear, Mr. Lyon?" + +"Guess that's about right," said Mr. Lyon tersely. + +"Admiration and fear," repeated Mr. Harcout, as if thinking of something +long gone by, while Lyon chewed more fiercely than ever. "Indeed, Mr. +Pinkerton, she's a superb woman--a superb woman; but a she-devil for all +that!" + +I noticed that Harcout's fervor seemed to have come from some similar +experience, and I noted both it and his heated estimate of Mrs. Winslow, +although he remarked that he had never met her. + +"Well, my friend here was irresistibly drawn to her, and he has told me +that for a time it seemed that he had found his real affinity. You felt +that way, didn't you, Lyon?" + +Lyon nodded and chewed rapidly. + +"But for a long time the more my friend endeavored to secure her favor, +the more she seemed to draw away from and avoid him, though constantly +making opportunities to more deeply impress him with her most splendid +physical and mental qualities. My friend recollects now, though he gave +it no attention at the time, that she shrewdly drew from him much +information regarding his family affairs, habits, business relations, +and wealth; and as she was, or pretended to be, a medium of great power, +at those times when he sought her professional services she worked upon +his feelings in such a peculiar manner as to completely upset him." + +Here Mr. Lyon offered an extended remark for the first time, and said: +"The truth is, Mr. Pinkerton, this is a subject that I am particularly +tender upon. I think under certain circumstances I could really have +made the woman my wife;" then turning to his agent, he said, "Harcout, +cut it short." + +"But," Harcout protested, "we can't cut it short. Mr. Pinkerton wants +facts--he must have facts. Well, at one time Mr. Lyon felt a real +affection for the woman, which does him honor--is no disgrace to him; +but after a time began to suspect, and eventually to feel sure, that +Mrs. Winslow was playing a deep game; indeed, had originally come to +Rochester for that purpose; and while he still regarded her highly on +account of her fine qualities, refrained from seeking her society, which +at once seemed to awaken a violent and uncontrollable passion for him in +her heart. She sought him everywhere and compelled him to visit her +frequently, lavishing the wildest affection upon him, which he +delicately repelled--delicately repelled; and, as she represented +herself in straitened circumstances, charitably assisted her just as he +would have done any other person in want--any other person in want; but, +you see, Mrs. Winslow presumed upon this, accused him of having broken +her heart, and was now cruelly deserting her after he had taught her to +worship him." + +Mr. Lyon's nervous face presented a singular combination of pride at his +own powers, chagrin at his predicament, and a general protest that the +tender privacies of a millionaire should be thus disclosed. + +"In this way," continued Harcout, "she so worked upon his kindly +feelings that he really gave her large sums of money--large sums of +money." + +"A good deal of money," interrupted Mr. Lyon. + +"But finally," pursued Harcout, "my friend saw that he must discontinue +his charity altogether, and through my advice--hem! through my advice, +he did. Mrs. Winslow then became very impudent indeed, and annoyed my +friend beyond endurance, until he was forced to refuse to recognize her, +and gave orders that she should be denied admission to his office. But, +being a very talented woman----" + +"She _is_ talented," said Lyon, with a start. + +"She has found means to continue her operations against him incessantly, +demanding still larger sums of money, and has engaged counsel to act for +her. Hem!--under my advice, quite recently Mr. Lyon, by paying her five +thousand dollars, secured from her a relinquishment of all claims +against him, rather than oblige a public scandal. But now Mrs. Winslow +claims that this was secured by fraud, and after making another +fruitless demand for ten thousand dollars, which--hem! Mr. Lyon resisted +through my advice, last week began suit against him for one hundred +thousand dollars for breach of promise of marriage. And a hundred +thousand dollars is a big sum of money, Mr. Pinkerton." + +"A big sum of money," echoed Lyon. + +"But of course," continued Harcout, inserting his thumbs in the +arm-holes of his vest and looking the very picture of injured virtue, +"Mr. Lyon cares nothing for that amount. It is the principle of the +thing. It is the stain upon his good name that he desires to +prevent--and these juries are confoundedly unreliable." + +"Confoundedly unreliable," repeated Lyon, chewing nervously. + +"Therefore," said Harcout, "really believing, as we do, that we--hem! +that is, Mr. Lyon, of course--is the victim of a designing woman who +really means to wrongfully compel the payment of a large sum of money +and ruin my friend in the estimation of the public, we are anxious that +you should set about ascertaining everything concerning her for use as +evidence in the case." + +After asking them a few questions touching facts I desired to ascertain, +the interview terminated with the understanding that Harcout should act +for Mr. Lyon unqualifiedly in the matter, and call at my office as +often as desirable to listen to reports of the progress of my +investigations into the life and history of Mrs. Winslow. I was +satisfied that not half the truth had been given me, and I was more than +ever convinced of this fact when Lyon called me to one side as the +lordly Harcout passed out, and said to me hurriedly: + +"Don't be too hard upon the woman, Mr. Pinkerton. You know we are _all_ +liable to err; and--and, by Jupiter! Mrs. Winslow is certainly a most +magnificent woman--a _most_ magnificent woman," and then chewed himself +out after his courtly henchman. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + + The Case begun.-- Mr. Pinkerton makes a preliminary + Investigation at Rochester.-- Mrs. Winslow, Trance + Medium.-- A Ride to Port Charlotte.-- Harcout as a + Barnacle.-- Much married.-- Mr. Pinkerton visits the + Mediums.-- Drops in at a Washington Hall Meeting.-- Sees + the naughty Woman.-- And returns to New York convinced + that the Spiritualistic Adventuress is a Woman of + remarkable Ability. + + +As the interview related in the previous chapter occurred on Friday, and +I could not attend to the matter at once, I was obliged to wait until +the following Sunday evening, when I quietly took the western-bound +express, which brought me to Rochester the following noon, where I +engaged rooms at the Brackett House under an assumed name, and +immediately began a preliminary examination on my own account, having +directed my New York Superintendent to inform either Lyon or Harcout, in +the event of their calling at the agency, that I could not be seen +regarding their matter for a few days, as I had suddenly been called +South on important business. + +My object in doing this was to look over the ground at Rochester myself, +and get an unbiased idea of the whole matter, so that I could properly +proceed with the work, being satisfied that this was the only way to +secure a basis to operate upon, as I was sure that I had not got at the +bottom facts in the late interview. I invariably insist on having all +the facts, and always take measures to secure them before any decided +move is made. + +As a rule, however, in cases of this kind, it is almost impossible to +secure what the detective absolutely needs from the parties from whom +the information should come; as it is a principle of human nature +possessed by us all, to be very frank about our merits, and quite +careful about mentioning anything that might be construed into either a +lack of judgment or principle. + +I found that the New York papers were already publishing specials +concerning the matter, with solemn editorials regarding the perfidy of +man, the constancy of woman, and the general cussedness of both; and +that at Rochester the knowledge of the commencement of the suit had just +got into the papers, and consequently, into everybody's mouth; and was +creating a great sensation, as Lyon was known to the whole city as one +of its richest citizens, "though a little off on Spiritualism lately," +as the talk went; and Mrs. Winslow had also become quite notorious from +her magnificent figure and winning manner, her equally notorious +mediumistic powers, and through her prominent connection with the more +_material_ believers in spiritual phenomena; or, to be plain, that vast +majority of so-called spiritualists whose only visible means of support +are in excellently humbugging their brethren or sisters, or any other +portion of the gullible world with whom they come in contact. + +Nearly every Rochester paper contained the advertisement of Mrs. +Winslow, trance medium, and I concluded that either the lady had been +unusually successful in her trance business, or that her levies upon +Lyon had been remunerative--perhaps both--to pay for such extensive +advertising. + +After dinner I took a stroll and found that the lady occupied very +luxurious apartments on South St. Paul street, near Meech's Opera-house, +a location well adapted for her business. I also ordered a carriage and +drove out to Port Charlotte--a magnificent drive through a lovely +country dotted with fine farm-houses and the splendid suburban +residences of wealthy Rochester citizens--and, as a casual stranger, +inspected Lyon's warehouses and elevators, the largest and most +expensive at the Port, returning to the Brackett House in time to eat a +hearty supper. + +After supper, without any effort, and without disclosing my identity, I +got into conversation with the genial landlord of the house, who gave +me--as a part of my entertainment, I presume--a rich account of Lyon's +business relations, and particularly of his personal habits, painted in +entirely different colors than by the blarneying tongue of Harcout; and +also spoke of the latter as "a d----d barnacle," who had in some +unexplainable way fastened himself upon Lyon and was living like a +prince off the "old fool," as he called him. He also told me +confidentially that he believed Mrs. Winslow to be a woman of +questionable character; as, when she first came to the city, she had +stopped at his hotel, and had advertised her mediumistic powers so +largely that it had brought a class of men there whom he thought, from +his personal knowledge of their habits, to be more interested in +inquiries into the mysteries of the _present_ than of the hereafter, +until he had become so anxious as to the reputation of his house that he +had informed the lady of the preference of her absence to her company; +whereupon she had raised such a storm about his ears that he was only +too glad to compromise by letting her go, bag and baggage, without +paying her bill, which was a large one and of a month's standing. + +I also gained from him the opinion that she had been married a +half-dozen times, or as often as had suited her convenience; and that he +had only a day or so previous conversed with a gentleman from some part +of the West, who had told him that somebody in Rochester had assisted +her in procuring her a divorce from her husband. I made a note of all +these points after I had retired to my room, and felt quite satisfied +with the day's work. + +The next day, with a gentleman at the hotel with whom I had become +acquainted, representing myself as a person of means who might possibly +make an investment at Rochester, I visited Lyon's mills, and +incidentally became quite well informed as to his financial and social +standing. + +The latter was a little peculiar. His wife, a most estimable lady, had +died a few years previous, and it appeared that during her life the Lyon +family were among the aristocrats of the city; but at her death, and +Lyon's subsequent dabbling in Spiritualism, they had been gradually +dropped from the visiting lists, and nothing remained of the former home +circle save a gaunt, grim mother-in-law, who vainly waged war against +the loose habits, laxity of morals, and general degeneracy that had come +with the new order of things. + +I also secured the addresses of all the professional mediums, +fortune-tellers, and astrologers of the city, and during that day and +the next visited their rooms, claiming to be a devoted believer in +Spiritualism, having my fortune told at various places, and picking up a +good deal of information regarding the fascinating Mrs. Winslow, which +tended to prove her a remarkably talented woman, capable of not only +attending to her mediumistic duties, but also of carrying on litigation +of various kinds in different parts of the country. My investigations +also showed that these different "doctors" and "doctresses," claiming to +perform almost miraculous cures and their ability to foretell the fates +of others through the aid of this supernatural spirit-power, were quite +like other people in their bickerings and jealousies, and, as a rule, +they gave each other quite as bad names as the public generally gave +them; and that Mrs. Winslow could not have been considered exactly the +pink of perfection if judged even by those of her own persuasion, as one +vaguely hinted at her having played the same game on other parties. +Another was sure she had been a camp-follower during the war. Another +assured me that she had similar suits at Louisville, Cincinnati, and St. +Louis. Still another was quite certain that she was only a common +woman. Altogether, according to these reports, which were easily enough +secured, as her case against Lyon was the engrossing subject of the hour +at Rochester, it appeared that the ravishing Mrs. Winslow held her +place, such as it was, in the world more through her supreme will power, +and the respect through fear she unconsciously inspired in others, than +through any of the tenderer graces or a superabundance of personal +purity. + +From cautious inquiries and the wonderful amount of street, saloon, and +hotel talk which the affair was causing, I also ascertained that Mrs. +Winslow had made her appearance in Rochester some years before; some +said from the east, and some from the West, but the preponderance of +evidence indicated that it had been from the West; that she had at once +allied herself with the spiritualists of the city, and Lyon had first +met or seen her at one of their seances or lectures; that he had at once +yielded to her charms, and begun visiting her for "advice," as it was +sarcastically reported, continuing the visits with such frequency and +regularity as to hasten the death of his wife, after which event he had +given his new affinity nearly his entire attention until she had come to +be commonly considered as his mistress; that she had frequently boasted +among her friends that she was to become Lyon's wife, and was even by +some called Mrs. Lyon, to which pleasant designation she made no murmur; +that she had made a common practice of visiting Lyon at his offices in +the Arcade, where she had been treated with considerable deference and +respect by his employees; and that during this period Mrs. Winslow had +made several trips to the West, evidently at Lyon's instigation, and +through his financial aid. + +I found also that she was as truly a believer in the farces others of +her profession enacted for her benefit as she was in the mediumistic +power she had persuaded herself that she possessed, and was consequently +a regular attendant at all the meetings and seances held in the city; +and as there was one to be held that evening at Washington Hall, I +decided to attend for the purpose of getting a good view of the lady +with whom, for a time, we should be obliged to keep close company. +Accordingly, at half-past seven o'clock I found the hall, which is but a +few blocks above the bridge on Main Street, and after purchasing a +ticket of a sleek, long-haired individual with deft fingers and a +restless eye, passed into the room, where there was already quite a +number of the faithful, all bearing unmistakable evidences of either +their peculiar faith, or the character of their business. + +As the exercises of the evening had not yet begun, those present were +gathered about the hall excitedly discussing the great sensation of the +hour, which was particularly interesting to them, as the parties to it +were both of their number, and from what I could gather they were about +evenly divided in their opinion as to the merits of the case--the male +portion of the assemblage warmly espousing the cause of Mrs. Winslow, +and the female portion as eagerly sympathizing with "poor dear Mr. +Lyon," and roundly condemning the naughty woman who had ensnared him and +was so relentlessly pursuing him. + +I was sure the naughty woman had now arrived, as there was a sudden +twisting of necks and buzzing of "That's her--that's her!" "There's Mrs. +Winslow!" and "Yes, that's Mrs. Lyon!" and the females that had given +Mrs. Winslow such a bad reputation a few moments before, now pressed +around her with sympathizing inquiries and loud protestations of regard, +quite like other ladies under similar circumstances. But the lady +appeared to be quite unconcerned as to their good or ill feeling towards +her, and swept up the aisle with a regal air, taking a seat so near me +and in such a position that I was able to make a perfect study of her +while apparently only absorbed in the wonderful revelation that fell +from the trance-speaker's lips. + +She appeared to be a lady of about thirty five years of age, and of a +very commanding appearance. She was not a beautiful woman, but there was +an indescribable something about her entire face and figure that was +strangely attractive. It was both the dignity of self-conscious power +and the peculiar attractiveness of a majestically formed woman. It could +not be said that there was a single beautiful feature about her face, +though it attracted and held every observer. Her head was large, well +formed, and covered with a wavy mass of black hair marvelous in its +richness of color and luxuriance. Her complexion was a clear, wax-like +white, singularly contrasting with her hair, delicately arching +eyebrows, and long, dark lashes, which heavily shaded great gray eyes +that were sometimes touched with a shading of blue, and occasionally +glowed with a light as keen, glittering, and cold as might flash from a +diamond or a dagger's point, which seemed to work in sympathy with the +rapid movement of her thin nostrils, and the swift shuttles of crimson +and paleness that darted over her curled upper lip, which, +notwithstanding this singularity, touched the full, pouting lower one +with a hint of wild and riotous blood. + +Although Mrs. Winslow was a woman who, being met in the better circles +of society, would have wonderfully interested every one with whom she +came in contact, in the circle within which she moved, and which, +unconsciously, seemed to be far beneath her, she surely commanded a +certain kind of respect, with a touch of fear, perhaps; and in any +circle of life was undoubtedly one in whom the ambition for power was +only equalled by the remorseless way with which she would wield it after +it had been gained. + +Not once during the whole evening did she by any movement of her person +or motion of her features give any further indication of her character; +and I could only leave the hall and return to my hotel, and from thence +immediately to New York, with the thorough conviction that Mrs. Winslow +was a remarkably shrewd woman; had systematically fastened herself upon +Lyon with the view of becoming his wife, or compelling him to divide his +immense wealth with her; would give us plenty to attend to, and had +easily gained a wonderful power over Lyon; which, even after her +repeated piracies upon him, and the evident knowledge he possessed of +her villainous character, was yet strong upon him. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + + "Our Case."-- Harcout's Egotism and Interference.-- The + strange Chain of Evidence.-- A Trail of Spiritualism, + Lust, and Licentiousness.-- Superintendent Bangs locates + the Detectives.-- A pernicious System.-- Three Old Maids + named Grim.-- Mr. Bangs baffled by Mr. Lyon, who won't be + "worried."-- One Honest Spiritualistic Doctor.-- The Trail + secured.-- A Tigress.-- Mr. Bangs "goes West." + + +On my return to New York I found that the splendid Harcout had been +using the interim in a succession of heated rushes from the St. Nicholas +Hotel to the Agency, where he had given my superintendents and clerks +voluminous instructions as to how the investigation should be conducted, +and, in explaining his idea of how detectives should work up any case, +permeated the entire establishment with his fragrant pomposity. He was +also quite impatient that nothing had been done in "our case," as he +termed it, and I could only pacify him by assuring him that it should be +given my immediate attention. + +As soon as I could dispose of Harcout I held another consultation with +my General Superintendent, during which the information I had secured at +Rochester was analyzed and recorded, and which, with some other facts +already in possession of the Agency bearing on the case, we decided to +be sufficient to warrant a conclusion that Mrs. Winslow was not Mrs. +Winslow at all, but somebody else altogether, and had had as many +_aliases_ as a cat is supposed to have lives. It was also quite evident, +the more we looked into the matter and searched the records, that +certain other cities of the country had suffered from the much-named +Mrs. Winslow, and in many instances in a quite similar manner to that of +the Rochester infliction. + +Running through all the strange chain of evidence that the records of +our almost numberless operations gave, there were also found items which +told of a female not altogether unlike Mrs. Winslow, and there were in +them all traces of a woman absolutely heartless, cold, calculating, +cruel; now here under one name and in one guise, now there under another +name and in another guise, but forever upon that unrelenting search for +power and with that remorseless greed for gold, and also showing as +truly a trace of spiritualism, of lust, and of licentiousness. + +Of course the result of it all was only a question of time; only a +question of duration in villainy and shrewd human deviltry; a mere +question of how long supreme depravity would wear in a constant war upon +fairness, purity, and the conscience of society. It never wins--it +always loses, and, as certain as life or death, good or evil, reaches +its sure punishment here, whatever may be the result in that +undiscovered territory of the future which the preachers find happiness +and good incomes in quarrelling over. But as my long experience with +crime and criminals had proven to me the fact that one desperately bad +woman brings upon society vastly more misery than a hundred equally as +bad men, and being equally as certain that Mrs. Winslow was an +exceptionally bad woman, I felt no regret whatever in becoming her +Nemesis, and even experienced a peculiar degree of satisfaction in +inaugurating a crusade against her as a pitiless, heartless, dangerous +woman, utterly devoid of conscience, and without a single redeeming +trait of character. + +I accordingly detailed two of my operatives, Fox and Bristol, to proceed +to Rochester in charge of Superintendent Bangs, whom I gave instructions +to locate the men so that they could keep Mrs. Winslow under the +strictest surveillance, and make daily reports in writing to me +concerning her habits and associates, and operations of any character +whatever, using the telegraph freely if occasion required. I also +instructed him, after the men were located in Rochester, and he had +followed up the clue I had got for him as to Mrs. Winslow's western +exploits, to proceed to the West, taking all the time necessary, and +ascertain everything possible favorable or unfavorable to the woman; as +I held it to be not only a matter of utmost importance to thorough +detective work, but also a principle of common justice, that any +suspected person should receive the benefit of whatever good there is in +them. + +For these reasons I have always fought against the system of rewards for +the capture and conviction of supposed criminals. There could be nothing +more absolutely unjust. Under that system, through a combination of +circumstances, an innocent party is often deemed guilty of crime, and +the detective, anxious to secure professional honor and large +remuneration for small work, begins with the presumption of guilt, and +industriously piles up a mountain of presumptive and circumstantial +evidence that times without number has sent innocent persons to the +felon's cell or the hangman's noose. + +On arriving at Rochester the following Monday, Bangs took rooms at the +National Hotel, opposite the court-house--a house more a resort for +persons in attendance at the courts, and people visiting Rochester from +neighboring towns, than for fashionable people or commercial travellers; +while Fox settled himself at a little hotel nearly opposite Mrs. +Winslow's rooms on South St. Paul street, and Bristol found a home at a +little saloon, restaurant and boarding-house, kept by three old maids +named Grim, who were firm believers in Spiritualism--probably from never +having got any satisfaction out of life from any other religion--under +Washington Hall, on East Main street, a place given up to variety shows, +masked balls, sleight-of-hand performances, seances, and other +questionable entertainments; so that they were all within easy +communication, and could work to advantage. It was also arranged that +the reports of Fox and Bristol should be put in Mr. Bangs's hands, by a +mode of communication which would prevent their being seen together, +before being forwarded to me, so that their observations might be of +assistance in his securing necessary information for his western tour. + +While Bristol and Fox were watching the movements of the gay madam, +familiarizing themselves with the city, and getting on an easy footing +at their boarding-houses, Mr. Bangs set to work to ascertain if possible +in what part of the West Mrs. Winslow had operated. + +He first visited Mr. Lyon at his office in the Arcade, introducing +himself as Mr. Clement, one of my operatives, not giving his correct +name, as the newspaper reporters were flying around at a great rate for +items, and the appearance of a man so well known by reputation as Mr. +Bangs would have given their overcharged imaginations an opportunity to +flood over several columns of their respective papers. After being +seated in Lyon's private office Mr. Bangs, as Mr. Clement, began the +conversation: + +"Mr. Lyon, I am directed by Mr. Pinkerton to ascertain if possible from +you whether Mrs. Winslow has ever informed you of having at any previous +time resided in the West?" + +Lyon gave Bangs a cigar, lighted one for himself, and after puffing away +vigorously for a little time, replied: "Mr. Clement, I think she has +done so, but I can't recollect what the information was." + +"Couldn't you call to mind anything that would be of some little +assistance to us, Mr. Lyon?" + +"No," he nervously answered; "no, I think not. I have put this whole +matter away from me as much as possible." + +"We have positively ascertained," continued Bangs, looking searchingly +into Lyon's face, "that she recently secured a divorce from a former +husband. We also know that some one here in Rochester rendered her +substantial assistance. That person found, tracing her history would be +comparatively an easy matter." + +Lyon moved about uneasily, and finally through the clouds of smoke about +his head puffed out, "Indeed!" + +"Yes," replied Bangs, "and, Mr. Lyon, if we could get at the exact truth +about this part of it, I am sure it would not only greatly facilitate +our work, but also greatly lessen the expense of the operation." + +Lyon sat for a little time twisting his shaggy gray whiskers, and +finally said: "Mr. Clement, I insist on not being worried about this +business; perhaps Harcout didn't make that point quite clear. Harcout +_is_ a little flighty, but a noble fellow though, after all. I don't +hardly know what I would do without Harcout, Mr. Clement; he takes the +whole thing off my shoulders, as it were." + +Bangs saw that Lyon could have given him just what information he +needed, and also saw with equal certainty that he had fully decided to +throw the matter off his mind entirely, and compel us to gain whatever +necessary by hard work. He was also now satisfied of the truth of my +conviction, that Lyon had assisted Mrs. Winslow in this divorce matter, +and had been very much more intimate with her than he even desired us to +know. So he bade him good-day, returned to his hotel, and telegraphed +for instructions. I directed him to go ahead and use his own judgment +altogether, also suggesting that he should visit the different +clairvoyants and mediums, with a view of getting further information +which might be secured from their almost ceaseless chatter upon the +subject. + +As Rochester is as full of mediums as a thistle of thorns, this was a +kind of investigation which necessitated the expenditure of considerable +time, and three days had elapsed before any information of a +satisfactory nature was secured. He had expended quite a little fortune +in having his "horoscope cast," his fortune told, and his fate pointed +out with such unerring certainty by male and female seers of every name, +appearance and nature, that if any two of these predictions had borne +the slightest possible resemblance to each other, he would have been +horrified enough to have taken a last leap into the surging Genesee like +poor Sam Patch. But he persisted in the face of these terrible +revelations until he had found a certain Dr. Hubbard, who proved to be +one of the jolliest of the profession he had ever met. The Doctor was a +pleasant gentleman, and proved more pleasant than ever when Mr. Bangs +informed him that he did not desire any fortune-telling, predictions or +horoscopes, but was interested in the subject of Spiritualism, and had +been directed to him as one likely to give some information that could +be relied on, for which he would liberally remunerate him. + +As Mr. Bangs had some choice cigars, which he divided with the Doctor, +and the Doctor had some choice brandy, which he divided with Mr. Bangs, +they at once became easy together, and taking seats at the window +overlooking Main street, while watching the crowds below, were soon +chatting away quite unlike two people very badly affected with +spiritualistic tendencies. + +After a little time, however, the Doctor looked pretty sharply at Bangs, +and suddenly asked: "Well, who are you, anyhow?" + +"Who am I?" returned Bangs smilingly, "well, to be frank, I am Professor +Owen, of the Indiana State University." Bangs never blushed at the libel +on the kind old man bearing that name and title, and continued, "It is +our vacation now, and I am travelling a little in the East investigating +this subject. My brother is an enthusiastic believer in it, but I wished +other testimony." + +The Doctor seemed to think that the Professor took to the brandy and +cigars quite too familiarly for an educator, but the explanation +satisfied him, and he asked: "Professor, you want the whole truth, don't +you?" + +"Nothing but the truth," responded Bangs. + +Doctor Hubbard blew out a long series of rings and expressively followed +it with "Humbug!" + +"It can't be possible," persisted Bangs. + +"It oughtn't to be possible," urged the Doctor, "for a man of your +probable talent and position to be engaged in investigating what one +visit to any one of us should show to be the most infernal fraud ever +practised upon the public!" said the Doctor heatedly. + +Bangs expressed himself as surprised beyond measure. + +"Well," continued the Doctor earnestly, "you came to me like a man, +didn't you?" + +Bangs assured him that he was quite right. + +"And you came fair and square, without any ifs and ands, didn't you?" + +"All of that," responded Bangs. + +"And," continued the Doctor helping himself to the brandy, then excusing +himself and pushing it towards Bangs, who partook sparingly, "you didn't +want any fortune told, or predictions, or horoscopes, or any other +nonsense?" + +"Exactly," said Bangs. + +"And you said you'd pay me liberally for information, didn't you?" + +"Yes, and I'll be as good as my word," replied the assumed professor. + +"Well, then," continued the Doctor in a burst of good feeling, brandy +and honesty, "you see in me an unsuccessful physician, a disciple of +AEsculapius without followers. I graduated with high honors, hung out my +sign, sharpened my tools, moulded my pills, drank a toast to disease, +but waited in vain for patronage. As this became monotonous," continued +the Doctor, taking another pull at the brandy bottle, then wiping the +mouth and passing it to Mr. Bangs, who excused himself, "I glided into a +'specialist.' It required too much money to advertise, and the papers +slashed me villainously besides. _Then_ I became a Spiritualist--it's +the record of every one of us. You can see," and the Doctor waved his +hand towards the cosy appointments in a satisfied way, "I am pretty +comfortable now." + +"Yes, quite comfortable," said Bangs, wondering what the Doctor was +driving at. + +"So I am an enthusiastic Spiritualist," resumed the happy physician, +"for its profession has provided me with necessities, comforts, and even +luxuries." + +"Do you really effect any of the marvellous cures you advertise?" + +"Most assuredly," he replied. + +"And may I ask how?" interrogated Mr. Bangs. + +"In the good old-fashioned way--salts, senna, calomel, and the +blue-pill," said the Doctor, laughing heartily. + +"And is not the aid of the spirits essential to your cures?" + +"A belief, or _faith_, that such an agency is used, does the whole +thing, Professor." + +"And is there no such thing?" persisted Bangs. + +"Just as much of it as there is faith in it; no more and no less." + +"Then the whole thing's a humbug, as you say?" + +"Just as thoroughly as is that woman," said the Doctor stoutly, pointing +to Mrs. Winslow, who at that moment was seen in the street below, being +driven towards the suburbs in a neat phaeton. + +Bangs, becoming suddenly interested, though repressing himself, +carelessly asked, "Who is she?" + +Here the Doctor executed a grimace which might mean a good deal, or +nothing at all, and said tersely: "She's a bouncer; don't you know her?" + +"No." + +"Why, that's Mrs. Winslow, old Lyons' soothing syrup; and old Lyon's +one of the children--'teething,'" added the Doctor with a hearty laugh. +"But she's a tigress!" + +Mr. Bangs leaned out of the window, took a good look at the tigress, and +then, as if endeavoring to recollect some former occurrence, said: "I +believe I have seen her somewhere before." + +"Quite so, quite so; undoubtedly you have." + +"And I think in the West, too," replied Mr. Bangs, trying hard to +remember, and handing the doctor a fresh cigar. + +"Exactly--Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Louisville--everywhere, in +fact. One might call her a social floater, and not be far out of the way +either. She used to live at Terre Haute." + +"Terre Haute? Why, of course! I knew I had seen her somewhere." + +"Yes, she lived a few miles out, up the Wabash river, for years. Her +husband's name was Oxford, or Hosford, or something of the kind." + +"Yes?" said Bangs. + +"Yes," replied the Doctor; "I didn't know her personally, but I knew +_of_ her there. That's where she first went off the hook--and--and +became one of us." + +"Is she a remarkable character?" asked Mr. Bangs. + +"A remarkable character? Why, sir, she's a wonderful woman--a perfect +Satan. I wouldn't have her get after me," said the Doctor, shaking his +head protestingly "for ten thousand dollars! Why, sir, that woman has +ruined more men and broken up more families than you could count." + +"And is _she_, too, a spiritualist?" asked Mr. Bangs. + +"A spiritualist? Why, of course she is; and, what is more, I sometimes +think she really believes in her own mummeries." + +"What has become of her family?" asked Bangs. + +"Oh, gone to the devil, I presume, just like everybody she has had +anything to do with--just as old Lyon is certain to do, too." + +"Then this Oxford or Hosford is not living at Terre Haute now?" + +"Couldn't tell you that," replied the Doctor; and then, suddenly +returning to the subject and putting the brandy-bottle into a little +closet with a slam as footsteps were heard coming up the stairs, "can I +be of any further service to you?" + +Mr. Bangs thought not, handed the good Doctor a five-dollar bill while +remarking that he would call again, both of which evidences of good +feeling pleased the latter immensely, and took his departure quite well +pleased with the result of his inquiries into the wonderful subject of +modern Spiritualism. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + + Rochester.-- A Profitable Field for Mrs. Winslow.-- Her + sumptuous Apartments.-- The Detectives at Work.-- Mrs. + Winslow's Cautiousness.-- Child-Training.-- Mysterious + Drives.-- A dapper little Blond Gentleman.-- Two Birds + with one Stone.-- A French Divinity.-- Le Compte. + + +While Superintendent Bangs is on his hunting expedition in the West, we +will follow the fortunes of Mrs. Winslow in the beautiful city of +Rochester. + +There is hardly a city in the country better adapted for either the +pursuit of pleasure or wealth than Rochester. Everything combines to +make it so. It nestles in one of the most beautiful valleys in the +world, like the nest of a busy bird in a luxuriant meadow. There is the +sound of pleasant waters, the roar of a mighty cataract, the din of two +score busy mills, the music of the spindles, the cogs and the reels, the +clash and the clangor of the factories, the thunderings of the forges, +and the footfalls of a hundred thousand happy, contented people who have +wrung competence and even luxury from the hard hand of necessity and +toil. + +From the summit of Mount Hope Observatory, an elevation of nearly five +hundred feet above the lake, there is a grand picture whereon the eye +may rest. At your feet, and to the north, lies the busy city with the +noble Genesee winding rapidly through it, lending its half-million +horse-power force to the needs of labor, then plunging a hundred feet +downwards, eddying and rushing onward, plunging and eddying again and +again, until it sobers into a steady current northward towards Ontario +through a deep, dark gorge, looking like an ugly serpent trailing to the +lower inland sea where can be seen the city of Charlotte, formerly +called Port Genesee, the port of Rochester, beyond which, on a clear +day, may be seen countless dreamy sails, and steamers with their +trailing plumes of smoke, and still beyond appears the dim outlines of +the far-off Canadian shore. To the east, as far as can be discerned, +lies a country of the nature of "openings"--beautiful groves of trees, +magnificent farms, with the almost palatial homes of the owners, who +have become rich from the legacies of their ancestors with the added +thrift of scores of fruitful years. Southward for a half hundred miles, +stretches the beautiful valley of the Genesee, dimpled by lesser valleys +and a hundred sparkling brooks, and dotted by field and forest and +numberless groups of half-hidden houses, with outbuildings full to +bursting with the fruitage of the fields; while to the west along the +lake are low ranges of sand-hills, and south of these extending nearly +to Lake Erie is a beautiful prairie country, while with a glass can be +traced the ghostly mist perpetually hovering above Niagara. + +If this scene be inspiring to the looker-on, the intrinsic beauty of the +city, its unusual life, its fine public buildings, business houses, and +splendid private residences; its clean macadamized streets and broad, +brick walks, shaded with the trees of half a century's growth as in many +of the famous Southern cities; its numberless little parks or "places," +owned in common by the proprietors of the handsome residences which +surround them, and filled with rare shrubs, flowers, beautiful fountains +and costly statuary; the vast _parterres_ of flowers in the suburbs, +sending in upon every summer wind an Arabian wealth of exquisite +fragrance; the large summer gardens, where beer and Gambrinus reign +supreme; the enticing promenades, and the splendid drives in every +direction from the city--would give any one not completely at war with +every pleasant thing in life a genuine inspiration of pleasure and a +more than ordinary thrill of enjoyment. + +It is little wonder, then, that Mrs. Winslow found Rochester a +profitable field for operating in her peculiar double capacity of a +dashing adventuress and a trance medium. She found there not only men of +vast wealth, but of vast immorality, as is quite common all over the +world, and hundreds of firm believers in spiritualism, which was a +special peculiarity to Rochester. Among the first number there were many +who sought her for her charms of figure and manners, which were +certainly powerfully attractive, and which yielded her an elegant income +without positive public degradation, as no man of wealth and position +feels called upon to make known his own peccadilloes for the sake of +exposing the sharer of them, even though she be a dangerous woman; and +consequently there was only that universal verdict of evil against her +which society quite generally, and also quite correctly, pronounces on +forcibly circumstantial evidence. + +Her apartments were elegant, and even sumptuous; and though there was a +quite general understanding of her character among the epicurean +gentlemen of the city, she held them aloof with such freezing dignity +that they seldom presumed upon her acquaintance, and were even possessed +of a certain respect for her unusually rare shrewdness in preserving her +reputation, such as it was; so that her rooms, so far as the public were +able to ascertain, were only frequented by those who believed her to be +able to allay their sufferings, or open the gates of the undiscovered +country to their anxious, yearning eyes. + +A large amount of money had been paid her by Lyon to prevent a scandal. +The last sum was known to have been five thousand dollars, and it was +quite probable that if there had been an intimacy so ripe as to have +warranted the payment of this amount, still larger sums had doubtless +been expended in maturing so tender a relation. In any event it was +ascertained by Bristol and Fox that Mrs. Winslow had for some time been +living in elegance, though at the same time carefully, being given to no +particular excesses, and it was a matter for considerable speculation +whether she was now in the possession of much money or not. + +Fox affected the quiet, well-bred gentleman, expended sufficient money +among the boarders to make them talkative, and even confidential, and +in this way learned a great deal about the madam's habits and +peculiarities that was afterwards useful, though of no particular moment +at that time; while Bristol, who was a florid, well-kept Canadian +gentleman of about forty-five years of age, of a literary and poetical +turn, and with an easy habit of falling into the manner and brogue of an +Englishman, Scotchman, or Irishman, made himself immensely popular with +the old maids under Washington Hall, who in turn were enamored with his +good physical parts and blarneying tongue, and were at any time ready to +confide to him all they knew, and, in fact, a great deal more; so that, +as he professed to be an ardent Spiritualist, he was enabled to become +well informed concerning the leading persons of that persuasion in the +city, of whom he forwarded a complete list, with something of a history +of each; and while not becoming known to or personally familiar with any +one of them--which would have destroyed his usefulness, he was yet able +to keep track of nearly all that was said or done within the charmed +circle; as after each lecture, or seance, the economically-built and +antiquated maidens would retire to a little snuggery behind the +restaurant, to which they would invite the sympathetic Bristol, who was +old enough to protect them from scandal, and then and there, while +easing their by no means ravishing forms of portions of their garments +preparatory to the night's virtuous repose, over strong toast and weak +tea would rattle on in such a bewildering way about the events of the +evening and the good or bad characteristics of the faithful, that +Bristol figuratively, if not in fact, sat at the feet of a trinity of +oracles. + +His reports showed that while Mrs. Winslow was accepted among their +number without question, still there was but little known about her +previous history. I felt satisfied that this was true, and had only +stationed Bristol and Fox at Rochester for the purpose of keeping me +informed of her every movement, knowing well enough that after Bangs had +got a good start he would follow up her trail in the West as +remorselessly as I myself would have done. + +Mrs. Winslow seemed to be absolutely without associates, either from a +confirmed habit of suspicion of everybody which she seemed to possess, +or from a resolve to maintain as good a character as possible until the +Winslow-Lyon case should be heard in court, so that her evidence, and +particularly her reputation, might not be impeached or broken down; and +it required the constant attention of both Bristol and Fox to discover +in her anything of even a suspicious character, as the nature of her +mediumistic business--allowing as it did scores of visitors daily access +to her rooms, only one being admitted to the trance-room of her +apartments at a time--gave her a vast advantage over them. + +It was evident that she had in a measure persuaded herself that she had +a genuine cause of action against Lyon; or, that if she had not, she had +fully determined to make a big fight under any circumstances, as both +the prestige secured by the presumption of some shadow of a claim which +the mere pressing of it in court would give, and the assistance to her +which even a tithe of the damages she claimed would be, would not only +give her a degree of importance and respectability which would greatly +assist her in future operations, but would also yield her the means for +future comfort, without this terrible continued struggle for gold and +the happiness it is supposed to command. + +How vain such a hope! and how strange that, with the bitter reminder of +countless never-realized ambitions before them, the adventurer and the +criminal will go on and on, still clinging to the shadow of a hope that +by _some_ exceptional freak of fortune in their favor they may gain the +peace and quietness they so agonizedly long for, but which is just as +irrevocably decreed to be forever beyond their reach as were the +luscious fruits to escape the touch and taste of the condemned and +tortured Phrygian king. + +And right here, were I a preacher--being only a _doer_, however--I would +show the criminal neglect of parents, teachers and preachers in forever +warring for reformation, and never battling against the numberless packs +of little foxes of pride and covetousness of society, which drive weak +natures into a constant struggle to excel in power and display, eating +away at the vines until the life, like the fields, is left barren and +desolate, or is only a vast waste of thorns and noxious weeds. My +records are full of lives wrecked upon the glittering rocks built by +false pride and vanity and the greed for gold which society, and even +the aristocratic systems of modern religion compel. Whatever may be +preached, all this cursed assumption of what is not possessed without +years of honest, sturdy toil, is practised in the pulpit, the pew, the +palace, and the poverty-stricken hovel, permeating every stratum of +business, society and religion, until honorable action is at discount, +dishonesty commands a premium of gain and lachrymose sympathy, and the +whole world is being swiftly driven into a surging channel of fraud, +crime and debauchery that will require generations of something besides +splendid hypocrisy and luxurious cant to restrain and purify. + +With this digression, which I cannot well avoid, as it contains the +convictions based upon long years of close observation and peculiar +experience, I will return to the woman whom my operatives found so +difficult to analyze and trace out. + +Bangs's visit to Dr. Hubbard showed that she had a habit of driving out. +Bristol and Fox became acquainted with this fact at once and transmitted +it in their reports. It appeared that the carriage and driver were +secured at a livery stable near the opera house, a short distance from +her rooms and Fox's boarding-house. I instructed Fox to ascertain to +what points these trips were made, and if any one ever accompanied her. +Careful inquiries at this stable elicited nothing, as Mrs. Winslow's +custom was valuable, and even her driver proved close-mouthed upon the +subject. Accordingly, after Fox had discovered the general direction +taken by Mrs. Winslow and the usual streets frequented at starting, he +strolled out State Street and from thence into Lake View Avenue, which +is but a continuation of State Street. After he had walked some little +distance he was pleased to find that he had company in the person of a +dapper little blond gentleman who was somewhat in advance of him, but +who, though apparently enjoying the morning air, seemed both +apprehensive of being followed, and desirous of the appearance of some +one for whom he was waiting. His make-up gave him something of a foreign +air, and was the most exquisite imaginable. He was a slender, tender +nymph of the male order of fairies, with a face as delicate as a +woman's, with large, blue, expressive eyes, long, luxuriant hair, and as +neat a little moustache as was ever waxed to keep it from melting away +altogether. If his face and figure were neat enough for a millinery +window, his clothing was a model even for a Poole. His lustrous silk hat +scarcely outshone in richness his faultless dress-coat, which was +buttoned low, exposing a perfect duck vest, a spotless shirt-front and a +low, rolling Byron collar, with a delicate flowing tie; while his +pantaloons, which were of a mellow lavender color, seemed only to +increase the effect of his shapely legs, and by their graceful swell at +the instep only to stop to disclose a foot perfect enough for a model. +His jewelry consisted of a modest solitaire diamond pin, and a large +seal ring which he wore upon the little finger of his left hand. + +For some reason Fox felt interested in him, and resolved, though +looking for a quite different person, to watch him closely. So he passed +him without giving him an opportunity of seeing his face, and, taking a +position in the bar-room of a small beer-garden a little way beyond, +where he had a good view of the avenue, waited for developments which +were not long in taking place, as the neat little fellow arrived at the +garden a few minutes after Fox, and shortly after Mrs. Winslow's +carriage was seen coming from the direction of the city. Fox saw that he +was bringing two birds down with one stone, and anxiously watched Mrs. +Winslow and the little fop, feeling satisfied that their meeting at the +garden was pre-arranged, for as soon as her carriage came in sight, he +had noticed a look of satisfaction come over the man's face, and when it +was driven up to the door he stepped out nimbly, smiling and bowing like +a brisk wax figure at a show. + +The driver was at once discharged, and after watering the horse, +immediately started towards town on foot, occasionally looking over his +shoulder with a sardonic smile on his face, as if pleased at the loving +meeting at the garden, as that sort of thing probably brought him many +an honest penny; but no sooner had the driver turned his back on the +place than Mrs. Winslow said: + +"Come, Le Compte, get me a glass of brandy." + +Fox thought that pretty strong for a lady who had been damaged a hundred +thousand dollars by breach of promise of marriage, but held his peace, +and a paper before his face, while her admirer danced into the bar and +procured two glasses of brandy, which he took to the carriage upon a +little tray. + +"My dear, you were a little late, eh?" said Le Compte. + +"Ah, a French divinity," thought Fox. + +"Le Compte," replied Mrs. Winslow, handing him a bill with which to pay +for the refreshment, and paying no attention to the little fellow's +remark, "tell that d----d Dutchman that if he don't get some better +brandy, I'll never pay him another penny!" + +Fox also thought this pretty strong for the pure, broken-hearted maiden +Mrs. Winslow's bill of complaint against Lyon showed her to be, and he +accordingly made a note of the same, as her friend returned to the +bar-room and paid for the liquor, while saying to the landlord that the +madam desired him to say that the brandy was perfectly exquisite in +flavor. + +Presently Mrs. Winslow called out, "Come, Le Compte, get in here!" when +he ran out with the alacrity of a carriage spaniel, sprang into the +carriage, took the reins, and drove away towards the country, looking +like a pretty daisy in the shade of a gigantic sunflower. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + + The Half-way House.-- A Jolly German Landlord.-- Detective + Fox runs down Le Compte.-- A "Positive, Prophetic, Healing + and Trance Medium."-- Harcout the Adviser reappears, and + is anxious lest Mr. Lyon be drawn into some terrible + Confession.-- Mr. Pinkerton decides to know more about Le + Compte.-- And with the harassed Mr. Lyon interviews him.-- + Treachery and Blackmail.-- "A much untractable Man."-- + Light shines upon Mrs. Winslow.-- Another Man.-- Mr. + Pinkerton mad. + + +Many other conveyances were passing to and fro, and Fox's first impulse +was to secure a seat in some one of them and follow the couple in the +direction they had taken. But he recollected that it might cause either +Mrs. Winslow, or the little fellow at her side to know him again, which +would prove disastrous, and he was consequently obliged to apply his +pump to the important little Dutchman who owned the half-way house, and +who was busying himself around the cool, pleasant bar-room, making the +place as attractive as possible, and singing lustily in his own +mother-tongue. + +"Good morning to you!" said Fox cheerily, stepping to the bar in a way +that indicated his desire to imbibe. + +"Good mornings mit yourself," answered the lively proprietor, getting +behind the bar nimbly; "Beer?" + +"Yes, thank you," replied Fox, "a schnit, if you please. Won't you +drink with me?" + +"Oh, ya, ya; I dank you; I dank you;" and there were as many smiles on +his honest face as bubbles upon his good beer. + +The glasses touched, Fox said, "Here's luck!" and the landlord met it +with "Best resbects, mister!" + +In good time two more schnits followed, and as the landlord was each +time requested to join with Fox, he was so pleased with his liberality +and apparent good feeling that he beamed all over like a sunny day in +June. + +"You have a beautiful place here," said Fox. + +"Oh, so, so!" answered the landlord with a quick, deprecatory shrug +which meant that he was very well satisfied with it. + +"I was never here before." + +"No?--So? I guess mebby I don't ever have seen you. Don't you leef py +Rochester?--no?" + +"No, I live in Buffalo, and I just came over to Rochester on a little +business. Having plenty of time, I thought I would stroll out a bit this +morning." + +"Ya, I get a good many strollers dot same way. Eferypody goes out by der +Bort." + +"The Bort?" + +"Ya, ya, der Bort--Bort Charlotte." + +"Is this the way to Charlotte?" + +"To be certainly. When you come five miles auf, den you stand by der +Bort, sure." + +"And so that is where the big woman and the little man were going?" +asked Fox carelessly. + +"Sure, sure," said the landlord with a knowing wink; and then taking a +very large pinch of snuff, and laying his forefinger the whole length of +his rosy nose, added with an air of great importance and mystery, "I +tell you, py Jupiter, I don't let somebody got rooms _here_!" + +"That's right, old fellow!" said Fox, slapping the honest beer-vender on +the shoulder. "Be unhappy and you will be virtuous!" + +"Vell," continued the Teuton, excitedly lapsing into his own vernacular, +"_es macht keinen unterschied_; I don't got mein leefing dot way. I--I +vould pe a bolitician first!" + +Fox expressed his admiration for such heroism, and purchased a cigar to +assist the landlord in his efforts to avoid the necessity of either +renting rooms to ladies and gentlemen of Mrs. Winslow's and Le Compte's +standing, or of accepting the more unfortunate emergency of becoming a +"bolitician." + +Then they both seated themselves outside the house, underneath the +shaded porch, and chatted away about current events, Fox all the time +directing the conversation in a manner so as to draw out the genial +Teuton on the subject which most interested him, and was successful to +the extent of learning that Le Compte was what the landlord termed a +"luffer," evidently meaning a loafer; that several months before, they +came there together desiring a room, which had been refused; but he had +directed them to the Port, where they had evidently been accommodated, +as they had after that, until this time, regularly went in that +direction, always stopping at his place for a glass of his best brandy; +and that they had also always came there together until within a few +weeks, since when, for some reason, this Le Compte had walked out to the +hotel, where she had overtaken him with her carriage and driver, when +the driver would be sent back to the city, and Le Compte taken in for +the drive to Charlotte, as Fox had seen. He also learned that on their +return, which was generally towards evening, the driver met them at the +same place, when the latter took the reins, and Le Compte, somewhat +soiled from his trip, walked into the city. + +Fox concluded that there would be no better time than the present to +learn something further concerning Le Compte, and after enjoying himself +in the vicinity for a short time, came back to the hotel, took a hearty +German dinner, and after another stroll secured a room for a short nap, +as he told the landlord, but really for the purpose of observation. +About six o'clock he saw the driver coming to the hotel from towards +Rochester, and in about a half an hour afterwards noticed the carriage +containing Mrs. Winslow and Le Compte coming down the road from +Charlotte. The couple seemed very gay and lively, and drove up to the +hotel with considerable dash and spirit. They both drank, as in the +morning, while the driver resumed his old place by the side of Mrs. +Winslow; and as they were about to depart, Fox heard the woman say to +Le Compte: "No, not again until Saturday; I'll try to be a little +earlier." Then the carriage went away, Le Compte loitering about for a +few minutes, after which he started off on a brisk walk towards town. + +As the evening was drawing on, Fox hurried down to the bar-room, paid +his bill, and bidding his host good-by, trudged on after the little +fellow, keeping him well in sight, though remaining some distance behind +to escape observation, but gradually closing in upon him, until, when +they had arrived within the thickly settled portion of the city, they +were trudging along quite convenient to each other. + +The lamps now began to flare out upon the town, and the gay shops were +lighted as Fox followed his man in and out, up and down the streets. Le +Compte first went to a restaurant just beyond the Arcade in Mill street, +where he got his supper, and afterwards promenaded about the streets in +an aimless sort of a way for some little time, after which he returned +to the Arcade and seemingly anxiously inquired for letters at the +post-office. He got several, but was evidently either disappointed at +what he had received, or at not receiving what he had expected. In any +event he cautiously peered into Lyon's closed offices, as if hoping to +find some one there. Disappointed in this also, he went directly to +State Street, near Main, where, after looking about for a moment, he +suddenly disappeared up a stairway leading to the upper stories of a +large brick block. Fox quickly followed, and was able to catch sight of +the little fellow just as he was entering a room at the side of the +hall. He waited until everything was quiet, and then approached the +door. The light from the single jet in the hallway was not sufficient +for the purpose, but with the aid of a lighted match he was able to +trace upon a neat card tacked to the door the inscription: + + B. JEROME LE COMPTE, + POSITIVE, PROPHETIC, HEALING AND TRANCE MEDIUM. + Psychrometrist, Clairvoyant, and Mineral Locater. + +As Fox had succeeded in "locating" his man, he returned to his +boarding-house, wrote out his report and posted it, and after carelessly +dropping into the restaurant under Washington Hall, where he took a dish +of ice-cream and found means to inform Bristol of the latest +development, he returned and retired for the night well satisfied with +his day's work, and fully resolved to be on hand for Saturday's sport at +Charlotte. + +I received Fox's report the next noon, and not a half-hour afterwards +the splendid Harcout came rushing in. + +"Pinkerton, Pinkerton," he exclaimed excitedly, "here's something which +we must attend to at once--at once, mind you, or--bless my soul! I'm +afraid I left it at the St. Nicholas. How could I be so careless!" + +Harcout grew red in the face and plunged into all his pockets wildly, +utterly regardless of his exquisite make-up, until quite exhausted. + +"Why, Harcout, you're excited. Tell me what's the matter, my man," said +I, reassuringly. + +"Matter? matter? everything's the matter. Here's something which should +be acted upon at once, and like an ass I've left it at the hotel. I'll +go back and get it immediately." + +"Get what?" I asked him. + +"Get a letter that I just received from Lyon. He's there all by himself, +and they will draw him into some terrible confession. But I--I must get +the letter," and Harcout grabbed his hat and gloves and started. + +"Hold on, Harcout," I called to him, "what is that you have in your +hand?" + +"In my hand? Oh, just a private note I got in the same mail." + +"Just look at it before you go," I suggested. + +Harcout stopped in the door, examined the letter, pulled another from +the inside of the envelope, and blurted out sheepishly: "Ah, bless my +soul!--Pinkerton, this is just what I wanted. Here, quick, read them +both." + +I took the letters as Harcout sat down and fanned himself with his +glove, and saw that they were dated from Rochester on the previous day. +The first one was from Lyon, in which he stated that he had received the +enclosed letter in the morning, probably shortly after Fox had strolled +out Lake View Avenue, also expressing a desire that Harcout should +submit it to me for advice as to the best course to be pursued, and have +the reply telegraphed. The enclosed letter was from Le Compte to Lyon, +insisting that he should immediately come to his rooms to receive +information of the greatest importance. I did not let Harcout know that +I had any information concerning Le Compte, but I saw that that portion +of Fox's report which stated that he had followed Le Compte to the +Arcade the previous evening, where the latter had anxiously inquired for +mail, and after that had taken a peep into Lyon's offices, agreed with +Lyon's letter as to the time when Le Compte probably expected an answer +from him. + +I was at loss to know what the dapper little fellow was driving +at--whether he and Mrs. Winslow were after further blackmail, or whether +he had secured some confession from her while she was lavishing her +favors and money upon him, which the treacherous little villain was +endeavoring to make bring a good price through Lyon's superstitious +faith in the power of those who claimed supernatural powers and a +profession of Spiritualism. + +I at once decided to go to Rochester and interview this new apparition +in the field in company with Lyon, and accordingly told Harcout that I +would do so, and would immediately telegraph to Lyon to that effect; +upon which he trotted away, announcing his determination to also +telegraph, so that Lyon might see that he was "attending closely to our +case," as he termed it. + +As soon as he had left, I indicted a dispatch to Lyon, asking him to +make an appointment with Le Compte for an interview on the next +afternoon, when I would be there to accompany him; and after getting my +supper, took the evening train and arrived at Rochester the next noon. + +After taking dinner at the Waverley, I immediately proceeded to Lyon's +offices. He seemed worried and anxious to see me, and felt extremely +alarmed about the whole matter, having as yet kept it from his attorney. +I had him send a message for him at once, and in a few minutes we were +all three in consultation. His attorney, a Mr. Balingal, thought we were +doing just right, and, on leaving, privately informed me that in no +event should I allow any person that professed mediumistic powers to +remain with Lyon alone, as he would be certain to do something which +would in some way compromise the case. + +A few minutes after Lyon's attorney had left, we took different routes, +arriving at the hallway leading to Le Compte's rooms on State street at +about the same time, ascending the staircase together. A negro, who had +borne a second and a more imperative message to Lyon, was in waiting at +the top, and smilingly showed us along the hall in the direction of +Number 28, which afterwards proved to be Le Compte's seance-room. The +little fellow himself here stepped out of an adjoining room with a very +insinuating smile upon his face, which suddenly changed to a look of +disappointment as he saw that Mr. Lyon had rather solidly-built company. + +As Mr. Lyon entered the room, this Monsieur Le Compte undertook to close +the door in my face; but I shoved myself into the room, and told the +mineral locater, etc., that I was a friend of Mr. Lyon's, and insisted +on being one of the party. + +Lyon began timidly looking around the gas lighted room--though it was +not after three o'clock--which was filled with the ordinary +paraphernalia for compelling awe and fear: "I understand you have some +business with me. My name is Lyon." + +"Yes, yes," he replied, "I have great business with you. But I can only +make you my _one_ confidant, Mr. Lyon." + +"Oh, well, well, now," I interrupted, with some assumed bravado, "this +sort of thing better play out before it begins. I am Mr. Lyon's friend, +and whatever you have to say to him will have to be said before me. +Isn't that so, Mr. Lyon?" + +Lyon assented feebly, and Le Compte asked: "Will you make me the +pleasure of your friend's name?" + +"No matter, no matter," said I quickly, for I knew how weak Lyon was. "I +am here as my friend's friend. He has nothing to say in this matter. You +will have to inform me of your business with Mr. Lyon." + +Le Compte suddenly arose from his chair, locked the door and put the key +in his pocket. He then went to the windows, which were slightly raised +on account of the heat, closed them, and lowered the curtains so as to +shut out the light completely. Just as he had completed the work, which +took him but a moment, I said to him sharply: "See here, sir, you will +make this room uncomfortably warm for yourself as well as us, if you are +not careful. Don't send us to perdition before our time, Le Compte." + +He made no answer, and looked exceedingly meek; but I saw that he was +determined to endeavor to play upon Lyon's feelings for future profit, +even if the present interview offered none. He immediately seated +himself at a table opposite us, and said to Lyon: "The clairvoyant state +I will go into before anything I can reveal." + +"Mr. Le Compte," I interrupted, noticing that Lyon was already weakening +before the scoundrel's assumption, "if you have got anything to say to +Mr. Lyon, go on and say it with your eyes open, like a man. We won't be +humbugged by you or any one else!" + +He did go on now, and with his eyes open, and said: "Well, gentlemen, I +know of this lady who troubles Mr. Lyon, and learn of much witnesses for +his help. But the clairvoyant state gave it to me." + +"No, no, my young fellow," said I, "we don't pay for that kind of +evidence. If you have any evidence in your possession which will be of +benefit to Mr. Lyon, I am prepared to receive and pay for it; but +clairvoyant evidence isn't worth a cent!" + +"Well," he replied, somewhat ruffled, "I can go on the jury and swear +clearly of this!" + +I then told him I was satisfied that he did not know the first +principles of law and evidence, and that the probability was that he had +no evidence in his possession at all. I spoke in a very loud tone of +voice, and evidently frightened the little fellow considerably. + +"You are much intractable--a much intractable man," he responded. "I +could tell about you greatly to convince you of my power; but it is +impossible in double presence." + +"All right," said I. "Mr. Lyon, I don't see as you have anything to do +with this interview, and I want you to go right back to your office and +remain there until I come!" + +Lyon got up in a scared kind of way, and started hesitatingly towards +the door, looking appealingly at me; but I paid no attention to it, and +the little Frenchman instantly arose and politely showed him out, saying +in a low voice: "My dear Mr. Lyon, it will be for your great interest to +make appointment without the boor." + +"Lyon will do nothing of the kind, you little villain," I said, as I saw +he was shrewdly arranging for future business. "The 'boor,' as you are +pleased to term me, has the whole charge of this business, and you will +transact it with him or nobody." + +Le Compte flushed, closed the door without another word, locked it, and +put the key in his pocket. + +I turned on him savagely with: "My friend, what do you mean? If you make +a single treacherous motion, you'll never get out of this room alive!" + +I was now thoroughly mad, and am sure that the little jackanapes saw it +and felt that I might possibly serve him as he deserved, for he quickly +and tremblingly said, "Oh, if that is the case, I have no objection if +you the key hold; but in clairvoyant state we shall be alone and +locked." + +There was a bed in the room, and I suggested that he looked flurried +and had better take a rest upon it while going on with his story; but he +seated himself at the opposite side of the table, and began putting his +hands upon his eyes and drawing them away with an indescribably +graceful, though rapid gesture. This he continued for some little time, +when he brought his hands down upon the table with considerable force. +Then he began the old humbug about my having had trouble with some one, +somewhere in the United States, at some time or other about something; +that there was another man of uncertain size, peculiar complexion, +unusual hair, singular face, and a strange, general appearance; and that +this difficulty was about money, he thought it would amount to from five +hundred to one thousand dollars, and that I would receive this sum +within a few weeks. As I said that this was absolutely true, he was +greatly encouraged, and went on for some time in an equally silly and +foolish manner. I stood it as long as I could, and finally said: + +"See here, my friend, you and I must talk business!" upon which he was +wide awake and quite ready to enter into earthly conversation. + +"Well, sir, what _could_ you want?" + +"I want this nonsense stopped," I replied rising, at which he also +jumped up nimbly. + +"Well," he said, "this woman"--evidently referring to Mrs. Winslow, +though no name had been mentioned--"once lived in Iowa with wrong +names!" + +"Oh, nonsense!" I replied, "I know that already." + +"But," he continued quickly, "I can furnish you the name of another +man--very rich, very rich he is, too--who should be by law more her +husband." + +"Well," said I angrily, though now fully believing the little fellow for +the first time, "write this out fully; give me the man's name, business +or occupation; his place of residence, his standing, etc.; how he became +acquainted with this woman and under what circumstances they lived +together, and when and where; and when you give me the information, if I +find it reliable, I will pay liberally for it. If not, I won't pay you a +cent. Now, do we understand each other?" + +"I think we do," he answered timidly. + +"Le Compte," said I sternly, "there's no use of your practising this +clairvoyant game any longer. You won't get a dollar out of it; not a +dollar. I understand all about it as well as you do. Now, have a care +about yourself, sir, or one of these bright days you'll be coming up +with a sudden turn." + +I now started towards the door; but the persistent scamp seemed anxious +to still keep me, on some manner of pretext, and stood holding the key +in a confused, undecided way. + +"Open that door, you villain!" I demanded; "open it at once, or you'll +get into trouble." + +He started suddenly, put the key in the lock, and then turned to me and +asked: "Won't you give me opportunity to show you I do not swindle. Just +let me make some few little passes over your head. I will sure put you +to sleep quickly!" + +"I am not sleepy, nor do I need sleep now, thank you. I had a good nap +about an hour since," I answered, laughing at the little fellow's +annoyance. "Now open that door!" + +Le Compte shrugged his handsome shoulders despairingly, unlocked the +door, and as I passed out of the no less than robber's den--though under +the guise of a mediumistic and spiritualistic blackmailing +headquarters--he said: "Well, sir, I will think of this statement a +great deal; but you are a very untractable man; a very untractable +man--what might I call your name?" + +"Oh, anything you like, my little man!" I replied pleasantly; "but mind, +we won't have any more of this silly business. It won't pay, and you +will certainly get into trouble from it. You may send the statement to +George H. Bangs, at the post-office, by Monday noon, and if it is what +you represent it to be, and reliable, you will be paid for it; but you +may be very, very certain, Le Compte, that it will prove extremely +unprofitable to you if you attempt any more of this humbuggery upon Mr. +Lyon!" + +With this admonition I left Le Compte's, and soon found Lyon in his +office. We arranged that he should pay no further attention to either Le +Compte's or any other person's communications concerning this case, but +should at once turn them over to his attorneys, who should immediately +forward them to me after reading them, as I was satisfied that if Le +Compte had any evidence he would never swear to it when the case was +tried, and only desired to blackmail Lyon on his own account, while +playing the necessary male friend and confidant to Mrs. Winslow, who for +some reason seemed to have a strange and unexplainable liking for the +little Monsieur, although exercising great care that her passion for him +should not become a matter for public knowledge and comment. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + + The Raven of the Detroit Cottage in another Character.-- Mrs. + Winslow yearns for a retired Montreal Banker.-- Love's + Rivalry.-- A mysterious Note.-- The Response.-- Another + Trip to Port Charlotte by four Hearts that beat as one.-- + What Mr. Pinkerton, as one of the party, sees and hears.-- + "Jones of Rochester."-- Le Compte and Mrs. Winslow resolve + to fly to Paris, "the magnificent, the beautiful, the + sublime!"-- "My God, are they all that way?" + + +At last the promised Saturday came, and there were at least three people +in Rochester who looked forward to a pleasant day, and were up betimes +that they might get an early start. Mrs. Winslow, from her sumptuous +apartments, looked out upon the streets and the glorious morning as if +it had come too soon--as it always does to those who have not clean +hearts and clean lives--and, _en deshabille_, gazed down through her +rich lace curtains upon the early passers stepping off with a brisk +tread to their separate labors, with a look of contempt. + +Nature had been wantonly generous with Mrs. Winslow, and as she stood +there in her loose morning robes, the first soft breaths that come with +the sun from the far-off Orient playing hide-and-seek among the +sumptuous hangings of her room, and giving just the least possible +motion to her matchlessly luxuriant black hair, while the mellow and +golden rays of the sun, which was just peeping over the roofs and the +chimneys, shimmered upon her through the curtains, lighting her great +gray eyes with a wondrous lustrousness, heightening the fine color of +her face, and giving to her voluptuous form an added grace--this utterly +lone woman had not in her heart an iota of tenderness for, or sympathy +with, the glories without, and was as dead to every good thing in life +as though carved from marble by some sculptor, as she really had been +carved from stone, or ice, by nature. As she stood there by the window, +regarding the passers with such a wise and ogreish air that Fox, behind +the blinds in his window opposite, could not but couple her in his +thoughts with some splendid beast of prey--if Mother Blake or the +voluble Rev. Bland could have seen her, the years that had passed would +have been swept away, and in the mature woman and the conscienceless +adventuress would have been recognized the raven of the Detroit cottage, +that, as Lilly Nettleton, in a habit that ravens have, glided +noiselessly about the other sumptuous apartments, gathering together +what pleased its fancy--not forgetting the money which was to have been +used in the cursed church interests, and a gold watch, which the raven +wore to this day--and then, kissing its beak to the heavily sleeping +man, for all the world like a raven, had passed out into the storm and +the night. + +In a few moments she retired from the window, and after dressing passed +out upon the street, and went to the falls for a short walk and an +appetite, and then went to the Washington Hall restaurant, where she had +quite frequently taken her meals since she had incidentally learned +that Bristol was a retired Montreal banker, as gossip had it now among +the Spiritualists; and it was evident that persons of that grade of +recommendation were of peculiar interest to Mrs. Winslow. For hours of +dalliance, the aristocratic though impecunious popinjay, Le Compte, +would more than answer; but when it came to a matter of serious work, +and when a new source of income was to be sought, Mrs. Winslow, being a +shrewd and able professor of the art of fascination which secured her an +independent and elegant livelihood, in connection with her ability to +compel a large number of people to pay her for guessing at what had +befallen them and what might befall them, she invariably sought +gentlemen on the shady side of life, with judgment and discretion, who +knew a good thing when they saw it, and who were both able and willing +to carry their bank accounts into their aged knight-errantry. + +Lyon was not a handsome man, but he had vast wealth. His weazen face, +his grizzly hair, his repulsive, tobacco-stained mouth, were naught +against him. His passion for her had brought her thousands upon +thousands of dollars--would bring her, she hoped, as much more. Here was +Bristol. He was not handsome, he was not a Canadian Adonis, he +incessantly smoked a very ugly pipe fully as old as himself. But he had +some way got the reputation of being "a retired Canadian banker" among +these people, and Mrs. Winslow's heart warmed towards him the way it had +towards a hundred others when she had wanted them to walk into her +parlor as the ancient spider had desired of the fly. + +So she had begun weaving a shining web of loving looks, of tender +glances, of dreamy sighs, and of graceful manoeuvres of a general +character about the unsuspecting Bristol, that resulted in pecuniary +profit to the old maids, who, nevertheless, with the quick instinct of +three jealous women of economical build and mature years, had already +begun to hate her as a rival, and pour into Bristol's alert ears sad +tales about the splendid charmer, all of which were properly reported to +me by the "retired Montreal banker," who had suddenly found himself a +prize worthy to be sought for, and fought for, if necessary, by four +determined women, one of whom hungered for his supposed wealth, and +three of whom possessed the more desperate, life-long hunger whose +appeasing is worth a severe struggle. + +After her breakfast, which, unfortunately, had not given her an +opportunity for bestowing a graceful nod or a winning smile upon +Bristol, whom the old maids had furnished a superb breakfast in his own +apartment, Mrs. Winslow returned to her rooms and seated herself at her +windows, where she read the morning paper for a little time. She then +disappeared from Fox's sight for a half-hour or so, when, just as he was +about leaving his watch at his window he noticed her descend the stairs, +and, after looking cautiously about for a moment, deposit a card behind +her own sign, which was attached to the frame of the outer doorway +leading to her rooms. As soon as she had retired, and before she could +have returned to her windows, Fox slipped down and out across the +street, and removing the card from its novel depository, saw written +upon it: + + "Le Compte:--Will be at the Garden with carriage at ten, + prompt. + + "MRS. W." + +Fox had no more than time to return the card to its place when he saw +the person to whom it was addressed turn into St. Paul street from East +Main. He accordingly got back to his old post as rapidly as possible, +and watched the young Frenchman saunter along towards the hallway as if +carelessly taking his morning walk. He was irreproachably dressed, as +usual, and was daintily smoking a cigarette with that inimitable grace +with only which a Frenchman or a Spaniard can smoke. After arriving at +the hallway, as if undecided whether he would go farther up the street +or not, he leaned carelessly against the sign, and in a moment had +deftly whipped the card out of its hiding-place. He then started up the +street saunteringly, and when about a half-block distant, read the card, +which seemed to give him much pleasure, as he smilingly wrote something +upon it, and after walking a short distance, turned suddenly and walked +rapidly back, dexterously depositing the card in its strange receptacle, +without scarcely varying his pace or direction, and quickly passed on to +Main street, turning down that thoroughfare. + +Fox noticed that Mrs. Winslow had witnessed this incident from her +windows, and at the moment when her form had disappeared, he swiftly +stepped across the street and read the reply, which ran thus: + + "Your announcement makes pleasure in your lover's soul, and + your name is saluted by the lips of + + "LE COMPTE." + +Fox had just time to slip into a tobacconist's for a cigar when Mrs. +Winslow came down stairs, took the card out of its resting-place, and +after going down the street for some slight purchase, returned to her +rooms and prepared for the drive to Charlotte. + +At half-past nine Mrs. Winslow's carriage arrived and in a few minutes +after she was leisurely riding down Main street, and from thence out +through State street and Lake View Avenue towards the Port. As I had +nothing to do until Monday's interview with Le Compte, and time hung +heavily upon my hands, I had decided to make one of the party. + +I knew the direction Mrs. Winslow would take, and so securing a position +on the corner of Main and State streets, I had but a little time to wait +before I saw the gay madam pass, and also noticed Fox at an opposite +corner evidently making sure of her direction; for, as soon as he saw +her carriage turn down State street, he immediately started for the +depot, from which a train left for Charlotte at ten o'clock, so that he +could be at that place, under any circumstances, some time before the +happy and unsuspecting couple should have arrived. + +At about train-time Fox bought a cigar and took a seat in the +smoking-car, while I purchased a cheap edition of one of Dickens's +stories and settled myself down in a ladies' car. + +The trip to Charlotte was soon made through a beautiful country where +the farmers were busy stacking their grain, threshing, and, in some +instances, turning the black loam to the sun that it might early mellow +for the next year's seed-time, and in a half-hour we were at Charlotte, +where the beautiful lake is seen at one's feet, with its rippling waves +dotted here and there by a hundred dreamy sails and lazy steamers from +as many waiting ports. + +Fox immediately made inquiries of the villagers where he could find the +road leading into Charlotte from Rochester, and started out towards it +from the depot at a brisk walk, while I waited until he had got well +under way, when I took a short stroll among the warehouses and shipping +of the harbor, and then went to the only hotel of any importance the +place contained, where I knew Mrs. Winslow and Le Compte would be likely +to stop, and engaged a room in the front part of the house, where I +resumed my story and waited, like Micawber, for "something to turn up." + +I had been engaged at my book but a short time when I saw Fox come up +the street towards the hotel at a rapid pace, flushed and perspiring +freely as from a very long and rapid walk, and but a moment afterwards +also saw the dashing Rochester turnout whirling up to the hotel. + +The arrival at the hotel of the couple bore out the truth of the +statement of the little Dutchman, contained in Fox's report of his trip +to the half-way house, as the habitues of the house seemed quite +accustomed to their presence and the employees stepped about nimbly, as +they generally do at hotels as a greeting to good customers, and they +generally do not when persons of common appearance arrive. + +As good luck would have it, after a few moments had elapsed, "Mr. and +Mrs. Jones, of Rochester," as Fox saw they had registered, were ushered +into a room adjoining my own, and between which, as is quite common at +hotels, there was a door, which might be opened for the purpose of +throwing the rooms _en suite_, as occasion required. + +Although I was prevented from seeing the couple, their voices, which +were both familiar to me, could not be mistaken; and I could not +restrain a smile as I listened to the little Frenchman's voluble and +peculiarly-constructed expressions of endearment, and the coarser, but +none the less tender, responses of the virtuous Mrs. Winslow, whose life +had been shattered, heart smashed to atoms, and good name defamed, by +the tyrant man in the person of the weak but wealthy Lyon, and to think +how much nearer I was to the quarry than Fox himself, who in this +instance was making noble efforts to bring down his game without +"flushing" it. + +For the sake of the public whose servant I have been for the last thirty +years, I would blush to put on paper what I know to have occurred in the +adjoining room, and which only served to further convince me of the +depths of infamy to which she had sunk; and I will pass on to those +things only necessary to acquaint the reader with my plan of operation +to bring her into the public notoriety and scorn which she had years +before only too richly deserved. + +But a short time had elapsed after Mrs. Winslow and Le Compte had been +given their room when I heard Fox's footsteps coming along the hall. He +passed their room slowly, evidently locating it, and after a few moments +stealthily returned and listened at the door. He then stole away, but +returned again with a bold, firm step, as though conscious of being on +legitimate business, walked right up to the door and gave the knob a +quick turn, as if he had intended to at once walk into the room. + +The door did not open, however, and Fox stepped back as if surprised, +saying: "Why, I can't be mistaken; the register surely said Room 30!" +while within there were quick, though smothered exclamations of +surprise, fright, and rage of an unusually profane nature. + +Fox immediately returned to the attack as if certain that he was in the +right, and knocked at the door sharply. + +There was no response but the quick hustlings about the room, from which +I, as an attentive listener with my ear close to the key-hole, learned +that the inmates were preparing for discovery. + +Fox knocked again, this time louder and more persistently than at first. + +I now plainly heard Mrs. Winslow ordering Le Compte under the bed among +the dust, bandboxes, and unmentionables, at which he protested with +innumerable "_Sacres!_" But she was relentless, and finally, seeing that +he would go no other way, took him up like a recalcitrant cur and flung +him under bodily. + +Again Fox attacked the door, shook the knob furiously, and knocked loud +enough to raise the dead, following it up with: "Say you?--Jones? Why in +thunder don't you open the door?" + +At this Mrs. Winslow plucked up the courage of desperation, and asked in +a loud and injured voice, "Who's there?" + +"Why, me, of course; Barker, Jones's partner. I want to see Jones!" + +"What Jones do you want?" asked Mrs. Winslow, to get time to think +further what to do. + +"Jones, of Rochester, of course," yelled Fox. "Two ship-loads of spoiled +grain's just come in; don't know what to do with 'em." + +"Sink 'em!" responded Mrs. Winslow, breathing freer. + +"Where's Jones?" persisted Fox, banging away at the door again. + +"There's no Jones here, you fool!" answered the woman hotly. + +"Yes there is, too," insisted Fox. "Landlord told me so." + +"Well," parried the female, raising her voice again, "Jones ain't in the +wheat trade at all; he's a professor of music; and besides that, he +ain't in here, either." + +"Oh, beg pardon, ma'am," said Fox apologetically, "It isn't your Jones +I want _this time_, then. Hope I haven't disturbed you, madam," and he +walked away, having clinched the matter quite thoroughly enough for any +twelve honest and true men under the sun. + +Mrs. Winslow stuck her head out of the door, launched a threat, coupled +with a well-defined oath, against Fox, who was leisurely strolling along +the hall, to the effect that he ought to be ashamed of himself for +"insulting a defenceless woman in that way, and that if he came there +again she would have him arrested." To which he cheerily responded, "No +offence meant, ma'am; 'fraid the wheat'd spoil, ye see;" and as he went +whistling down the stairs, she slammed the door, locked it, drew the +trembling Le Compte from under the bed, and amid a chime of crockery set +him upon his feet again with a snap to it, and then threw herself into a +rocking-chair and burst into tears, insisting that she was the most +abused woman on the face of earth, and that Le Compte, with his +"_Sacres!_" and "_Diables!_" hadn't the sense of a moth or the muscle of +an oyster, or he would have followed the brute and given him a sound +beating! + +Not desiring to be seen by Fox, I ordered my dinner sent to my room, as +did the unhappy couple in the adjoining apartment, who seemed to be +greatly put out by the intrusion, and who were for an hour after +speculating as to the cause of the interruption, and as to whether it +was accidental or not. + +"We mustn't come here any more, Le Compte," said the woman dolefully. + +"And for why, my angel precious?" anxiously asked the man. + +"Why, do you know," replied Mrs. Winslow with earnestness, "I sometimes +really believe I am being watched!" + +"No, that was impossible!" said Le Compte, with a start. + +"And sometimes," she continued, paying no attention to him, "it seems as +though I could not stand this terrible keeping up appearances any +longer." + +"You should have pleasure in the appearance," responded Le Compte +insinuatingly, "it breaks him down already. He is now like one weak +infant." + +"That's so, that's so," she answered quickly, in a tone of vengeful +joyousness. "I'll bring the old devil to my feet yet. I'll crush him out +and ruin his fortune, if it takes me all my life. I'll get the biggest +part of it, too; and then, Le Compte, we'll get out of this cursed +country and enjoy ourselves the rest of our lives." + +"Yes, in Paris, the magnificent, the beautiful, the sublime! Then we +will live in one heaven of love. Oh, beautiful, beautiful!" cried the +little Frenchman excitedly. + +"There, Le Compte," said his companion, suddenly becoming practical +again, "don't make a fool of yourself! Take this bill and go down and +get a bottle of wine; and mind you, don't keep the change either." + +As the train returned at two, and I had but little time to reach it, as +soon as Le Compte had come back with the wine and they had become +sufficiently noisy to admit of it, I quietly left my room, paid my bill, +went to the train, avoiding Fox entirely, and, with him, was soon again +in Rochester, leaving the roystering couple at the little hotel at +Charlotte building their vain dreams and air-castles about crushing out +Lyon--which would have been an easy matter if left to himself--their +beautiful, magnificent, and sublime Paris, and their "one heaven of +love" within it. + +As soon as Fox stepped from the train I quietly handed him a slip of +paper directing him to make his report to me at the Waverley House, +where I was stopping under an assumed name, which he assured me he would +do, without a word being spoken or even a look of recognition being +passed. + +Although the public may not be aware of it, this is an absolute +necessity in detective service. Though I employ hundreds of persons as +detectives, preventive police, and in clerical duties, at my different +agencies, on no occasion and under no circumstances is there ever on the +street, or in any public place whatever, the slightest token by which +the stranger might know that there had ever been any previous +communication between any of my people. + +On the next day, Sunday, Lyon called to see me at the hotel and brought +with him two notes from Le Compte--one having been received late +Saturday afternoon, and the other delivered at his house that +morning--both imperatively insisting that Lyon should come to his rooms +and leave that "untractable man" behind. + +I complimented him extensively on his having refrained from visiting the +winsome little villain who seemed determined to get Lyon within his +power. He solemnly pledged his word that he would have nothing whatever +to do with the man, and would bluff him in every advance that he made; +and in order to clinch it, I read him choice extracts from Fox's report +regarding the Charlotte party of the day before, interspersing it with a +few of the still choicer items that had come under my own observation. + +"My God!" exclaimed Lyon, as I concluded, "are they _all_ that way?" + +"Your experience and mine," I smilingly replied, "would almost point to +the fact that a very decided majority of them are." + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + + Mr. Pinkerton again interviews Le Compte.-- And very much + desires to wring his Neck.-- A Bargain and Sale.-- Le + Compte's Story.-- "Little by Little, Patience by + Patience."-- A Toronto Merchant in Mrs. Winslow's Toils.-- + Detective Bristol, "the retired Banker," in Clover.-- + Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah individually and collectively + woo him.-- Ancient Maidens full of Soul.-- A Signal. + + +No jury in the land would render a verdict against a man on the +unsupported evidence of a woman whose character was so vile as we had +already found Mrs. Winslow's to be; and I would have paid no further +attention to the little Frenchman, had I not suspected from his +expensive style of living, and from Mrs. Winslow's injunctions to him +regarding not swindling her in so small a matter as a bottle of wine, +that his necessities and cupidity might cause him to make some tangible +disclosure regarding her, that would give us a clue to other information +against her further than that which Bangs would probably secure in the +West, as I never use detective evidence when it can be avoided, and knew +that a perfect mountain of criminal transactions could be eventually +heaped up against her which could be secured from reliable parties, who +could have no other possible interest in her downfall than a desire to +promote the personal good of society. + +Le Compte did not desire to see me again, and had made strenuous efforts +to prevent it and secure a surreptitious interview with Lyon instead. +Failing in this, at the last moment, I had received a very terse note +from him to the effect that he did not desire to transmit any statement +by mail, but would take it as an honor, etc., if I would call at his +place at ten o'clock, Monday morning, which I did, finding the little +fellow in a gorgeous dressing-gown, freshly shaved, and in a neat and +orderly state generally. + +"Well, my young friend," said I, "I suppose you have decided to give me +some information this morning." + +"Do I get good pay?" he asked in response. + +"You will get good pay if you have a good article for sale," I replied. + +"Humph!" he responded, with a soft shrug of his delicate shoulders. + +"Are you ready to make such a sale?" I asked. + +"But where comes my money?" inquired Le Compte, suspiciously. + +"It is right here," I answered, slapping my pocket in a hearty way. + +"But suppose it shall stay there, then where is Le Compte?" he persisted +with a doleful look which was irresistibly funny. + +"It _will_ stay there," I replied, "in case you attempt to play any of +your tricks, my little fellow." + +"How shall I then know I am to be paid?" + +"You will have to take my word for it." + +"But I have not pleasure in your acquaintance; how can I be sure?" he +continued anxiously. + +"Le Compte, swindler as you are, you _know_ that I am an honest man. +This quibbling is utterly foolish and simple. I am acting entirely for +Mr. Lyon in this matter, and should you write to him or call upon him a +hundred times, you would get nothing from him but a bluff. Here are your +two notes," I continued, producing them, "one written Saturday, the +other yesterday. The only response you got to them was, silence--and +this interview. I thought we understood each other already." + +I saw that he was still undecided about saying whatever he might have to +say, and tenacious of sustaining his professional reputation as a +clairvoyant. I might have easily frightened him into submission by the +slightest reference to the occurrences of the previous day, but knew +that this would have the effect of putting Mrs. Winslow on her guard, as +she was already becoming suspicious and anxious, and preferred getting +at his communication in the ordinary way. After he had sat musing for a +time he suddenly asked: + +"How great will be my pay?" + +"What do you think the information is worth?" I said. + +He looked at me as if fixing a price in his mind that I would stand, and +replied: + +"Certain, a thousand dollars." + +"That is a good deal of money, Le Compte," I said pleasantly. "I +hardly think you can divulge a thousand dollars' worth. But if you can +give me reliable information of a satisfactory character, I think I +could pay you three hundred dollars. + +"Now?" he inquired, suddenly. + +"Oh, no, oh, no," I replied as quickly; "no, sir, _not_ until we find +the information you give is reliable." + +This dampened the little fellow wonderfully, but he finally said: "Well, +the evidence is certain, but I must offer it to you by clairvoyance," +and he immediately arose and began darkening the room as on the previous +interview, which act I interrupted by stepping to the window he had just +darkened, and jerking the curtain as high as it would roll, opening the +window, and flinging the blinds open with a slam. + +"You little villain!" I shouted, advancing upon him threateningly, "I +will wring your neck if you don't stop this contemptible nonsense!" +while he slunk into the corner, like the mean coward that he was. I +could scarcely keep my hands off the little puppy; but recollecting that +I was there for quite another purpose, I said: + +"Le Compte, this is the last time I shall come here, and it is the last +time you will have an opportunity of making a dollar out of any +information you may possess. Now, sir," I said, savagely, starting +towards the door, "you will give it to me, trusting entirely to my honor +to pay you for it, or you will never get a cent for it on earth." + +[Illustration: _"You little villain!" I shouted, advancing upon him +threateningly:--_] + +The little fellow turned towards me imploringly, with "Please don't go. +My dear sir, you are so greatly abrupt. We have no men like you in La +Belle France." + +"Heaven knows, I hope but few _like_ you," I responded. "Now, which is +it, yes, or no? I will give you just thirty seconds in which to answer," +and I timed him, thoroughly resolved to do as I had said. + +Before the expiration of the time mentioned, Le Compte sat down, and +with a despairing shrug of the shoulders, said "Yes." + +I immediately returned, sat down in front of him, and said, "Well, Le +Compte, now go ahead with your story like a man." + +"What must it be like?" he asked innocently. + +"What must it be like?" I repeated, aghast. "Why, you don't intend to +manufacture a story for me against this woman, do you?" + +"Oh, no, no, never. But I must know first how bad it must be, when it is +worth three hundred dollars, which you call such great money?" + +"Well," said I, all out of patience, "if you know of any occasion when +this woman has been with any man as his wife, or his mistress, and can +give names, dates, and places, and under what circumstances, and this +information on examination proves so reliable that we can get other +witnesses besides yourself--persons of credibility and reputation--to +testify to it, I will pay you three hundred dollars. Isn't that plain +enough?" + +"Will you put it to paper?" + +"No, sir, you have my word for it, that's all." + +Le Compte tapped the floor with his delicate foot a moment, and I saw +the impostor was in real misery. He had a sort of affection for the +woman, which she had more than reciprocated. He could lean on the +strong, daring nature she possessed, and go to her with all his troubles +and disappointments and get help. She had promised him that, as soon as +she had mulcted Lyon of the hundred thousand dollars, he should share it +with her in his own beautiful Paris. All his self-interest laid in and +with the woman; but need for money was pressing, and there were a +million other women as impressible to his charms as she had been. Here +was an opportunity to make a few hundred dollars by betraying her; but +in doing so he still might not get the money, and she might at once +discover from what source the information had come, and he knew enough +about Mrs. Winslow to be sure that she dared any mode of revenge that +best suited her fancy, and he had a wholesome fear of her. I could see +that all these things were flitting through his mind, as plainly as the +reader can see them upon this printed page, and to some extent pitied +his weakness and indecision. + +"Or," said I encouragingly, "as you undoubtedly know Mrs. Winslow +intimately, and are very much in her company, if you know of any +occasion when she had, while here in Rochester or in the vicinity, say +Batavia, Syracuse, or Port Charlotte, for instance, gone with some one +of her many favorites, and under an assumed name--Brown, Jones, or +anything of the kind--to a hotel where they had been assigned a room, +and had occupied it together for several hours, and you could put us on +track of persons of reliability who would be willing to come into court +and swear to such facts--I presume there are many persons who could and +would with whom you are acquainted--I would pay you the amount named at +once." + +This was cutting pretty close to a tender subject, and before I had half +finished my remarks he started, and looked me in the face in a +suspicious, apprehensive manner, eyeing me closely until I had finished. +But my manner and looks betraying no knowledge on my part of any such +facts hinted at, he relapsed into a puzzled, nonplussed look that was +really ridiculous. + +"No, no," he said slowly and cautiously. "I have no such valuable +evidence. That would be much more worth than a thousand dollars--much +more worth. But I can do what you first say, and rest me on the honor of +your word." + +"Go on, then," said I. + +"Well, we shall go back almost a year. I met first Mrs. Winslow at Port +Charlotte, when she was from Canada returning." + +"Did she formerly live in Canada?" I asked. + +"No, not for a great time; but has had much travel and friends there. I +first see her at Charlotte. I go there to take a boat. She comes from +the boat there. Lyon meets her, and I think her his wife, he is so much +happy. I like her so much that I do not take the boat. I follow her back +to the city here, and find her beautiful rooms, when I discover she is +not Lyon's wife, but his mistress; but I still have for her admiration, +and one day she comes to me for her future in clairvoyance." + +"And then she became your mistress?" I inquired, smiling at his +earnestness. + +"No, no, no--never!" he replied quickly, growing red as a rose; "I +became her _friend_!" + +Le Compte did not know how near he came to expressing the truth while +endeavoring to avoid it, but continued: + +"I became her friend, and we came to each other for advice. She has +great faith--great faith," repeated Le Compte, with much emphasis on the +expression, which seemed to please him, "in my clairvoyance powers. I +give her much comfort. She gives me great confidence of her affairs, and +shows me how rich Lyon makes her. I see her often--very often, at the +Hall and here in my apartments. She gives me much confidence of her +affairs still, and I am informed when she makes Canada some visits. She +goes much to Canada, and I ask her why? She does not tell me, but laughs +in my face, and shows me much money, which she ever brings back. I shake +my finger at her so (illustrating), and say to her: 'You cannot hide +from Le Compte,' which she answers: 'No, I will not. I go for money. +See!'--when she would shake many bills in my face--'I make him come +down, too!'" + +"Did she give you the man's name?" + +"I _got_ it," continued Le Compte proudly, "with much wine--_and_ +clairvoyance!" + +"Oh, confound your eternal clairvoyance!" said I. "I want the facts." + +"But I got facts _with_ clairvoyance," persisted the imperturbable Le +Compte. "Little by little, patience by patience, at the end I got +confession from her----" + +"Which was?"---- + +"Which was," continued Le Compte, taking his time, "that Mrs. Winslow +had got great power over a Toronto merchant with much wealth and great +family, by name Devereaux." + +"How long had she known him?" + +"I know not that--five, four, three years, I will think." + +"Did you ever see this Devereaux?" + +"Oh, no, no--never; but it is all certain that I speak. Here," continued +Le Compte, stepping nimbly to a secretary and producing a photograph, +which he handed to me, "here you will find the face of Devereaux. Many, +many times I have seen the color of his money." + +"And does Mrs. Winslow visit Canada for the purpose of meeting this man +still?" I asked. + +"Certain," he answered promptly; then, after a little pause, as if +doubtful of the propriety of what he was about to say, but finally +resolving to earn his money, if possible, "and she shall go there once +more in the next week." + +I began to think that the little Frenchman had really a good article for +sale, and made full memoranda of all the main points. I asked him some +further questions, the answers to which showed conclusively that Mrs. +Winslow had made a full confidant of him concerning the Canadian +affair, at least; that she had secured a vast amount of money from +Devereaux at the same time that Lyon was breaking her heart; and that, +whether Devereaux was fated to go through the same final experience as +Lyon, or not, that he had undergone and was undergoing the same +preliminary experience. + +At the close of the interview I informed Le Compte that his information +was quite satisfactory, and that it only remained for me to prove its +correctness in order to permit the payment of the money, which, however, +should necessarily be on the additional condition that he at once +secured for us information as to the date on which the madam was to make +her profitable little pleasure-trip to Toronto. + +This he agreed to do, and I left him; not, however, until he had +anxiously requested to know more about me, and where and when he was to +receive his money. I told him that I was a travelling man; that I had no +permanent residence, was here and there all over the country; but that +the moment we ascertained the truth of his statements, which would be +very soon, he should be compensated. + +I communicated to Lyon the facts elicited during this interview, which +completely overwhelmed him with the perfidy of human nature in general, +and woman in particular; but gave him considerable encouragement +concerning the progress of our work; and after directing Bristol, +through the post, to continue playing the _role_ of the banker, and to +keep himself in preparation for telegraphic instructions, returned to +New York. + +All this time Bristol was in clover. The three old maids, Tabitha, +Amanda, and Hannah, had looked him over and saw that he was a good man +to tie to. Here was a man, they agreed, who had come in among them a +perfect stranger, and yet so possessed was he of a frank, winsome way, +and such a reliable, honorable demeanor had he exhibited towards them, +three lone and defenceless women as they were, that they had +instinctively felt that they could trust him; nay, even more, they were +sure that they could lean upon him, as it were; take him into their +confidence; share their joys with him, rely on him to sympathize with +them in all their sorrows--in fact, make of him a sort of an +affectionate Handy Andy--a good-natured and attractive attache to their +affections, and a profitable sign-post to their business. + +Neither had any man ever before received such signs and tokens of a +deep-seated and ineradicable affection. + +Every morning he was awakened from his virtuous slumbers by the +delicious music of a bird training organ, which was wound in turn by the +maidens and set inside his door, where, "in linked sweetness long drawn +out," it galloped over the harmonies with: "Then you'll remember me," +"Don't be angry with me, Darling," "Who will care for Mother Now?" +"Bonnie Charlie's Noo Awa'," "Annie Laurie," and like tender airs, until +the poor man cursed the Three Graces of Washington Hall restaurant, and +the detective service, threadbare. + +After this delicious reminder of languishing love he was served with a +breakfast fit for a king, at which Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah in turn +presided, and which was always graced by a large bouquet of flowers +whose language and fragrance only breathed of love. + +On these occasions the conversation never failed to turn upon Bristol's +merits, the old maids' loneliness, and the superiority of women without +physical beauties, but full of soul, over those more fortunate in flesh +but wanting in spirituality. This was an advertisement for their own +establishment, and a drive at Mrs. Winslow; and Bristol always +acknowledged the force of the argument. + +Whenever Mrs. Winslow took a meal at the restaurant, which had now +become a frequent occurrence, just so certain was Bristol's +corresponding meal served in the little snuggery, where, however busy +they might be, one of the ancient ladies kept him good company and +quickened his digestion with sparkling humor and witty jest, such only +as can course through the flowery avenues of an aged spinster's mind, +made fresh and blooming by the wild fancy of the second childhood of +love's young dream; and at night, when the busy day was over and the +vulgar public shut out by the well-bolted front door, the little +snuggery always held the same wise old company, where Bristol, ripe in +age and experience, passed an hour with the ladies over tea and +sweetmeats, or wine and waffles, surrounded by the thrilled and blushing +trio, who, preparatory to retiring, discovered to him as many of their +combined charms as modesty would allow, and in their tender hearts +built plans for the future when they would bodily possess Bristol--at +least one of them, if the laws of society did prevent his making a sort +of blessed trinity of himself for their benefit. + +This course of procedure angered Mrs. Winslow. _Her_ heart also yearned +for the retired banker, and when she saw how securely he was being kept +from her grasp by the wily old maids, she immediately began preparing a +plan the execution of which would foil them, and eventually give her the +coveted game all to herself. To this end she walked to and fro past the +restaurant, and finally attracted the attention of Bristol while the old +ladies were busily engaged elsewhere, and motioned to him in so +imperative a way and with such earnestness, that he slipped out of the +place, and at a careful distance followed her in the direction of the +Falls Field Garden, where lovers often met and where there was no danger +of interruption. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + + Mr. Bangs on the Trail in the West.-- Terre Haute and its + Spiritualists.-- Mrs. Deck's Boarding-house.-- The + Nettleton Family broken up.-- Back at the Michigan + Exchange.-- Mother Blake's Recital.-- Through Chicago to + Wisconsin.-- A disheartening Story.-- The practical result + of Spiritualism. + + +Superintendent Bangs arrived at Terre Haute in good time, and found +himself in one of the greatest centres of Spiritualism in the world. + +The very air seemed charged and surcharged with the permeating power. +People watching incoming trains had a listless, far-away look, as though +watching for the dim spirits which were constantly expected from the +other land, but which never came. The clamorous cabmen raised their +sing-song voices as if only expecting, though more than desiring, only +shadowy freight. The regular loiterers had long hair, cadaverous faces, +and large, lustrous eyes, and where females appeared, they were +generally in pinched faces, flowing hair, long pantaloons and short +gowns, as if ready for a grand Amazon-march upon the gullible public. + +On the way to the hotel every other stairway held the sign of one or +more clairvoyants, mediums, or astrologists, and every manner of +business seemed to have the ghostly trail upon it. The pedestrians upon +the streets, the men at their counters, the workmen at their trades, the +women at their various employments, the common laborers at their most +menial toil, each and every, from the highest to the lowest, seemed to +have a weary, listless air, as if constant wrestling with communicating +spirits healthier and more robust than themselves, had left a chronic +exhaustion upon and with them. + +At the hotel the register was thin and ghostly, the office was deserted +and dreary, the meals were served in a listless, dreamy way, as if the +guests were ghosts and the waiters not so good. In fact, the whole place +and everything in it was tinctured with the common craziness, and gave +the healthy, wide-awake stranger the impression of having suddenly come +upon a community of mild lunatics, who were quite happy in the +conviction that they were directing the affairs of both earth and +heaven, and establishing pleasant, intramural relations between their +chosen Hoosier City and the beautiful City beyond the River; all of +which would be very pleasant and profitable if anybody had ever come +back from the undiscovered country to give us its geographical outlines, +define its limits, or explain any profit that has accrued from becoming +a monomaniac on a subject that has no relation whatever to the common +needs and duties of life, and has never been known to give to the world +or its society a single healthful, helpful nature or intellect. + +Mr. Bangs was neither pleased with the hotel, or able to get much +information while there, and consequently changed his quarters to Mrs. +Deck's boarding-house, a long, rambling brick building, that at one time +had been a fine residence after the Southern style. It was covered with +moss and vines, and had a snug, pleasant appearance, while everything +about the house had an air of quaint, attractive restfulness. Every +person who has ever been in Terre Haute for a few days' stay, as Bangs +was, will remember the genial old soul who presided over the destinies +of this particular boarding-house--the fat, garrulous, whimpering, but +kind-hearted Mrs. Deck; her charming daughter, the blooming Belle +Ruggles, by a former and more fortunate marriage, with her fair face and +wealth of golden hair, flitting about the house--which was also the +abode of spirits, mysterious materializations and unexplainable +rappings--like a good, sensible spirit that _she_ was, and letting her +good sense and kind ways into the cobwebbed rooms and dark places, like +an ever-changing though constant flood of sunlight; and "Old Deck," as +the boys called him, who believed in another kind of spirits still, and, +when opportunity offered, became so full of them that he held a grand +and extended "seance" on his own account. + +People not only sought Mrs. Deck for good board, but for reliable +neighborhood gossip; and Mr. Bangs, learning of her reputation as a +repository of news as well as a liberal dispenser of creature comforts, +changed his quarters from the hotel to her place, and found from a few +days in her company that she was a sort of historian, having at her +tongue's end numberless incidents connected with the growth of the city +and the family relations of every class of people in or near it. + +He learned from her where the Hosfords had lived, but could get nothing +particular regarding the woman herself, as Mrs. Deck had never seen her, +and only knew of her by reputation, which she was sure had been good. + +Mr. Bangs at once went into the country neighborhood where the Hosfords +had lived, and found that they had removed to some point in Wisconsin, +near Sheboygan Falls, the neighbors had heard, but he could not find +that there had been a single trace of trouble at Terre Haute. All those +who had known them spoke of them both in the highest terms. They had +both been staunch members of the Methodist Church, and though plain, +quiet farmers, had been considered prominent people in the neighborhood. + +Hosford was remembered as a slow-going, easy-conditioned, good-natured +fellow, but as honest as the day was long; and no one had ever known +aught against his wife, save that some of the old gossips thought that +she had brought too much jewelry and fine clothing into the neighborhood +with her. This, however, she had judiciously kept out of sight as much +as possible, and, as far as could be learned, had led in every respect +an exemplary life. + +From this point Mr. Bangs proceeded to Kalamazoo. The Nettleton family +were gone, no one knew where; but here he was told of the escapade to +Detroit of Lilly Nettleton years before, enough of which had floated +back to her native place--coupled with the old people's later sorrows, +which were largely dilated upon--to account for the breaking up of the +family and its members being scattered broadcast. + +Accidentally at Kalamazoo, in conversation with the clerk at the +Kalamazoo House, who had formerly been employed at Detroit, and who was +"up to snuff," as he termed it, Bangs learned of Mother Blake, who had +informed the clerk of Bland's unfortunate experience with one Lilly +Mercer. He also got from the clerk a description of Mother Blake +sufficiently comprehensive to enable him to find her if she were still +at Detroit, where he at once proceeded. + +On arriving in that city he went to the Michigan Exchange Hotel, and, +through the courtesy of the proprietors, was allowed to look up the +records of the house. + +It was fifteen years previous that the man who said he was "from Bland" +met Lilly Nettleton at the depot and had taken her to the Michigan +Exchange to meet the reverend circuit-rider; but after he had got at the +dusty records he found on the register, evidently in the handwriting of +a clerk: "Lilly Mercer, Buffalo, Room 34," under date of August 15, +1856, and also the names of "R. J. Hosford, Terre Haute, Room 98," and +"Lilly Nettleton, Kalamazoo, Room 34," in a cramped and almost illegible +hand under date of November 28th of the same year; and on the next day's +page, in the same hand: "R. J. Hosford and wife, Terre Haute, Room 34." + +The next step was to hunt up Mother Blake, which was not a very hard +matter, as women of her character generally run in the same noisome rut, +until they are swept from the great highway with other pestilences of +life, and pass from bitter existence and infamous memory; and after one +or two evenings running about among the _demi-monde_ he found the +woman--quite an old lady now, but nearly as well-kept and quite as jolly +as ever, presiding over a group of soiled divinities at a neat retreat +on Griswold Street. + +Through the purchase of a vile bottle of wine the old lady's lips were +opened, and her tongue began a perfect gallop about Bland and Lilly +Mercer. + +She gave the latter the reputation of being one of the shrewdest women +she had ever met, and laughed until the tears came into her eyes over +the way in which she had "played it" on Bland, who had picked her up for +a fool, and had himself been terribly sold. Then she launched into +vituperations towards the young minister, who had accused her of +"standing in" with the girl in the robbery, when she had been as badly +fooled as himself. Whatever she had been and was, she said, there wasn't +a dishonest hair in her head; which assertion Bangs had reason to +believe to be literally true, as he noticed that she wore a wig. + +She then in great glee told him how she had "got even" with Bland by +"giving him away" to the papers, which had soon taken the feathers out +of _his_ cap, she remarked with much satisfaction, broken his mother's +heart, who died and willed all her property to the good cause of +furnishing the heathen with an occasional fat missionary steak, and +finally drove Bland out of Detroit, when he had gone to some Eastern +city and, under another name, with his fine manners, airy ways, and good +clothes, was playing it fine on some old Spiritualist millionaire out +our way. + +When the vision of the magnificent Harcout--which was almost a constant +one, as he rushed into my office on the slightest pretext whatever, big +with his own importance and unusually full of enthusiasm over "our +case"--flitted before my eyes, it gave to me additional romance in the +work, in the sense that here, after many years, the man whom Mrs. +Winslow in her early career had so magnificently duped, had +unconsciously become one of her most relentless pursuers. + +But it was a matter for speculation whether Harcout knew her to be the +person who had so neatly taken him in, or whether he had risen to this +condition of fervor in his work merely to impress Lyon with his useful +friendship. I inclined to the latter opinion, however, as I was +satisfied that if he had known with whom he was dealing he would have +given up all expectations of continued favor and patronage from Lyon, +and left Rochester as hastily as he had, as Bland, departed from +Detroit. + +Bangs also asked her if she had ever seen Lilly Mercer since that time. + +Of course she had seen her, just at the close of the war. One day as she +was crossing the river in the ferry, coming back from Windsor, she had +met her face to face. Mother Blake said that she seemed wonderfully +glad to meet her, and wanted to borrow some money, which she had +refused. She then gave her her card, upon which she was called some +Madam or other, a clairvoyant, and she had some shabby rooms on +Wisconsin Street, near the theatres. She was still young and pretty, +Mother Blake said, and she easily persuaded her to come and live with +her, which she did, "and," continued the old woman, with a withering +look at the girls, "low down as she was, she made more money in a day +than any half-dozen women I ever had." The old lady further said that +she had only remained with her long enough to get some fine clothing and +money together, when she started for the East. + +She had never seen her since, but she had heard that she had several +times passed through the city towards Chicago, always returning to the +East, however, and also always richly dressed, and having every +appearance of living in clover. "Let her alone to get along," concluded +the old lady; "she'll live like a queen where another, a million times +better than she, would starve." + +From Detroit, Bangs proceeded to Chicago, and from thence to Sheboygan +Falls, Wisconsin, where it required but a few minutes' inquiries to put +him on track of the Hosfords. + +Hosford had come there from Terre Haute several years ago, bought a fine +farm a few miles out, and had, as far as could be ascertained, lived a +comfortable sort of life for about a year, when trouble began. + +Mrs. Hosford, from the good member of society which she was supposed to +be, or really had been, suddenly embraced Spiritualism, and began +running about the country with any old vagabond tramp of this kind that +came along; and from the hard-working, economical woman she had been, +she had become a spendthrift, a drunkard, and a prostitute. Hosford had +moved away, and after considerable time and inquiry, it was ascertained +that he had gone to Oskaloosa, in Iowa, determined to get away from old +associations as far as possible, and had taken their three children with +him, which she had vainly endeavored to secure. + +Bangs spent several days here in hunting up evidence. There was plenty +of it--mountains of it. Merchants and other business men of the town +would button-hole him, take him into some retired place and tell him how +this man had been caught _in flagrante delicto_ with Mrs. Hosford, how +that man had confessed to having been caught in her toils, and how some +other person had been made a suspicious person in the society of the +place, through some peccadillo with the dashing _Madam_. + +All these persons referred to told of all the other persons who had +divulged their weaknesses, until it seemed to Mr. Bangs, after remaining +a few days in the vicinity, that the entire male portion of the +community were implicated. But securing promises of depositions was +quite another thing. Mr. A. was a married man, belonged to the church, +had extensive business relations, and, while he would like to assist in +the noble effort to show up the infamous woman, he really could not, +you see, place himself in so delicate a position. + +Mr. B. was not a member of any church, but had the reputation of a high +order of morality. While he could not but acknowledge the justice of the +request, and hoped that Mr. Bangs would have no trouble in securing all +the evidence he needed, which would be a very easy matter, still he did +not see how he could consistently compromise himself by going on record +as a common adulterer. + +Mr. C. was neither a churchman, nor did he claim a high order of +morality; but if he had good luck, he would in the spring marry a very +pretty girl of the village, and if she should ascertain that he had +previously been so generous with his affections in another direction, he +was satisfied that his dream of future bliss would be dissolved in thin +air at once. + +And so on through the entire village directory. There were pointed out +scores of persons who had the knowledge desired, were all willing to +help him secure _some other person_ for sacrifice, and all equally +enthusiastically hoped that her suit against Lyon would end in an +ignominious failure; but declined, with thanks, the proud honor of +exposing their own weaknesses, for even the extreme honor of assisting +in her downfall. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + + A Chicago Divorce "Shyster."-- Hosford found.-- His pathetic + Narrative.-- More Facts. + + +Mr. Bangs was in no hurry to leave Sheboygan Falls, as he found that he +was in a fruitful field for information, and he continued garnering it +in and stacking it away industriously. + +It appeared that Hosford's wife, not content with disgracing his name, +had soon developed her old and never-satisfied greed for money and any +sort of power that might be wielded mercilessly; and it was evident that +she had money, for she immediately began dressing with much elegance and +travelling about the country extensively. The probability was that she +had still retained the money stolen from Bland, and had also, during her +years of economy, carefully added to it until she had secured a large +sum, as she had occasion to use a good deal of money in a certain +transaction, which quite thoroughly illustrated her unprincipled and +revengeful character. + +When Hosford had removed from Indiana to Wisconsin, he had purchased a +larger and a finer farm, and had been obliged to give a mortgage upon it +for several thousand dollars, to be used in making necessary +improvements. This had been paid off with the exception of about three +thousand dollars, which amount, as soon as Mrs. Hosford had begun making +it lively for her husband, and had left him for the purpose of wedding +Spiritualism and all that the term implies, she immediately produced and +bought up the mortgage, placing it in ex-Senator Carpenter's hands for +foreclosure; but poor Hosford, struggling under his heavy load of +desertion, disgrace and persecution, managed to raise the money and take +it up, thus preventing the villainous woman from turning him out of his +own home, which she had deserted and desecrated. + +This had proven too much for even the patient Hosford to endure, and he +had set about getting a divorce. But this was a harder thing to do than +he had anticipated. Although he was in possession of nearly as much +information as Bangs had secured, it was impossible to obtain definite +evidence against her. Her terrible temper, her unscrupulousness, her +unbounded and almost devilish shrewdness, and the swift and sudden +principle of revenge that seemed only equalled by her greed for money, +compelled thorough awe and fear among those from whom Hosford had +expected assistance, and the result was he did not get it, and he was +obliged to let the suit for divorce go by default. After this every +petty annoyance that could occur to the woman's mind was visited on him. +She would write him threatening letters; forward him express packages of +a nature to both humiliate him and cause him fear; run him in debt at +every place where she could force, or "confidence," merchants into +trusting her; hire a carriage and secure some male companion as vile as +she, with whom she would proceed to her old home, and in the presence of +her agonized husband and helpless, innocent children, threaten him with +every conceivable form of punishment, including death, and engage in +profanity and drunken orgies that would have disgraced the lowest +brothel in the land. + +Mr. Bangs learned that after this sort of procedure for a considerable +period, she suddenly disappeared. Hosford took this opportunity to +dispose of his farm and remove with his motherless family to Iowa. Mr. +Bangs could not learn at Sheboygan what the woman's history had been +during that period, but vague rumors had floated back to the place that +she had become an army-follower, which was quite probable; but at the +close of the war she had assumed the _role_ of an abandoned adventuress, +and had wandered about the Pacific Slope until she had made too +extensive an acquaintance for her safety in that section, and from +thence had wandered through the country towards the East, seeking for +any kind of prey; and being hunted from place to place, under countless +_aliases_, until she had in a measure retrieved herself, as far as money +matters were concerned, and being careful of herself physically, had +regained her good looks which her former terrible dissipation had almost +destroyed, and had eventually so insinuated herself into the affections +of a rich somebody that she had been furnished money with which to +secure a divorce from Hosford, which had been granted in Chicago about +a year and a half previous; when she had come on to Sheboygan Falls and +while there made her boasts that she would soon marry one of the richest +men in New York State, as soon as his wife died, which wouldn't be very +long she had hoped and believed. Besides this, the rumors went, she had +failed to marry that richest somebody in New York State, and papers had +been seen containing an account of the woman and Lyon, her suit against +him, and the fact, which particularly interested her old neighbors, that +she had engaged no lawyer whatever, but had drawn and filed the bill of +complaint herself. + +In fact, the entire community were in a state of great excitement over +the woman who was also creating much excitement in the East, and each +person had his or her story to tell of some striking peculiarity or +previous adventure of the madam's, and it required a great amount of +sifting and careful work for Mr. Bangs to secure what he came for. + +After a few days, however, he had worked so judiciously that he had got +pledges from several responsible citizens that they would give their +depositions as to her general character and reputation for chastity, or +rather, want of it, whenever a commission should be forwarded to a +certain lawyer of the city whom he engaged to take them. + +From here he at once proceeded to Iowa, only stopping at Chicago long +enough to secure a transcript of the divorce which had been granted in +that city so noted for divorces, that one shyster alone secured seven +hundred and seventy-seven of these desirable instruments from the period +between the great fire and the close of the year 1875, from whence he +immediately proceeded to Oskaloosa, where he soon became acquainted with +parties who had known the woman, though under as many different +_aliases_ as she had visited cities of that State. + +She had invariably advertised herself as a medium and female physician, +and had swindled every one with whom she had come in contact, from the +editor to errand-boy, from one end of the State to the other, and had +gained even a worse reputation there than in Wisconsin. He ascertained +that Hosford was not living at Oskaloosa, and before going through the +same experience in listening to countless tales of the woman's depravity +as he had in Wisconsin, he decided to proceed to his place, which was +near Monroe, twenty-nine miles distant. He procured a conveyance and +drove out to Hosford's farm, arriving at the place about dusk, where, +after he had stated his business, he was invited to remain over night, +and made comfortable. + +Although a farmer, Hosford had everything cozy and pleasant about him, +had married into a very respectable family, and had secured a most +agreeable wife, who was caring for his children--two bright girls and a +boy, from twelve to fifteen years of age--with almost the tenderness and +affection of an own mother. After supper Hosford sent his family into +another part of the house, and expressed himself as ready to give any +information in his power. + +He had not yet heard of the suit against Lyon, and when Mr. Bangs told +him, he seemed astonished beyond expression, and after a little time +said that he had often tried to think of some Satanic scheme that the +woman _would not_ dare to undertake if it occurred to her, but he had +failed to imagine any. But with the record, especially for personal +purity, behind her that Mrs. Winslow possessed, he could not but be +particularly startled and surprised at her supreme self-possession and +audacity. After a little further desultory conversation, Mr. Bangs told +him that the Agency had all the necessary information regarding their +early career, and of their subsequent history up to the time when they +left Terre Haute, and probably a great deal after that time, and asked +Hosford if he would be willing to go over the whole matter, giving the +outlines of their troubles, what brought them about, and what had been +their result. + +He was the same old Dick Hosford--abrupt, kind, generous, with perhaps +some of the old "forty-niner" roughness worn off and a toning-down of +his whole nature, that his keen sorrows had given him; but he was quite +as impulsively reckless, and just as impulsively tender, and he began +his story in a kind of weary way, that, to one knowing his history, was +really sad and touching. + +"Well, sir," said Hosford, "I knew the gal had been doing wrong at +Detroit, but for all these hard years in Californy I had been working, +savin', and goin' through danger with the purty pictur ahead that the +bright girl I had left by the river would one day make me a happy home. +I worked like a nigger, and it was sometimes up and sometimes down with +me out thar--mostly down, though. But I struck a good lead one day, and +worked close till it panned dry. I didn't have much aside some of them +fellows out thar; but instead of runnin' it down my throat, givin' it to +cut-throat gamblers, or flingin' it away on vile women, I started full +chisel for the States. I come to Terre Haute, as you know, and spent +nearly all my dust buyin' a little farm. Then I started fur Nettleton's, +whar I expected heaven--but found hell! + +"It bust me all up like, and I wandered about the old place jest as +though I had went to sleep happy and waked up in a big grave that I +couldn't get out of. The old folks themselves wasn't any more cut up +than me; but I thought as how I wasn't doin' anything to help matters, +'n only making _them_ more trouble. So I thought and thought what to do, +and finally made up to go a-huntin' her, 'n told the old folks I +wouldn't come back 'thout her. + +"It all come over me then what she was doing; but I only thought to get +her back for the old folks' sake. Well, sir, I went to Chicago, and hung +around that doggoned city fur a week 'r two; but no Lil. Then I come +back, lookin' everywhere, askin' everybody, an' peerin' into every +place; but no Lil. Finally, I got to Detroit, and I went into every one +of those places where I feared she _might_ be; but no Lil. Do you know +where I found her?" + +Mr. Bangs told him he did, and how. + +"Well, sir," continued Hosford, "I was utterly discouraged, 'n was goin' +to go back and sell the place, and get away from the country altogether; +but when I saw her all so rosy, fixed up so gay, and got to be such a +grand sort of a woman, I just caved in altogether and wanted her for +myself more 'n ever. I thought she had a good heart, and that I loved +her enough to always be kind to her--as God knows I was--and thought +_that_ might keep her right. I never asked her a question, 'n wouldn't +let the old folks. Everybody makes mistakes, ye know, and it kind of +makes people wild to let 'em know _you_ know it, and to badger 'em with +questions. Well, she had lots of good sense, and took off her finery +before we got to the old folks', who were 'most crazy with joy that we +had come back together as man and wife. We stayed at Nettleton's a few +days, then went direct to Terre Haute. I don't believe a man ever had a +better wife 'n she was to me while we lived there. We never mentioned +the old times, and were very happy, as the children kept comin' along. +The silks and jewels she got at Detroit were all put away, 'n I never +saw 'em, till one day I come home unexpected and found the children shut +out in the yard, and my wife afore the lookin'-glass, all rigged out in +her old finery, an' lookin' herself over and over, while countin' a big +pile of money that I had never seen before. I got a good look at her, +but went whistlin' about the house for a long time, so as to let on that +I didn't see her, and to give her time to get her old clothes on agin. + +"It seemed as if right there and then the clouds begun hangin' over the +house. I didn't say a word about it, and made everything as cheery as I +could; but begun tryin' to think what had set her goin', and after a few +days found that she had been attendin' some of those Spiritual meetings +down to town, and one of the Doctors come up to our place and stayed a +few days, representin' himself as a good Methodist. + +"I knew it wouldn't do to stay there any longer, an' so we moved to +Wisconsin, I makin' her think it was healthier 'n where they had no +ager. Well, sir, after we got there everything was pleasant and happy +agi'n till the Spiritualists begun overrunnin' that country too, and she +commenced her tantrums at once. I didn't oppose her goin' to them +meetin's, but told her I hoped she wouldn't get mixed up with 'em too +much; but 'twas no use. The devil had come into the house in that shape, +and though I prayed hard that it might leave, it got worse and worse, +till the children were 'most crazy with fright and sorrow. I didn't know +what to do. She run me in debt, slandered me, disgraced me. She would +not only run about the country with those terrible people, but she took +to her old life, which was worse than everything else. I tried every way +to reform her; but she was bound to go her vile way, and I could stand +it no longer. + +"You know the rest up there. After she had been gone some time and had +got the divorce in Chicago, I come here with the children, to try and +get away from it all. You have seen my wife. She ain't a purty woman. +She is pure and good though, and I prayed to God that the shadder would +never come here. But 'twasn't any use. It seemed as though my prayin' +never helped things much! We hadn't more 'n got settled here, when I +heard of her travellin' through the country--you know how. Some way she +found me out here, and I haven't had much peace since. + +"One time she came here and left a trunk full of nice silk dresses and +things. After a time, wife and I looked into it and found over two +hundred keys of all kinds, besides pistols and knives. She came and took +it away soon after, accusin' us of stealin' some of her things, and +threatened to have us arrested. A few months afterwards she went up to +Newton, the county-seat, and swore out a warrant for our arrest on the +charge of assault and battery, and got subpoenas out for all the folks +across the way. The Sheriff came down here to serve his warrant and +subpoenas, and at Monroe learned something about the woman, so that by +the time he got here and talked it over with us, I come to the +conclusion she wanted to get us away and then steal the children; so we +took them all along, left one of the neighbors to take care of the +house, and went to Newton to stand trial. Sure enough, she didn't appear +agin' us, but did come here in a carriage fur the children, awful drunk, +and come near shootin' the man that was taking care of the place!" + +Bangs here asked Hosford whether he had ever seen her since or had heard +from her. + +"I have seen her but once," he replied. "But I have heerd about her +doin's, time and time again. She come here one day in a carriage, +dressed fit to kill; and the first I see, she was tryin' to get the +children into the carriage with her. I ordered them to come in, when, +with an oath, she put her hand to her bosom as if to draw a pistol. + +"I got mad at this, and told her that if she had come to that agin, +_I'd_ have a hand in too; and as soon as I turned into the house as if +to get a pistol--I only had an old rusty one with a broken lock, but had +an idea that I could some way use it--she blazed away at me, the ball +going through the front door and driving the splinters into my clothes. +As she didn't know whether she had hit me or not, she drove away at full +gallop, and I've never sot eyes on her since." + +The poor fellow seemed to say this with an inexpressible sense of +satisfaction and relief. He had had more than his share of her general +depravity forced upon him, and the respite from it, though short, was +very dear to him. + +Bangs got from Hosford the names of parties in contiguous towns who +could give him definite information about Mrs. Winslow, while he offered +to come to Rochester himself, if his presence was required; and after a +good night's rest and an early breakfast, Mr. Bangs returned to Monroe. +After a few days' travel and inquiry he secured a thousand times more +information than necessary to compel the retiracy of the splendid Mrs. +Winslow from her then public and profitable field of operations, after +which he returned to New York, well satisfied with the result of his by +no means pleasant labors. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + + Mrs. Winslow's Signal answered.-- She endeavors to win + Bristol, and shows that they are "Affinities."-- Detective + Fox mystified.-- An Evening with the One fair Woman.-- + Closer Intimacies.-- A Journey proposed.-- Detective + Bristol as a Lover. + + +Back in the streets of Rochester, Bristol followed Mrs. Winslow with +much wonderment and some anxiety as to the result, not sure as to +whether any of the three lovely women had noticed his leaving at the +call of their hated rival, and cogitating what the woman might want with +him. + +They soon arrived at the Garden, the woman frequently looking back to +assure herself that the retired banker was following her, and finally +passed into the Fields and took a booth, where she ordered a bottle of +wine, which gave her right to its occupancy for an indefinite period; +and as soon as Bristol sauntered in, she signalled him to join her, +which he did with great apparent hesitation and diffidence, and the +general appearance of a man guilty of almost his first wrong intent, but +yet with strong resolution to not let it get the better of him. + +She did not remove the delicate lace veil from her face, and it blended +the pretty flush which the exercise had heightened with her naturally +clear complexion in a most artistic way, and toned the light in her +great gray eyes into a languid lustre, very thrilling to behold when one +knows there is a clean life behind such beauty, but as dangerous when +transformed into a winning mask covering the perdition in the heart of a +wicked woman, as the dazzling power of the Prophet of Khorassan. + +Bristol was a very courtly sort of fellow, and received a glass of wine +from the neat hand with considerable grace, though inwardly wondering +what it all meant. Their wine-glasses touched, and the cheap nectar was +drunk in silence, Mrs. Winslow only indulging in those little motions +and changes of features that some women believe to be attractive and +fascinating, and which really are so to many susceptible people; and +though Bristol might ordinarily have succumbed to the charms of the +accomplished woman before him--and had he been the retired banker she +supposed him to be would probably have done so--as the sedate, elderly, +and capable detective, he only pretended to be smitten, and coyishly +acknowledged her loving glances with more than ordinary ardor. + +Finally, the fair woman, after modestly biting her lips for a time, +began tapping the table with the handle of her fan, and looking Bristol +full in the face, suddenly said: + +"Mr. Bristol, aren't you a little curious why I wanted to see you?" + +"Any man who is a man," replied Bristol earnestly, "could not but have a +pardonable curiosity when so fair a woman as Mrs. Winslow claims his +attention!" + +"There, there," said she laughing, and extending her hands across the +table as if in a burst of confidence, "let us wave formalities; let us +be friends." + +Bristol took her proffered hands rather stiffly, but held them as long +as was necessary, as they were pretty hands, warm hands, and hands that +could grasp another's with a good show of honesty, too. + +"There is no reason why we shouldn't," he said gallantly, as she poured +out another glass of wine. + +"Only one," answered Mrs. Winslow archly. "The three Graces don't like +me, and they are bound we sha'n't meet. Now," she continued, again +tapping the table nervously with her fan, and then raising her fine +eyebrows and looking at Bristol half anxiously, half tenderly, and +altogether meltingly, "_I_ feel as though we had been acquainted for +years. Don't think me bold, Mr. Bristol, but I have had you in my +thoughts much--possibly _too_ much," she added with the faintest trace +of a blush; "but if I could feel that this--I was going to say +attachment, though that would be quite improper, and I will +say--unexplainable regard I have formed for you was in the least measure +reciprocated----" + +Bristol interrupted her with: "I think I can assure you that it is, at +least, in a proper measure." + +"Then," she continued, apparently radiant with happiness, "as I was +about to say, I am sure it could be arranged so that we could be more in +each other's society. You know who I am?" she abruptly and almost +suspiciously asked. + +Bristol was almost put off his guard by the sudden change of the +subject, but parried the question with: "Certainly not; at least no more +than through what I have been told at the restaurant." + +Tears started in her well-trained eyes, but she impetuously brushed them +away and followed the pretty piece of acting with: "Oh, Mr. Bristol! I +fear we may never be to each other what we might have been if these +three old hags--I mean old maids--had not poisoned your mind regarding +me. Let me tell you," and she took hold of his collar and drew the +reluctant detective towards her, "they are trying to get your +money--your vast wealth. Let a comparatively unknown friend whisper in +your ear, '_Beware!_'" + +Bristol started, adjusted his glasses, grasped Mrs. Winslow's hand, and, +as if very much frightened and extremely grateful, said heartily and +with great fervor, "My dear madam, for this kindness I am yours to +command!" + +The woman evidently felt assured from that moment that she had made a +conquest; but her varied experience and professional tact, as well as +her native shrewdness, prevented her from expressing too great gayety +over it, and she proceeded to inform Bristol how keen and shrewd the old +ladies under Washington Hall were; how in confidence they had told her +that they would compel him to marry one of them, and were going to draw +cuts to determine which should carry off the prize; and when that was +settled, if he did not marry the fortunate person willingly, their +combined evidence would bring him down, or despoil him of a great +portion of his wealth, which, she had no doubt, he had acquired by long +years of honest toil. + +Bristol expressed himself aghast at the depravity of women, and told +Mrs. Winslow that it seemed to him that the nearer the grave they got +the more terrible their greed and hideousness became. + +Mrs. Winslow murmured that _she_ was not so very, _very_ old. + +"Quite the contrary," said Bristol, gallantly, "and even when you become +so, I am sure--very sure, that you will prove a marked exception." + +An expression of pleasure flitted into her face, succeeded by one of +evident pain--pleasure, probably, that she had made another dupe as she +supposed; pain, that in one swift moment there had flashed into her mind +some terrible picture of her cursed, lonely, homeless old age, when the +whole world should scoff at her and thrust her from it, like the vile +thing that she was and the hideous thing that she would surely become; +both followed by the set features, where the cruel light came into her +eyes and the swift shuttles of crimson and ashy paleness shot over her +curled lips--the outward semblance of the inward tigress, that, though +diverted for an instant by some little sunlight-flash of either +tenderness or regret, never could be won from its irrevocably awful +nature! + +But it was all gone as soon as it had come, and she sat there, to all +appearances a handsome woman, as modestly and carefully as possible +encroaching upon the grounds of a first after-marriage flirtation, and +in a few moments pleasantly said: "I have become so interested in +you, Mr. Bristol, that I have found myself asking the question: Why is +it that this gentleman is continually in my mind? until, do you know, I +have such a curiosity about you that I shall be perfectly delighted to +get better acquainted with you." + +Bristol gracefully acknowledged the compliment by stating to her that he +himself, since he had seen her, had had a strange feeling that he should +know more about her, and the presentiment was still so strong upon him +that he was now quite sure that he _should_. + +"Ever since I saw you I have felt that we should become intimate," +continued Mrs. Winslow radiantly. + +"And I may myself confess that ever since I saw you, Mrs. Winslow, I +really _knew_ that I should be obliged to search you out and remain near +you." + +Mrs. Winslow blushed and coyishly asked: "Mr. Bristol, do you believe in +affinities?" + +[Illustration: _"Do you believe in affinities, Mr. Bristol?"--_] + +"Most assuredly." + +"So do I, and as we have sat here together, it has seemed to me that the +good spirits were hovering over and around us, and had been, and were +even now, whispering to us the sacredness of the affinity which surely +must exist between us." + +Mrs. Winslow said this in a kind of rhapsody of emotion, which betokened +both an air of sincerity derived from frequent repetition and long +practice, and a sort of superstitious belief in what she herself said; +and then poured out another glass of wine for each, while Bristol +remarked as he drank, that of late years these spirits had been a great +source of comfort to him, and that their free circulation was a good +thing for society. + +An hour or two was pleasantly beguiled in this manner, but Bristol +hardly knew what course to pursue, and began to feel that in the absence +of instructions he might become altogether too familiar with the +charming woman who was making such an effort to please him. But he dare +not cause her to become angry at him, for that would destroy his +usefulness, and she seemed bound that he should admire her; so, as he +had been directed by me to continue the _role_ of the "retired banker," +he concluded it would be better to humor Mrs. Winslow in the belief that +he was smitten by her, as she showed great anxiety that it should be so. +Accordingly, when she proposed that he should call at her apartments +that evening, he acceded to the request with such a show of pleasure +that Mrs. Winslow could not restrain her gratification, but rose and +terminated the interview by slapping Bristol heartily on the shoulder +and calling him a "dear old trump, anyhow!" And Fox, who was reading the +morning paper over a glass of beer at a little table not more than ten +feet distant, looked in blank astonishment at Bristol, as if fearing +that the woman had really bewitched him; while little Le Compte, who +stood at the entrance beyond, looked the very picture of abject jealousy +as he saw his darling lavishing endearments upon a man old enough to be +her father. + +Mrs. Winslow passed out of the Fields, and noticing Le Compte, who was +retreating as rapidly as possible, beckoned to him, and when he had +approached her near enough for her to speak to him, gave him a few +quick, angry words that sent him at a rapid pace over the railroad +bridge in the direction of his rooms; while she, after a parting smile +at the beaming Bristol, who stood radiantly in the Fields' entrance, +walked into St. Paul street, and from thence back and forth past the +restaurant, where the three deserted old maids might witness her stride +of triumph; while Bristol joined Fox at a retired spot under the shade +of the trees overhanging the brink of the precipice rising from the +gorge of the Genesee River, and explained the status of affairs which +had all unconsciously to himself drawn him from his quiet work into an +awful whirlpool of love and all that the term implied. Fox felt much +relieved at this information, and at once proceeded home, while Bristol, +with a guilty look in his face, returned to the little restaurant, where +he found a dispatch from me stating that Mrs. Winslow intended going to +Canada two days later, as I had been very positively informed by Le +Compte, and directing him to in some manner keep her company and never +let her make a move or meet a person without his knowledge. + +Bristol hardly saw how he was to do this, but concluded that it might be +best to wait until after his interview with his charmer in the evening, +so that he could also forward the result of that with his regular +report; and after expressing unbounded regret at being obliged to part +from the three graces and a little card-party they had arranged, he +proceeded to Mrs. Winslow's apartments, which had seemingly been +specially arranged for his reception. + +The mistress of the place was most elegantly attired, and greeted the +"retired banker" with such grace and marked esteem, that Fox, at his +lonely window opposite, almost felt jealous of the attention bestowed +upon his comrade by their mutual quarry. + +If ever a woman endeavored to make herself irresistibly winning, it was +Mrs. Winslow on that night. She threw off all reserve at once, and was +all smiles, pleasant words, and pretty ways. The rooms were most +beautifully arranged, and where splendid flowers failed to furnish +aroma, the delicate odors of art took their place. A very shrewd woman +was Mrs. Winslow--a woman who was supreme in the art of providing +_bijouterie_ to appeal to the sensuous in men's natures. In her +conversation, which apparently was lady-like enough when guarded, there +was always more suggested than said. The tone, the smile, the eye, the +gesture, the touch--every movement, glance, or sound, betokened an +unexpressed _something_ ready at any moment to be brought forward to +crush down a weakening resolution, and sweep from existence so much of +good or purity as might come into her baleful presence. She had rich +game in Bristol, she thought. Why could she not work this with the Lyon +case, bring to a successful termination a half-dozen other cases she was +working up, secure a big pile of spoil at one time, and then with her +little Le Compte glide away to _La Belle France_, where with his wit and +her winning ways and wisdom, she might yet amass vast wealth in levying +upon the personal and family pride of the thousands of rich numskulls +who annually throng the gay capital. + +And so to any man but a duty-doing detective that evening would have +been a thrilling one. As it was, it was a hard one for Bristol, who knew +that Fox's lynx eyes were upon him from across the street, who had to +invent legend after legend regarding his life, his present and his +imaginary future, and who was obliged under any circumstances not only +to please the woman, but to preserve himself blameless--two things to +ordinary men quite difficult to manage. + +During the hour that Bristol remained with her she intimated to him the +propriety of his securing another boarding-place, so that they might +enjoy each other's society without the annoyance to which the old maids +would subject them both should he remain there. He had wanted to make a +change, Bristol said, but his long and varied experience had made him +cautious, and he never gave up one good thing until he had secured a +better. How would as pleasant a place as this do, Mrs. Winslow wanted to +know? She had been thinking of renting the entire flat, she said, and +then re-renting it to select parties, like Mr. Bristol, who were willing +to pay a good price for a really luxurious place in which to live. + +Bristol was apparently flattered by her regard for him, which had, of +course, alone suggested the matter to her mind; but, being an elderly +gentleman of conservative habits, he required time to think the matter +over. In any event, it couldn't but be a pleasant theme for +contemplation. + +In fact, they got along famously together; so much so, indeed, that +before Bristol had taken his departure, Mrs. Winslow had pressed him to +accompany her on a trip of both business and pleasure to Toronto, and +had so urgently presented the request that he had half consented to go, +and was quite sure that he would be able to do so, unless some +unexpected business transaction should detain him. In any case, he would +be able to inform her by the next afternoon, he said, as he gallantly +bade her good-night, and observed Le Compte scowling upon him from the +dark end of the hall beyond. + +Bristol hastened to the post-office and added the events of the evening +to his daily report, which reached me the next afternoon, when I +telegraphed to him to proceed with Mrs. Winslow, as her friend; but +while pleasing her by feigning extreme regard, to be discreet, and not +put himself too much in her power, nor to allow her to advance any of +her other schemes by a sort of exhibition of him as her champion and +protector. + +Mrs. Winslow was made very happy by Bristol's acceptance of her +invitation, and, at her suggestion, they took the train for Port +Charlotte as strangers--Mrs. Winslow informing Bristol that the "old +scoundrel," meaning Lyon, was having her watched, she believed, but she +would outwit him at every point; but on arriving at the Port the loving +couple got together quite naturally, and soon after were on board a +steamer bound for Port Hope. + +It was one of those dreamy, hazy days of early September, when the +disappearing shore seemed to gradually take upon itself a tint of blue +as deep as that of the sky above and as pure as that of the waters +below, which on this day was almost as smooth as a mirror, only broken +by long, far-reaching swells that seemed to have neither beginning nor +end, but which here and there swept away in endless ribbons of liquid +light, while the trailing wake of the steamer seemed in the pleasant sun +like some marvellous and limitless lace-work flung across the water in +wanton richness and profusion. + +It was a lovely day for love, and to an unprejudiced observer Bristol +and Mrs. Winslow improved it. At Charlotte the woman spoke of the matter +in such a way that Bristol understood that she would not object to make +the trip as his wife, but he innocently failed to catch the meaning of +her covert invitation, and was only the attentive admirer during the +entire trip. But in the cabin, or seated coyishly together under a huge +sunshade upon the forward deck, they were as fine a couple as one would +care to see, while the woman seemed unusually affectionate and +agreeable. + +Arriving at Port Hope after a few hours, the couple took the night train +for the West, and arrived at Toronto at midnight, being driven to the +Queen's Hotel. They had become so confidential and intimate by this time +that Mrs. Winslow again suggested the propriety of travelling under more +intimate relations than they had done, but was again carefully diverted +from her purpose by the assumed innocence of the venerable detective, +who saw that her real purpose was to secure evidence of having travelled +as his wife, in order to have a future power over him, as she certainly +believed him to be a man of great wealth. + +She had told him that she had business that would prevent her seeing him +during the next day, at which he expressed extreme regret, and they +retired to their separate apartments for the night. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + + Careful Work.-- Bristol's Trick on the Bell-boy at Queen's + Hotel, Toronto.-- The old Merchant.-- In the Toils.-- A + Face at the Transom.-- A cowardly Puppet before a brazen + Adventuress.-- The Horrors of Blackmail.-- "Furnished + Rooms to Rent." + + +As Mrs. Winslow had said, she was not to be seen the next morning; and +Bristol, after breakfasting early, came to the conclusion that he should +also be busied for the day following my instructions to watch her every +movement. + +He ascertained the number of her room and leisurely strolled through the +hall until he located it, when he at once took a position where he could +observe any movement in or out of the door. At about ten o'clock he +noticed a waiter enter her room as if by summons, in a few minutes pass +out smiling, and shortly afterwards return with a very large glass +filled with some sort of liquor. Soon after he brought her breakfast, +and about a half-hour later he saw that the dishes were being removed +from the room, and, lying on one edge of the tray, an ordinary envelope, +from its puffed condition evidently containing a note. He felt sure that +this would give him the overture to the day's performance; but how to +secure it was another thing entirely. He could not take the letter from +the tray, as it rested on the front edge which projected over the boy's +shoulder, and was consequently immediately before his eyes. He probably +would not be able to bribe him into letting him have it, for the letter +might require an answer, and he would fear getting into trouble. Bristol +was standing at the end of the hall, by the window overlooking the +street, while the waiter was approaching the stairs which descended to +the lower floors near him. The boy had reached the second step going +down, and it was Bristol's last opportunity. + +"Stop!" he said excitedly to the boy. "Here, give me that tray," and he +pulled it from the boy's shoulder and rested it upon the stair-rail. +"I'll take care of this. Run down to the street, now, quick, and get me +a this morning's paper. There's a newsboy right in front of the house. +Here's a half-dollar; keep the change!" + +The boy seemed startled at the action, but Bristol had been so impetuous +about it; that he had relinquished the tray and started down stairs, +but, recovering himself, came back and reached his hand up as if to take +the letter. + +"Tut, tut," said Bristol angrily, picking up the letter and carelessly +putting it in his pocket without looking at the address, "I'll take care +of everything until you get back; get along with you now!" + +Bristol was noted for his benign and fatherly appearance, and, after +another good look at him, the waiter took a brisk trot down stairs, +leaving the detective in possession of the letter. He hastily put the +tray upon the floor, and whisking the letter from his pocket, saw that +it was addressed with a pencil, to "J. Devereaux, No. --, Yonge St.," +and marked "Personal." It was but the work of an instant to open it, and +but of a moment to read it, as it was short and to the point, and ran as +follows: + + QUEEN'S HOTEL, TORONTO, Sept. 6, 186--. + + DEVEREAUX--I am hard up. I need one thousand dollars, though + five hundred will do, but I must have that amount at once. You + have intimated that you would not help me any further. I have + merely to say to you that if you do not either call with, or + send the money, during the day, I will cause you to reflect as + to whether your business and social reputation are not worth + to you and your estimable family immeasurably more than the + trifle named. Exercise your own pleasure about the matter + however. + + MRS. W. + +Bristol copied this upon the back of the addressed envelope in less than +a minute, and in a minute more had the note enclosed in another envelope +and addressed in a handwriting sufficiently similar to that of Mrs. +Winslow's to answer every purpose, and had just got into a calm and +bland position with the tray, when the boy came up the stairs, three +steps at a time, gave the paper a toss into the hall, jerked the letter +out of Bristol's hand, and after giving him a look that had considerable +resentment in it, strode down the stairs with his tray on his shoulder +and his letter in his pocket, in a very offended and dignified manner. + +But as Bristol was on this kind of business at Toronto he thought he +might as well ascertain where the little fellow went; and, taking a +position a half-block distant from the hotel, was obliged to wait but a +little time before the waiter came down and started off on a brisk walk +down the street. + +He waited until the boy had passed him, and then followed him in and out +the streets until he saw him suddenly turn into a large wholesale house +on Yonge street, when he rapidly lessened the distance between them, +arriving in front of the place as he saw the boy hand the note to a thin +old gentleman, who took him aside and nervously questioned him for a few +minutes, after which he nodded to him as if assenting to something, or +directing the boy to return an affirmative answer to whoever had sent +the note, or whatever it contained. + +The boy walked briskly back to the hotel, and Bristol only remained long +enough to notice the old man--who was evidently the Devereaux of whom Le +Compte had informed me, and whose name Bristol had so recently +written--walk tremblingly towards the door as if overcome with some +sudden faintness, and in a sort of vacant, listless way tear the note +into little bits and fling them piecemeal upon the stones of the street, +hurling the last bunch of pieces upon the pavement with a violent, +agonized action, as if he would to God he could dispose of the dark and +relentless shadow across his life as quickly and as effectually! + +All Bristol now had to do was to ascertain when Devereaux called, and, +if possible, to overhear what was said at the interview. + +But this might not be so easy a matter to accomplish as securing the +contents of the letter addressed to the latter. After studying the +matter over for a little time, but without any definite decision what to +do, he found himself strolling along the hall where Mrs. Winslow's room +was located, and noticed several rooms standing open and being put to +rights after the departure of guests. Among this number was one next to +that occupied by Mrs. Winslow, and, taking the number, he immediately +repaired to the office and had his baggage changed to that room, where, +after dinner, with a few cigars and some fresh reading matter, he +comfortably and leisurely waited for developments. + +The day dragged along, and both Bristol and Mrs. Winslow became anxious. +The latter paced back and forth in her room, and every few moments went +to the door, and even passed out into the hall, going as far as the +stairs and peering anxiously down, while the waiter at frequent +intervals was summoned to provide her courage and patience of a liquid +character. Finally, however, Bristol noticed that she had either +concluded to take a short nap, or was determined to wait patiently, for +quite a period of silence elapsed in her room, which he took advantage +of to steal quietly out into the hall, leaving his door ajar so that he +might re-enter it noiselessly as occasion required. + +It was not long before the occasion presented itself, for Bristol had +got no more than to the end of the hall when he saw Devereaux ascending +the stairs from below. He quietly stepped behind the curtains that +trailed from the lambrequin over the window, and watched the old man as +he came up the stairs. + +He was a little, gray, withered old man. Almost all his strength was +gone, and he certainly had but a few more years to use what little +strength was left. His hair was almost white, and his face was quite as +colorless, while the weak, rheumy eyes seemed almost ready to fall +through the flesh which had withered away to the bones of his face. He +was a living example of the blackmailer's victim as he labored along, +now and then catching at the stair-rail for help, and looking behind and +around him as if fearing some sudden discovery. Arriving upon the hall +floor, he peered anxiously at the numbers upon the doors, and after +settling in his mind what direction to take, went on tremblingly with +bowed head towards the woman who was as remorseless as death itself. + +He found the room after a little trouble, and tapped at it +apprehensively. It was at once opened and immediately closed after, when +Bristol sprang from his hiding-place and was in the adjoining room +almost as soon as the next door had closed. + +During the afternoon, when Mrs. Winslow had absented herself from her +room, he had dragged the bureau against the door opening into her +apartment, placed a quilt from his bed upon it in order that his jumping +upon it might occasion no noise, and with his knife cut a diamond +shaped piece out of the green paper covering the glass transom, +darkening his own room so that his eyes could not by any possibility be +seen through the aperture in the piece of paper, which had a dead black +appearance from Mrs. Winslow's room; and by the time the poor old man +had confronted the woman in a scared kind of a way, and had seated +himself upon the sofa obedient to her imperious gesture, the "retired +banker's" eyes and eye-glasses looked calmly down upon a scene the whole +terrible import of which, could it have been presented to the world in +all its terrible hideousness, and in some form become eternally typical +of the curse it illustrated, would have stood for all time a savage +Cerberus frightening men from this kind of infamy and self-destruction. + +In all my startling experience with criminals and the sad incidents +which have in the peculiar nature of my business forced themselves upon +my observation, there has been no one thing so reprehensible as the +trade of the blackmailer, and there is a no more terrible torture than +that inflicted by that class of criminals; and I am satisfied that could +heads of families realize their terrible danger when heedlessly forming +some unholy alliance, which is sure to eventually whip and scourge them +until life is a burden, there would be less of the moral laxity and +lechery than now burdens the world from palace and pulpit to +poverty-stricken hovel. + +What more pitiable picture than that of a man just ready to pass from +all that should be worth having and loving to the unknown country, with +fear behind and awful uncertainty beyond--with the work of a whole life, +which should now bring a reward of tenderness, gratitude, and +reverential esteem, embittered and blasted by the relentless curse that +ever trails after weakness and passion--fear, distrust, and apprehension +between himself and family, and the Damoclean sword ever above him, +ready to fall at the instant he endeavors to throw the horrible shadow +from him to regain honesty and uprightness! + +There the old man sat, a cowardly puppet before a brazen +adventuress--sat there a weak, drivelling, idiotic wreck before one so +vile that she was no longer capable of regret--sat there ruined in +everything worth the preservation of, suffering what he had for years +suffered--the regret, the remorse, the shame, and the abject fear that +were worse than a thousand deaths; while the utterly heartless woman, +with her hands folded across her waist in a masculine sort of a way, +looked at him smilingly, seemingly enjoying his efforts to recover the +breath lost in the, to him, severe labor of getting to her room; as it +appeared to be the custom for him to see her there rather than in the +parlor. + +The interview was business-like, and, as it was not overwhelmed with +sentiment, was not protracted. + +Mrs. Winslow asked Devereaux if he had brought the money, and he +stammered that he had. Well, she wanted it, and didn't want any nonsense +with it, either, she said, with a vast amount of meaning thrown into the +words; he knew whether he _owed_ her that amount or not, and, if he +did, she didn't propose having any bickering about it. + +Then the old man slowly rose, and cursing her, himself, and all the +world, flung her the money and said he would go, as he knew that was all +she wanted. + +She told him frankly that it was pretty nearly all she wanted, but added +jocosely that he was still "a charmer," and that that fact, too, had its +influence in periodically drawing her to him; and then bade him an +affectionate good-by as he feebly glared at her, and passed, whining, +cursing, and tottering away. + +Mrs. Winslow was very happy and gay now, and during the evening and on +their return to Rochester was all smiles and winsomeness. Her detective +companion could scarcely enter into her unusual joyousness, but did the +best he could, and that was well enough, as she was so pleased with the +success of her Toronto trip that her mind was altogether employed with +it until nearing home, when her eminent business ability again asserted +itself, and she became more affectionate than ever to the retired +banker, repeating the proposition concerning the rooms, which Bristol +had of course reported, and which he would be prepared to act upon when +he could secure his mail at Rochester. + +He told her he had thought favorably of it, and after he had ascertained +whether he should remain in the city a stated period or not, would +inform her of his decision, which he presumed would be favorable and +permit of their continued pleasant intimacy; while Mrs. Winslow +confided to him that she had thought seriously of the course for some +time. She knew Lyon was having her watched, she said, and she had +decided that it would be best to change her business to one which could +not be so easily misinterpreted, or at least add to her present business +something that in the eyes of those who scoffed at spiritualism would +have a measure of respectability about it, and from which she could not +only secure a livelihood, but such a pleasant companion as Mr. Bristol; +and they parted upon the train before arriving at the depot with a +thorough understanding about the future, and an appointment for another +meeting at the first opportunity. + +Unknown to Bristol I had sent another operative to keep him and Mrs. +Winslow company, and on receiving the reports of each I decided to put +my men in her rooms, where one of them could constantly observe her +actions, and never under any circumstances give her an opportunity to +make any new move without my knowledge. I therefore sent another man to +Rochester for outside work, and directed Bristol to accept the woman's +proposition and become her lodger, and, as soon after as possible +without exciting her suspicions, appear to become acquainted with Fox, +recommend him as a lodger, and secure his introduction to the place as +M. D. Lyford, a book-keeper in some establishment of the city which they +might settle upon, so that he might relieve Bristol, and _vice versa_, +as occasion required. + +So the furnished rooms sign went up over the clairvoyant sign, and Mrs. +Winslow added to the charms of handsome medium those of an attractive +landlady, while the three old maids under Washington Hall lost their +prize, who became a sort of an aged page to the castaway woman who had +such luxurious rooms for rent in the autumn of 186-, on South St. Paul +street, near Meech's Opera-house, in the beautiful city of Rochester. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + + Harcout again.-- "Things going slow."-- A Bit of personal + History.-- A new Tenant.-- Detective Generalship.-- Mrs. + Winslow fears she is watched.-- Mr. Pinkerton cogitates. + + +It is pleasant to realize that the world moves along just the same, +whether the many mild lunatics it carries attempt to interfere with it +or not. There are countless men, precisely like Harcout, incapable of +holding in their little brains but one idea at a time, and that idea +invariably pushes to the surface their own supreme egotism and +self-consciousness, and just as invariably displays their utter +ignorance of what they are continually interfering with; and it is both +a grateful and charitable thought that such small minds, burdened with +such vast assurance, are merely provided by Omniscience to make us +patient, to warn us from allowing such knowledge as we may fortunately +gain from developing into similar self-assertion, and to serve to +illustrate true worth by contrast. + +Here was this fellow sweeping into my office every day, demanding every +detail of my operations on Mrs. Winslow, even intimating that I should +consult with him as to every move to be made, and submit to his +consideration even the character of the men employed, the color of their +clothing and the quality, and every item or act concerning or included +in the work. He had, in some unexplainable way that is common to brazen +assurance or unmitigated ignorance, fastened himself upon the weak old +man as a sort of confidential agent, or what-not, worked upon his fears, +his superstitions, and his foolish half-faith in a system of religion +that has never yet made other than male and female prostitutes, +adventurers, or lunatics, until the old man, standing alone and almost +friendless, had learned to cling to him, and almost rely upon his +consummate bravado to extricate him from the meshes of the web his own +vileness and a vile woman had woven about him; so that in one sense he +stood in the relation of principal to me, and I found it impossible to +shake him off, or relieve myself to any great extent of his impudent +presence and foolish suggestions. + +I knew that he was utterly without principle, and was only making a show +of this extraordinary energy in order to appear to more than earn +whatever he got from Lyon, and continue in the latter's mind the feeling +that he was utterly indispensable to him. I also knew him to be as mean +an adventurer as Mrs. Winslow was an adventuress; that he was the +villain who had first unloosed this vast flood of vileness and lechery +upon society, and who, as the shameless Christian minister of Detroit, +had put the fire-brand from hell in this woman's hand, to ever after +continue her moral incendiarism wherever she might go, until thrust from +life and infamous memory, and it annoyed me that this sort of a man +should dictate to me. + +I could have disposed of him at one stroke, and I am satisfied that had +I on only one occasion addressed him as the Rev. Mr. Bland, and casually +inquired concerning his old Detroit friends, including Mother Blake, he +would have slunk away without a word or a protest of any kind whatever; +and had I gone farther, and showed him what he himself did not know, +that this woman, whom he was so anxious to have brought down with some +startling development, was none other than the one whom he had led into +a life of sin from the pleasant Nettleton farm-house by the winding +river, and that he was now playing guardian to a man that would have +probably been free from the curse that was hanging over him, had it not +been for Harcout's earlier and more rascally villainy, he would have +disappeared altogether, but I realized that this would not do. It would +have had the effect of putting Lyon at the mercy of a horde of new +ghouls, while the existing one frightened all others away and was in a +measure a protection to Lyon, for he was now only bled by one, where he +would otherwise have been bled by twenty. + +Aside from this, it would have probably resulted in Mrs. Winslow's being +put on her guard, giving her time, not only to cover her tracks in many +criminal instances we had already discovered against her, but also cause +her to prevent witnesses from giving depositions, or, where depositions +had already been taken, give her an opportunity to secure affidavits +from the parties who gave them that they were mistaken as to the +identity of the person named in those instruments, and in other +particulars greatly destroy the effect of the work already done and +that which I had planned; and I was consequently obliged to bear the +fellow's dictatorial manner and suggestions, as he insisted on doing the +work this way or that way, and urged that I was not "pushing things" +fast enough. + +"Why, Mr. Pinkerton," said he one day, his eyebrows elevated and the +corners of his mouth drawn down, his whole face expressive of lofty +condescension and gentle, though firm reproof, "things are going rather +slow--rather slow. Hem! When we brought this case to you, we depended +upon expedition--depended on expedition, Mr. Pinkerton." + +"And have you any cause to complain?" I asked pleasantly. + +"Well, I don't know as we should exactly call it 'complain.' No, I don't +know as we exactly complain; but, if we might be allowed the +privilege--hem!--we would beg to suggest, without giving offence--beg to +suggest, mind you, without giving offence," he repeated, in the most +offensive way possible, "that, if I might be allowed the expression, +things are not pushed quite enough!" + +"On the contrary," I continued good-naturedly, "we have secured what any +good lawyer would consider an overwhelming amount of evidence, and are +letting the woman take her own course, in order to allow her to +completely unwind herself." + +"But you see, Pinkerton, we supposed when we brought the case to you +that you would, so to speak, smash things--break her all up and scatter +her, as it were--hem!--disperse her, you know." + +He said this as though he had taken a contract with Lyon to compel me to +avenge them both on the woman, and it heated my blood to be considered +in the light of any person's hired assassin; but I controlled myself, +and explained the matter to him. + +"Harcout," said I, "do you know anything about my history?" + +"Well, nothing save what I've seen in the newspapers. Merely by +reputation," he added lightly. + +"Well, sir, whatever that reputation may be, Harcout," I said, "this is +the truth. I never, that I know of, did a dishonorable deed. I worked +from a poor boy to whatever position or business standing I now +have--worked hard for everything I got or gained, and I never yet found +it necessary to do dirty work for any person." + +"Quite noble of you--quite noble," said Harcout patronizingly. + +"The detection of criminals," I continued, paying no attention to his +moralizing, "_should_ be as honorable--and so far as I have been able to +do, has been made as honorable--while it is certainly as necessary as +that of any other calling. No element of revenge can enter into my work. +You came to me with a case which I at first objected to take, on account +of its nature. I would not have taken it for all the money Mr. Lyon +possesses, had I not been assured that this Mrs. Winslow was a dangerous +woman. Nor, knowing that she is one, as I now do, would I have any +connection with the case if I found that Mr. Lyon insisted on my using +the peculiar power which I always have at command for any other purpose +than the, in this case, legitimate one of securing evidence against her +which actually exists. I am satisfied that a no more relentless and +terrible woman ever lived, but shall leave her punishment to her +disappointment in not securing what her whole soul is bent on getting, +and that is Lyon's money. I have nothing whatever to do with punishment, +sir, and no person ever did or ever can use my force for that nefarious +purpose!" + +"Oh, exactly--exactly," replied the oily Harcout; "but, you see, we +rather--hem!--expected something startling, you know. Now, for +instance," here he raised his eyebrows and pursed his lips in a wise +way; "supposing you had just ascertained all about her early history, +you would probably have found that Mrs. Winslow had played these games +all her life. Undoubtedly you could point to the very first man whom she +blackmailed----" + +"Undoubtedly," I interrupted, "I'm sure I could do it at this moment!" + +Harcout looked at me quickly, but as I was gazing at the ceiling as if +in deep thought, he went on quite enthusiastically: + +"Exactly. They learn it early. They will swindle at sixteen, rob at +eighteen; blackmail at twenty; and kill a man any time after that!" + +"Why, Harcout are _you_ a woman-hater?" I laughingly asked, +notwithstanding my annoyance. + +"Oh, no," he suddenly replied; "but I had a friend who once suffered +from very much the same sort of a woman as this Mrs. Winslow, and she +was not eighteen years old either. But to resume: Get this point in her +life, and the rest--hem!--the rest reads right on like the chapters of a +book!" + +"And then what?" I ventured to ask. + +"Then what?" he asked indignantly; "go for her through the newspapers. +Drive her out of the country. Make it impossible for her to ever +return;" and then, as if reflecting, "ruin her altogether. Any reporter +will listen to you if you have anybody to ruin! In fact, get up an +excitement about it and show her up." + +"And try your case in the newspapers instead of in the courts?" I added, +"which would have the effect of leaving the matter at the end just where +it was at the beginning, with nothing proven, and Mr. Lyon still at the +mercy of any future surprise the woman might conceive a fancy of +springing upon him." + +But there was no means of changing this lofty gentleman's opinions, and +these interviews were always necessarily closed by the threat on my part +that I would have nothing further to do with the matter if I was not +allowed to conduct my operations according to my own judgment in the +light of my own large experience upon such matters, and Mr. Harcout +would depart in a most dignified and frigid manner, as though it were a +"positively last appearance," only to return the next day with more +objections and a new batch of suggestions, which were given me for +"what they were worth," as he would remark, and we would fight our +battles all over again, with the stereotyped result. + +I saw Mr. Lyon very seldom, and he always approached me in the timid, +reluctant way in which he had come into my office when the case was +first begun; but, contrary to what I had anticipated through Harcout's +injunctions to "push things" and crush the woman out, he approved of my +course throughout, and seemed wonderfully pleased that everything had +been conducted so quietly and yet so effectively. Of course he shrank +from the trial and the miserable sort of publicity all such trials +compel; but he was _more_ fearful of the woman's future unexpected and +sudden sallies upon him, which both he and myself were satisfied would +be made at her convenience or whim, and was only too glad to agree to +any course which would compel silence and peace. + +At Rochester everything was working smoothly. After Bristol had become +located, his first work was to secure the admission to Mrs. Winslow's +rooms of Fox, as Lyford, which was done by representing that, the same +day he had himself gone there, he had suddenly come upon a sort of +relative of his who was a book-keeper in a wholesale house on Mill +street, and who was boarding at the Osborn House, and would be glad to +make some arrangement whereby he might live comfortably, be near his +business, and take his meals when and where he pleased. Thinking he +would be more pleasantly situated, and, at the same time, be able to +economize somewhat, Bristol said he had recommended Mrs. Winslow's +rooms very highly and that Lyford had agreed to call and take a look at +the place, which he did, making a good impression, and arranging to have +his baggage sent the next day. + +The rooms were situated so that the two detectives in a measure had +their quarry surrounded, or, at least, completely flanked. The halls of +the floor intersected each other at right angles at the top of the +stairs, and Mrs. Winslow's reception-room was at the right, as the hall +was entered from the stairway, while her sleeping-room could only be +reached from this sitting-room, although being situated next the hall +running parallel with the front of the building, while Bristol had +shrewdly secured another sleeping-room fronting on St. Paul street, +similar in size to Mrs. Winslow's, adjoining hers, and also, like hers, +opening into the reception-room, which they had agreed to use in common, +as it seemed that the fair landlady was all of a sudden, for some +reason, becoming close and penurious. Fox's room was across the hall +immediately opposite Mrs. Winslow's, as he had expressed a strong desire +to be as near his cousin, Mr. Bristol, as possible, so that by chance +and a little careful work the parties were located with as much +appropriateness as I could possibly have wished for. The operatives each +paid a month's rent in advance, taking receipts for the same, and +immediately began paying particular attention to all parties who came in +and out of the building, circulated freely among the Spiritualists of +the city, and got on as good terms as possible with the charming +landlady, who seemed at times to be a little suspicious of her +surroundings, as it introduced altogether too many strange faces to suit +a person who had a no clearer conscience than she had. + +From the gay, dashing woman she had been, she became unpleasantly +suspicious. She explained this to Bristol and Fox as arising from +unfavorable visions and revelations from the spirits through the +different mediums she had employed to give her the truth about her case +with Lyon. The rooms had filled up rapidly with people whom the +operatives had taken pains to ascertain all about, and who, as a rule, +were honest folks; but Mrs. Winslow could not get it out of her mind +that some of them were spies from Lyon, and were watching her in +everything that she did. + +There had been nothing whatever done to alarm her on the part of my men; +but the fact alone that here were a dozen people all about her, any one +of whom might at any time spring some sudden harm upon her, began to +affect her as the fear she had all her life inspired in others had +affected them; and she began to form a habit of talking pleasantly on +ordinary subjects, and then turning abruptly and almost fiercely upon +Bristol and Fox, who were now the only persons left whom she would at +all trust--even distrusting them--with a series of questions so vital, +and given with such wonderful rapidity, that it required the best +efforts of the operatives to parry her home-thrusts and quiet her +regarding them. + +It was a question in my mind whether she had laid by a large sum of +money or not. Years before she had several thousand dollars; up to the +time she came to Rochester she had had the reputation of never paying a +bill, and, however hedged in she might be by justice, jury, constables, +or sheriff, she not only escaped incarceration, but beat them all +without paying any manner of tribute. She had done a fair business in +duping Spiritualists and other weak-minded people while in Rochester; +she had evidently levied upon Devereaux often and largely, and to my +certain knowledge had taken some thousands of dollars from Lyon, and I +was at a loss to know why she was growing so grasping and exacting as +the reports showed was true of her; for she soon complained of being +poor, levied additional assessment for care of the rooms, insisted upon +her tenants receiving sittings at a good round price from her, and in +general dropped the veneer which had formerly made her extremely +fascinating, and became, save in exceptional moments of good nature, a +masculine, repulsive shrew, who, with a slight touch of hideousness, +might have passed for a stage witch or a neighborhood plague. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + + Mrs. Winslow becomes confidential.-- Some of her Exploits.-- + Her Plans.-- A Sample of Legal Pleading.-- A fishy + Story.-- The Adventuress as a Somnambulist.-- Detective + Bristol virtuously indignant.-- Failing to win the + "Retired Banker," Mrs. Winslow assails Detective Fox with + her Charms. + + +After a time Bristol and Fox became Mrs. Winslow's only confidants. +Their business was to become so, and they successfully accomplished +their object. As Bristol said in one of his reports: "Only set her +tongue wagging, and she spouts away as irresistibly as an artesian +well." + +Had she been possessed of womanly instinct in the slightest degree, this +would have been impossible. But being a male in everything save her +physical structure, it was quite natural that she should hobnob with +those most congenial; and as she had antagonized all her lodgers save my +operatives, and they made a particular effort to keep up a good-natured +familiarity, the three were certainly on as easy terms as possible, and +passed the autumn evenings, which were growing long now, in conversation +of an exceedingly varied nature, with an occasional sitting or seance, +and not infrequently a visitation of spirits of more material character; +and the following are a few of the many facts in this way brought out, +and by Bristol and Fox transmitted to me at New York in their daily mail +reports. + +In one of Mrs. Winslow's peregrinations, probably for blackmail +purposes, she secured the indictment in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, +of one George Hodges, for swindling. He was not at that time arrested, +but a year or so after, finding that he was in Cincinnati, and claiming +that he was a non-resident, had him arrested as a fugitive from justice. +When the case was called before an obscure justice, no prosecuting +witness appeared, whereupon Hodges was discharged and at once secured a +warrant against her for perjury, but afterwards withdrew it. Meantime +the woman shook the dust of Cincinnati from her feet and repaired to St. +Louis, where she began several suits against parties there, notably one +against a leading daily newspaper of that city, from which she +afterwards secured one thousand dollars damages for libel. She +afterwards swung around the circle to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where +she obtained from the Governor of that State a requisition on the +Governor of Ohio, at Columbus, upon whom she waited and requested him to +designate her as the person to whom should be delegated the power under +the law to convey the fugitive, Hodges, to the Keystone State; but the +private secretary of the Governor of Ohio suspecting that the person who +had presented the papers, and for whose benefit they had been issued, +would make improper use of them, they were returned to the Governor of +Pennsylvania, whereupon she had made Columbus ring with denunciations +of gubernatorial corruption, and threatened to cause the impeachment of +Pennsylvania's Executive, although those two commonwealths were never +completely shattered by her. + +Again in conversation regarding her case, which now seemed never out of +her mind or off her tongue, she informed Bristol confidentially that she +intended keeping Lyon in the dark altogether, giving him and his counsel +no inkling as to what course she intended to pursue, which would so +worry him that he would be glad to settle for at least twenty-five +thousand dollars, rather than have the case come to trial and be exposed +as she would expose him; and if he did not settle at the last moment, +she would have subpoenas issued for Lyon's mother-in-law, all his +children, several other women who, the spirits had revealed, had been +similarly betrayed, and even Lyon himself, and then she _would_ make a +sensation. + +At this stage she was positive he would settle, as she knew he was half +worried to death about the matter; and besides this, he knew that she +knew he had told a certain lawyer of the city that he had once loved her +better than any other woman on earth, and the only reason he had +discarded her was that he was sure her love had taken hold on his pocket +and forsaken himself. + +She had signed a release of all claims, but she would stoutly maintain +that it was fraudulently secured, which would only further establish the +fact that she had had a valid claim upon him. Nor did she fear the +opposing counsel. She was lawyer enough to attend to her own case, she +said. Her legal knowledge helped her through many a difficulty, and as +she had been lawyer enough to file a declaration, she could get a +rejoinder in shape whenever the answer should appear upon the court +records. Oh, she knew how to handle a jury; she had done it before! In +_this_ case she would say: "Gentlemen of the jury:--There are many who +believe that I merely seek for money. This is not true. I ask for a +verdict that I may gain a husband. For all of the injury that I have +received--lost time, lost money, lost reputation, years of suspense and +hope deferred--I only ask for a verdict in consonance with what a man in +Lyon's position should be compelled to give to one so grossly wronged. +Gentlemen, if you give me a heavy verdict, you give me Mr. Lyon. I say +this in all sincerity--yes, as a proof of my sincerity. I want the man, +not his money; and a heavy verdict gives me the man, for Mr. Lyon is so +penurious that he will marry me rather than pay the amount I claim. With +him, he has so won my whole being, even in poverty I would feel richer +than to live without him the possessor of millions!" + +In delivering this eloquent peroration, Mrs. Winslow in reality rose +upon a chair, and, figuratively, upon the giddy altitude of her dignity, +and tossing back her head, elevating her eyebrows, looking peculiarly +fierce with her great gray eyes, and flinging the back of her right hand +into the palm of her left with quick, ringing strokes, delighted her +audience of operatives, and male and female Spiritualists, who on this +occasion crowded the reception-room and cheered their hostess as she +descended from her improvised rostrum to order something to refill the +glasses which had been enthusiastically emptied to her overwhelming +success. + +When business was dull with the woman, she would be certain to retain +the company of the detectives, as it seemed that she was beginning to +avoid being left alone as much as possible, and would, under no +circumstances, allow them both to be absent at the same time. Though +ordinarily careful of, and close with, her money, to keep my men at home +on these, to her, dreary evenings, she would send for cigars, liquor, +and choice fruits, and after considerable urging they would remain, when +the conversation would invariably turn upon the Winslow-Lyon case, or +some incident in the fair plaintiff's eventful life, which the gentlemen +as invariably listened to with the closest interest and attention. + +On one occasion Spiritualism was being discussed, when Mrs. Winslow +touched on her early history, and the revelation then made to her which +in after-life convinced her of the possession of supernatural powers. +Her father had had several boxes of honey stolen from his bee-hives, +when she was but a little girl. Search was made for them in every +possible direction, but no trace of them could be found, whereupon she +conveniently went into a trance, the first she had ever experienced, +continuing in that state several hours, and finally awakening from it +terribly exhausted. But the trance brought the honey, for a wonderful +vision came upon her, wherein spirit-forms appeared clothed in +overwhelming radiance, and, after caressing her spiritual form for some +time, and making her realize that she was an accepted child of Light, +pointed their dazzling celestial fingers towards an old hollow stump +standing at the side of the road leading towards town. So powerful and +penetrating was the light which radiated from these spirits that it +seemed to permeate the stump, leaving its form perfect as ever, but +making it wholly translucent, so that she could see the boxes of honey +piled up within the stump as clearly as though she had been standing +beside it and it had been made of glass. She gave this information to +her father, who ridiculed the revelation, but was both curious and +desirous of getting the honey, and went to the old stump, where he found +the boxes uninjured and piled in precisely the same manner as described +by his precocious child; all of which was related as if thoroughly +believed--as it doubtless was--in a voice as hollow and mysterious as +the stump itself, while the operatives preserved the utmost gravity and +decorum, and impressed her in every way with their belief in her varied +and wonderful power. + +Her affection for Bristol continued for a few weeks unabated, and her +most powerful arts were used in endeavoring to compel him to reciprocate +it. These attempts went as far as a naturally lewd and naturally shrewd +woman dare go--so far, in fact, that in one and the last instance they +became absurdly ridiculous. There was no bolt upon the door of either of +their sleeping-rooms, and, besides, it was necessary for Bristol to +either retire first or step into Fox's room for a little chat, or a +sociable smoke, as Mrs. Winslow had an unpleasant and persistent habit +of disrobing for the night in the reception-room. + +One evening, after Mrs. Winslow had given a select seance to a few +admiring friends, including my detectives, Bristol had hurried off to +bed, being tired of the mummery, and after being obliged to listen for +some time to her tumblings and tappings about the room, had finally +fallen into a peaceful doze of a few minutes' duration, when he was +awakened by that undefinable yet irresistibly increasing sense of some +sort of a presence, which often takes from one the power of expression, +or action, but intensifies the mind's faculties. The gas in the +reception-room had been turned low, and his door had been softly opened. +The rooms were quite dark, but the light from the street-lamps were +sufficient to show him the plump outlines of a form which he felt sure +that if it had had an orthodox amount of clothing upon it he could +recognize. It certainly seemed to be the form of a woman, and her long, +dishevelled black hair fell all about her shoulders and below her waist, +while her _robe de nuit_ trailed behind her with fear-inspiring, +tremulous rustlings. On came the robust ghost, and in the weird gloaming +which filled the apartment, he saw the mysterious thing moving towards +him, and in a sort of frenzy of excitement yelled: + +"Who's that?" + +No answer; but the slow, firm pace of the apparition came nearer to +Bristol's bedside, and he partially rose upon his knees as if to defend +himself. + +"Say!--you!" shouted Bristol, "get--get out of here!" + +But the ghostly figure came on as resistless as fate until it reached +his bedside. By this time he had risen to his feet and was edging along +the wall to escape, when to his horror he saw the spectre bound into the +bed he had so expeditiously vacated and reach for him with a very +business-like grasp which he nimbly eluded, and with a series of bounds +and scrambles reached the floor. He stood where he had struck for a +moment, addressing some very decided and italicized remarks to the +lively ghost in his bed, and then, in one grand burst of virtuous +indignation, made an impetuous dive at the figure, caught it by one of +its very plump arms, brought the ghost from the bed with a mighty +effort, and securing its left ear with his right hand, trotted the +animated shadow out of his room and into the reception-room right up to +the pier-glass, and then turning on one of the jets at its side, said to +the magnificent ghost, in a voice husky from excitement and rage: + +"Woman! if you ever do that thing again, I'll--I'll--aren't you ashamed +of yourself, Mrs. Winslow?" + +At the sound of her name, and after a few moments' apparently bewildered +reflection, Mrs. Winslow opened her eyes, which had previously remained +closed, and in an affectedly startled way gasped: + +"Oh! where am I? what _have_ you been trying to do with me, Mr. +Bristol?" + +To have seen the couple thus in the full gaslight before the +pier-glass, which both reflected and intensified the odd situation--the +woman, held to the mirror so that she might more startlingly view the +result of her gauzy pretence at somnambulism, and the man, in his +night-shirt, his limp night-cap dangling from his neck upon his +shoulder, the ring of stubby gray hair around his head raised by +excitement until it almost hid the glistening baldness above, his legs +bare below the knees, but with a face so full of virtuous resentment at +the scandalous and shallow scheme of the woman to implicate him in +something disgraceful, that his uprightness clothed him as with fine +raiment--would have been to have witnessed the apotheosis of sublimely +triumphant virtue and the defeat of shame. + +"What have _I_ been trying to do with _you_?" shouted the now enraged +Bristol; "that's all very fine; but what have _you_ been trying to do +with _me_, madam?" + +"Why, didn't I ever tell you that I often walk in my sleep?" she asked +with apparent innocence; and then, as if noticing for the first time how +meagrely both herself and her companion were clad, gave vent to a +half-smothered "Oh!--shame on you, Mr. Bristol!" and broke away from +him, running into her own room, while Bristol, after walking back and +forth in a state of high nervous excitement for some time, muttering, +and shaking his fist towards her room, finally smoothed his rebellious +locks so as to admit of the readjustment of his night-cap, and trotted +fiercely to bed, never more to be disturbed by sleep-walking female +Spiritualists. + +There was nothing in all this save a quite common and silly attempt on +the part of the adventuress to get some of the hard-earned money of +which she thought he was possessed, and it disgusted her that he was no +more appreciative than to look upon her charms, that had set the heads +of so many other men all awhirl, with such a cool and impressionless +regard for them. + +This latter fact bothered her probably fully as much as in not being +able to get at his bank account, and she finally settled into a sort of +suspicious dislike of him, and turned her attention to Fox, who, being a +quiet sort of a fellow, with less brusqueness than Bristol, was not so +well fitted to keep her at arm's length, and was consequently +immediately the recipient of her torrent-like attentions, caresses, and +confidence. + +A book-keeper was the next thing to a retired banker--sometimes even +better off, Mrs. Winslow thought; and, believing that Fox was the +book-keeper he represented himself to be, she conceived the idea of +travelling during the pendency of the suit, and gave Fox glowing +accounts of the vast sums of money they could make if she only had so +presentable a man as he for a sort of agent, manager, and protector. + +One afternoon Fox came in early, and said that as he was suffering +severely from headache he had been excused from his duties, and had come +home for rest. He passed into his own room and laid down upon his bed, +where he was immediately followed by the woman, who threw herself +passionately into his arms, declaring that he was the only man whom she +had ever really and truly loved, and terminated her expressions of ardor +by a proposition that he should "get hold of a big pile down there to +the store," as she expressed it, and fly to some quiet spot where they +might revel in love and all that the term implies. + +Had he been a book-keeper instead of what he was, and able to secure any +large sum of money, she would have probably so bedevilled him that he +would have become a criminal for life for the sake of gratifying his +passion and her demands, and in a week after she would have had +nine-tenths of the money, and Fox would have been a penniless fugitive +from justice. + +He had more trouble than Bristol in dispossessing the mind of the +adventuress of the idea that he was not the man to allow her to become +his Delilah; but when this was done, and she disgustedly realized that +not all men were ready to sell themselves body and soul for her +embraces, while she was indignant and suspicious, yet a sort of easy +confidence was established between the mysterious three, which brought +out a good many strong points in her character, and at the same time led +to the securing of a large amount of evidence against her. In fact, it +seemed that so soon as she thoroughly understood the, to her, novel +situation of being in constant contact with two men who, though probably +no better than average men, were still from the nature of their business +compelled to be above reproach in all their association with her, her +self-assertion and consciousness of power, which she had been able to +assert over nearly every man with whom she came in contact, in a measure +left her, and she became, at least to my operatives, an ordinary woman, +whose inherent vileness, low cunning, and splendid physical perfection, +were her only distinguishing characteristics. This was all natural +enough, for I had compelled these men to be her almost constant +companions, and as they had been with her long enough to drive away any +superfluous constraint, and she had found both of them unassailable, +though sociable and agreeable, her conversation, which chiefly concerned +herself, became as utterly devoid of decency as her life had been, so +that no incident of rehearsed romance of herself lost any of its +piquancy by unnecessary assumption of modesty in its narration. + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + + A Female Spiritualist's Ideas of Political and Social + Economy.-- The Weaknesses of Judges.-- Legal Acumen of the + Adventuress.-- An unfriendly Move.-- Harcout attacked.-- + Lilly Nettleton and the Rev. Mr. Bland again together.-- A + Whirlwind. + + +One evening, after Mrs. Winslow had had a very busy day with her +spiritualistic customers, which had become quite unusual, she showed +herself to be more than ordinarily communicative, undoubtedly on account +of the spirits which had kept her such close company, and at once +started in upon an edifying explanation of her political views, and +confided to Bristol and Fox, as illustrative of her high political +influence, that certain officers of the Government only held their lease +of office through her leniency. + +From this she verged into political and social economy, stating her +earnest belief to be that every man should have a military education, +and that if they were found to be unfit physically to withstand the +rigors of a military life, they should be immediately condemned to +death, and thus be summarily disposed of. And so, too, with women. There +should be appointed a capable examining board, and wherever a woman was +found wanting in physical ability to meet every demand made upon her by +her affinities through life, she should also be instantly deprived of +existence. She maintained that there should be a continuous and eternal +natural selection of the best of these mental and physical conditions, +just the same as the stock-raiser bred and inbred the finest animals to +secure a still finer type, and that all persons, male or female, failing +to reach a certain fit standard of perfection in this regard, should be +condemned to death. She would have no marriage save that sanctioned by +the supreme love of one eternal moment; and shamelessly claimed that +passion was the real base of all love, and that, consequently, it was +but a farce on either justice or purity that men and women should be by +law condemned to lives of miserable companionship. In this connection +she held that not half the men and women were fit to live, and were she +the world's ruler she would preside at the axe and the block half of her +waking hours. + +These sentiments were quite in keeping with her expressions concerning +the late war, her gratification at Lincoln's assassination, and her +threats that she had President Johnson in her power through her +knowledge of some transactions in Tennessee. This was, of course, all +silly talk, but it showed the woman's tendencies and disposition, and +enabled Bristol and Fox to gradually lead her into narrations of +portions of her own career during and after the war. + +She boasted of her ability in fastening herself upon a command, or +military post, by getting some one of the leading officers in her power +so they dare not drive her beyond the lines, and then, when the +soldiers were paid off, getting them within her apartments, drugging +them, robbing them, and finally securing their arrest for absence +without leave. She claims that in this way she often made over five +hundred dollars daily, and would then buy drafts on northern banks, not +daring to keep the thousands of dollars about her which would frequently +accrue. + +Interspersed with these narratives were numberless tales of adventure +wherein Mrs. Winslow, under her _aliases_ of the different periods +referred to, had been the heroine, and where her shrewdness and daring, +she wished my operatives to understand, had brought utter dismay to each +of her opponents, all of which had for its point and moral that she was +not a person to be trifled with, as Mr. Lyon would eventually ascertain +to his sorrow. + +To more thoroughly impress this, in another instance the question of +being watched and annoyed by Lyon or his agents arose, when she insisted +to Bristol that Fox was a detective, and to Fox that Bristol was one, +and then abruptly accused them both of the same offence, expressing +great indignity at the assumed outrage; and when they had succeeded in +partially pacifying her, she turned on them savagely, saying that they +had better bear in mind that she did not care whether they were +detectives or not; that she was a pure woman--an innocent woman; but +still, she wanted not only them, if they _were_ detectives, but all the +world, to understand that she was capable of taking care of herself, +whoever might assail her. Evidently the good legal mind which the woman +certainly possessed had reverted to her criminal acts in other portions +of the country, for she asserted very violently that, should Lyon +undertake to have her conveyed to any other State upon a requisition to +answer to trumped-up charges for the purpose of weakening her case, she +would shoot the first man that attempted her arrest; and that, if +finally overpowered by brute force, she would still circumvent him by +securing a continuance of the trial at Rochester, and make that sort of +persecution itself tell against "the gray-headed old sinner," as she +most truthfully called him. + +She further remarked, with a meaning leer, that she never had any +trouble with the judges. They were generally old men, she had noticed, +and her theory was that old men, even if they were judges, had a quiet +way of looking after the interests of as fine-appearing women as she +was; and even if they did not have, her powers of divination were so +wonderful that she could at any time go into the trance state and +ascertain everything necessary to direct her to success, giving as an +illustration a circumstance where a certain St. Louis daily newspaper +had grossly libelled her, whereupon she had sued its proprietors for ten +thousand dollars, retaining two lawyers to attend to her case. When it +came to trial her counsel failed to appear. With the aid of the spirits +she grasped the situation at once, and, showing Judge Moody a receipt +for attorneys' fees amounting to two hundred dollars which she had paid +them, pleaded personally for a continuance until the next day, which he +granted, showing her conclusively that he was in sympathy with her. She +then went home, and, again calling on the spirits, they revealed to her +that she should win a victory. + +So she read all the papers in the case, in order to acquaint herself +with the leading points, and then subpoenaed her witnesses. Having +everything well prepared, she proceeded to the court-room the next day, +and on the case being called, the spirit of George Washington instantly +appeared. It had a beautiful bright flame about its head, and floated +about promiscuously through the upper part of the room. She was certain +that it was a good omen, but it was a long time before she could get any +definite materialization from the blessed ministering angel from the +other side of the river. After a time, however, George's kind eyes +beamed upon her with unmistakable friendliness, and the nimbus, or +flame, that shone from his venerable head in all directions, finally +shot in a single incandescent jet towards the head of the judge; and +immediately after, the gauzy Father of his Country placed his hands upon +the former's head, as if in benediction. This was a heavenly revelation +to her that the judge was with her, as afterwards proved true. + +George stayed there until the trial was ended, which she conducted in +her own behalf, constantly feeling that she herself was being upheld by +strong, though invisible hands. When the jury was being impanelled, the +flame, with an angry, red appearance, pointed to those men who were +prejudiced against her, to whom she objected, and they were invariably +thrown out of the panel; while all through the trial the judge insisted +that there should be no advantage taken of her, if she had been forsaken +by her counsel; and with the aid of Washington she won a splendid +victory, securing a judgment of one thousand dollars, which was paid; +and there are scores of lawyers and newspaper men in St. Louis who will +remember this case, that know of the woman and her almost ceaseless +litigation in that action, and who will also recollect that she did get +a thousand dollars from one of the leading newspapers there. + +Her cunning and shamelessness were largely commented upon at the time; +but it was reserved for Mrs. Winslow to inform the world, through my +operatives, that George Washington ever descended to this grade of +pettifogging. It can only be accounted for through a knowledge of that +peculiar system of religion which gives to the very dregs of society a +mysterious, and therefore terrible power, whether assumed or otherwise, +over its better elements for their annoyance, persecution, and downfall. + +There was also a poetical and religious element in the woman's +composition which very well accorded with her superstitiousness. This +was quite strongly developed by a liberal supply of liquor, which she +never failed to use whenever she became worried and excited over the +coming trial, both of which begat in her impulses for certain lines of +conduct exactly the reverse of those counselled by her more quiet, +calculating reflections. + +One pleasant October day, when suffering from a peculiarly severe attack +of romantic fancies, she conceived the idea of breaking through all her +stern resolves relative to not seeing Lyon, and making one more effort +to win him back to her altogether, or so affect him by her fascinating +appearance that he would be glad to settle with her at any reasonable +figure he might name--say twenty-five or fifty thousand dollars. + +It was a pleasant fancy, and Bristol and Fox were exceedingly interested +as they noticed her excited preparations for her expedition of conquest. +She sang like a bird, and the bright color came into her face as she +tripped about, busied in the unusual employment. All the forenoon she +dressed and undressed, posing and balancing before the pier-glass like a +_danseuse_ at practice, studying the effect of different colors, shades, +and shapes, until at last, having decided in what dress she should +appear the most bewitching, she retired for a long sleep, so as to rest +her features and give her eyes their old-time lustre. + +At about two o'clock she awakened, and, after dressing in a most +elaborate and elegant manner, at once started out upon her novel +expedition to the Arcade. + +The Arcade in Rochester is a distinct and somewhat noted place in that +city. It has nearly the width of the average street, and extends the +distance of a short block--from Main Street to Exchange Place--being +nearly in the geographical, as well as in the actual business center of +the city. It is covered with a heavy glass roofing, filled on either +side by numerous book and notion stalls, brokers' offices, and the +offices of wealthy manufacturers whose business requires a down-town +office, and is also, as it has been from almost time immemorial, the +location of the post-office; so that, as the thoroughfare leads directly +from the Union Depot to the uptown hotels, it is constantly thronged +with people, and is the spot in that city where the largest crowd may be +collected at the slightest possible notice. + +To Mrs. Winslow's credit it should be said that up to this time she had +kept so remarkably quiet that public scandal had nearly died away, and +as she had gone into the different newspaper offices with some of the +wicked old light burning in her eyes, and "warned" them concerning +libelling her, both she and her suit were no longer causing much remark; +but now, when she was seen majestically bearing down Main street, with +considerable fire in her fine eyes, determination in her compressed +lips, and the inspiration of resolve in every feature of her handsome +though masculine face, there were many who, knowing the woman, felt sure +there was to be a scene, and by the time she had turned from Main street +into the Arcade quite a number were unconsciously following her. After +she had got into the Arcade she attracted a great deal of attention in +sweeping back and forth through that thoroughfare, as in passing Lyon's +offices she gave her head that peculiarly ludicrous inclination that all +women affect when they are particularly anxious to be noticed, but also +particularly anxious to not have it noticed that they wish to be +noticed; and continued her promenade, each time brushing the windows of +Lyon's offices with her ample skirts, and growing more and more +indignant that nobody appeared to be interested in her exhibition, save +the lookers-on within the Arcade, who were increasing rapidly in +numbers. + +This seemed to exasperate the woman beyond measure, and finally, after +casting a hurried glance or two through the half-open door, she +apparently nerved herself for the worst and made a plunge into the +office, while the crowd closed about the door. + +Bristol had of course felt it his duty to inform Mr. Lyon of the fair +lady's intended demonstration, and the latter had judiciously found it +convenient to transact some important business in another part of the +city on that afternoon; but the elegant Harcout had bravely volunteered +to throw himself into the breach and bear the brunt of the battle--in +other words, sacrifice himself for his friend, and was consequently +sitting at Lyon's desk behind the railing, which formed a sort of a +private office at one side of the general office, as Mrs. Winslow, pale +with rage and humiliated to exasperation, came sweeping into the room. + +"Ah, how d'ye do, ma'am?" said Harcout blandly, but never looking up +from his desk, at which he pretended to be very busily engaged. "Bless +my soul, you seem to be very much excited!" + +"Sir!" said Mrs. Winslow, interrupting him violently, "I want none of +your 'madams' or 'bless my souls.' I want Lyon, you puppy!" + +"Ah, exactly, exactly," replied Mr. Lyon's protector with the greatest +apparent placidity, though with a shade of nervousness in his voice; +"but you see, my dear, you can't have him!" + +It was not the first time this man had called this woman "my dear," nor +was it the first time he had attempted to beat back her overpowering +passion. Had he known it as Mr. Harcout, or had she recognized him as +Mrs. Winslow, it would have made the interview more dramatic than it +was--perhaps a thread of tragedy might have crept in; as it was, +however, she only savagely retorted that she wouldn't have him, but she +would see him if he was in, whether or no. + +"Well, my dear good woman," continued Harcout soothingly, but edging as +far from the railing and his caller as possible, "he isn't in, and that +settles that. Further, you can't have, or see, him _or_ his money, and +that settles that. So you had best quietly go home like a good woman and +settle all this," concluded Harcout winningly and yet impressively, and +with the tone of a Christian counsellor. + +The crowd laughed and jeered at this grave and sarcastic advice, and it +seemed to madden her. Raising her closed sunshade and hissing, "_I'll_ +settle this!" she rushed towards Harcout, struck at him fiercely, +following up the attack with quick and terrific blows, which completely +demolished the parasol and drove him nimbly from place to place in his +efforts to avoid the effects of her wrath. + +For the next few moments there was a small whirlwind in Lyon's offices. +The railing was too high for Mrs. Winslow to leap, or she certainly +would have scaled it. Harcout could not retreat but a certain distance, +or he certainly would have sought safety in flight. So the whirlwind was +created by rapid and savage leaps of Mrs. Winslow, as if to jump the +railing and fall bodily upon her victim, and at every bound the woman +made, the shattered parasol waved aloft and came down with keen +certainty and stinging swiftness, upon such portions of the gilt-edged +gentleman as could be most conveniently reached. + +It is difficult to realize what the woman would have done in her mad +passion, had not a lucky circumstance occurred. She and Harcout had +never met since the time when, in the face of her robbery of him, she +had unblushingly compelled him to wed her to the credulous Dick Hosford +at the Michigan Exchange Hotel in Detroit; and had she now recognized +him as the villain who had made her what she was, it is a question +whether she would not have made a finish of him there and then. But some +one in the crowd raised the cry of "Police!" which sobered her at once, +and, giving the tattered remnant of her sunshade a wicked pitch into +Harcout's face, she turned quickly, shot into the Arcade as the crowd +made way for her and quickened her speed by wild jibes and taunts, until +she had reached the street, where, in a dazed, hunted sort of way, she +hailed a passing cab, sprang into it, and was driven rapidly away. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + + Mrs. Winslow, under the Influence of "Spirits" of an earthly + Order, becomes romantic, religious, and poetical.-- A + Trance.-- Detective Bristol also proves a Poet.-- A Drama + to be written. + + +When the evening came and Mrs. Winslow came with it, she was observed to +be in a high state of nervous and vinous excitement, and at such times +she contrived to inaugurate a series of actions which proved not only +interesting, but illustrative of her strange character. + +She declared to Bristol and Fox that the Lord was hardening Lyon's heart +as in the olden times the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, so that he +should rush upon his fated disgrace as the Egyptian king rushed upon his +fate while forcing the children of Israel into deliverance, and +destruction upon himself; and like the unrelenting Mrs. Clennam in +"Little Dorrit," had at command any number of scriptural parallels to +prove the righteousness of her sin. This sort of blasphemy is the most +pitiable imaginable, and to hear the woman in her semi-intoxicated, +semi-crazed condition, mingling her vile catch-words with scraps of +spiritualistic sayings, snatches of holy songs, couplets of roystering +ballads, and crowning the hideousness of the whole with countless Bible +quotations, was to be in the presence of supreme garrulousness, +temperamental religious frenzy, and superstitious vileness. + +It appeared that after she had escaped from the excitement she had +created in the Arcade, she had been driven to the apartments of every +clairvoyant of note in the city and had a "sitting" with each. In her +excited condition, and being noted for having plenty of money, it was +both easy to rob her and secure what was uppermost in her mind. +Consequently, it was revealed to her by every medium that Lyon would +settle with her for a large sum of money. + +One medium averred that in her vision Lyon was seen, as it were, bending +a suppliant at her feet, and, at the last moment, admiring her character +as much as fearing the nature of the testimony he knew she could bring +against him, he declared his love for her and begged that they might be +married in open court. + +Another depicted the sorrows she would be obliged to endure before her +affairs culminated. She would be watched, annoyed, harassed; but her way +would be well watched by the spirit-forms which were evidently floating +around promiscuously to protect the pests of society; and, whether she +got the man or not, she should share his fortune. This much could be +surely promised. + +Another was wonderfully favored with divine "spirit light" upon the +subject--so favored, indeed, that time without number her other-life had +insensibly and unconsciously wandered away in search of correct +information regarding the result of the Winslow-Lyon suit, and, without +her volition or bidding, it had delved into the mysteries for her +suffering sister. She could assure her suffering sister, the clairvoyant +said, that Lyon was spiritually at her feet. All the trouble had arisen +between them from Mrs. Winslow's standing upon a higher spiritual plane +than Mr. Lyon. He, as was natural to man, had more of the sensual +element beclouding his spirit-life. Now, pleaded the clairvoyant, +couldn't she adjust an average between them? She was certain--yes, the +spirits, who never lie, had positively revealed to her that all that was +needed was some one to properly discover each of these affinities to the +other. In any case, all would eventually be well, and there was peace, +prosperity, and a large amount of money in waiting for her. + +This sort of absurdity was related by Mrs. Winslow to an unlimited +extent that evening, as the three sipped the liquor she had provided, +and she insisted with great fervor that all these revelations strongly +corroborated the light she herself had received on the same subject. + +As a long pause ensued after one of these heated asseverations, Bristol +ventured to ask how she had been enlightened concerning the matter. + +Raising her flushed face towards the ceiling, then lifting her right arm +above her head and holding it there for a moment, she allowed it to +slowly descend with a coiling, serpentine motion, when she burst into a +sudden ecstasy of speech, movement and feature, and partly as in answer +to the inquiry, and partly as if struck with a swift and irresistible +inspiration, she said in a low, unearthly voice, and with weird effect: + +"Yes, yes, I hear your angel voices calling; I see your beautiful forms; +I feel your tender fingers touching my aching head; I am listening to +your sweet, soft whispers. Ah! what is it you say?--yes, yes, yes! You +_are_ with me. You will watch over and guard me. You will ward off the +evil influences that surround me, and despite the darkness which +envelops me, even as the glorious sun leaps from his couch of crimson +and with his burnished lances drives the grim hosts of shadows before +him with the speed of the light!--What! are you now leaving?" + +Here Mrs. Winslow gasped and kicked with her pretty feet alarmingly. + +"What--what is that?--that rosy, effulgent light that fills all space? +Ah, yes! I see they beckon for me to look up, to not be cast down or +despair. I _will_ look up. See! in their hands are long, feathery wands +with which they sweep the flaming sky, while across its burnished arc I +see, yes, I see in letters of purple that oft-recurring +legend--_Twenty-five thousand dollars!_" + +Now, although I am not arguing this question of Spiritualism, and am +only giving to the public the history so far as I dare of an +extraordinary woman and practical Spiritualist, I cannot resist asking +the question, or putting forward the theory, which, during the progress +of this case particularly, and a thousand times before and since in a +general way, has irresistibly forced itself into my mind. I give it in +all fairness, I am sure, and only with a view that it may dispel +certain feelings of squeamishness with which a good many people approach +the subject to investigate it. I may be accused of presenting it with +too little delicacy; but the public must recollect that the nature of my +business compels me _to get at the truth_ of things, and to do that, +matters must in a majority of cases be handled without gloves. This is +my only excuse, and perhaps it may be a good defence; but in any event +this is the question: Has there ever been a so-called Spiritual +"manifestation" that has not subsequently been explained as trickery by +persons more credible of belief than its medium or originator? After +that has been answered in the affirmative, for it can be answered in no +other way, all there is left of this Spiritualistic structure is, how +account for such exhibitions as that given by Mrs. Winslow and those +given by others of her craft, even granting their personal purity, which +is undoubtedly exceptional? + +This is the question which has oftenest come into my mind in my +necessarily almost constant study of these people, and the answers, +though continually varying, have all eventually forced upon me the +conviction that this religion, as it is sacrilegiously called, only +takes hold of people of abnormal or diseased temperaments--people +diseased in mind, in morals, in body, or in all; and if that is true, as +I sincerely believe it to be, the dignifying of a disease or infirmity +as a religion is simply an absurdity too foolish for even ridicule. + +She sat rigid as a church-spire for a few moments, as if the sight of +so much money, even if only in purple letters upon a burnished sky, had +transfixed her, and then, after a little hysterical struggling, became +as limp as a camp-meeting tent after a thunder-storm; and after a few +passes of her long, white and deft fingers over her eyes in a scared +way, asked, "Oh, gentlemen, where--where am I?" + +"On the boundaries of the spirit-land," gravely replied Bristol, pushing +the bottle of liquor to the side of the table. + +The woman was certainly exhausted, for she had worked herself into such +a state mentally--precisely the same as in all similar demonstrations, +whether visions are claimed to be seen, or not--that she was completely +enervated physically, and said in a really grateful tone, "Thank you, +Mr. Bristol," and, pouring out a large portion of liquor, tossed it off +at one gulp, like a well-practised bar-room toper. + +"Yes, yes," she continued languidly, "I have a certain promise of +eventually being victorious. When the good spirits are with one, there's +no cause for fear." + +"Not the slightest," affirmed Fox sympathetically. + +"But it seems," replied Mrs. Winslow in a discouraged, desolate tone, +"as though everybody's hand is raised against me--as though the dreary +days pass so slowly--and that I haven't a true friend in the world!" + +"My dear Mrs. Winslow," interrupted Bristol in a calm, fatherly, even +affectionate tone, "that melancholy's all very fine; but we are your +friends, and we will stand by you through thick and thin to the end of +the suit. A few fast friends, you know, are better than a thousand +sunny-weather friends." + +"Oh, yes; oh, yes," returned the woman in a tone of voice that said, "I +can't argue this, but I somehow _know_ you are both betraying me," and +then, closing her eyes, and clasping her hands tightly together, sang in +a weird contralto voice, cracked and unsteady from her excitement and +exhaustion, some stanza of an evidently religious nature, the burden of +which was: + + "I am weary, weary waiting + While the shadows deeper fall; + I am weary, weary waiting + For some holy voice's call!" + +Undoubtedly the song, though desecrated by the singer, the place, and +the occasion, was a wailing plaint from the depths of the woman's soul, +for moments of utter desolation and absolute remorse come to even such +as she. + +"Now," said Bristol, becoming suddenly interested, "I'm something of a +poet myself. When the seat of government was moved from Quebec to +Ottawa, I constructed a lampoon on the government that set all Canada +awhirl. Really, Mrs. Winslow, I'm surprised at your poetical nature." + +"Poetical nature?" repeated the woman excitedly. "Why! that is what Lyon +loved in me most. My trance-sittings are wonderful exhibitions of +poetical power. In that state I can compose poems of great length and +power." + +The gentlemen of course seemed incredulous at this statement, and +challenged her to a test of her poetical trance-power, which she +instantly accepted, the wager being a quart of the best brandy that +could be had in the city of Rochester. + +Putting herself in position, she asked: "What subject?" Bristol replied, +"Lyon," when she struggled a little in her chair, kicked the floor a +little with her heels, rubbed up her eyes, gasped, and after a moment of +rest began to incant in a kind of monotone tenor: + + "Oh, Lyon, Lyon! don't you run; + The suit's begun; we'll have our fun + Before we're done. I'll tell your son + That I have won, although you shun + Your darling one!" + + "Oh, Lyon, pray, why speed away? + To fight a woman is but play. + Although you're old, and bald, and gray, + Do right by your Amanda J.-- + You'll soon be clay!" + +Amanda J. Winslow, for this was the woman's assumed name in full, might +have continued in this divine strain for an indefinite period, had not +the operatives burst into loud and prolonged laughter at her ludicrous +appearance, which so disgusted the woman that, though communicating with +celestial spheres, as she assumed to be, and undoubtedly was doing as +much as any of her craft ever did, she jumped up with a bound, savagely +told the men they were a brace of fools, and with a lively remark or +two, which had something very like an oath in it, went to bed, leaving +the men to finish the bottle and the poetry as they saw fit. + +Mrs. Winslow was a thorough church-goer, and distributed the favor of +her attendance among the orthodox churches and the "meetings" of the +members of her own faith, quite fairly--perhaps, as was natural, giving +the Washington Hall Sunday evening Spiritualistic lectures a slight +preference; and soon after the Arcade affair, which had launched her +into poetry, she returned to the rooms one Sunday evening, declaring +that all her evil spirits had left her, and that her former passionate +love for Lyon had also departed, her only desire now being for his +money. + +To show how thoroughly she had been dispossessed of her evil spirits, +she remarked that she now thoroughly hated Lyon, but it would not do to +let this appear on trial, or she would lose the sympathy of the jury. +Every effort should now be bent towards compelling him to divide his +wealth with her, whom he had so deeply wronged. There should be no +compromise; she would not even be led to the altar by him now. She would +have from him what would most annoy him, and that was his money. + +Having resolved on this, the darkness that surrounded her was dispelled +and the spirits of light rallied as a sort of standing army; and in this +beneficent condition she wished to either go into the country to +recuperate for a few weeks, or seek the retirement of Fox's room and +there expend her superfluous brain and spirit power upon a play to be +entitled "His Breach of Promise." To this end she proposed removing the +elegant furnishings of her apartments and storing them in a spare room, +giving out to callers that she was absent from the city, and then, after +having secured Fox's room, she would be able to burn the midnight oil +unmolested so long as her inspiration might continue. + +She also favored Fox and Bristol with a sketch of the play, which was to +be a sort of spectacular comedy-drama, which, according to the lady's +description, would contain certainly seven acts of five scenes each, and +would be preceded by a prologue which would play at least an hour; in +fact, it seemed that the great play "His Breach of Promise" was to be +constructed on the Chinese plan, to be continued indefinitely, and +admission only to be secured in the form of course tickets. Outside of +these great aids to the popularity of the play, it was to have the +additional startling and novel attractions of representations of her +first meeting with Lyon, his regret because she was married, his copious +tears whenever in her presence, his securing her divorce, the death of +Lyon's wife, and every manner of pathetic and ludicrous incident +connected with the case; how they each wooed and won the other, +including a grand transformation scene typical of Lyon's subsequent +treachery, and her reward of virtue in a fifty thousand dollar verdict +for damages. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + + Mr. Pinkerton decides to favor Mrs. Winslow with a Series of + Annoyances.-- The mysterious Package.-- The Detectives + labor under well-merited Suspicion.-- "My God! what's + that?"-- The deadly Phial.-- This Time a Mysterious Box.-- + Its suggestive Contents.-- "The Thing she was."-- Tabitha, + Amanda, and Hannah assaulted.-- A Punch and Judy Show. + + +The reports which I had for some time received daily regarding Mrs. +Winslow's behavior satisfied me that the delay in reaching the +Winslow-Lyon case--which was at the bottom of the docket of the fall +term, and on account of a press of court business had been put over to +the winter term--the strict silence I had enjoined upon Mr. Lyon, and +the general suspicion which possessed her of everybody and everything, +were all having the natural effect of unsettling her completely, and I +determined upon a series of surprises and annoyances to the woman, +without in any way apprising Bristol and Fox of what was to be done; so +that although they might imagine from what source the unwelcome +"materializations" came, they would still be sufficiently uninformed to +share in the general surprise and escape the charge of complicity. + +I accordingly sent three additional men to Rochester with thorough +instructions and full information as to the madam's residence and +habits, with a description of her tenants, including Bristol and Fox, +who were unknown to the operatives sent. + +My object in doing this was a double one. I desired, first, to test the +woman's so-called spirit power; for, should these annoyances prove of +the nature of a persecution, she and her friends, the Spiritualists, +would be able to call celestial spirits to her aid, or, better still, +divine from whence the persecution came, and compel its discontinuance +by the means provided by ordinary mortals. In case she could not do +this, which was of course rather doubtful, I knew from her +superstitiousness and the guilty fear possessed by every criminal, which +she largely shared, that she would be quite likely to either make some +confessions which would implicate her in further blackmailing +operations, or force her into a line of conduct agreeing perfectly with +her true character, and which would compel her to show herself +thoroughly to the public; and further, I think I must confess to a +slight desire to assist a little in punishing her, after I had become so +fully aware of her villainous character. + +Accordingly, while Mrs. Winslow was still deep in the plot of her great +drama, but before the changes suggested--which would have made her a +sort of literary nun in Fox's room--had occurred, she was the recipient +of a large package of railway time-tables, with the farthest terminus of +each road underscored, and further called attention to by a hand and +index finger pointing towards it from Rochester, intimating that it was +either desired or demanded, on the part of somebody, that she should +leave Rochester for one of the points indicated. + +When Bristol and Fox returned "home," as they had come to call their +lodgings, that evening, Mrs. Winslow was at her escritoire, completely +immersed in time-tables and manuscript, and had all the air of an +important author struggling for fitting expressions with which to clothe +some suddenly inspired, though sublime idea. + +She looked at them closely a moment, as if she would read their very +thoughts. Whether seeing anything suspicious or not, she remarked very +pointedly: + +"Good deal of railroad rivalry nowadays, isn't there?" + +"Yes, considerable," replied Bristol pleasantly, and then asking, "Are +you going to introduce some rival railroads in your new play, Mrs. +Winslow?" + +"Not much!" she answered tersely. + +"I wouldn't," replied Bristol, taking a seat near the chandelier and +pulling a paper from his pocket; "they're dangerous." + +Mrs. Winslow paid no attention to this, but suddenly eyed Fox, and +sharply asked: + +"They like very much to sell through tickets, don't they?" + +"I believe they do--ought to pay better," he promptly rejoined, eyeing +her in return. + +"Well," said she, after a slight pause, and as if with something of a +sigh, "it's all right, perhaps; but if either of you should meet any +railroad agent who seems to be laboring under the delusion that I want +to found a colony in some far country, just tell him to expend his +energies in some other direction!" + +Of course my operatives were surprised, and demanded an explanation; but +the recipient of the circulars was quite dignified, and would only clear +the matter up by occasional little passionate bursts of confidence, as +if finding fault with them for not being able to unravel the mystery to +her. They protested they knew nothing about the matter, and she +undoubtedly believed them; but she ventured to inform them that if +anybody--mind you, anybody--supposed they could scare her away from +Rochester by any such hint as that, they were mightily mistaken, that's +all there was about _that_. + +My detectives allayed her fears as much as possible, but it was plainly +observable that she was really annoyed by the occurrence. There is +always a hundred times more terror in the fear of unknown evil than in +that which we can boldly meet, and this particularly applies to those +who know they _deserve_ punishment, as in Mrs. Winslow's case. + +The next evening they were all sitting discussing general topics and a +pint of peach brandy, and had become exceedingly sociable, particularly +over the railroad circulars, which Fox and Bristol had by this time +induced her to regard in the light of a huge joke, or error, when the +party were suddenly startled by some object which caused a peculiar +ringing, yet deadened sound, as it struck the partly-opened door and +then bounded upon the carpet where it glisteningly rolled out of sight +under the sofa where the thoroughly-scared Mrs. Winslow sat. + +"My God! what's that?" she screamed, rushing to the door and peering +down the staircase, as rapidly retreating footsteps were distinctly +heard; but not being able to discover anybody, scrambled back into the +room, shutting and bolting the door behind her. + +The woman was deathly pale, the color brought to her face by the brandy +having been driven from it as if by some terrible blow; but it came back +with her into the room, where Bristol and Fox _appeared_ nearly as +frightened as she. + +She looked at them a moment in a dazed, stupefied way, and then +demanded: "What does this mean?" + +"That's what I'd like to know!" returned Bristol, hunting for his +quizzers, which he had lost in his jump from his chair. "This is all +very fine, but it's pretty plain somebody here's sent for!" + +"And _I_ don't want to go!" chimed in Fox, climbing down from a safe +position upon the _escritoire_. + +The three looked at each other in an extremely suspicious way, and the +woman again demanded, this time threateningly, what it all meant. + +[Illustration: _The three looked at each other in an extremely +suspicious way.--_] + +"Something with a glitter, and it rolled under there," was all Bristol +could tell her about it. + +"Let's get it, whatever it is!" said Fox, with an apparent burst of +bravery and spirit. + +So Bristol at one end and Fox at the other end of the sofa, rolled it +out with a great show of caution, while Mrs. Winslow, though +preserving a good position for observation, kept nimbly out of the way. + +"What can it be?" she persisted excitedly. + +"A vial sealed with red wax, with a string attached, and containing some +clear liquid," said Fox, stooping to pick it up. + +"Don't--don't, Fox!" shouted Bristol, pushing him back impetuously; "the +devilish thing may burst and kill us all--nitro-glycerine, you know!" + +Mrs. Winslow shuddered, drew her elegant wrappings about her fair +shoulders, as if the thought chilled her like the sudden opening of some +cold vault, and looked appealingly at the two men. + +"Or might contain some deadly poison," said Fox, in a warning tone. + +"And the fiend who threw it in here expected the bottle to break and the +poison to murder us!" said Mrs. Winslow indignantly. + +"Things have come to a pretty pass when attempts like this are made on +people's lives!" said Bristol, adjusting his spectacles and edging +towards the mysterious missile. + +"I shall move at once," stoutly affirmed Mrs. Winslow. + +"Don't do any such thing," said Fox earnestly. "That will only show +whoever may be committing these indignities that we are alarmed by +them." + +"We?--_we?_" repeated the adventuress, with a peculiar accent upon the +word "we." "It isn't you men that is meant. It's _me_. This is some of +that Lyon's doings. Oh, I could cut his heart out!" + +The detectives saw that she was getting greatly excited, and Bristol, +with a view of quieting her as much as possible for the night, picked up +the vial by a string tied to it and hung it upon a nail, remarking that +he was something of a chemist himself and didn't believe it was +explosive, and also expressed a conviction that Mrs. Winslow should have +it analyzed. + +To this she acceded, and expressed a determination to "get even" with +the author of these outrages, in which laudable resolve the detectives +promised to assist her; but the peach brandy seemed the only relief +possible to Mrs. Winslow for the remainder of the evening, which was +chiefly passed in wild speculations and theories concerning the new +"manifestations," which she began to fear might be the result of jealous +clairvoyants and vindictive spiritualists, who had endeavored to +blackmail both herself and Mr. Lyon, and, failing in this, were now +persecuting her. + +The next day Mrs. Winslow went out quietly and secured the services of a +chemist under the Osborne House, who pronounced the contents nothing but +water, which proved a great relief to the agitated trio, but did not +remove from Mrs. Winslow's mind the anxiety and unrest that these +undesired and unlooked-for materializations were causing. + +About noon, after Fox and Bristol had come in from a little stroll and +they were all laughing over the scare of the previous evening, a step +was heard on the stairs, and soon after a little man with a big box on +his shoulder, and a slouched hat on his head which hid his face pretty +thoroughly, came to the head of the stairs, knocked at the door, and +without waiting for an invitation to come in, entered, and depositing +the box with the remark, "For Mrs. Winslow, from the Misses Grim," +spryly sprang back, shut the door, and clattered away down the stairs +and into the street before Mrs. Winslow could get a second look at him, +though she sprang after him, shouting, "Here! here! come back here or +I'll have you arrested!" But he only clattered away the livelier, and +she returned to the room raging and vowing that the box contained some +infernal machine for the purpose of distributing minute portions of her +anatomy all over the city of Rochester. + +This became more likely when Mrs. Winslow recollected that the Misses +Grim--Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah--were the three old maids from whom +she had thought she had secured a wealthy old banker to pluck; and +though he had proven to her a very ordinary man, somewhat infirm from +rheumatism, and a trifle quarrelsome, though eminently virtuous and +punctilious, she had never, of course, let them know how badly she had +been swindled; and as they yet regarded their lost boarder, Bristol, as +a priceless treasure, lost to them through her perfidy, it was no more +than natural, Mrs. Winslow thought, that in their chagrin and +disappointment they should concoct some diabolical plan to injure her. + +But still it might not be from them. She had other enemies, many of +them, and the Misses Grim's name might have been given to cover up some +other person's misdeeds. But whatever it might be, her curiosity soon +overcame her fear, and she requested Fox to open it. + +After securing a hammer from his room, the latter proceeded to open the +mysterious box; but after the cover had been partially drawn and it was +evident that the box had not been delivered for the purpose of +exterminating anybody, it occurred to its fair owner that there might be +something within it not desirable for her to let the gentlemen see, +whereupon she requested them to retire; but after Bristol had +grumblingly disappeared, and Fox had got to the door, she recalled the +latter and asked him anxiously if he would not open it for her. He +gallantly agreed to, and got down on his knees upon the carpet and began +taking off the cover. + +"I do wonder what it can be!" said Mrs. Winslow anxiously. + +"I can't find anything but bran," returned Fox, digging about the box +carefully. + +"Bran!" she exclaimed incredulously; "that box is too heavy for bran." + +Fox dug away for a little while longer and finally shouted, "I've got +something!" + +"And what is that something?" + +The question was answered by the thing itself, which now appeared from +the bottom of the box, vigorously lifted by Fox's hand and plumped +through the bran upon the carpet. + +"Well, what is it?" she demanded. + +"Vegetable," said Fox tersely. + +"Oh, pshaw! is _that_ all?" asked the disgusted woman. + +"Yes, that's all," he replied, after digging about in the bran for a +moment. Mrs. Winslow also satisfied herself that it was all by searching +in the bran, and the two then proceeded to investigate the vegetable. + +"It's a turnip, and somebody's been digging in it," said Mrs. Winslow. + +"I think you are mistaken," mildly interposed Fox. "It's something else +entirely." + +"What's this!" exclaimed the woman; "sure as I live, a cross-bones and +skull on one side, and on the other side, 'D-e-a-d'--dead!" + +"It isn't dead turnip!" interrupted Fox. + +"Dead beet?" she asked musingly, a sudden crimson flooding into her +face. + +"Shouldn't wonder," he answered. + +Biting her lips she glided to a window. It was a cold autumn day, and +the panes rattled drearily as she seemed to shrink and hide between them +and the heavy curtains, while the color came and went hotly in her face. +It hurt her, wounded her, showed her to be the thing she was in a way +that could never have been effected by ten thousand innuendoes or direct +charges; and she pressed her face against the cold panes as if to force +and drive away the hideous picture that a momentarily honest glimpse of +herself had revealed to her, and continued standing thus, buried in the +memories which build remorse, until, noticing the thing in her hand +which had caused this humiliation, she flung it violently across the +room, and rushing into her sleeping-room, hastily prepared for going +out, then dashing through the reception-room, she passed into the hall, +and meeting Bristol, said: + +"Bristol, I want you to come with me!" + +Bristol immediately complied, but was given a lively chase, for Mrs. +Winslow was strong of limb, fleet of foot, and, on this occasion, was +impelled by a burst of spirit which, if rightly directed, would have led +a conquering army. + +She started directly for Main Street, and turned up that thoroughfare at +a pace which attracted considerable attention. After rapidly walking two +blocks she swept across the street, and after having waited for Bristol +to come up with her, plunged into the little restaurant under Washington +Hall, with my operative close at her heels. + +The sudden entrance of the couple caused a great commotion in the quaint +little eating-room, and the drowsy customers smiled when they saw the +unaccustomed form of the woman whom the Misses Grim--Tabitha, Amanda and +Hannah--had taken no trouble to prevent being known as her deadly enemy. + +Tabitha, the most ancient, at once bristled up and took a position +behind her neat counter, her wrinkled head trembling with so much +excitement that her sparse curls created a kind of quivering nimbus +about it. + +"Well, ma'am and what can _I_ do for _you_?" asked Tabitha with a flaunt +of her head and a sarcastic tinge in her voice. + +Mrs. Winslow got to the counter in two or three quick jumps or starts, +and asked, husky with rage, "I--I just want to know which one of you old +straws sent that box to me?" + +"Box to _you_!" jerked out Amanda, the next less ancient of the Misses +Grim, who had just entered and at once stopped stock still to catch Mrs. +Winslow's remark; "box to you? Tush!--box to nobody!" and she too sidled +in behind the counter to reinforce, and tremble with, her very old +sister. + +"Oh, you can't play your innocence on me!" retorted Mrs. Winslow very +violently. "You wear very white collars, and very black caps and very +straight dresses, and look very saintly, but you're just three old +witches; that's what you are!" + +"Pooh, pooh!" snorted Tabitha and Amanda hysterically. + +"Pooh, pooh! if you like; but if I find out which one of you sent that +box, I'll--I'll shake every bone in her old body into a match!" shouted +Mrs. Winslow, dancing up and down against the counter and working her +fingers savagely. + +"Match?" responded Hannah, the least ancient and most fiery of the three +virgins, and who entered at this critical moment; "match indeed! you're +a match for anything villainous!" and then she too trotted behind the +counter to throw the weight of her presence into the conflict. + +By this time the interested customers had gathered around, and people +from the street, noticing the unwonted enthusiasm awakened in the +Washington Hall restaurant, were rapidly collecting upon the outside and +flattening their curious noses against the intervening panes. + +Mrs. Winslow could no more control herself than could the old maids, and +quickened by the presence of the increasing crowd, burst into a +screaming demand for the person who sent the "dead" beet to her. + +"Dead beat!--ha, ha, ha!" laughed the three sisters convulsively, at +once realizing the appropriateness of the joke and excitedly enjoying +it; "dead beat, eh? we didn't do it!" "But," added Hannah, maliciously, +"if you do find the person as did send it, Mrs. Winslow, and will send +'em around, we'll board 'em for a month free!" + +There was war, direful war, imminent; and no one could imagine what +might have resulted had the conflict of tongues culminated in a conflict +of hands. But to have seen the three ancient, prim, and trembling women +on the one side, and the ponderous, though handsome Mrs. Winslow on the +other--the old maids either with arms akimbo or with hands firmly +clenched upon the counter's edge as if to compel restraint, their bodies +weaving back and forth, their heads bobbing up and down, and their stray +frills and curls wildly dancing as if each particular hair was in a mad +ecstasy of its own; and Mrs. Winslow, upon her side of the counter, in a +perfect frenzy of excitement, stamping her feet, jumping backward and +forward, bringing her clenched hand down upon the counter with terrible +force for a woman, and shaking it furiously at the agitated row of old +maids, would be to have witnessed a marvellous improvement upon any +form of the Punch and Judy show ever exhibited. + +[Illustration: _"A marvelous improvement over any form of the Punch and +Judy show ever exhibited."--_] + +Bristol saw that unless they were separated he would become implicated +in a case of assault and battery, and after great effort pacified the +women sufficiently to enable him to pilot his landlady out of the +restaurant, through the streets and finally into her own apartments, +where she passed the remainder of the dreary day in weeping, storms of +baffled rage, or protracted applications to the spirits which can be +controlled, whether one is a spiritualist or not, so long as money lasts +and total prohibition is not enforced. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + + Cast down.-- "Trifles."-- A charitable Offering.-- + Dreariness.-- Going Crazy.-- An interrupted Seance.-- A + new Form of the Devil.-- The Red-herring Expedition and + its Result.-- A mad Dutchman.-- Desolation.-- An order for + a Coffin.-- The sympathizing Undertaker, Mr. Boxem. + + +Mrs. Winslow now began to show great perturbation of spirits. In +conversation with my detectives, who endeavored to cheer her up and lead +her to regard these surprises as mere jokes not worth any person's +notice, she constantly argued the opposite, and thus arguing, conjured +up countless possibilities of harm, gradually working herself into that +condition of mind where every little unusual noise or movement of any +person in the building or upon the street was a signal for some +querulous inquiry or complaint. + +She was also very much worried concerning her suit, and went about among +the Spiritualists seeking their advice and encouragement, and giving and +receiving a good deal of scandal concerning the case. From one she would +hear that Lyon was employing certain other mediums in his behalf, and +that she had better look out for them. Another would inform her that +Lyon had several other mistresses, among them a Miss Susie Roberts, and +a Madame La Motte, both Spiritualists and mediums, from whom Lyon +intended to prove her bad character, and whom she, in turn, vowed she +would have subpoenaed in her own behalf, and impeach their testimony +through what she could compel them to admit of both themselves and Lyon. +At other places she learned that these persecutions were Lyon's work +entirely, or rather, the work of his agents, principal among whom were +the two ladies mentioned. And, in fact, wherever she went she heard or +found something to give her uneasiness or cause her unrest. + +"Yes," she said sadly to my operatives, "I can't stand this sort of +thing much longer." + +"Oh, nonsense!" rejoined Bristol; "you haven't been hurt, have you?" + +"No; but I can't tell when I shall be. That's what I can't bear." + +"But I thought you were a woman of too great force of character to allow +trifles to trouble you," exclaimed Fox tauntingly. + +"Trifles!" said she hotly; "trifles! Is expecting every moment to be +murdered, or blown up, a trifle? Is fearing that everything you taste +will poison you, or everything you touch do you deadly harm, a trifle?" + +"People will think you deserve to be annoyed if you show them you are +annoyed," argued Fox. + +"I have long since ceased to care what people think. Sometimes I am sure +I hate every human being; and I do believe the more the world hates me, +the more money I make. If these things are not stopped soon, I tell +you," she continued in a tone of voice that seemed to say they could +stay the annoyances if they would, "I'll go to St Louis and attend to my +cases there!" + +This opened the eyes of my operatives, and they simultaneously conveyed +the intimation to each other that careful working might secure some +information about any St. Louis cases the woman might have which would +be desirable; and in a short time, by gradually leading Mrs. Winslow on, +they discovered that the brazen adventuress, according to her own story, +had pending no less than seven cases in the Circuit Court at St. Louis, +every one of them being suits on some trivial, trumped-up charge. + +It seemed fated that Mrs. Winslow should leave Rochester, if her +remaining depended upon these mysterious offerings ceasing, for while +they were yet in conversation upon the subject, a colored porter called +with a great basket-load of provisions, and without a word, after +spreading a newspaper upon the carpet, began unloading his store. + +"In heaven's name, who sent you here with those?" she entreated of the +colored gentleman. + +"It's all right; it's all right," he said soothingly, and winking hard +at my operatives. + +"But it isn't all right; it's all wrong!" she retorted, warming. + +"Guess not, missus; lemme see: Quart split peas, quart beans, one +punking, jug m'lasses, 'n a mackerel. Done got 'em all, sure!" + +"Where did they come from, you black imp?" the woman demanded, +advancing threateningly. + +He grabbed his basket quickly, and, slowly retreating towards the door, +winked again very knowingly at Bristol and Fox, tapped his forehead and +shook his head deploringly, and then nodded towards Mrs. Winslow, very +plainly saying in pantomime, "Poor thing!--badly demented!" and, as Mrs. +Winslow, in the excess of her anger, made a dive at him, he sprang back +through the door, ejaculating, "Lo'd, _ain't_ she crazy, though!" and +made good his escape, laughing with that expression of complete +enjoyment which only an Ethiopian can give. + +Mrs. Winslow was now thoroughly convinced that the two men who had been +her constant companions of late had had something to do with annoying +her, and she cunningly followed the negro to the store where he was +employed, where she at once sharply questioned the proprietor, who told +her just as sharply that only a few minutes before, a ministerial-looking +man, claiming to be city missionary for some church up-town, called and +purchased the goods, remarking that they were for some crazy woman +living in the block next to Meech's opera-house, whom he had just +visited, and found to be possessed of the peculiar mania that she would +receive no provisions save in full dress in the presence of her +physicians, and that it was his desire to so humor her. So he had +entrusted the errand to the colored man, who had carried out the +instructions given him; and that that was all there was about it. + +When she returned crestfallen to the apartments, and Bristol and Fox +had heard her story, they so derided it, claiming that the groceryman +had fallen in love with her and invented the story upon the spur of the +moment, fearing to disclose his languishing affection, she now believed +that they were innocent of complicity in the matter and seemed to lapse +into a bewildered sort of condition, where she would wander about the +rooms, suspiciously pass and repass my operatives and searchingly +scrutinize their faces, and for long periods stand at the dreary window +peering into the street as if into a dead blank, never noticing the +scurrying snow-flakes which were coming as a silent prelude to another +winter, and only occasionally breaking the silence by murmuring, "Crazy? +crazy? Yes, I _shall_ become so if these terrible things are not +stopped!" + +But Mrs. Winslow had seen too much of life and was too hard a citizen +generally to be terribly borne down by these manifestations for any +great length of time, though they completely overpowered her at their +occurrence, and she was allowed to become quite cheery before being +favored with another materialization, which came in the following +manner. + +They were having a pleasant little seance in the rooms one evening soon +after the colored grocery porter had accused Mrs. Winslow of being +crazy, and the several ladies and gentlemen collected there were engaged +in communing with the Spiritualistic heaven in the old and very common +table-rapping method. They were, as a rule, lank, lean people, the +ladies wearing short hair, and the gentlemen wearing long hair. This, +with a few other affectations and irregularities, was nothing against +them, had it not been equally as true that, according to my operatives' +subsequent inquiries, every member of this company was either living in +open adultery or practising all manner of lewdness without even the +convenient cloak of an assumption or pretension that the marriage +relations existed. But, good or bad as they were, they were at the +threshold of heaven, and had very appropriately darkened the room to get +as near to it as possible without being seen, and only the faintest +possible jet flickered in the chandelier. They had all, save Mrs. +Winslow, been served with a message, and she was now the inquirer, +solemnly asking of another medium some information from the dear +departed from over the river. + +"Shall I soon receive word from an absent friend?"--(evidently meaning +Le Compte, who had disappeared a month or two previous). Three +affirmative raps followed. + +"Shall I succeed in my case against Lyon?" The spirits were certain that +she would. + +"Shall I be rewarded for all my trouble?" she asked, waiting tremblingly +for an answer. + +To this inquiry three thundering raps were heard at the door. + +What could it mean? + +The members of the little circle were completely unnerved. And it was +not strange either. Here were nearly a dozen people closely huddled in +the centre of a room so dark that only the dim, indistinct outline of +any person, or thing, could be seen in the ghostly gloaming. They +believed, pretended they believed, or acquiesced in the belief or +pretension, that they were in direct communication with the spirit-land. + +In the most ridiculous condition of mind which any person might enter +into such a performance, the secrecy and mysteriousness of the seance, +the hushed silence, the darkness, and that tension of the mind caused by +a constant expectation of some startling manifestation, will compel in +the most sceptical mind a strange feeling of solemnity akin to awe; so +that when Mrs. Winslow's last inquiry was answered so pat, as well as +with such an alarming loudness, the entire company sprang to their feet, +and on this occasion there was genuine surprise in the faces of my +detectives. + +Bang, bang, bang! came the second series of raps, which promised Mrs. +Winslow she should be "rewarded for all her trouble." + +But the answer, in the way it came, didn't seem to satisfy her. Somebody +stepped to the chandelier and turned on the light, which showed all the +company to have been considerably startled; but the hostess was white +from fear. + +"Won't _somebody_ see what new form of the devil has been sent here to +annoy me?" she asked passionately. + +Fox, as "somebody," stepped briskly to the door and turned the key just +as the first "Bang!" of another series of raps was begun, and opening +it quickly discovered a dapper young fellow with a big black bottle held +by the neck in his hand, which was raised for the purpose of giving the +door bang number two. + +In response to Fox's loud and sharp inquiry as to what on earth was +wanted, he reversed the position of the bottle with the dexterity of a +bar-tender, took from the floor a huger basket than that brought by the +colored porter, and slipping into the room, nodded familiarly to Mrs. +Winslow, and then coolly to the company, after which he quietly +proceeded to unload his store. + +"Great heavens!" said she despairingly, "I _don't_ want those things +left here. I have no need for anything of the kind. I take my meals at +the Osborne House!" + +"Gettin' 'toney' lately!" responded the intruder with a shrug, piling +the packages up neatly in one corner and taking no heed of her expressed +wish concerning them. + +There was no response to this, and he resumed in a light and airy tone: +"Times has changed, Mrs. ----; eh? What _was_ it at Memphis and Helena, +anyhow?" + +This reference to the less aristocratic, though quite as respectable, +vocation of a female camp-follower, though it caused the woman to change +color rapidly, only brought from her the remark, "I don't know what you +mean, sir! I'll get even with whoever is responsible for this +outrage"--here she glared around upon the company as if to ascertain +whether any one present was guilty--"if it costs me a thousand dollars!" + +The new-comer only smiled sarcastically at this and checked off his +packages, concluding the operation by carefully counting two dozen red +herrings, whose aroma was sufficient to announce their presence if he +had not exhibited them at all; while members of the company looked about +them and at each other as if for some explanation of the strange +proceeding. + +Finally, Mrs. Winslow, with a mighty effort to restrain herself, +advanced and asked the young man if he would not please give her the +name of the person to whom she was indebted for the articles. + +He arose, and smiling blandly, remarked, "You didn't used to be so +particular about presents and such things!" Then he added with a meaning +leer: "At Helena and St. Louis, ye know, old girl!" + +"Old girl!" the ladies all screamed. "Why what _does_ this mean, Mrs. +Winslow?" + +"Nothing, nothing!" she replied hastily; and then she hurried the too +talkative young fellow away, and came back into the room with a show of +gayety. But it broke up the little party, and soon after the ladies, +with frigid excuses about not having very much time, and the gentlemen, +with peculiar glances out of the corners of their eyes towards the woman +who had been so familiarly termed an "old girl," took their departure, +leaving Bristol, Fox, Mrs. Winslow and the melancholy pile of packages +surmounted by aromatic red herrings in a state of solemn, moody silence. + +Bristol was first to break the stillness, which he did by asking rather +testily: + +"You think Fox and I have had something to do with this, don't you?" + +She looked at him a moment as if she would read his innermost thoughts, +and replied: "No, I don't! It comes from some of those strumpets of +mediums, and I would give a good deal--a good deal, mind you, +Bristol!--to know who it was. I'd--I'd----" + +"What would you do?" asked Fox, putting her on her mettle for a savage +answer. + +"I would either burn them out, poison them, push them over the falls, or +lie in wait for them and shoot them!" + +Mrs. Winslow said this with as much sincerity and coolness as if giving +an estimate on any ordinary business transaction, and evidently meant +it. + +"Oh, you wouldn't kill anybody, Winslow," replied Fox airily. + +"Wouldn't I, though, Mr. Fox?" she rejoined with the old glitter in her +eyes and paleness upon her upper lip that had at an earlier period +worried the Rev. Mr. Bland; "wouldn't I? If you had fifty thousand +dollars in your trunk, I would kill you, appropriate the money, cut you +up and pack you in the trunk and ship you to the South--or some other +hot climate by the next express!" + +She was just as earnest about the remark as she would have been in +carrying out the act; and after Fox had congratulated himself, both +aloud cheerfully and in his own mind very thankfully, that neither his +trunk, or for that matter his imagination, contained any such gorgeous +sum, he went to his own room for the night, leaving the very excited +Mrs. Winslow and the very calm Mr. Bristol to contemplate the groceries +and each other. + +After a few minutes' brown study she suddenly turned to her companion +with: "Bristol, you and I are pretty good friends, aren't we?" + +"Certainly," he replied. + +"And haven't I always treated you pretty well?" + +"Yes; with one exception." + +"What is that?" + +"The sleep-walking you did in my room." + +"Oh, that's nothing, Bristol. Never happened but once, and won't occur +again. Otherwise I have treated you pretty well, haven't I?" + +Bristol felt compelled to confess that she had. + +"Well, then," she continued wheedlingly, "will you do me a favor?" + +"What is it?" + +"I want you to take a walk with me." + +"Pretty late, Winslow, pretty late; nearly ten o'clock," replied the +detective, looking at his watch. + +"The later the better," she replied earnestly. "I want to use those +herrings." + +"Use those herrings! Why, there are at least two dozen. How on earth +will you use them all?" + +"Some of these humbug mediums," replied Mrs. Winslow in a style of +expression that showed her to be very familiar with the Spiritualists, +"or old Lyon himself, have sent me these things. I'm going to adorn the +door knob of every one of their places with a string of herrings. In +that way I'll hit the right one sure. Come, won't you go?" + +Bristol saw that the woman would go anyhow, and fearing that she might +get into some trouble that would cause her arrest and thus expose him +and Bristol to public notice, which a capable detective will always +avoid, consented to accompany the woman, which so pleased her that she +immediately sent out for brandy, and not only imbibed an inordinate +amount of it herself, but also pressed it upon Bristol unsparingly. + +Her mind seemed filled with the idea that Lyon had become the "affinity" +of nearly every female medium of prominence in the city in order to +further his designs against her; and to remind them that they were +watched, she had Bristol write "Lyon-La Motte," "Lyon-Roberts," "Lyon- +----," etc., upon about a half-dozen couples of herrings, and upon all +the rest, save those intended for the Misses Grim, which were labelled +"Tabitha, Amanda, and Hannah," she had written the names of the +different ladies who, in her imagination, had supplanted her, and tied +all the herrings so labelled together with one very dilapidated herring +marked "Lyon." It is needless to say that the latter bundle of sarcasm +was intended for the ornamentation of Mr. Lyon's residence. + +Bristol felt like a very bad thief, and Mrs. Winslow acted like a very +foolish one. The moment they gained the street she began a series of +absurd performances that well-nigh distracted Bristol and greatly +increased the danger of police surveillance. She laughed hysterically, +chuckled, and expressed her delight in a noisy effort to repress it, +until the tears would roll down her face. Occasionally they would meet +or pass parties who knew her, who would say to companions, in the tone +and manner with which they would have probably spoken of other +sensations, "There's the Winslow!" when she would shrink and shudder up +to Bristol's side, begging for the shelter and protection of his +capacious cloak. Again, imagining she saw somebody following them, or +was sure that loungers lingering in deserted doorways or at the entrance +to dark hallways or alleys were detectives on their trail, she would +give the patient Bristol such nudges as nearly took his breath away, +and, at his lively protest, would whimper and tremble like a querulous +child. + +Their first work was to be done on State Street, near Main, and when +they had arrived at a certain hallway, Mrs. Winslow insisted that +Bristol should accompany her to the rooms which she desired to decorate. +This he flatly refused to do, when she began moaning something about +want of spirit, and then, with a sudden gathering of the admirable +quality for her own use, stole quietly up stairs and in a moment after +came plunging down, as if the inmates of the entire block had turned out +to give her chase. But this was not the case, and the expedition +progressed without any developments of note, Mrs. La Motte, Miss Susie +Roberts, and the Misses Grim being properly remembered, until they +arrived at Mr. Lyon's residence, some little distance from the thickly +settled portions of the city. + +The house was one of the rambling, moss-covered buildings of ancient +style and structure, and was set back from the road some distance among +a score of trees quite as grand and ancient as the mansion itself; and +the old pile did have a gloomy appearance to the adventurous couple that +paused breathlessly before the gates. + +"Bristol," said Mrs. Winslow shiveringly, "do you know that sometimes, +when I see that great black pile up there, I'm glad he didn't marry me?" + +"Why?" her companion impatiently asked. He was getting cold and tired, +and was in no condition to appreciate maudlin melancholy. + +"Because I'm sure I'd die in the old rack-o'-bones of a place; and +besides that, I'm sure there are spooks there!" + +"Pooh, pooh!" sneered Bristol angrily; "go along and attend to your +business, or I'll go back and leave you!" + +Thus admonished, the sentimental lady proceeded with her work. + +For some reason the gate was very hard to open, and considerable time +was consumed in getting into the grounds. Then it was a long walk to the +house. Bristol anxiously watched the woman move slowly along the broad +walk until she disappeared in the shadows which surrounded the house and +the darkness of the night; and it seemed an age to him, as he stamped +his feet as hard as he dare upon the stone pavement and whipped his +hands about his shoulders to drive away the chilliness which he found +creeping on. + +He heard her footsteps first, then saw her emerge from the gloom, and +finally saw her stop as if to listen. He also listened very intently, +and thought he heard somebody moving about the house; and was +immediately satisfied of the correctness of his hearing by noticing that +Mrs. Winslow suddenly turned towards the road and made remarkably good +time to the gate, which, feeling sure of trouble, he made strenuous +efforts to open. + +"For heaven's sake, Bristol," she gasped, "why _don't_ you open this +gate. I'll be eaten up with the dogs, and we'll both be caught!" + +The last clause of Mrs. Winslow's remark roused Bristol to a vigorous +exercise of his muscle. He tugged away at the gate, shook it, threw +himself against it from one side, and his companion threw herself +against it from the other side; but all in vain. Not a moment was to be +lost. Lights were seen flashing to and fro in the great mansion, angry +voices came to them, with the by nowise cheering short, gruff, savage +responses of loosened bulldogs, and in a moment more the front door was +passed by two men and as many dogs that came dashing out in full +pursuit. + +Matters at the gate were approaching a crisis. The gate could not be +opened, and Mrs. Winslow must pass it or get captured. + +"Climb or die!" urged Bristol, reaching through the pickets of the +gate, which was a high one, and lifting on the portly form of the +excited woman. + +"I will, Bristol!" she returned, with a gasp. + +And she did climb! + +[Illustration: _"And she did climb!"--_] + +It was best that she did so, as a good deal of trouble was coming down +that brick walk like a small hurricane, and it would logically strike +her in a position and from a direction that would not enable her to +respond; and if either or both of those dogs had been able to have +grasped the situation, partially impaled as she was upon the pickets, +the fascinating Mrs. Winslow would have fallen an easy prey. + +She was very clumsy about it, but in her desperation she in some way +managed to scale the gate, leaving a good portion of her skirts and +dress flying signals of distress upon the pickets, and finally fell into +Bristol's arms. It was a moment when silk and fine raiment were as +bagatelle in the estimate of chances for escape, and it was but the work +of an instant for Bristol to tear her like a ship from her fastenings +and make a grand rush towards home. + +Those portions of Mrs. Winslow's garments which were left flaunting upon +the gate not only set the dogs wild, but served to detain them. The men +were also halted a minute by the natural curiosity they awakened, after +which they made a furious onslaught upon the gate, that only yielded +after sufficient time had elapsed to enable the culprits to get some +distance ahead, when the men and dogs started pell-mell down the street +after them. + +Bristol fortunately remembered that when they were nearing Lyon's +house, he had noticed that the door leading to an alley in the rear of a +pretentious residence had been blown open and was then swaying back and +forth in the wind. With the advantage in the chase given by the dog's +criticism upon Mrs. Winslow's wearing apparel and the men's hinderance +at the gate, they were able to seek shelter here, which they did with +the utmost alacrity, fastening the gate behind them, where they +tremblingly listened to the pursuers tearing by. + +Mrs. Winslow insisted on immediately rushing out and taking the other +direction, but Bristol, feeling sure that the party would go but a short +distance, held on to her until the two men returned with the dogs, +swearing at their luck, and telling each other wonderful tales of +burglaries that never took place, while Bristol thoughtfully put in the +time by making Mrs. Winslow's skirts as presentable as possible, by the +aid of the pins which every prudent man carries under the right-hand +collar of his coat, and hurriedly ascertaining from her that she had +unfortunately tied the herrings upon the door-bell instead of the +door-knob, thus involving pursuit. + +After everything had become quiet, and Bristol had made several +expeditions of observation to doubly assure himself of the coast being +clear, the couple stole cautiously out of the alley into the deserted +street, and after much precaution and many alarms, caused by the +creaking of signs, the sudden flaring of gas-lamps, and the fierce gusts +of wind dashing after and into them around the sharp corners of +buildings, they at last arrived at home past midnight; and, having +ordered it as they neared the block, for a half-hour longer they sipped +hot toddy by a rousing coal fire, recounting their exploits of the +night, and eventually retiring with something of the spirit of +conquerors upon them. + +Down came the snow and the wind next morning, two things which will +usually in early winter call a whole cityful out of bed, and set the +human tides in a rapid motion. Fox and Bristol had long before got into +the streets and had heartily enjoyed some newspaper items, one +recounting racily the outrage of labeled herrings being hung to the +door-knobs of the houses of many respectable citizens, and another, +under glaring head-lines, giving the minutest details of a desperate +attempt at burglary of Mr. Lyon's house, and a double-leaded editorial +which agonizedly asked in every variety of form, "Where are our police?" +But Mrs. Winslow, from her adventures and toddy of the previous night, +slept late and long, and when she did come creeping out into the +sleeping-room, half dressed and altogether unlovely in disposition and +appearance, she looked out upon the snow-flakes and the crowds of people +without any emotion save that of anger at being aroused. + +The only thing to be seen of anything like an unusual object was a very +large load of hay standing at the entrance of the building; but of +course this had no particular interest to a Spiritualist. She had had a +half-formed impression that she had heard knocking at the door, and she +turned from the window to ascertain whether that impression had been +correct. Throwing a shawl about her head and shoulders, she unlocked the +door and peered out cautiously. There was nobody there, and the wind +whistled up the stairs so drearily that she closed the door with a slam, +and after starting up the fire, which was slumbering on the hearth, she +crept into bed again. + +She had no more than got at the drowsy threshold of dreamland than she +was startled by a loud knocking, this time proceeding from something +besides an impression of the mind, each knock being accompanied by some +lively expression of German impatience. The demonstration was +intelligible, if the words were not, and Mrs. Winslow bounded out of her +bed and into the reception-room in no pleasant frame of mind. + +On protecting her form as much as her indelicate disposition +required--and that was not much--she flung the door open and savagely +asked: + +"What's wanted?" + +"Ef you keep a man skivering and frozing to died mit der vind und +schnow-vlakes, I guess mebby I charge more as ten dollars a don for +'em!" + +He was all smiles at first, but he resented her brusque manner as +swiftly and severely as he could with his broken brogue. He was an +honest, broad-shouldered, big-headed German farmer, and though wrapped +and wound from head to foot in woollens, the only thing that seemed warm +about him was his glowing pipe and his disturbed temper. He shook his +head at the woman, and again began a stammering recital of his wrongs, +when she cut him short with: + +"You're crazy!" + +"Grazy? Of I make a foolishness of a fellar like as you do--well, dot's +all right!" and he stood up very straight and puffed great clouds of +smoke past her into her elegant room. + +She had got a stolid customer on hand, and she saw it. So she asked him +civilly what he wanted at _her_ door. + +"Yust told me vere ish der parn, und I don't trouble you no more." + +"Whose barn?" + +"Vere der hay goes." + +"Hay? What hay? I don't know anything about any hay," she replied, +laughing at his perplexity. + +"I shtand here an hour already, und ven I got you up no satisfagtion +comes. Py Shupiter, dot goes like a schwindle!" + +He was very mad by this time, and walked back and forth in front of her +door, shaking his fists and gesticulating wildly; and to prevent a +scene, which might cause a collection of the inmates of the building, +she quieted him as much as possible, and ascertained that some obliging +person, more enthusiastic about the amount than the character of some +token of esteem, had taken the trouble to order a load of hay to be +delivered at her number, describing the place, room, and woman so +minutely that there could be no possibility of mistake, where the owner +was to collect all additional charges above two dollars, which had been +paid. + +It took Mrs. Winslow a long time to persuade the farmer that she owned +no barn, kept no animals, had no use for hay, and that there had been +some mistake, or that some person had deliberately played a joke upon +_him_, but finally, after a shivering argument of fully fifteen minutes, +and the expenditure of a dollar bill, with the seductive offer that she +would give him ten dollars if he would find and bring to her the man who +ordered the load, her obstinate visitor departed, roundly swearing in +good German that he would have the _Gottferdamter schwindler_ brought up +by der city gourts and hung, to which Mrs. Winslow groaned a hearty +approval as she shut the door of the--to her--desolate room. + +If there had previously been any doubts in her mind as to there being a +preconcerted plan to annoy and exasperate her beyond endurance, they +were now entirely removed, and the woman broke down completely, wringing +her hands in mute expression of bitter anguish. The storm without was +not half so violent as the storm within, and the blinding flakes which +swept from the bitter sky raged upon a no more barren, frozen, desolate +soil than her own selfish heart. + +There may be a kind of pity for such a woman; there should be pity for +every form of human suffering, or even depravity; but in my mind there +should be none to verge from pity into palliation and excuse for this +woman. Great as was her mental suffering, there was in it not a single +touch of remorse. Terribly as her mind was racked and tortured with +doubt, uncertainty, fear, and despair, there was in it no trace of the +womanhood which, however low it may descend, is still capable of regret. +She was not heart-sick for the life she was leading, but dreaded the +punishment she knew it deserved. Her nature had never shrunk from the +countless miseries she had entailed on others, and her heart never +misgave her only in the absence of her kind of happiness or in the +superstitious fear of the evils which she felt assured were constantly +her due. She was, as far as I ever knew, or can conceive, a soulless +woman whose troubles only produced vindictiveness, whose utter aim in +life was social piracy, whose injuries only begat hate, and whose +sufferings only concentrated her exhaustless hunger and thirst for +revenge. + +After the first burst of rage and passion, she settled down into a +condition of deep study and planning, and about the middle of the +afternoon began passing in and out and visiting various places, in a way +which, though it might not particularly attract attention, yet betokened +some business project being resolutely and quietly carried out. + +During one of the periods when she was within her apartments, quite a +commotion was raised in the lower story, the stores of which were +occupied by a tobacconist and milliner, by a call from a prominent +undertaker of Main Street, who with a mysterious air exhibited the +following note, at the same time asking whispered conundrums about it. + + "MR. BOXEM: + + "DEAR SIR--Please quietly deliver a full-sized coffin at No. + -- South St. Paul Street, at the first room to the right of + the stairway as it reaches the third floor. Enclosed please + find five dollars, in part payment. Will make it an object to + you to ask no questions below, and deliver the coffin as soon + after dark as possible. + + (Signed) "MRS. A. J. W----." + +Mr. Boxem was by no means a solemn man; but he had a heavy bass voice, +which he used to such great effect in asking questions below stairs, +that he succeeded in creating a fine horror there, so that by the time +he had proceeded to Mrs. Winslow's rooms, it was settled in the minds of +the tobacconist and the milliner, their employees, and any customers of +either who had happened in during Mr. Boxem's preliminary investigation, +that each and every one's previous solemn prediction as to "_something_ +being wrong upstairs" had now come true, as they each and every one +reminded the other that "Oh, I told you so!" + +Mr. Boxem, finding Mrs. Winslow's door ajar, quietly stepped in and +reverently removed his sombre crape hat. + +"Evening, ma'am," he said politely, but with a professional shade of +sympathy in the greeting. + +"And what do _you_ want?" she asked in a kind of desperation, noticing +an open letter in his hand. + +"Your order, you know," he replied tenderly; "these things are sad and +have to be borne. Can't possibly be helped, more 'n one can help coming +into the world." + +Mrs. Winslow could not reply from rage and anger, and hiding her face in +her hands, walked to the window. + +"No, it's the _way_ of the world," continued Boxem, with a sigh; +"ah--hem!--might I ask if _it_ is in there?" he concluded, producing a +tape-line case. + +"It?--in God's name, what _it_!" sobbed the woman. + +"Why--the--the"--stammered her visitor somewhat abashed, "the body--the +corpse, you know! Have come to measure it. Painful, I know; but business +is business, if it's only coffin business; and I can't possibly do a +neat job without I get a good measure. Something like the tailoring +trade, you see!" + +"Body?--corpse?--come to measure it? Oh, I shall go wild, I shall go +wild," persisted the woman, half frantic at the intimation which came to +her that a corpse was not only in her place, but in the very room where +she slept, and that this fiend who was pursuing her--this Nemesis, who +struck her pride, her ambition, her desires, her very life, at every +move she made, had actually sent an undertaker there to measure the dead +body. + +It is hard to tell what would have happened if the good sense of the +undertaker had not come to the relief of the situation; and, hastily +answering her that there had probably been some mistake, that the order +was probably meant for the next block, and offering other similar +excuses while hastily apologizing for the intrusion, Mr. Boxem very +sensibly went back to his business and his coffins, five dollars ahead +until more promising inquiries should bring to light the friend of the +alleged dead, and the owner of the money, who, fortunately for Mr. +Boxem, has not appeared to this day. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + + Breaking up.-- Doubts and Queries.-- Suspected + Developments.-- The Detectives completely outwitted.-- On + the Trail again.-- From Rochester to St. Louis.-- A + prophetic Hotel Clerk.-- More Detectives and more Need for + them.-- Lightning Changes. + + +Bristol and Fox happened around in time to participate in the general +excitement which the undertaker's visit had awakened, and after getting +as full particulars as possible from the people below, who refused to +believe that some dark deed had not been committed upstairs, they +proceeded to the rooms, where they found the door to Mrs. Winslow's +private apartment closed, and the two, finding no opportunity to +converse with their landlady, shortly went out for supper. + +On their return they found Mrs. Winslow in a remarkably pleasant frame +of mind, and quite full of jokes about the order for a coffin--so much +so, in fact, that my operatives were quite surprised at the change from +her previous demeanor under similar circumstances. Altogether they +passed one of the pleasantest evenings since they became the woman's +tenants. Several ladies that lived in the same building were invited in, +refreshments of wines and some rare fruits out of season were served, +singing, card-playing, and piano-playing with some waltzing were +indulged in, and it was noticed by the two men that Mrs. Winslow was +almost hysterically happy, as if she had decided upon some exceedingly +brilliant and satisfactory plan, the execution of which was being +preluded in this way. + +At the close of the evening she casually announced that the next time +she had any company she hoped to show them a better place. + +Somebody at once inquired if she was going away, whereupon she gayly +replied that instead of going away she was going to make better +arrangements for staying. She had intended all along, she said, tidying +up the place, but had been so lazy that she had kept neglecting it until +it was really too bad, and now she had decided to begin tearing up +things to-morrow. + +In answer to Bristol and Fox's inquiries as to what was to be done with +them in the meantime, she said that she had already arranged that, and +had secured a pleasant room at the Osborn House, where they were to +remain without additional expense to themselves until she had concluded +her changes. This rather dashed the operatives, but they made no further +remark upon the subject until the company had dispersed, when they urged +the propriety, both on the grounds of economy and convenience of +"doubling up," as Bristol termed it, in one room until another was +finished, and then removing to that, until their respective apartments +had been renovated. But Mrs. Winslow was obdurate, alleging that on +account of these annoyances she had become weak and nervous of late, +and did not desire to be annoyed with either the argument or +arrangement. + +So that early on the next morning, when Mrs. Winslow announced to the +detectives that an express wagon was in waiting to convey their baggage +to the Osborn House, there was no alternative but to go, as the persons +engaged to do the renovating were on hand and had already begun their +work of turning the rooms into chaos. Mrs. Winslow assured them that but +a few days would elapse before they would all be together again in their +old quarters; and as they grumblingly went away complaining of short +notice and the like, she bade them a merry good-by, adding that she +should stay about with some of her Spiritualistic friends in the city, +and perhaps take a little trip down to Batavia; but in any event would +let them know the first moment that the rooms were ready for occupancy. + +While Bristol and Fox were settling themselves in their new quarters +they indulged in a very heated argument as to Mrs. Winslow's object in +this all but forcibly ejecting them from their rooms, which they had +occupied so long that they had come to consider them something of a +home; as to whether Mrs. Winslow meant to do without their presence +hereafter or not, Bristol feeling sure that the woman meditated some +future action which was to relieve herself of their society, if indeed +it did not mean more than that, while Fox felt equally as certain that +the whole affair was only one of the whimful woman's whims, that, being +satisfied, would result in their early recall. + +In any event in this way the combination of mediumistic and detective +talent was broken up. + +I was at once informed about the turn things had taken, and ordered that +extra diligence should be used in keeping the woman under notice, as I +felt apprehensive that making her rooms tidy was not her object at all. +I had no right to detain her, go wherever she might; but Lyon's counsel +had been for some time absent from Rochester, and some things in +connection with the defence had not yet received proper attention. The +depositions as to the woman's character and adventures throughout +Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri had not yet been taken, nor indeed had the +very necessary formula of serving notice upon Mrs. Winslow of the +proposed taking of such evidence been gone through; so that, as it would +require some time to take this evidence after notice had been served, it +was very desirable that she should be kept in sight. + +The next development, showing her to be a very shrewd woman, was in her +sending word over to the hotel, the same day that my operatives left her +rooms, that she had been taken suddenly and severely ill, and had been +obliged to turn over the work to a lady friend of hers, and might not be +able to resume the supervision of it for several days. + +Bristol called, ostensibly to tender his condolence, but was unable to +find Mrs. Winslow, being met by a very smart little lady, who informed +him that it would be impossible to see his former landlady, as she was +extremely ill and could not be at present disturbed; but that should +any change in her condition occur, both he and Fox should be promptly +informed. I had instructed them to do their best in watching the +premises, which I am satisfied they had done, and I had also put the two +other men, Grey and Watson, on the lookout, but none of them had +observed her either pass out of or into the place, and they began to be +convinced that she really was lying ill within the building. + +During this condition of things, and being somewhat anxious about the +matter, I went to Rochester myself, and held a consultation with my men, +having the block further examined under various guises and pretexts, +which proved beyond doubt that the woman was gone, and had probably left +the building a very few minutes after the operatives had departed; and, +for some reason best known to herself, but probably on account of the +mysterious annoyances which had been following each other very rapidly, +had either left the city entirely or was hiding very closely within it, +with a view to discover whether, with the two men out of her society, +and herself in peaceful retiracy, she could not ascertain from what +source her troubles came, or avoid them altogether. + +To my further annoyance, the magnificent Harcout appeared and kindly +offered me countless suggestions and theories, which were each one +considered by Mr. Harcout to be worthy of immediate adoption; and in +order to get rid of him, I was obliged to appear to acquiesce in an +imaginative theory of Mrs. Winslow's flight to New York, and represent +myself as so interested in his idea of how she could be traced to her +hiding-place, that I desired of him as a personal favor that he would +follow the trail, giving him a man, and the man a wink--and there never +was a finer picture of pomposity and assumption than when Harcout and +his man started for New York. Rid of him, I again turned to my work of +getting upon the right trail. + +I was sure the woman had left the city, and further inquiry at the rooms +convinced me that I was correct. The little woman finally acknowledged +flatly that she had gone, but would under no circumstances tell whether +she had left the city or not. She also exhibited a bill of sale of the +goods and a transfer of the lease, and wanted to know if _that_ did not +look as though she had gone? But she persisted in her refusal to give +further information, and that was the end of it. + +No one had seen any trunks or packages leave the place, nor could my +detectives get any trace of her having left the city over any of the +different roads. Inquiries made at all the leading livery stables, +express and hack-stands, of the city, failed to discover that Mrs. +Winslow had been conveyed to any near railroad station where she might +have taken a train; nor could it be by any means ascertained that such a +person had purchased a ticket at any of the adjacent towns for any point +to the east, west, or south. + +In fact, all trace of Mrs. Winslow was lost, and I was satisfied that +she had for some time been sure of the danger of her surroundings; and, +while not able to fasten any particular suspicious act upon Bristol or +Fox, undoubtedly intuitively felt that they were either directly +responsible for her troubles, or were in some unexplainable way +connected with their cause; and being enough of a professional litigant +to be aware of the necessity of service of notice upon her as to the +taking of evidence before such evidence could be taken, and that it +would be possible by a sudden disappearance and remaining secreted until +the case might be called, to defeat Lyon's attorneys from using this +mountain of evidence which she knew existed against her, whether she +knew we had collected it or not, the double motive for her mysterious +absence was plainly apparent. + +Remembering Bristol and Fox's reports as to her threat to go to St. +Louis and "attend to her cases" there unless the annoyances ceased, and +knowing from previous evidence already secured that she had figured +extensively in various capacities, but principally as Spiritualist, +blackmailer and courtesan in that city, I finally concluded that she had +gone there, though her mode of leaving Rochester, if she had left the +city, had certainly been such as to demonstrate ability worthy of a +better cause. + +I accordingly directed Bristol and Fox to return to New York, and +detailed the two men who had made it lively for Mrs. Winslow, and who, +of course, knew her, but whom she had not seen face to face, the +"materializations" having all been done for them by other parties, to +proceed to St. Louis in search of her, stopping at any point where +railroad divergences were made from the trunk lines between the east and +the west, and make extremely diligent inquiries for her, while I left +another man in Rochester for the purpose of watching for her +reappearance there, which would undoubtedly occur as soon as her former +tenants were gone, in the event that she was secreted in Rochester, +instead of being at the west, and to make this plan more certain, caused +Bristol to write a letter to Mrs. Winslow, stating that both he and Fox +had made numberless efforts to see her, but, failing to ascertain either +where she was, or the cause of her sudden disappearance, and both being +out of active business, they had concluded to go on to New York, but +would return to Rochester should she resume charge of the rooms and +desire them for tenants. I made arrangements also at the post-office to +ascertain whether any letters were reforwarded to her at any point, and +also at the express office regarding packages, so it could be hardly +possible for her to keep up any correspondence or relation of any kind +with parties in Rochester without disclosing her place of retreat. + +Having completed these arrangements, I returned to New York and +anxiously waited for some news from the West. + +No trace was found of the woman until Operatives Grey and Watson had +arrived at Chicago, where they immediately circulated among the +Spiritualists of that city, who are both numerous and of rather doubtful +moral standing. They ascertained that a woman answering her description +had been there, and advertised largely under another _alias_ than Mrs. +Winslow, but nothing definitely could be learned until in their reports +I discovered that the little Frenchman, Le Compte, was figuring as the +unknown lady's companion and business manager, when I telegraphed to +follow Le Compte and his woman, being morally certain that these two +were Monsieur the Mineral Locater and the celebrated plaintiff in the +Winslow-Lyon breach of promise suit. + +It was discovered after some trouble, and with the assistance of my +Chicago Agency, that Le Compte had suddenly left that city for some +southern or south-western point, possibly St. Louis, but no information +could be gained as to what direction Mrs. Winslow had taken, it being +evidently her plan to avoid pursuit, should there be any made. My +conviction still being strong that her objective point was St. Louis, I +ordered the men on there, without positively knowing that either of the +parties were there; but was gratified to learn that Le Compte had been +in the city, whether he was there or not on the operatives' arrival. The +operatives, Grey and Watson, at once searched the newspapers and found +no advertisements which would cover the desired couple, or either of +them; but, notwithstanding, visited all the mediums, clairvoyants, and +prominent Spiritualists of the city, but could find no trace of the +fugitives from that generally very prolific source, and began to have +the impression that her trip there, if she were in the city at all, was +one of pleasure or of blackmail business outside of her regular +clairvoyant line. + +The next move made by the men was to search about among the hotels and +boarding-houses, and really ferret her out. This was a tedious process, +and very little success was made in this endeavor for two or three days, +when one noon, as Grey was wandering about the city in a seemingly +useless endeavor to find the woman, he stepped into the Denver House, +formerly the old City Hotel, and began to search over the register. He +had not proceeded far when the clerk, eyeing him cautiously, said: + +"See here, Mister, ain't you lookin' for somebody?" + +"Certainly I am," he replied pleasantly. + +Grey looked at him a moment and saw that he would not drop the subject, +and immediately endeavored to mislead him by answering, "Of course I am; +I came in from the country this morning, and I don't know what hotel she +was going to." + +"Ah, ha," mused the clerk, as if at loss how to proceed, "I guess you +didn't know where to find her, and you haven't found her yet, have you?" + +"No," Grey replied quietly. + +"Is she big or little?" + +"Well, she ain't little," answered Grey. + +"Now, see here, my friend, that's all right; but I'm pretty sure you +didn't just come in from the country, and further, I think I can show +you the woman you've been hunting." + +Grey smiled and intimated that he was perfectly willing to be shown the +woman. + +"Well, you just let me have your hat; I'll put it on the hat-rack +inside the dining-room door, then you go to the wash-room and pass into +the dining-room as though you had forgotten your hat and had come back +for it. Look at the head of the first table over by the windows, and if +you don't find your woman with a little Frenchman, I'll treat!" + +Grey was surprised at the revelation, as there could be no possible +means for him to know of his mission; but the clerk's reference to the +"little Frenchman" convinced him that there was something worth +following up in the matter, and he followed his new friend's +instructions implicitly, passed into the dining-room, took his hat from +the rack, turned and got a good view of the fair Mrs. Winslow and the +faultless Monsieur Le Compte, who were evidently enjoying life as +thoroughly as perfect freedom from restraint, and spiritualistic free +love, would enable them. + +He expressed no surprise, however, at seeing the woman, and remarked to +the clerk as he passed into the hall, "Why, that isn't any friend of +mine!" + +"Nor anybody else's!" said the clerk with a leer. "But really, now," he +anxiously added, "_ain't_ you after her?" + +"Certainly not," Grey stoutly replied; but as the clerk took him into +the bar-room to treat him according to agreement, which he submitted to +unblushingly, he admitted that he had a curiosity to know something +about her, as he had either seen her, or heard of her, previously. + +Then the clerk told him a good deal about the woman, unnecessary for me +to recite to my readers, which only further showed her vile character, +and so worked upon my operative's curiosity and interest that he decided +to come to the hotel for a few days; but as he was informed that Mrs. +Winslow's intentions were to remain there the remainder of the week, and +the clerk promised to keep a good lookout for her, he concluded to hunt +up his companion, inform him of his good fortune, and transfer their +baggage to that hotel. + +As it was now about two o'clock, Grey did not find Watson before six, +and it was fully eight o'clock before they got settled at the Denver +House. But their eyes were not gladdened by a sight of the fugitive on +that evening, nor was she at breakfast next morning. The operatives +began to be alarmed lest the bland clerk had taken them in, and were +particularly so, when, at their request, for the purpose of ascertaining +whether she was in her room, he knocked at her door, and after a few +minutes returned with a blank, scared face, saying that the Jezebel had +left, and more than that, that she owed the hotel over fifty dollars for +board and wine furnished on the strength of her elegant and dashing +appearance. + +On further examination of the room it was evident that the woman had not +occupied it at all during the previous night, but had left the hotel +immediately after dinner whether from a previous decision to do so, or +from one of those sudden impulses, quite contrary to the general rule of +human action, which made her an extraordinarily difficult quarry to +follow, or still, from some suspicion that she was being followed. + +Grey felt quite crestfallen that he had lost Mrs. Winslow by one of her +characteristic manoeuvres, and at once made inquiries concerning her +baggage, ascertaining from the clerk that she only had a portmanteau +with her at the hotel, but had had a trunk check which she had exhibited +when asking some question about the arrival and departure of trains. + +Grey sent Watson to intersections of prominent streets to keep a lookout +for parties, while he at once proceeded to the "Chicago Baggage Room," +as it is called, under the Planters' House, where he ascertained, after +considerable trouble and representing himself as an employee of the +Chicago, Alton, and St. Louis road, looking for lost baggage, that Mrs. +Winslow had come there personally about two o'clock the day previous and +presented the check for her trunk, which had been taken away by an +expressman with "a gray horse and a covered wagon." + +The next step, of course, was to find the expressman with the gray horse +and covered wagon, who had taken the woman's trunk, and this was no easy +matter to do. There were plenty answering that description, but Grey +labored hard and long to find the right one, and finally found it this +way. + +Being an Irishman himself, and a pretty jolly sort of a fellow, he was +not long in finding a compatriot the owner of a gray horse and a covered +wagon, of whom he asked: + +"Did you move the big woman with the big trunk at two o'clock +yesterday?" + +"An' if I did?" said the expressman, on the defensive. + +"Nothing if you did; but _did_ you?" replied Grey. + +"It's chilly weather," replied the expressman, winking hard at a saloon +opposite. + +"Yes, and I think a drop of something wouldn't hurt us," added Grey, +following the direction of the expressman's wink and thought quickly. + +They stepped over to the saloon and were soon calmly looking at each +other through the bottom of some glasses where there had been whiskey +and sugar. They looked at each other twice this way, and finally they +were obliged to take the third telescopic view of each other before they +could resume the subject. + +Then the expressman looked very wise at Grey, remarking musingly, "A big +'oman with a big trunk, eh?" + +"Yes, a pretty fine-looking woman, too." + +"Purty cranky?" + +"Yes." + +"And steps purty high wid a long sthride?" + +"Exactly." + +"'N has clothes that stand up sthiff wid starch 'n silk 'n the makin'?" + +"The very same," said Grey anxiously. + +"I didn't move her," said the expressman, shaking his head solemnly. + +Grey felt like "giving him one," as he said in his reports, but +repressed himself and said pleasantly that he was sorry he had troubled +him, and turned to go away, knowing this would unloosen his companion's +tongue, if anything would. + +"Sthop a bit, sthop a bit; you didn't ax me did I know ef any other +party moved her?" + +"That's so," said Grey, smiling and waiting patiently for developments. + +"Av coorse it's so." Then looking very knowingly, he said mysteriously, +"The man's just ferninst the Planters',--not a sthone's throw away. He's +a big Dutchman, 'n got a dollar fur the job." + +They were both around the corner in a moment, and Grey at once made +inquiries of the German owner of a "grey horse and a covered wagon" as +to what part of the city he had removed the trunk. + +He was very secretive about the matter, and refused any information +whatever. + +"Come, come, me duck," said the Irishman, "me frind here is an officer, +'n ef ye don't unbosom yerself in a howly minit, ye'll be altogether +shnaked before the coort!" + +He said this with such an air of pompous sincerity, as if he had the +whole power of the government at his back, that the German at once began +relating the circumstances in such a detailed manner that he would have +certainly been engaged an entire hour in the narrative, if Grey had not, +as he himself expressed it, "out of the tail of his eye" seen Mrs. +Winslow, not twenty feet away, sailing down Fourth street, towards the +Planters'. In another moment she would pass the corner of the +court-house square, where she could not help but see the little crowd of +expressmen, hackmen and runners, his inquiries, and the statement by his +companion that he was an officer, had attracted. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + + Still foiled.-- Mr. Pinkerton perplexed over the Character of + the Adventuress.-- Her wonderful recuperative Powers.-- A + lively Chase.-- Another unexpected Move.-- The Detectives + beaten at every Point.-- From Town to Town.-- Mrs. + Winslow's Shrewdness.-- Among the Spiritualists at Terre + Haute.-- Plotting.-- The beautiful Belle Ruggles.-- A wild + Night in a ramshackle old Boarding-House.-- Blood-curdling + "Manifestations."-- Moaning and weeping for Day.-- + Outwitted again.-- Mr. Pinkerton makes a chance + Discovery.-- Success. + + +Grey took in the situation at once, and was equal to the emergency. He +knew if the German saw Mrs. Winslow, and thinking him an officer who +might arrest him for complicity in something wrong, he would probably +shout right out, "There she is, now!" He was also just as sure that his +new-found Irish acquaintance, in the excess of his friendliness, would +rush right over to Fourth street and stop the woman. So in an instant he +created a counter-attraction by calling the German a liar, collaring +him, and backing him through the line of wagons out of sight, and as +Mrs. Winslow passed farther down Fourth street, backed him through the +line of teams in the opposite direction, while the German protested +volubly that he was telling only the truth; and just the moment Mrs. +Winslow's form was hid by the Planters' House, he released the now +angry expressman, flung him a dollar for "treats," and running nimbly +around the block, fell into a graceful walk behind Mrs. Winslow, keeping +at a judicious distance, and following her for several hours through the +dry-goods stores, to the Butchers and Drovers' Bank, where she drew a +portion of the amount which she had secured from the prominent St. Louis +daily as damages, and which had remained undisturbed in that bank until +this time; into several saloons, where she boldly went, and, in defence +of the theory of women's rights, stood up to the counter like a man, +ordering and drinking liquor like one too; to the Four Courts, where she +at least _seemed_ to have considerable business; to numberless +Spiritualist brothers and sisters, including, of course, the mediums; +and finally to a very elegant private boarding-house kept by a +respectable lady named Gayno, whom the adventuress had so won with her +oily words and dashing manners, accompanied by her large Saratoga trunk, +that not only she, but a little French gentleman named Le Compte--whom +Grey had hard work to avoid, as he had followed Mrs. Winslow at a +respectful distance, and as if with a view of ascertaining whether any +other person besides himself was following the madam--had managed to +secure quarters in an aristocratic home and an aristocratic +neighborhood, for all of which the experienced female swindler had no +more idea of paying, unless compelled to, than she had of paying her +fifty-dollar hotel bill at the Denver House. + +On receipt of this information, I directed Superintendent Bangs to +proceed to Rochester and hurry up Lyon's attorneys in securing the legal +papers necessary to avail ourselves of the large amount of evidence +already discovered, and serve notice upon her while she was still in +sight, and before her suspicions of being watched and followed, which it +was evident was now growing upon her, had forced her into still more +artful dodges to evade us. + +It was certainly her determination to clothe all her acts with as much +mysteriousness as possible, and in this manner work upon Lyon's feelings +and fears until she would compel him, through actual disgust of and +shame at the long-continued public surveillance of his affairs, to end +the worrying tension upon his mind by a compromise that would yield her +a large sum of money. + +That she was able, and had the means to make these quick moves and +sudden changes, was equally as certain, though it was a question in my +mind then, and has been to this day, how much money she might have had +at command. I know that at times she must have had almost fabulous sums +in her possession. I was also often quite as sure that she was +absolutely penniless, when, of a sudden, she would carry out some bold +scheme that required a great deal of money, which invariably came into +requisition from some mysterious source in the most mysterious manner +possible. Whatever might have been the woman's pecuniary resources, I +must confess that in nearly every instance I underrated her, and in fact +that, in every respect, the more I endeavored to analyze her the more of +an enigma she became. + +Like nearly all women of disreputable character, she was terribly +extravagant, reckless, and improvident; but as an offset to this she was +supreme in the meanness ordinary courtesans are above--that petty but +never-ceasing swindling so terribly annoying to the public. + +With all these things in her favor, so far as being an ingenious pest is +concerned, she was also possessed of the power of physical as well as +financial recuperation to a wonderful degree; and to whatever depth of +temperamental dejection or physical exhaustion and degradation she might +descend, she would of a sudden reappear, fresh and blooming, with no +perceptible trail of her vileness upon her, in which condition she would +remain just so long as would conserve her interests. + +While Superintendent Bangs was on his way to St. Louis, Grey and Watson +were being led a lively chase about the city by Mrs. Winslow, and the +bland clerk of the Denver House was devoting nearly all his time in +tracking her from place to place to enforce the collection of his +employer's bill. + +Her first exploit was to borrow twenty dollars from Mrs. Gayno on her +baggage, who was thus prevented from turning her out of doors when her +true character was learned; and as a further illustration of her +shrewdness, after she had remained at the house as long as she desired, +she left between days, without refunding the borrowed money or paying +her bill, and in some mysterious way also spirited away all her baggage. + +This of course caused more trouble in finding her, and she was finally +discovered in furnished rooms. Even here she suddenly made her presence +so unbearable to the landlord that he gladly paid her a bonus to depart, +which she did equally as mysteriously as on the previous occasion, when +she was lost again, and the third time found at a Spiritualistic +gathering at the hall near the corner of Chestnut and Seventh streets, +where she was one of the speakers of the evening and did herself and the +cause justice. + +In this way--following her while she was securing abstracts of her many +cases against the people of St. Louis, the number and trivial character +of which had become a matter of public scandal, newspaper comment, and +universal condemnation among members of the bar, keeping track of her in +numberless conditions and localities, and listening to endless tales of +the woman's reckless conduct during her previous residence in the +city--Mrs. Winslow gave the two men all they could possibly attend to. + +One Wednesday morning about eleven o'clock, when Grey had just stepped +out upon the street from a late breakfast at the Planters'--having been +out until nearly morning the night previous on a fruitless attempt to +keep the woman under surveillance for a few hours, that detective was +looking up and down the street quite undecided as to what course to +pursue--he saw Mrs. Winslow just leaving an expressman at the +court-house square, who immediately jumped into his wagon and drove off. + +Grey ran quickly down Fourth street, and after a few minutes' chase +succeeded in overtaking the vehicle. Halting it he asked the driver: + +"Are you going to move that woman?" + +He checked his horse with an air that plainly said that kind of +interruption was neither profitable nor desirable; but driving on at a +brisk pace, there was jolted out of him the remark: "My friend, I'm +working for the public. Sometimes it pays better to keep one's mouth +shut than to open it, especially to strangers." + +Grey hurrying on at the side of the wagon, and holding to it with his +left hand, with his right he found a greenback. Handing this to the +driver, he sprang into the seat beside him, saying, "Sometimes it pays +better to open one's mouth!" + +"That's so," replied the driver stuffing the bill into his pocket and +elevating his eyebrows as if inquiring what Grey wanted him to open his +mouth for. + +"I want you to drive slowly enough for me to keep up with you. Mind, you +needn't _tell_ me anything unless you have a mind to." + +"Oh, I'd just as leave tell you as not," he replied. "She's going over +to East St. Louis to try and get the 'Alton Accommodation,' if it hasn't +gone yet. The Chicago train's way behind, and the 'Alton' don't go until +the 'Chicago' comes; ye see?" + +Grey knew this was partially true, for he had but a few moments before +received a telegram from Mr. Bangs, stating that he was aboard the down +train which had been belated; so that the best thing to do was to take +the expressman's number, so that he could find him again in case of a +mistake, or any deception being practised, which he did. He then +returned to the Planters', paid his bill, wrote notes to both Watson and +Superintendent Bangs stating how matters stood, went to the levee, and +in a few minutes had the pleasure of seeing the trunk put on board the +ferry, where its owner shortly followed. + +Grey went on board, taking a position near the engines, where he could +have an unobstructed view of the stairs, so that if this should prove to +be another ruse of the madam's to get him started across the river and +then glide off the boat to take up still more retired quarters, he could +beat her at her own game. But Mrs. Winslow remained on the boat, and +just as it was pushing off for the Illinois shore the landlord of the +Denver House, accompanied by a constable, came rushing on board. + +Seeing Grey, he immediately applied to him for information as to whether +the woman was on board. He replied by pointing her out where she was +leaning over the guards immediately above them. The landlord and his man +at once proceeded to interview the woman, threatening all sorts of +things if that bill was not paid, to all of which she gave evasive +answers until the Illinois shore was reached, when she reminded them +that she was outside the jurisdiction of the State of Missouri, and that +if either of them laid their hands upon herself or her property, she +would feel compelled to cause a St. Louis funeral, as she was a good +shot, and when in the right did not hesitate to shoot; which so +frightened the hotel man and "the little minion of Missouri law," as +Mrs. Winslow called the constable, that they retreated empty-handed and +with a confirmed disgust at the active exponents of modern Spiritualism. + +Grey was now in a quandary as to what to do. The Chicago train was +reported as over two hours late, and he was informed by the conductor of +the Alton Accommodation that though his train could not leave St. Louis +until the Chicago train had arrived, yet that he dare not hold the train +a moment after that time. This precluded Grey's informing Mr. Bangs of +his whereabouts, as the train was now too near the place to admit of his +being reached by a telegram; and should he risk losing the woman to +apprise Mr. Bangs, it might be impossible to find her again at all. +Fortunately he learned that the passenger train stopped at the Baltimore +and Ohio railroad crossing, and, interesting a brakeman in his behalf, +he arranged with him to go up to the crossing, board the train, rush +through it and call out for Mr. Bangs as he went, directing the latter +to pay the brakeman two dollars for his trouble, then jump off the +train, walk rapidly back to the crossing and there board the Alton train +as it was going out, if possible; which latter plan would have +succeeded, no doubt, had not Mr. Bangs been chatting upon the rear +platform of the rear car, and failed altogether to hear the extremely +loud inquiries made for him. + +Mrs. Winslow recognized Grey as a person in somebody's employ who was +following her, and the moment he seated himself in the single +passenger-car attached to the train, the woman began such a terrible +tirade of abuse against him that he was made to feel that the +detective's life is not altogether one of roseate hue, and so annoyed +the other passengers that a large-sized brakeman was selected as a +delegation of one to quiet her. It was evident she had been drinking +heavily, and she kept this brakeman pretty well employed for some time +in not only endeavoring to quiet her termagant tongue, but to keep her +in her seat, as she would often rise in the ecstasy of her wrath and +denounce poor Grey, who meekly bore it all with a patient smile, until +the conductor again appeared, when Grey showed him his thousand-mile +employee's ticket and claimed that he was an employee of that road +looking up lost baggage; that it was suspected that Mrs. Winslow had +stolen the trunk she had with her, and that he had been ordered to +follow her for a day or two until he got further instructions from +headquarters. This put him all right with the trainmen, and caused the +conductor to compel the woman into some sort of civility and silence. + +At about two o'clock the train arrived in Monticello, where Mrs. Winslow +left the train, and the detective followed. The agent informed Grey that +it was at least a mile to a telegraph office uptown, but that no train +save a "wild-train" would pass either way until after he would have time +to send a dispatch and return. He immediately went uptown and sent a +telegram to the agent at East St. Louis to please inquire for a Mr. +Bangs about the depot, and if there, to have him answer; also one to +Mr. Bangs himself at the Planters'. + +Returning to the depot, the agent informed Grey that Mrs. Winslow had +also been uptown, which was quite evident, as she had donned an entirely +different suit of clothing, evidently with some inebriated sort of an +idea that this might change her appearance enough to enable her to +escape him. She finally bought a ticket to Brighton, and got her trunk +checked to that point. + +On their arrival at Brighton, Grey saw several ladies get off the rear +platform of the ladies' car, among whom was his unwilling travelling +companion, and watched until they had passed into the depot. In order to +make sure that she was to stop here, he ran rapidly to where the baggage +was being unloaded, where he found that her trunk had been put off. He +waited there until he saw the trunk wheeled into the little +baggage-house, when he leisurely walked back to the depot and stepped +into the ladies' waiting-room, to keep the company of the adventuress. + +What was his surprise to see it almost deserted, no Mrs. Winslow there, +and no surety of anything at all. He rushed into the gentlemen's room, +galloped around the depot, looked in every direction, only to turn +towards the train with the startling suspicion that he had again been +outwitted by the shrewd Spiritualist who made her livelihood by villainy +and shrewdness, which was quickly confirmed as he made an ineffectual +attempt to overtake the departing train, only to see the face of Mrs. +Winslow pressed hard against the rear window of the ladies' car, and +almost white with a look of fiendish enjoyment and hate at the useless +attempts of her relentless pursuer whom she had so neatly foiled. + +Mrs. Winslow had slipped a detective--and a good detective, too--again, +was gone, and all Grey could do was to wait at Brighton until +Superintendent Bangs could overtake and counsel with him. + +By telegrams to and from conductors it was speedily ascertained by +Superintendent Bangs, who had come on to Brighton and directed Watson to +report at the Chicago Agency, that the woman had gone to Springfield, +Ills., and, after arranging with the station-agent at Brighton to send +information to Chicago regarding any call that might be made for her +trunk, or as to any orders that might be received to have it forwarded, +Mr. Bangs and Grey went at once to Springfield, where a trace of the +woman was found at the St. Nicholas Hotel. + +It was ascertained that she had remained at the hotel over night, and +the clerks thought it probable that she was then at the house, her bill +not having been paid; but a thorough search for her only developed the +fact that she was at least absent from the hotel, whether with an +intention of returning or not. + +Mr. Bangs directed Mr. Grey to remain at the St. Nicholas, keeping on +the alert for her, while he visited the more elegant houses of +ill-repute with which that capital abounds during legislative sessions +and which were just at this time getting in readiness to receive +lawmakers and lobbyists; and also the other and less respectable +establishments for piracy, managed by professed mediums, astrologists, +fortune-tellers, and all the other grades of female swindlers; and after +a considerable time spent in investigation, found a certain Madam La +Vant, astrologist--who professed to cast the horoscope of people's lives +with all the certainty of the famous Dr. Roback--who was descended from +the vikings and jarls of the Scandinavian coast, but in reality kept a +house of assignation, that most dangerous threshold to prostitution. + +Madam La Vant at once acknowledged that Mrs. Winslow _had_ been there; +even showed Superintendent Bangs a bundle she had left with her. She +stated that she had called there early in the morning and left the +package, with the promise to return about three o'clock in the +afternoon, when she was to occupy a room she had engaged there, and had +already paid in advance for its use. Mr. Bangs did not feel exactly at +rest about the matter, but could not do otherwise than return to the +hotel for his dinner, promising to call in the afternoon, and alleging +that he had information to give the woman regarding certain persons who +had been, and then were, following her; for if she were then in the +house she would remain there, and he had no legal authority to molest +her or search the place without Madam La Vant's consent, which he could +not of course get if she was shielding her, which she undoubtedly was; +and if Mrs. Winslow was really away from the house, the madam would take +some means of preventing her return. + +He went to the hotel as quickly as possible, found Grey, whom he +immediately sent to watch for the ingress or egress of the adventuress, +took a hasty dinner, and then relieved my operative so that he might +dine, after which the two watched the house until dark. + +But their closest vigils over the place failed to cause the discovery of +Mrs. Winslow, who was doubtless by this time many miles away from +Springfield, enjoying peace and quiet in some other city. Superintendent +Bangs called on Madam La Vant as soon as the evening had come, and that +lady expressed great surprise that he had not seen his "friend, Mrs. +Winslow," as she expressed it; following this remark by the explanation +that she had returned to her house not over a half-hour after he had +left it, and had stated that she had decided to go on to Chicago +immediately, whereupon Madam La Vant had refunded her the money advanced +for the room, and the woman had taken her bundle and departure +simultaneously. + +The detectives were satisfied that the astrologist was squarely lying to +them, and that she had in some way aided the fugitive to escape, or had +effectually secreted her--the former opinion being the most reasonable; +and when I had been apprised of the turn things had taken, I was +satisfied that Mrs. Winslow was in Madam La Vant's house at the very +time that Mr. Bangs was first there; that her friend, the madam, way +merely carrying out her instructions in stating that she had been there, +was then out, but would return, and that at the very moment Mr. Bangs +had started for the St. Nicholas she had left La Vant's, and, as soon as +possible thereafter, the city. + +I immediately concluded that as I had no authority to arrest or in any +way detain the woman--which put my men at a great disadvantage, +preventing their telegraphing in advance for her detention, or securing +and using official assistance of any kind for the same purpose--that I +had better recall Mr. Bangs at once, which I did, and trust to Grey's +doggedness in following her, instructing him particularly to if possible +prevent being seen by her, or in any way alarming her, hoping either for +her speedy return to Rochester, on the principle that the guilty mind +constantly reverts and is drawn towards its chief topic of thought, and +that strive to keep away from it as much as she might, she would be +irresistibly drawn to it; or that through the former plan I might get +her into some little village or secluded spot, or quiet town, where, +upon Grey's announcement, Mr. Bangs or some other deputized person might +cautiously reach her before she was aware of her danger, and serve the +notice that would make the legal fight not only possible, but a stormy +one on account of the vast amount of crushing evidence I had secured for +Mr. Lyon against her. + +It was more and more apparent that the woman's plan was to beat us in +this way, and thus by long and unbearable suspense, mysteriousness of +action, and constant annoyance in the shape of threatening letters, +which now continually poured in upon Mr. Lyon, not only from Rochester, +but from other portions of the country, compel him to settlement; and I +saw that the whole supreme and devilish ingenuity of the Spiritualistic +adventuress was being aimed at avoiding legal process, and to the +accomplishment of this result. + +So much time had now elapsed that it was necessary for Lyon's attorneys +to go into court to explain the difficulties attendant upon reaching the +woman, and secure an extension of time in serving the papers; and by the +time this was accomplished, Grey had tracked her from town to town and +city to city, all through Central Illinois, riding on the same train +with her times without number, doubling routes and meeting her at +unexpected points, travelling at all hours and in all manner of +conveyances, never sleeping for days, eating from packages and parcels, +with scarcely time for personal cleanliness or care, which often +debarred him from admission to places where a woman, by that courtesy +which is due to her for what she ought to be, was admitted and very +properly protected from such hard-looking citizens as Grey had become; +so that finally the two came into Terre Haute together, the adventuress +as fresh as a daisy, and perfectly capable of another grand expedition +of the same extent, and the detective completely worn out and entirely +unfit for further duty. + +Anticipating something of this kind and knowing that the woman might +quite naturally gravitate to that point, I had ordered Operative Pinkham +to proceed from Chicago to Terre Haute, and there assist Grey, or +relieve him altogether, as occasion required, and continue the trail +east towards Rochester, to which point the woman seemed gradually +drifting, though evidently determined to prolong her journey so as to +arrive in Rochester not more than a day or two before the time set for +trial of the Winslow-Lyon breach of promise case. + +Arriving at Terre Haute, Mrs. Winslow immediately went to Mrs. Deck's +boarding-house, and upon telling that sympathetic old lady a harrowing +tale about her persecutions, was received with open arms, and it was not +long before her pitiful story had drawn a crowd of attenuated automatons +to sympathize, suggest, and harangue against the entire orthodox world. + +So impressed were these people with the woman's pitiable condition, that +word was immediately passed among them that the persecuted lady should +lecture to them at Pence's Hall, after which a sort of a general +love-feast should be held, to be followed by seances and a collection +for the benefit of the now notorious plaintiff. + +That winter afternoon a quiet gentleman dropped into Mrs. Deck's and +secured accommodations for a few days' stay, representing himself as a +commercial traveller from Cincinnati. Mrs. Deck was absent working +energetically in the interests of her spiritualistic guest, and the +quiet man was obliged to transact his business with the handsome Belle +Ruggles. He was a pleasant, winning sort of a fellow, young, shapely, +and adapted to immediately gaining confidence and esteem. + +From a little conversation with her the quiet man, who was none other +than Detective Pinkham from my Chicago Agency, was sure that he could +trust the girl, whom he at once saw had no sympathy with these people or +their crazy antics. He saw that she was full of spirit, too, capable of +carrying out any resolve she had made, and altogether the single oasis +of good sense in this great desert of unbalanced minds. + +So it was not long before he had her sentiments on Spiritualism, on +Spiritualists, and on Mrs. Winslow, whom she denounced with tears of +anger in her eyes as a disgrace to womanhood and to their place, and he +had not been three hours in the house before the young lady and himself +had entered into a conspiracy to give the woman such a scare as she had +not recently had, and drive her from the pleasant though quaint old home +her presence was contaminating. + +The snow and the night came together, and the storm shook the old house +until its weak, loose joints creaked, and every cranny and crevice +wailed a dismal protest to the wind and the driving snow. It would take +more than that though to keep people of one idea at home, and the entire +household departed at an early hour for Pence's Hall, from which, +whatever occurred there, Mrs. Deck's large family did not return until +nearly midnight, by which time Operative Pinkham and Belle Ruggles had +concluded their hasty preparations for a little dramatic entertainment +of their own, and were properly stationed and accoutred to make it a +brilliant success. + +"Good-night, my poor dear!" said the kind-hearted old body as she +ushered Mrs. Winslow into her best room, a long antiquated chamber, +full of panels, wardrobes set in the wall, and ghostly, creaking +furniture. "I have to give you this room, we are so full. My first +husband died there, but you don't care for anything like _that_. I never +sleep there, the place scares me; but I know you will like it, you are +so brave!" + +Whether brave or not, Mrs. Winslow seemed all of a shiver when she had +entered the room where Mrs. Deck's first husband had died. + +She closed the door carefully, and putting her candle upon a grim old +bureau, began a thorough and seemingly frightened examination of the +room. The storm had not gone down, and as it beat upon the old place +with exceptionally wild and powerful gusts, the feeble structure seemed +to shrink from them and tremble in every portion. + +On these occasions doors to the wardrobes and closets of the strange +room would open suddenly as if sprung from their fastenings by unseen +hands, while panels would slide back and forth, cracks in the ceilings +and walls would open alarmingly, until, in fact, to the woman's vivid +imaginations every portion of the lonely old chamber or its weird +furnishings seemed possessed of supernatural life or motion. The fact +is, Mrs. Winslow was trembling like the house itself; but after a few +moments she snuffed the waning candle which the frugal Mrs. Deck had +given her, and in its flickering rays hastily began preparing for bed. + +Just as she bent over to blow out the candle, some invisible assistant +did the work for her, and at the same moment a hissed "_Beware!_" caused +her to start with a scream and plunge for the bed, into which she +scrambled after upsetting a chair or two, when she pulled the covering +over her head and groaned with fright. + +And now the blessed materializations began. + +A sudden click and then a sliding sound above her head announced that +the "control" had begun operations, and in a moment a few grains of +plastering and some strange and weird combinations of musical sounds +seemed to simultaneously fall into the room. The plaster, of course, +came right down, some of it upon exposed parts of the trembling medium's +person; but the music, which seemed to be badly out of harmony, appeared +to have the power of circling in the air, which it did for some little +time, and as suddenly ceased as it had begun, when from these mysterious +upper regions came a long, low, tremulous, unearthly groan, that died +away into a ghastly sigh as the storm clutched the decayed old mansion +and shook it until it rattled and rattled again. + +"My God!" quavered the half-smothered woman, "that's Mrs. Deck's first +man's ghost; he'll kill me! Mur----!" + +She had begun to shout "Murder!" but a still more awful voice proceeding +from the direction of the bureau bade her keep silence. + +She was silent for a moment, but the storm wailed about the house so +dismally that the "poor dear," who, according to Mrs. Deck, was brave +enough to cheerily retire in what had been the bed-chamber of the dead, +could bear the horror of her position no longer, and began a vocal +lamentation which gave promise of attracting more than a spirit +audience, when the materialized spirit of "Mrs. Deck's first man," or +whatever owned the voice, laid a heavy hand upon the trembling woman, +sepulchrally warned her to desist from her outcries, and then read her +such a lecture from the Other World as she had never transmitted in her +most effective "seances;" after which she was ordered, on pain of +instant death, to leave Mrs. Deck's and Terre Haute as soon as morning +should come, and a pledge being secured from her to the effect that she +would, and that she would under no circumstances leave the room for the +night, the spirit--which had very much the appearance of Detective +Pinkham, the commercial traveller from Cincinnati--left the room by the +door in a twinkling, very like a mortal, and still very like a mortal, +quietly stole upstairs and helped extricate Miss Ruggles from her gloomy +position, where she had done "utility" business as a groaning garret +ghost. + +All that dreary night the wicked woman moaned and wept for day. Her +coward heart shrank from the evil she knew she deserved. The storm never +ceased, but rose and fell as if keeping pace with her terrors, and the +old place furnished her crazed imagination untold horrors. + +At last the dawn came, but she had found no moment's sleep, and before +the household was astir the wretched woman crept out upon the street, +and plodding through the swollen drifts, followed by a very pleasant +appearing commercial traveller from Chicago, she staggered to the +station, and was rapidly borne away from her sympathizing friends +towards the east. + +Being apprised by telegraph of Pinkham's rather strange method of giving +her an impulse in the direction of Rochester, I at once proceeded to +that city with Superintendent Bangs, anticipating her arrival there +shortly after our own; but was again disappointed, the adventuress +having doubled on the detective, and so successfully avoided him, that +the third day after leaving the Hoosier City he arrived in Rochester +with a long face and in an extremely befogged condition. + +After having directed Mr. Bangs and Pinkham to remain and watch every +incoming train, one stormy evening, as I was about returning to New +York, by the merest chance I espied the woman cautiously emerging from +the Arcade, and following her I soon housed her in the apartments of an +old mediumistic hag on State street. Calling a carriage I was rapidly +driven to the Osborn House, where I found Mr. Bangs, and with him and +the legal papers returned to the place in less than fifteen minutes from +the time I had left it. + +Cautiously approaching the room, we listened and heard low, earnest +voices within. Through the transom we could see that the light inside +was turned very low, and rightly judged that somebody was being given a +"sitting," for, carefully trying the knob, I found that the place was +secured against ordinary intrusion, and throwing my weight against the +door it flew from its old and rusty fastenings, and in an instant we +were within the medium's room. + +"That is the woman!" said I, pointing to Mrs. Winslow, who had sprung +from her chair white with fear, while the wretched-looking medium, +though previously in the "trance state" stared at us with protruding +eyes. + +[Illustration: _"That is the woman!" said I, pointing to Mrs. Winslow +who had sprung from her chair, white with fear.--_] + +"And who are _you_?" she gasped, looking from one to the other in +dismay. + +"Persons whom you will give no more trouble after the service of these +papers," gallantly replied Mr. Bangs, passing the legal documents into +her hands, which closed upon them mechanically; and after I had politely +handed the medium sufficient money to repair the damage I had caused her +door, we bade the two spiritualists a cheery good-night and left them to +a consideration of the contrast between mortal and immortal +"manifestations." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + + Shows how Mrs. Winslow makes a new Move.-- Also introduces + the famous Evalena Gray, Physical Spiritual Medium, at her + sumptuous Apartments on West Twenty-first Street, New + York.-- Reminds the Reader of the Aristocratic Classes + deluded by Spiritualism.-- Describes a Seance and explains + the "Rope-trick," and other Spiritualistic Sleight-of-hand + Performances. + + +Mrs. Winslow was quite crushed by her failure to evade service of the +notice to take evidence in just those sections of the country where she +had been too well known for her present good, and for a few days seemed +to be in that peculiar mental condition where one may be easily led, or +driven, into committing a desperate act for mere relief from a too great +conflict of emotions. + +She flitted about the city in a state of great unrest for a little time, +not being able to dispossess her mind of the fear or feeling of being +pursued; stealing into the houses of those of like belief, and with an +air of great secrecy insisting that they should give her refuge and +protection from Lyon's minions, who, she claimed--and perhaps had come +to believe--would yet in some way do her bodily harm; mysteriously +gliding about the Arcade and in the vicinity of his house, as if +expecting by some occult power to be able to divine what might be the +rich man's plans concerning her; and like the very evil thing that she +was, hiding in uncanny places, scared at her own voice or footsteps, +until the spell had left her. + +About this time New York city dailies, and many of the newspapers of +large circulation throughout the interior of the State, were publishing +the following advertisement: + + "Immense Success!--Miss Evalena Gray, the celebrated Spiritual + Physical Medium, lately from the Queen's Drawing-room, Hanover + Square, London, also Crystal Palace, Sydenham, and assisted by + Mlle. Willie Leveraux, from Paris, will give one of her + marvellous seances this evening at her elegant parlors, No. 19 + West Twenty-first street, opposite the Fifth Avenue Hotel, at + 7:30 P.M." + +New York city knew Miss Evalena Gray as a new aspirant to the honors and +emoluments derived from her ability to do mysterious things very +gracefully. She was as beautiful a woman as had ever come into New York +on this kind of business, and those who considered her a true medium +were in ecstasies over the magnificent contortions and superb evolutions +which her "great spiritual power" enabled her to execute with +bewildering rapidity, while disbelievers in the source of these +phenomena originating in celestial spheres could not resist her +fascinating powers; and the consequence was that her adroitness and +beauty had created a great sensation, so much so in fact that +respectable people had begun arguing about her, which answered just the +purpose sought. + +New York also knew her as a woman so full of soul--that latter-day +substitute for brains and personal purity--as to have readily confused +and silenced great throngs in Europe wherever she had appeared; and she +had invariably challenged investigation, and that, too, with as much +audacity as success, which had in every instance been wonderfully marked +and complete. + +Mrs. Winslow knew her as a little sprite she had met three years before +at Chardon, Ohio, a pleasant little village of about 3,000 inhabitants, +twelve miles south of Painesville, where Mrs. Winslow had been giving +seances. Miss Gray was then just starting in her Spiritualistic career, +and Mrs. Winslow, seeing her aptitude and general fascinating qualities, +endeavored to persuade her to accompany her. + +Miss Gray evidently believed in her own powers, at least had considered +the proposition unfavorably; but the two had become warm friends, and +Mrs. Winslow had cheerfully imparted to the demure novitiate all her +supply of manifestations, which she had rapidly acquired, and the two +had parted with the promise to meet again at the very first opportunity, +each drifting away to fulfil her traitorous course against society and +blasphemous satire upon respectability. + +So, Mrs. Winslow, being in that condition of mind wherein its possessor +_must_ have some person's confidence, saw this advertisement, and +feeling sure that Miss Evalena Gray had been in clover, concluded that +she could go to her for rest and consolation; accordingly, she threw off +the clouds which had seemed to settle upon her, gathered her baggage +together from various secret places where it had been deposited, took +rooms at the National Hotel for a few days in quite a rational manner, +and after a week of perfect rest and physical care, which told +wonderfully in her favor, in connection with her great recuperative +powers, and having provided a wardrobe of no mean character, left +Rochester for New York as handsome and attractive a woman as one would +meet in a day's journey. + +I was apprised of her departure by telegraph, and had a spry little +operative at the Hudson River depot at Thirty-first street, ready to +play the lackey to her. She at once proceeded in a carriage to the Fifth +Avenue Hotel, where she secured fine apartments overlooking the entrance +to Miss Evalena Gray's elegant parlors at No. 19 West Twenty-first +street; and although I had no previous information as to what called +Mrs. Winslow to New York, I was for several reasons satisfied that it +was for the purpose of communicating with Miss Gray, and at once took +measures for securing the substance of the interview. + +As Mrs. Winslow had arrived late in the afternoon, I thought probably +she would make no move until the following day, but took the precaution +to secure a room adjoining hers for the use of an operative, sending +another detective to Miss Gray's seance at half-past seven, to ascertain +whether Mrs. Winslow was at any time present, and also, if necessary, to +devise some means to remain in the house until the two women had met, +should they do so. + +The detective sent to Miss Gray's place was barely able to secure +admission, on account of having come on foot, that fact alone laying him +liable to suspicion. For an hour's time, splendid equipages, at short +intervals, rolled up to the mansion, and their occupants were turned +over to a negro butler of such gigantic proportions and gorgeous livery +as to give the ordinarily aristocratic place an air of oriental +splendor, the interior appointments being fully in keeping with the +promise of sumptuousness which the reception always gave. Once entered, +my operative had an opportunity to study these appointments. + +The carpets were of such rich and heavy texture that they gave back no +sound to the foot-fall, and by an ingenious arrangement, beneath the +lambrequins adorning the windows, two noiseless fan-like blinds opened +or closed instantly, lighting or darkening the room as suddenly, and +evidently for use during day seances, which were sometimes given; while +opposite, two broad parlors led away, _en suite_, to a raised dais at +the rear, upon which Miss Evalena Gray, assisted by Mlle. Leveraux, from +Paris, gave her wonderful spiritual manifestations. + +At either side of the centre of the first room, and on a level with the +floor, was a fountain cut in marble, back into the basin of which the +water fell with a dreamy, tinkling sound which suggested poetical +luxuriousness. Rare statuary filled every accessible niche. Heroic +paintings of the olden times, and the softer, more sensual paintings of +the late French schools, blended together until they gave the walls a +rosy glow. Flowers loading the air with fragrance, warmed the room with +the color and life which flowers only can give. Hidden music-boxes gave +forth the rare and blended melodies of sunny, southern climes; while +rich divans, arranged with that pleasant kind of taste that bespeaks no +arrangement at all, were scattered negligently about the room, now +rapidly being filled with the aristocratic people who had arrived and +were constantly arriving. + +My operative, having gained a good point for observation, now turned his +attention to the rapidly-increasing assemblage. Almost without +exception, they were men and women of evident wealth and leisure, but +with scarcely a face denoting culture and refinement. They were +representatives of that numerous class who, after the rapid acquirement +of money, have found no good thing with which to occupy their minds, or, +what is more probable, have no minds to be thus occupied; and, while not +giving Spiritualism any public endorsement, secretly follow its, to +them, fascinating superstitions and mysteries, and practice, in an easy +way that prevents scandal or infamous notoriety, the sensualities which +inevitably result from its teachings or association with those +hangers-on of society professing its belief, all the time building a +hope that a lazy, sensuous heaven may be reached without effort or +struggle by merely cherishing a secret faith in what most satisfies +their animal nature, and yearning to live hereafter as they most desire +to live here--were it not for the voice of society--in a brutal freedom +from restraint, utterly devoid of moral and social purity, and without +the slightest semblance of that law, written and unwritten, which, from +the creation of man and woman, has built about the domestic relations a +protection and defence of sacred oneness and sanctified exclusiveness +which no vandal dare attack without eventually receiving some just and +certain punishment. + +A conscientious detective will allow but little to escape his attention, +and my operative, who had already had considerable experience with these +illusionists, noticed a few arrangements which the spirits had evidently +insisted on being made to insure the success of Miss Gray's seances, +which were varied in their character, and "never comprised her entire +repertory," as the actors would say, so that she was able to continue an +attraction for some time to those persons who came to see her and +witness her manifestations out of mere curiosity. + +The frescoing of the walls of the back parlor had been done in lines and +angles, which admitted of any number of apertures being cut and filled +with noiseless pantomime doors, so neatly as to almost defy detection. +The semi-circular platform was raised fully three feet, sloping +considerably to the front, and--whether it did or not--might have +contained a half-dozen "traps" such as are used for stage effects; +while, as is contrary to all rules for lighting places for public +entertainment, the front parlor was lighted very brilliantly, the back +parlor scarcely at all, while but a few glimmering rays fell from the +chandeliers over the platform, where the spirits, like certain "star" +actors, could not appear unless under certain conditions. + +Shortly Mlle. Leveraux conducted Miss Gray through a side door to the +platform, and as the latter smiled recognition to the large number +present, exclamations of "Isn't she sweet?" "How beautiful!" "Almost an +angel as she is!" and other expressions of extreme admiration, filled +the room. + +A deft little woman was Evalena Gray; a sprite of a thing, light, airy, +graceful, and with such a gliding, serpentine motion when walking, +glistening with jewels as she always did, that one instinctively thought +of some lithe and splendid leopard trailing along the edge of a jungle +with an occasional angry flash of sunlight upon it. From her feet, both +of which could have rested within your hand, and given room for just +such another pair, to her shoulders, which were sloping and narrow +though beautifully symmetrical, she was as straight as an arrow. Then +her slender, faultless neck carried her head a little forward, with a +slight bend to the side, which gave her face a half-daring or wholly +appealing expression, as people of different temperaments might look at +it, though it always attracted and held an observer, for it was as +strange a face as its owner was a strange woman. The chin stood there by +itself, though shapely, and at the point was prettily depressed by a +little dimple, just needed to save the lower part of the face from a +shrewish look. Above this the lower lip curved gradually to the edge of +the carmine point, but was stopped there by a sort of drawn look, which +with her dazzling white, though slightly irregular teeth, thin upper lip +quickly parting from the lower, at either pleasure or anger, rather +large, thin nostrils, which noticeably expanded and contracted with the +rise and fall of her not over large bosom, and her languid blue eyes, +one a trifle more closed than the other, but both looking demurely from +under lashes of wonderful depth of sweep and length--all gave the face, +which was witchingly attractive notwithstanding these marked features, +either a plaintively spiritual appearance, or a wickedly fascinating +expression beyond the power of description; while her hair, of that +nameless color which might be formed of gold and silver, mingled and +fell from her fine head, half hiding her delicate ears--pretty and +faultless ears they were--in wonderful richness and profusion. + +Never were seen more beautiful hands and fingers than those belonging to +Miss Gray, and they had a way of assuming all manner of positions in +harmony with the changes of her expressive face and the motions of her +supple form, while her little body was a mere bundle of pliable bones +and elastic sinews, which could compel all manner of contortions without +change of posture, by mere will-power. She was not a beauty; but +altogether, with her real or assumed languor, her strange eyes that +might mean lasciviousness or might arouse your pity, her parted lips +which would seem to protest of weariness or be ready to whisper a +naughty secret to you, with her elf-like form that made her appear at +once a dainty innocent thing and a pretty witch--she was a woman +possessing a terribly fascinating power and capable of any devilish +human accomplishment. + +When the murmurs of admiration had died away, she arose, and in her +languid manner especially prepared for the public, told her audience a +long, though interesting fabrication, of how she first discovered she +was possessed of this blessed spirit-power; how she had at first doubted +it, and endeavored to free herself from its possession; but finally saw +that it could not be forced from her. On thorough conviction that she +was a medium she had begun a laborious scientific investigation into the +subject, and finally resolved to fathom the remotest secret of +Spiritualism. + +But even to her the blessed gates had been barred when she came with +this spirit of unclean scepticism. Still, being assured that it had been +given to her to walk with celestials, her future course was only a +natural sequence. What had most sorely tried her in this life, she +remarked, was to be herself morally sure of these wonderful mediumistic +powers, and then realize how cruelly the world scoffed at her as well as +at all others who were anchored upon the same beautiful faith. To +prevent this and find use for her powers in the highest spheres, she had +travelled in Europe from Rome to St. Petersburg, and from Vienna to +London. + +In every instance the impossibility of any deception being practised in +her manifestations was admitted; but until she had arrived in London, +she had failed to find anybody of repute honest enough to speak the +truth. But there she had met a high-minded man who had broken through +the barriers of prejudice, and, in an open, manly way, fearless of the +sneers of the common herd, or of his business peers, had thoroughly +investigated her exhibitions, found that they had proceeded from +supernatural power, and had publicly stated his belief in their +genuineness. + +With such irrefutable evidence of the possession of this spirit-power, +she was now fulfilling her mission of convincing the public of the +existence of these heaven-inspired phenomena, explainable upon no other +possible theory than that of the inter-communication between this and +the other world of ministering angels, self-determining their actual +existence by more or less perfect materializations. + +With this and much more of the same sort, Evalena Gray began her +revelations, all of which had previously been performed and exposed as +ordinary tricks of an illusionary character, but which were given by the +languid, _spirituelle_ lady with such a show of her being on the +threshold of the celestial spheres, that the very atmosphere, already +charged with everything to provoke mystification and solemn curiosity, +now seemed filled with some weird, supernatural influence and presence. + +First the little lady, who was dressed in white muslin, with long +flowing sleeves exposing very pretty arms, came down from the platform +and seated herself in the centre of the back parlor, inviting the +forming around her of a circle of from twelve to fifteen persons, who +should sit so closely together that there could be no possibility of her +passing out of the circle, and, if the rest of the audience chose, they +might form a circle around the inner circle so that no confederates +might reach her. This was done, when she requested some gentleman to +place his feet upon her tiny feet to assure the audience that she did +not leave her chair. + +Members of the mystic circle then clasped hands, and the lights were +turned off completely. The stillness of death followed, broken only by a +low, shuddering sigh announcing the control of the medium by the +spirits, and immediately after came raps so loud and distinct as to +almost give the impression that an echo followed them. Then the medium +began patting her hands together _as an absolute proof that none of the +succeeding manifestations could by any possible means be produced by +her_. While this continued without interruption, in the face of some +came a whispered "God bless you!" others were patted caressingly upon +the face and head; whiskers and mustaches were delicately tweaked; +watches were taken from one pocket and put into another; a gent's +quizzers would be placed upon a lady's nose, and _vice versa_; music +floated about in the air over the heads of those composing the circle; +lights were seen to glitter like fire-flies above the medium's head, and +a score of other equally startling phenomena occurred. When silence, +with the exception of the soft and delicate, but never-varying +hand-patting, again fell upon the assemblage, a few raps announced the +departure of the spirits; and when the gas was turned on, the dainty +little medium sat in precisely the same position as when the circle was +formed, and the gentleman had taken good care to hold her neat little +feet between his own. A sceptical lady now held Miss Gray's feet--held +them as securely as only a sceptical lady could--when precisely the same +manifestations occurred. Again her feet were secured as before, with the +additional precaution of their being tied. She was then tied to her +chair securely, her hands tied firmly with a large handkerchief, and a +delicate wine-glass filled with water placed upon the floor several feet +from the chair. The lights were again turned off, the raps were heard as +before, and were in turn immediately followed by the hand-patting, and +when the room was again lighted the wine-glass of water was found +delicately poised upon Miss Evalena Gray's head. + +Many startling variations of the same general character were introduced, +and when this portion of the seance was concluded, the astounded company +gathered about the pale and interesting medium with expressions of +unbounded wonder almost amounting to awe, mingled with terms of +endearment; for she sweetly conversed with them for a little time, and, +with rare insight into character, gave each a pleasant word of +recognition especially fitted to every case, in a manner winning beyond +expression. + +She now retired for a short time, while Mlle. Leveraux entertained the +assemblage with selections from her companion's exceptionally +interesting European experiences, as put in form probably by some +enterprising, though impecunious, New York Bohemian. + +When Miss Gray returned she was attired quite differently. Instead of +wearing the white, soft muslin which had given her a peculiarly graceful +appearance, she had donned a closely-fitting basque of black rep silk, +heavily trimmed with the costliest of lace, while the skirts to her +dress were drawn very tightly around her form into a neat panier. + +It _might_ have been noticed by any other person in the room, as it +_was_ noticed by my operative, _that her bust and shoulders seemed to +have undergone considerable change during her absence_. She seemed much +more full across the breast, and her waist was certainly not so narrow +and graceful as when she was operating in muslin within the circle. But +then, the spirits might have caused this sudden growth, and she was +still physically handsome and shapely. + +A committee of gentlemen was then called for, and Miss Gray announced +that she would submit to being tied to a chair as securely as it was in +the power of the gentlemen selected by the audience to tie her; +whereupon Mlle. Leveraux walked about the room and exhibited the rope to +be used, which, though slender, seemed strong as a Mexican lasso. + +There could have been no deception or fraud about this rope. + +The three who had been selected to do the work then expressed their +determination to tie Miss Gray "so the devil himself would have to help +her," as one said, proceeding with the interesting operation in the +bright gaslight, while all the people gathered about as if anxious to +see that it was done properly, or curious to notice how the little woman +would bear the ordeal. They certainly did their work well, and as the +rope was wound around and about her, being drawn taut in every instance, +it seemed to sink into her delicate flesh in a cruel way that made her +wince and tremble, the operation calling forth numberless sympathetic +remarks from those present, which she acknowledged by a painful +martyr-like smile as she patiently bore the infliction until thoroughly +tied. At her special request, as she said, to prevent a stoppage of +circulation, her hands were tied at the wrist over a fold of silk to +prevent abrasion of the flesh; and after all the knots had been sealed +with wax, she was pronounced tied so securely that, without connivance +of confederates, it would require superhuman aid to release her. + +With a pleasant smile she looked around upon the wondering spectators +and said: + +"Good friends, I will absolutely and incontestably prove to you that I +am possessed of that kind of aid. I want you all to form a circle around +me. Every one in the room should join it. Stand so closely together, +clasping hands, that no living person can pass the circle either way." + +The circle was then formed as she had requested, half upon the platform +and half upon the floor, Miss Gray being at least ten feet from any of +the persons composing it. She then asked anxiously: + +"Are you all really satisfied--yes, convinced, that there can be no +shadow or form of deception about this?" + +Some hesitated about giving a decided affirmation to that belief, when +she swiftly singled out the doubters and pressed upon them not only the +privilege, but the desirability and necessity, if they sought the truth, +of personally examining the manner in which she had been tied. After +this had been done and all scepticism had been silenced, she bade them a +cheerful "Good-by!" and closing her eyes in a weary manner, seemed to +pass into a peaceful slumber, as the lights were gradually turned off, +finally leaving the room in total darkness, and with no sound to relieve +the painful stillness save the orthodox rappings announcing the arrival +of the spirits, the hidden music stealing softly to the hushed circle or +the still softer water-wimplings from the fountains making _their_ music +in the carved marble basins. + +It seemed a long time to the breathless people composing the circle, but +probably not more than ten minutes had elapsed when the raps again +startled the listeners, and in an instant the full light of the +chandeliers flooded the room. + +There sat the marvellous Physical Spiritual Medium utterly free, but as +if just recovering from a swoon--the ropes, their seals unbroken, lying +a few feet from the chair. + +[Illustration: _There sat the marvelous Physical-Spiritual medium, +utterly free, but as if just recovering from a swoon.--_] + +There was a simultaneous rush to where she was sitting apparently limp +and exhausted from the great struggle which the spirits had had through +her human personality, to release her from bondage, during which Mlle. +Leveraux took occasion to remark that the strain upon Miss Gray's +powers had been too great, and begged that the ladies and gentlemen +would excuse her at once, as the medium's condition would unfortunately +necessitate the immediate termination of the seance for that evening; +whereupon she left the room supporting the delicate Miss Gray in a +manner that would have done credit to any theatre in the world. + +There was no illusion and could have been no collusion. + +Every one in the parlors had seen the woman tied so firmly that the +ropes had sunk into her very flesh. The circle had been formed so +securely as to admit of the passage out or in of no person whatever. +They had all seen her sitting in the chair in a secure condition, and +could have heard any movement on the part of any person within the +circle who might have attempted to steal to her assistance. But there +were the ropes with unbroken seals, lying there, silent but absolute +evidence that no human agency had uncoiled them. + +In the face of all this, what were reasoning people to believe? + +They could not but believe the one thing that they generally did believe +after having visited Evalena Gray's seances, and that was that there +_does_ exist an intercommunication between this and the "Land of the +Leal;" that all persons at times feel these spirit forces working upon +or within them in different forms and with different degrees of +intensity; and that there are these fine organisms, so free from earthly +conditions or hinderances, as to almost permit the rehabilitation of +spirit-lives which, as truly friendly aids and assistants, often perform +what seem to the comprehension of ordinary mortals as past belief, +giving in their materializations many blessed glimpses of the +spirit-land. + +All of which would be thrillingly pleasant to believe and ruminate over +if it was not true that there are probably hundreds in this country +alone who can do this sort of thing without looking pale and interesting +over it; without necessitating the indorsement of a millionaire brewer +or anybody else; and who would consider it hardly fair to charge two +dollars admission, as Miss Gray did, for the utter humbug of sitting +within a circle as a woman dexterous enough to have her feet held and +then be able with the left hand to pat the right palm for a moment, then +the right arm--made bare from the wrist to the shoulder by the sudden +unloosening of a delicate elastic, clasped into the bracelet--or her +cheek, forehead, or neck, as necessity compelled, but making this +patting incessant and so like that of the two hands, that detection (in +the dark) would be a matter of impossibility; and with this same bared +right arm and hand producing all of these manifestations, ordinarily so +marvellous, even to taking a little music-box out of the pocket, +springing a catch to start the melody, "floating" it all about the heads +of those composing the circle, shutting off the music, and putting the +box in the pocket; or even neatly balancing a wine-glass of water upon +the head. + +And when this was all done, without claiming any particular nearness to +heaven regarding it either, I am satisfied that I have lady operatives +in my employ who can step into a room adjoining a seance-parlor, adjust +a rubber jacket, inflate it, hiding the tube of the same under a +closely-fitting collar, allow themselves to be tied so that the ropes +would seem to cruelly sink into the flesh; and that, after a room had +been darkened ten minutes they would be able to have allowed the air to +so escape from the rubber jacket, that, with the contraction of the form +possible to many, the ropes, with unbroken seals, would almost fall from +their forms of their own weight. + +This is precisely how Miss Evalena Gray performed her tricks. + +They did not reach to the dignity of respectable sleight-of-hand; and I +could go on endlessly multiplying these farces, which are so +continuously and disgustingly played upon the public for just what money +they will bring and nothing more; for who ever saw a Spiritualist that +went about the world bringing ministering spirits from heaven to earth +for the good such materializations might do? And further, who ever saw a +Spiritualistic medium, preacher or lecturer that did not make his +religious faith, assumed or otherwise, yield him his living, and provide +him his luxuries besides? + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. + + After the Seance.-- Daddy, the "Accommodation Husband."-- The + two fascinating Swindlers in Council.-- Miss Evalena's + European Career.-- How the Millionaire Brewer was baited + and played with.-- A Bit of Criminal History.-- A choice + Pair.-- Mrs. Winslow's Aspirations and Resolves. + + +It appeared that Miss Evalena Gray and Mlle. Leveraux, and their male +companions, or affinities, did not reside at No. 19 West Twenty-first +street, but in more modest quarters farther down-town; and after the +assemblage had dispersed, the two Misses, an attendant or two, a tall, +gaunt, meek-looking fellow, whom the no longer angelical Evalena called +"Daddy," and a very fascinating young man called in the advertisements +W. Sterling Bischoff, manager, were gathered in the front parlor +previous to being driven home, when W. Sterling said quickly, and as if +suddenly recollecting something which it would not be profitable for him +to forget: + +"See here, Gray; 'most forgot. Here's a note sent over from the Fifth +Avenue. None of your larks now!" + +The person addressed so familiarly as Gray was none other than the +interesting Evalena, who, putting her languor aside, and snatching the +note from the "manager," said: + +"Give it here, now! I'll lark if I like, and _you_ won't hinder." + +"But there's Mr. Gray," persisted the manager, nodding towards the meek, +gaunt man, whose lips seemed to move, though he ventured no remark. + +"Oh, Daddy don't mind, do you, Daddy?" + +[Illustration: _"Oh daddy don't mind:--do you daddy?"--_] + +"Daddy" was Miss Evalena Gray's husband, but was under such peculiarly +good spiritual "control" that he merely smiled a sickly smile and +murmured that he believed not. + +Miss Gray proceeded to examine the note without waiting for the timid +Mr. Gray's opinion, and suddenly exclaimed: + +"Gracious! I'm going right over there!" + +"What for?" inquired Bischoff anxiously, while Mr. Gray's lips pursed +into the form of an unspoken inquiry; "man or woman, eh?" + +"None of your business!" she answered promptly. "Here, Leveraux, help me +on with my wrappings. You drive home. A friend of mine that I haven't +seen for all the last three years is stopping over there, and wants to +see me. I may stay all night. If I shouldn't want to, I'll order a +carriage and come down in an hour or two." + +The three, who were elegantly supported by this woman's juggleries, +seemed to realize that there was no use of opposing her; and without +knowing whether it was a man or woman she intended visiting at that hour +of the night, went gloomily home, while a few minutes later Miss Gray, +unannounced, and at the unseasonable hour of eleven o'clock, was +knocking at the door of Mrs. Winslow's room. + +In a moment more, though Mrs. Winslow was on the point of retiring, and +was in that easy _deshabille_ in which women love to wander about, doing +a hundred unmentionable and unimportant things before getting into bed +for good, Miss Gray was pushing her lithe form through the cautiously +opened door, and at once unlimbered her tongue and her reserve; the +result of which, as noted by my operative, showed the eminent vulgarity +of the two female frauds, and illustrated the fact that whatever +pretensions they might make, their conversation alone would serve to +discover the inherent and low vileness of their character. + +"Oh, you dear old fraud!" said Evalena, entering, after Mrs. Winslow had +virtuously given herself sufficient time to ascertain that there was no +evil-minded man at the door, and had gladly admitted her visitor; "if +you've got any other company, of course I won't come!" + +Mrs. Winslow laughed knowingly, and then told her visitor how really +glad she was to see her. She was sincere in this, and sincerity, even in +a bad cause, is a redeeming feature. + +"Well, well, you rascal," continued Miss Gray in a jolly, rollicking +sort of a way, "couldn't wait until to-morrow. Where _have_ you been, +what _have_ you been doing, and how _are_ you, anyhow? Come, now, tell +me all about yourself!" + +Saying this in a kind of a rush of excitement, Miss Gray settled +herself in a corner of the luxurious sofa, pulled her feet under her to +get a more comfortable position, and like an interested philosopher, +waited for and listened to the narrative which comprised many of the +facts I have given; but instead of telling the whole truth, only gave +that part of it which made her appear to have been eminently successful +in her swindling operations, and showed life with her to have been +floating calmly upon one continuous, peaceful stream. + +"And now, Evalena," said Mrs. Winslow, rounding off her story with a +great flourish over what she was to make out of Lyon, whom she described +as still madly in love with her, "where have _you_ been, and what have +_you_ been doing since I saw you at Chardon?" + +The glib tongue of the marvellous Physical Spiritual Medium began at +once, and she rattled away at a terrible rate. + +"Well, I've got the same husband----" + +"Oh, pshaw!" interrupted Mrs. Winslow half contemptuously. + +"But he's such a dear, good old fool that I can't throw him over. Why, I +can make him shrink from six feet two to two feet six by just looking at +him! Money couldn't hire such a devoted servant anywhere. He'll do just +anything I tell him; and if I want him out of the way for a few days," +she continued with a comical wink, "I just give him a fifty-dollar bill +and say: 'Daddy, you don't look well; take a run into the country, and +I'll write for you when I want you!' He goes away then with his face +about a yard long. But he goes; and he never made a rumpus in his life!" + +"Oh, that's quite another thing," said Mrs. Winslow, evidently relieved +to know that Miss Gray had had so good a reason for living so long a +time as three years with the same man. + +"Yes, he's what I call an 'accommodation husband.' He accommodates me, +and I--" here Miss Gray sighed piously--"accommodate myself!" + +"Exactly," remarked Mrs. Winslow, beginning to appreciate the pleasant +nature of such an arrangement. + +"Well," resumed the marvellous medium, "we went all through the Ohio +towns giving _exposes_; went out through Chicago, and then down to St. +Louis. But the _expose_ business didn't pay. We found that people would +pay more money to be humbugged than to learn how some other person might +be deluded!" + +"Every time!" tersely observed Mrs. Winslow. + +"So at St. Louis we resolved to become Spiritualists." + +"The very best thing you could have done!" said Mrs. Winslow +approvingly. + +"And at Quincy," resumed Evalena, "we blossomed out. Oh, but didn't the +papers go for us, though!--called us everything." + +"D----n the newspapers, anyhow!" exclaimed Mrs. Winslow in a burst of +indignation over her own wrongs. + +"Oh, no, no, no! _that_ won't do. Make huge advertising bills. That's +better--much better. That's what _we_ did, and we made big money too. By +and by we came on here to New York, made a huge show, took in a vast +pile, and then went to Europe. Oh, that's the only way to do it!" + +"Yes," said Mrs. Winslow with a deep sigh. "I have often felt the want +of that peculiar tone which going to Europe gives one." + +"Well, we did have a gay time, though," said Miss Gray in a dreamy way, +as if ruminating over her conquests; "and at Venice--oh, that delicious, +ravishing, dreamful Venice!--I bilked a swarthy nobleman from the +mountains out of five thousand dollars. At Rome I did a swell American +out of everything he had. At Vienna, a Hungarian wine-grower fell, and I +trampled upon him as his brutes of peasants beat out the grapes in +vintage-time. At Berlin a German student killed himself for me; and at +St. Petersburg I fooled the Czar himself. But when I got back to London +I got better game than him." + +"Bigger game than the Czar? Oh, my!" exclaimed Mrs. Winslow, thinking +how she had wasted her sweetness on two detectives like Bristol and Fox. + +"Well, bigger game this way," pursued little Miss Gray, reasoning it out +slowly. "This Spiritualistic business can only be played on low, +ignorant people ordinarily. Get the recognition of so big a man as one +of the wealthiest brewers in Great Britain, and then, if Miss Gray has +money and can open sumptuous parlors in so fashionable a vicinity as +Madison Square, and can own a quarter of a column of the New York papers +every day, Miss Evalena Gray's fortune is made. Do you see?" + +Mrs. Winslow did see, but wanted to know how she had secured such +approval. + +Her companion looked at her a moment in blank astonishment; then drawing +down the corners of her mouth as if protesting against such verdancy on +the part of so old a Spiritualistic soldier as Mrs. Winslow, gave a very +expressive series of winks, broke into loud laughter, and then suggested +that if she wanted anything like _that_ explained it would be no more +than fair to order either Krug or Monopole to help her through so dreary +a recital; whereupon the latter did as requested, and after the two had +washed down a ribald toast with wine, the angelic Miss Gray continued: + +"Well, you see, we came directly from St. Petersburg to London, and got +up a big excitement there right off. The _Times_ denounced us, and we +replied savagely through the _Telegraph_ at a half-crown a line. We kept +this up until all London was engaged in the controversy, and our rooms +were constantly thronged." + +"What luck!" sighed Mrs. Winslow, sipping her wine. + +"By and by the 'nobbies' got discussing the matter at the clubs. We +challenged examination by committees everywhere, of course, and one day +a batch of M.P.s, clergymen, merchants, and all that, came down upon us. +I picked out one man named Perkins--a brewer from the Surrey side, and +one of the wealthiest men in all England, and a man of education and +standing, too--for game right off." + +"Must be lots of fools over in London," remarked Mrs. Winslow, as if +she would like to help pluck them. + +"Yes," answered Miss Gray, "and millions in this country. We're going to +take a run over to Washington this winter." + +"I would if I had your talent," replied her companion. + +"Well," resumed the medium, "I saw Perkins was an easy-going fellow, and +I wrote him, saying it was something unusual for me to do, but as the +'spirits'"--here Miss Gray winked very hard at Mrs. Winslow, who +snickered--"had revealed to me that he was an arrant unbeliever, but at +the same time a fair, honorable man, magnanimous enough to be just--I +wished him to make a private investigation." + +"'Private investigation's' good!" said Mrs. Winslow, laughing heartily. + +"Certainly good for me," continued the little medium in a self-satisfied +way. "He came, though, and I gave him my tricks in my best possible +style. I pretty nearly scared him to death. Then I let him tie me, and +the old man's hands trembled as he put the ropes around my waist and +over my bosom. 'Miss Gray,' said he tenderly, 'I shall injure you!' 'Mr. +Perkins,' I replied, also tenderly, 'the good spirits will protect me. +Pull the ropes tighter!' + +"He pulled the ropes tighter and tighter, and finally got me tied. Then +he darkened the room and in a few minutes I was entirely free of the +ropes of course, and I told him to raise the curtain. As soon as he did +so I left, telling him I was ill; and as soon as I could change my +dress, came back and sat down with him. I got close to him--as close as +I am to you now, Mrs. Winslow--and then, putting my right hand on his +knee, and my left hand on his shoulder----" + +"Splendid!" interrupted Mrs. Winslow, pouring more wine for the +ingenuous Miss Gray, and taking some herself. + +"Then," continued Miss Gray, laughing in a peculiarly wicked manner, "I +got my face pretty close to his and asked: 'Mr. Perkins, I want you to +give me an answer that you are willing to have made public. On your +honor as a man, do you not now believe in the genuineness of these +spiritual manifestations produced through me?' 'I do,' he said +passionately, throwing his arms around me, and--and I don't know what he +would have done had not Leveraux entered the room at that supreme +moment!" + +[Illustration: _"Leveraux entered the room at that supreme moment."--_] + +"Oh, _I_ see!" murmured the other blackmailer. + +"Think of it, Mrs. Winslow!" added Miss Gray tauntingly; "think of it! +In the arms of a man who can draw his check for a million sterling--and +poor little me from Chardon, Ohio!" + +"My! but you are a little rascal, though!" said Mrs. Winslow admiringly. +"I always knew you'd make an impression somewhere." + +"'Leveraux!' said I indignantly, and springing from Perkins's embrace +after I had kissed him in a way that set him shaking again, 'if you ever +breathe a word of this, or annoy Mr. Perkins in any manner under heaven, +I'll kill you! Go!' + +"Poor Leveraux knew her cue and replied hotly, 'I'd kill myself before +I'd do so disgraceful an act!' and then flounced out of the room." + +"_What_ a pair!" exclaimed Mrs. Winslow. + +"He thought I was just perfectly splendid after that; kept coming and +coming, indorsed me publicly, got wild over me; but I held him at arm's +length for months, until I thought the man would really go crazy; and +finally--well, you know I told you Daddy was an 'accommodation husband,' +and if he hadn't been one after I had tripped up one of the richest men +in all England, I would have just hired somebody to have dumped him into +the Thames, sure!" + +The sparkling flow of Miss Gray's experience was here interrupted by +Mrs. Winslow's ordering another bottle of wine, and after the couple had +partaken of the same, the spicy narrative was continued: + +"But now comes the fun, Winslow. I can't tell you _how_ my rope trick is +done. I've got a little addition to it that makes it a regular +sensation. It don't hurt me a particle, and allows the strongest men to +pull away with all their might." + +"I'd give a thousand dollars for it, Evalena," said her friend warmly. + +"No good; no good for you," replied Miss Gray, critically looking over +Mrs. Winslow's splendid physical completeness. "Fact is, Winslow, you +aren't built exactly right for that kind of work. There's too much of +you to do the rope trick with eminent success. I played Daddy as my +brother, and myself for an innocent, so neatly that Perkins honestly +thought he had made a wonderful conquest. He believed it all, for he was +one of those honest fools--in fact, came near being too honest for me." + +"Why, how?" + +"Well, he installed me as his mistress in grand style; but, of course, I +insisted in giving seances and compelled public recognition through +_his_ public recognition of my 'wonderful spirit-power.' The man was so +infatuated that he bored me terribly with his visits. Why, I could +hardly get time to attend to business. You know we always have a stock +of ropes on hand in the seance-rooms, so that when any one objects to +the one I ordinarily use, there are always other ropes at hand that I +_can_ use. One night some fellow broke my best rope, and the next day I +was carelessly practising with another with my door unsecured. Perkins +had been down to Brighton for a week or two, and of course had to rush +over to see me the minute he got in London--to give me a 'happy +surprise,' I suppose. There I sat when he suddenly bolted into the room +and saw the thinness of the whole thing in an instant." + +"What did he see?" asked Mrs. Winslow abruptly. + +"You _are_ shrewd, Winslow, but you can't catch me that way; no, no, no! +But he did see the whole trick as dear as a June day. Do you think I +fainted?" + +"Not much," said her companion tersely. + +"No; but _he_ nearly did. He reeled and staggered as though he had been +struck by a sledge-hammer, and I saw in his face a determination to rush +from the room and denounce me to all London. It was make or break with +me then, Winslow, and with a bound I got to the door, turned the key, +and sent it crashing through a five-pound pane of glass into the street +below. Then I just whipped out this little derringer," she continued, +producing a beautifully mounted, though diminutive weapon, "just run it +right up under his eyes, and backed him into a seat." + +"'Great God!' he whimpered, 'I'm undone! I'm undone!--what a very devil +you are!' + +"My heart did go thumping to see the man used up so; but I had to be +rough, and said: 'Yes, I _am_ a devil, Perkins, and you must pledge me +your word--yes, you must take a solemn oath before that God you have +called upon, that you will never expose me, or I will blow your brains +out!'" + +"Splendid! splendid!" ejaculated Mrs. Winslow. "Did he do it?" + +"I should say he did do it! He got down on his knees and begged like a +baby. And do you know, my blood was up so then, and I so despised him +for his want of manliness, that I came within an ace of killing the +infernal booby!" + +"He deserved it!" said Mrs. Winslow sympathetically. + +"After I had him nearly scared to death," resumed the marvellous medium, +"I began reasoning with him, and, by being excruciatingly tender, +convinced him that by exposing me he would gain nothing, but would lose +in everything that a man of spirit prided in--honor, social reputation, +and business standing, and drew a lively picture of his disgrace at the +clubs and in social circles, and of the cartoons which would certainly +appear in _Punch_ and the other comic papers; and the result was that I +held on to his affection and his purse-strings by compelling him to feel +that my detaining him in the room and threatening to shoot him was the +only thing which prevented him from rashly ruining both. Altogether, +Winslow, I got over two thousand pounds out of him. He wasn't deprived +of a first-class mistress while I remained in London, and--and we are so +good friends now that every little while I get a splendid remittance +from him; and if I ever should want to go back, I could have the very +best in all England!" + +"Well, well, well!" murmured Mrs. Winslow for the want of something +better with which to express her admiration. + +"I _do_ think I played it pretty well," resumed Miss Gray; "and I made +him swallow it all, too. He really believed everything from the moment I +fell into his arms until he caught me with the ropes. I was his +spirit-wife--" another hard wink--"and he my only affinity. Leveraux +helped me in the whole thing splendidly. + +"Who is Mlle. Willie Leveraux?" inquired Mrs. Winslow. + +"She is a sister of Ed. Johnson, the 'bank-burster,' and a keen girl, +too," answered the medium. + +"How did you happen to get hold of her?" + +"Well, you see, Ed. Johnson, Mose Wogle, Frank Dean--'Dago Frank'--and +Dave Cummings, with Chief of Police McGillan and Detective Royal, of +Jersey City, put up a job on the First National Bank there. McGillan was +to keep everybody away from them; and he, or Royal, was to always remain +at headquarters to let the boys off if they got nabbed. They played it +as plaster-workers--Italians, you know--and began working from a room +over the bank down through the ceiling into the vault; but an old +scrub-woman about the place got suspicious, and had them arrested one +day when both McGillan and Royal happened to be in Philadelphia. They +had promised the boys help to break jail, but they failed everywhere; +and Willie, thinking to get Johnson off, went to the bank officers and +told them the whole story. They promised to help her brother, but said +her evidence would have to be corroborated. So she sent for McGillan and +Royal, got them into her rooms, then over on Thirty-seventh street, and +had a Hoboken official in a closet, with a stenographer, who took all +the conversation, which amounted to a complete confession of their +complicity. It never did any good, though. McGillan and Royal got the +most swearing done, and got clear; while Johnson and the rest of the +boys got fifteen years' solitary confinement in the New Jersey +penitentiary. It almost broke Willie down; but she is splendid help +now." + +Mrs. Winslow drew a long sigh, and the two drank again to drown the +doleful feelings raised by this recital; for even high-toned and +uncaught criminals do not find the contemplation of stone walls and iron +bars by any means pleasant and refreshing; and with this lively history +of herself and her companions, the "Marvellous Physical Spiritual +Medium" called a servant, ordered a conveyance, and was driven home, +after having promised to call with her own carriage on the next day; +while Mrs. Winslow, after surveying her own magnificent physique as +reflected in the pier-glass, muttered: + +"_I'll_ make an effort, go to Europe, and, like so many others, win fame +too!" + +Then with a resolute toss of her head the adventuress plumped into her +bed, where, for aught we know, she carried on her vile conquests and +miserable villainies in her dreams the whole night long. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + + Mrs. Winslow demonstrates her Legal Ability.-- The "Breach of + Promise Trial."-- A grand Rally of the Spiritualistic + Friends of the Adventuress.-- The Jury disagree.-- Mrs. + Winslow convicted at St. Louis of Common Barratry.-- An + honest Judge's Rebuke.-- A new Trial.-- The Spiritualistic + Swindler overthrown.-- Remorse and Wretchedness. + + +Mrs. Winslow's stay in New York was rather an interruption to Miss +Evalena Gray's business, as those two champions of the theory that earth +and heaven are connected by a spiritual hyphen only adjustable, or to be +made serviceable, by the brainless imbeciles or the remorseless sharks +of society, to the exclusion of people of purity and worth, indulged in +several lapses from sobriety, and in spiritual love-feasts of such +remarkable length and enthusiasm that W. Sterling Bischoff, Mlle. +Leveraux, and the mournful accommodation husband, "Daddy," became quite +alarmed for the result, were obliged to discontinue the marvellous +seances at No. Nineteen West Twenty-first Street--on account of the +"alarming illness of the fascinating little medium," as the manager was +careful to see that the truthful newspapers announced--and at the close +of a term of spirituous rapture of remarkable intensity and duration, +the three who were vitally interested in Miss Gray's recovery from her +peculiarly alarming illness, managed to part the loving couple, induce +the languid Evalena to return to her fascinations and fools, and sent +Mrs. Winslow to Rochester and her roguery. + +Although her trip to New York had been one of prolonged dissipation, +Mrs. Winslow had evidently gained courage from it from the assurance of +Miss Gray's friendship, and through that ingenious little woman's +recitals of daring and conquest now applied herself with new vigor and +dash to her infamous work. + +During her absence in New York, Superintendent Bangs and a legal +gentleman from Rochester had proceeded to the West and were rapidly +gathering in the harvest of evidence I had reaped, and which +subsequently became so serviceable. + +Mrs. Winslow, seeing she had been outwitted, began diligently arranging +matters for the coming trial, and having lost the main point of +dependence which she had hoped to make in our inability to use the +evidence which she was sure Lyon's counsel could get by a liberal +expenditure of money, which she also knew must be at hand, she began the +tactics of delay, and secured a change of venue from Rochester to +Batavia, on the ground of prejudice; and, without the assistance of +counsel, boldly manoeuvred her case nearly as carefully and judiciously +as the most proficient of criminal lawyers. + +Ascertaining that Lyon's counsel had secured damaging evidence against +her in those sections of country where she had previously been the +spiritualistic harlot that she was, she rapidly followed Mr. Bangs and +his companion, and through her wonderful personal magnetism, physical +force, consummate bravado, and skilful manipulations, succeeded in +securing numberless affidavits--not that she was a pure woman, but that +as far as the affiant knew, she was not a bad woman. + +Some, who had given Lyon's counsel depositions comprehensive enough to +have crushed her in court, were compelled by her to depose under oath +that their previous depositions given Mr. Bangs were made under a +misapprehension of facts. Others were induced to swear that they were +mistaken in her identity, which would naturally have the effect of +breaking the chain of evidence connecting her with her numberless +different aliases, and therefore with her numberless offences against +the laws and society; so that unless our work had been, in this respect, +anything but faultless, Mr. Lyon would have certainly suffered defeat. + +As the date of trial at Batavia neared, however, although the woman had +showed great skill in her management of her own case, and had got things +into as good shape for herself as nearly any lawyer in the country could +have done, she suddenly changed her decision regarding conducting the +case personally, and engaged the services of a Rochester lawyer of good +repute, who certainly would not have pleaded her cause had he at first +been aware of her character in the slightest degree. + +At last the case came to trial at Batavia, Judge Williams presiding, and +was considered of sufficient importance to command the quite general +attention of newspapers, and a large number of reporters were in +attendance, while the little city had never before attracted such a +crowd of curious people, brought there and kept there by the great +interest which the trial had awakened. + +Mr. Lyon seldom appeared in court, being detained in Rochester by the +faithful and still voluble Harcout, where the latter busied himself in +predicting Mrs. Winslow's downfall on account of the thorough manner in +which he had conducted matters, and in constant trips to the newspaper +and telegraph offices for the latest news concerning the progress of the +case. + +At Batavia Mrs. Winslow had in some unexplainable manner worked up quite +a feeling in her behalf, and had busily engaged herself, laboring day +and night, in all the little things that form public opinion as well as +cause the application of law to individual preferences, whether justice +enters into such decisions or not. + +Especially was her business ability shown in securing a jury a portion +of whom she brazenly boasted _dare_ not find for the defendant. She had +evidently given up all expectation of a verdict in her favor; but, in +perfect accord with her line of policy to annoy her victim into a +settlement, had arranged matters in every respect so that there would be +delay, that as much as possible nauseating scandal should reach the +public to react upon Lyon, and that in every way the outcome of the case +would be to belittle, bemean and disgrace him, for having had to do in +any way with so bad a woman as she knew herself to be. + +The latter was a point most people's pride would prevent them from +making. She had lost that, but her active mind saw how revolting it all +would be to him, and her cupidity, greed and vindictiveness made the +prosecution a persecution that had a measure of fiendish pleasure in it +for her. + +Here her mental and her pecuniary resources were again demonstrated in a +way that surprised everybody at all cognizant of her habits and history. +The cost of carrying on a case of this importance was very large. Money +had unquestionably been largely used in bribery. Many of the affidavits +she had so expeditiously secured had been purchased outright. The court +costs were no inconsiderable sum. Her lawyer, feeling somewhat doubtful +of her character, and wholly satisfied of her irresponsibility, demanded +his fee--and it was a large one--in advance. But every demand, save +those that would not injure her case by refusing, was promptly met, and +the mysterious source of supply seemed as exhaustless at the end as at +the beginning; though at all times she was a female combination of the +Artful Dodger and Job Trotter, capable of compelling confidence and +sympathy. During the progress of the trial she also had time for the +practice of her spiritualistic mummeries, and so worked upon the +ignorance, passions, and pockets of a few wealthy farmers, who were in +attendance at court, that she drove a thriving trade in revelations and +prophecies that, whatever other effect they might have, certainly +brought her large sums of money. + +Although the larger amount of evidence on both sides was of a +documentary character, the case occupied nearly a week, and public +interest was wrought up to the highest possible pitch of excitement as +day after day some startling episode or dramatic incident was developed; +and finally, when Judge Williams charged the jury and that body retired +for consultation, both sides of the case had been so ably conducted, +such a terrible flood of vileness had been launched upon the community, +and so intense was the feeling against the woman on the part of the +public--who condemn with a terrible intensity when once made aware of +the danger in the heart and life of a social assassin, that the pretty +city of Batavia was all awhirl from agitation and excitement. + +All this had been greatly increased by the following dispatches from St. +Louis to the Rochester papers, which had, of course, been received and +widely read in that section, and were all preceded by an item clipped +from the Detroit _Tribune_, to the effect that the notorious female, +Mrs. Winslow, had been indicted in St. Louis as a common scold, and +several public speakers therein named had better take warning. The first +dispatch read: + +"The trial of Mrs. Winslow, charged with common barratry, has been +proceeding in the Four Courts all day. Scores of lawyers are here from +all parts of the West, as witnesses for the prosecution. The case +excites great interest, a similar one never having occurred in St. Louis +before." + +The second and final dispatch from St. Louis on the subject was: + +"The case of the notorious Mrs. Winslow, indicted for common barratry, +terminated to-day. The jury assessed her punishment to be six months' +imprisonment in the county jail." + +These dispatches, with the editorial comments they evoked, had been +received during the progress of the case, and though it was too late to +offer the facts in evidence as to the woman's character, they had +intensified the feeling against her until Mrs. Winslow was given an +opportunity of realizing something of the depth of human scorn. + +A day passed, but no agreement. What could it mean? the public asked. +The second day, being Sunday, passed slowly over the town, for no news +of the jury could be obtained; and though it was a raw winter's day, the +streets were full of people anxious to learn the result. Monday came and +went, and still the jury were out. Whispers of bribery now began to fly +about the city, and when the fourth day had passed with no agreement and +with repeated requests from the jury that they might be discharged, the +whole city was filled with indignation, while public resentment ran so +high that it was with some personal risk that this exponent of +Spiritualism passed to and fro between the court-room and her hotel. + +Finally, it being ascertained that the jury disagreed irreconcilably, +they were called into court for their discharge, and filed solemnly into +their box. After a silence that could be felt had settled upon the vast +audience, Judge Williams wheeled around, and, facing the jury--many of +whom shrank from his severe and penetrating glance--in a voice of quiet +power, his whole bearing being one of dignified scorn, he delivered with +great solemnity the following well-deserved rebuke and protest against +the corruption of the power of the jury, and its contempt of justice and +the sacred dignity of the Court: + +"GENTLEMEN OF THE JURY--I had hoped you would agree upon a verdict. The +cause is a plain one, and there is no need of a disagreement. Another +trial would be expensive to the county, and would occupy much time. A +second trial would again crowd this court-room with a throng of +auditors, who would listen day after day to the disgusting depositions +which are on file in this cause. One trial such as this is too much for +the decency and morality of any community, and another jury should never +be called to pass upon this case. It is the policy of all courts to +secure agreements from juries, and in such a case as this, more than in +almost any other, a disagreement should not be allowed. + +"You are, after being out four days, irreconcilably divided. Some of +you, I know, are determined to be only guided by the evidence and the +law, as given to you by this Court. For your long and persistent +resistance of all attempts on the part of some of your number to prevent +justice, you are entitled to my sincere thanks and those of all +right-minded men in this community. Others there are upon this jury who, +I am bound to believe, have consulted only their passions and +prejudices; have deliberately ignored the evidence and the instruction +of the Court, and are anxious to perpetrate what they know or might +have known, was gross injustice. If there are such men upon this jury, +their conduct merits severest condemnation. I have great respect for the +honest convictions of jurors, even when I think they are wrong. I could +not censure jurors for honest prejudices; but I can have no respect for +men who, from base and unworthy motives, seek to secure unworthy ends. + +"If any one was to look leniently upon the plaintiff, it would, of +course, be her counsel. But to make twelve honest men ever see that she +was entitled to a verdict of even one cent, is a work that transcends +human ability. + +"One of the plainest principles of law applicable to all civil cases, is +that the plaintiff can only recover where there is a fair preponderance +of evidence in his favor. Upon the principal question in this case--that +is, whether or not there was an agreement of marriage between plaintiff +and defendant--they were the only witnesses. Supposing both to be +equally credible, how can the plaintiff recover when every act affirmed +by her is denied by the defendant? But are they equally credible? The +defendant is proved by the evidence to be a man of character, +reputation, and social position. Who is the plaintiff? By her own +evidence she is one who years ago deserted her husband and three +children in Wisconsin, and commenced the life of an itinerant +fortune-teller. Since then, as a clairvoyant, a mesmerist, a medium, she +has perambulated the country, professing in her handbills to predict +future events and to cure all manner of diseases by her occult arts. + +"She has assumed in her travels those invariable proofs of guilt, +_aliases_. She has been proven, by her own writing, daily conversation, +and every-day conduct, to be grossly profane and indecent. By the +testimony of several unimpeached witnesses, produced by defendant, she +is shown to have been an inmate of a house, or houses, of ill-fame, and +to have committed acts of the most shocking indecency and lewdness. And +yet this is the woman whose testimony some of you have received with +absolute verity, while rejecting the testimony of the defendant as of no +value in comparison with it. The question before you was, whether +between this woman and the defendant there had been a binding contract +of marriage. There is no one of you so low that you would have entered +into such an obligation with this woman. You would have started back in +horror at such a proposition; and yet you have been so lost to decency +that you have seemed determined, by your verdict, to thrust such a +disgrace and outrage upon the defendant! + +"You were told by the Court that if the plaintiff was married at the +time when she said the defendant agreed to marry her, such a promise was +absolutely void. The plaintiff had herself sworn that the promise was +made in 186--, and that she was then, and had remained for nearly two +years thereafter, a married woman. Did not the Court tell you that such +a promise was void? The Court told you that no subsequent ratification +of such a promise could make it binding. The Court further instructed +you that if the plaintiff was unchaste at the time of the promise of +marriage, and her unchastity was not known to defendant, that the +marriage contract, if entered into, was not binding. The entire record +in this case teems with the history of her licentiousness. No witness +has been so reckless as to swear that within the last ten years she has +had either virtuous habits or virtuous associations. That she was +virtuous in 1860, or rather, that if then vicious, her character in this +regard was then unknown to her neighbors in Indiana and Wisconsin, is +rendered highly probable from the evidence. But there was a period +preceding this by many years, when the maiden merged into the woman, +that the almost exhaustless evidence produced by the defendant shows to +have been a time without shame, and when her keen shrewdness and wicked +nature had already been developed to a degree of depravity beyond human +belief; and there has since been a period when the vilest inmate of the +lowest den of prostitution was happy in her virgin purity in comparison +with this woman! + +"Previous to the first-mentioned time the plaintiff had followed the +army of the Southwest in its weary marches--not, however, as the +evidence discloses, for any honest purpose. She had wandered infinitely +further from purity than from her Northern home. And yet you have at +tempted to render a verdict that after all these wanderings, and after +this incomparably vile career, she is fit to become the wife of a +respectable citizen of Rochester, the mistress of his mansion, and the +sharer of his large fortune. + +"You were further instructed that if a promise of marriage had been +made, and if the plaintiff had at that time been virtuous, and had +subsequently become unchaste the defendant was released from the +obligation of such a promise; what regard, in view of the evidence in +this case, have you paid to that instruction? + +"Am I too severe, then, when I say that when, through four long days and +nights in your jury room, some of this jury have attempted to force a +verdict in favor of the plaintiff, notwithstanding she was not entitled +to it, and the defendant's witnesses had proven that she was utterly +unworthy of it, you have been actuated by passion and prejudice, and +have attempted to pervert justice? Had you been able to infect all your +comrades with your pestilential breath, and had a verdict in her favor +been rendered, I should certainly have set it aside immediately. + +"I cannot but express my severest censure at the result of this cause at +your hands, knowing, as I cannot but know, that the same vile +machinations which have left a hideous trail of this female monster over +every portion of the land, have brought about this disagreement which is +a shame and a disgrace to yourselves, to Genesee County, and this +Court!" + +The suit necessarily went over to the next term of court, over which +Judge Williams also presided, when no developments worthy of note +occurred, the same evidence being introduced, the same tactics on the +part of Mrs. Winslow--who, however, had been obliged to secure new +counsel--being attempted, and the same crowd of morbid curiosity-seekers +being in attendance. + +But the woman had by this time become too well known for the slightest +hope of success, or even to enable her to receive the ordinary +consideration and protection of the Court. + +Without leaving their seats the jury found for the defendant, and the +woman, defeated yet insolent and daring, passed out into the +summer-decked streets of the little city of Batavia a scorned, dreaded +being, driven from everything but infamous memory. + +I was never sufficiently interested in Le Compte to trace his future, +but it is safe to say that he never visited "La belle France" and +"Paris, the beautiful, the sublime, the magnificent," in company with +the once fascinating Mrs. Winslow. + +Harcout is still the pompous henchman of the harassed millionaire, Mr. +Lyon, and quite covered himself with glory from having claimed the +entire work of securing the evidence that caused the overthrow of the +adventuress. + +Were I a novelist, rather than a detective and obliged to relate facts, +I could have made an effective climax by a tragic meeting between +Harcout and Mrs. Winslow, where Lilly Nettleton would have recognized +the Rev. Mr. Bland and wreaked summary vengeance upon him; but, so far +as I am aware, they never met, and the much-named social scourge is now +wearing out an inconceivably vile and wretched old age--the irrevocable +result of her course of life--an outcast and a wanderer among the lowest +classes that people portions of the Pacific Slope cities, with remorse +and wretchedness behind, and utter hopelessness beyond; while Mr. Lyon, +now a feeble old man, who has atoned, through regrets and humiliations, +for his part of the wrong launched through his as well as her sin upon +society, has at least become thoroughly satisfied of the thousands of +evils following in the trail of this so-called spirit-power, his fulness +of knowledge of its workings having been gained through this particular +experience with THE SPIRITUALISTS AND THE DETECTIVES. + + +THE END. + + + + +G. W. DILLINGHAM, Successor. + +1889. 1889. + +G. W. CARLETON & CO. + +NEW BOOKS + +AND NEW EDITIONS, + +RECENTLY ISSUED BY + + G. 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Ely. 50 + Miss Varian of New York. 50 + The Comic Liar--By Alden. 1 50 + Store Drumming as a Fine Art. 50 + Mrs. Spriggins--Widow Bedott. 1 50 + Phemie Frost--Ann S. Stephens. 1 50 + That Awful Boy--N. Y. Weekly. 50 + That Bridget of Ours. Do. 50 + A Society Star--Chandos Fulton. 50 + Our Artist in Spain, etc.--Carleton. 1 00 + Man Abroad. 25 + + +Miscellaneous Works. + + Dawn to Noon--By Violet Fane. $1 50 + Constance's Fate. Do. 1 50 + Nellie Harland--Vance. 1 00 + Lion Jack--By P. T. Barnum. 1 50 + Jack in the Jungle. Do. 1 50 + Dick Broadhead. Do. 1 50 + How to Win in Wall Street. 50 + The Life of Sarah Bernhardt. 25 + Arctic Travels--By Dr. Hayes. 1 50 + Flashes from "Ouida." 1 25 + The Story of a Day in London. 25 + Lone Ranch--By Mayne Reid. 1 50 + The Train Boy--Horatio Alger. 1 25 + Dan, The Detective. Do. 1 25 + Death Blow to Spiritualism. 50 + The Life of Victor Hugo. 50 + Don Quixote. Illustrated. 1 00 + Arabian Nights. Do. 1 00 + Robinson Crusoe. 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Seymour. 1 50 + An Errand Girl--Johnson. 1 50 + Ask Her, Man! Ask Her! 1 50 + Hidden Power--T. H. Tibbles. 1 50 + Two of Us--Calista Halsey. 75 + Cupid on Crutches--A. B. Wood. 75 + Parson Thorne--E. M. Buckingham. 1 50 + Errors--By Ruth Carter. 1 50 + Unmistakable Flirtation--Garner. 75 + Wild Oats--Florence Marryat. 1 50 + The Abbess of Jouarre--Renan. 1 00 + The Mysterious Doctor--Stanley. 1 50 + Doctor Mortimer--Fannie Bean. 1 50 + Two Brides--Bernard O'Reilly. 1 50 + Louise and I--By Chas. Dodge. 1 50 + My Queen--By Sandette. 1 50 + Fallen among Thieves--Rayne. 1 50 + Saint Leger--Richard B. Kimball. 1 75 + Was He Successful?--Kimball. 1 75 + Undercurrents of Wall St. Do. 1 75 + Romance of Student Life. Do. 1 75 + To-day. Do. 1 75 + Life in San Domingo. Do. 1 75 + Henry Powers, Banker. Do. 1 75 + Led Astray--By Octave Feuillet. 1 50 + Lava Fires--Smith. 1 50 + The Darling of an Empire. 1 50 + Confessions of Two. 1 50 + Nina's Peril--By Mrs. Miller. 1 50 + Marguerite's Journal--For Girls. 1 50 + Orpheus C. Kerr--Four vols. in one. 2 00 + Spell-Bound--Alexandre Dumas. 75 + Purple and Fine Linen--Fawcett. 1 50 + Pauline's Trial--L. D. Courtney. 1 50 + Tancredi--Dr. E. A. Wood. 1 50 + Measure for Measure--Stanley. 1 50 + Charette--An American novel. 1 50 + Fairfax--By John Esten Cooke. 1 50 + Hilt to Hilt. Do. 1 50 + Out of the Foam. Do. 1 50 + Hammer and Rapier. Do. 1 50 + Kenneth--By Sallie A. Brock. 1 75 + Heart Hungry--Mrs. Westmoreland. 1 50 + Clifford Troupe. Do. 1 50 + Price of a Life--R. F. Sturgis. 1 50 + Marston Hall--L. Ella Byrd. 1 50 + Conquered--By a New Author. 1 50 + Tales from the Popular Operas. 1 50 + Edith Murray--Joanna Mathews. 1 50 + San Miniato--Mrs. C. V. Hamilton. 1 00 + All for Her--A Tale of New York. 1 50 + L'Assommoir--Zola's great novel. 1 00 + Vesta Vane--By L. King, R. 1 50 + Walworth's Novels--Seven vols. 1 50 + + + + +MRS. MARY J. HOLMES' WORKS. + +*** + + TEMPEST AND SUNSHINE. + ENGLISH ORPHANS. + HOMESTEAD ON HILLSIDE. + 'LENA RIVERS. + MEADOW BROOK. + DORA DEANE. + COUSIN MAUDE. + MARIAN GREY. + EDITH LYLE. + DAISY THORNTON. + CHATEAU D'OR. + QUEENIE HETHERTON. + BESSIE'S FORTUNE. + DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT. + HUGH WORTHINGTON. + CAMERON PRIDE. + ROSE MATHER. + ETHELYN'S MISTAKE. + MILLBANK. + EDNA BROWNING. + WEST LAWN. + MILDRED. + FOREST HOUSE. + MADELINE. + CHRISTMAS STORIES. + GRETCHEN. (_New._) + +OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. + +"Mrs. Holmes' stories are universally read. Her admirers are numberless. +She is in many respects without a rival in the world of fiction. Her +characters are always life-like, and she makes them talk and act like +human beings, subject to the same emotions, swayed by the same passions, +and actuated by the same motives which are common among men and women of +every-day existence. Mrs. Holmes is very happy in portraying domestic +life. Old and young peruse her stories with great delight, for she +writes in a style that all can comprehend."--_New York Weekly._ + +THE NORTH AMERICAN REVIEW, vol. 81, page 557, says of Mrs. Mary J. +Holmes' novel "English Orphans":--"With this novel of Mrs. Holmes' we +have been charmed, and so have a pretty numerous circle of +discriminating readers to whom we have lent it. The characterization is +exquisite, especially so far as concerns rural and village life, of +which there are some pictures that deserve to be hung up in perpetual +memory of types of humanity fast becoming extinct. The dialogues are +generally brief, pointed, and appropriate. The plot seems simple, so +easily and naturally is it developed and consummated. Moreover, the +story thus gracefully constructed and written, inculcates without +obtruding, not only pure Christian morality in general, but, with +especial point and power, the dependence of true success on character, +and of true respectability on merit." + +"Mrs. Holmes' stories are all of a domestic character, and their +interest, therefore, is not so intense as if they were more highly +seasoned with sensationalism, but it is of a healthy and abiding +character. The interest in her tales begins at once, and is maintained +to the close. Her sentiments are so sound, her sympathies so warm and +ready, and her knowledge of manners, character, and the varied incidents +of ordinary life is so thorough, that she would find it difficult to +write any other than an excellent tale if she were to try it."--_Boston +Banner._ + +*** + +The volumes are all handsomely printed and bound in cloth, sold +everywhere, and sent by mail, _postage free_, on receipt of price [$1.50 +each], by + + G. W. DILLINGHAM, Publisher, + _Successor to G. W. CARLETON & CO._, + 33 W. 23d St., NEW YORK. + + + + +CHARLES DICKENS' WORKS. + +A NEW EDITION. + + +Among the many editions of the works of this greatest of English +Novelists, there has not been until _now_ one that entirely satisfies +the public demand.--Without exception, they each have some strong +distinctive objection,--either the form and dimensions of the volumes +are unhandy--or, the type is small and indistinct--or, the illustrations +are unsatisfactory--or, the binding is poor--or, the price is too high. + +An entirely new edition is _now_, however, published by G. W. Carleton & +Co., of New York, which, in every respect, completely satisfies the +popular demand.--It is known as + +"Carleton's New Illustrated Edition." + +COMPLETE IN 15 VOLUMES. + +The size and form is most convenient for holding,--the type is entirely +new, and of a clear and open character that has received the approval of +the reading community in other works. + +The illustrations are by the original artists chosen by Charles Dickens +himself--and the paper, printing, and binding are of an attractive and +substantial character. + +This beautiful new edition is complete in 15 volumes--at the extremely +reasonable price of $1.50 per volume, as follows:-- + + 1.--PICKWICK PAPERS AND CATALOGUE. + 2.--OLIVER TWIST.--UNCOMMERCIAL TRAVELLER. + 3.--DAVID COPPERFIELD. + 4.--GREAT EXPECTATIONS--ITALY AND AMERICA. + 5.--DOMBEY AND SON. + 6.--BARNABY RUDGE AND EDWIN DROOD. + 7.--NICHOLAS NICKLEBY. + 8.--CURIOSITY SHOP AND MISCELLANEOUS. + 9.--BLEAK HOUSE. + 10.--LITTLE DORRIT. + 11.--MARTIN CHUZZLEWIT. + 12.--OUR MUTUAL FRIEND. + 13.--CHRISTMAS BOOKS.--TALE OF TWO CITIES. + 14.--SKETCHES BY BOZ AND HARD TIMES. + 15.--CHILD'S ENGLAND AND MISCELLANEOUS. + +The first volume--Pickwick Papers--contains an alphabetical catalogue of +all of Charles Dickens' writings, with their exact positions in the +volumes. + +This edition is sold by Booksellers, everywhere--and single specimen +copies will be forwarded by mail, _postage free_, on receipt of price +$1.50 by + + G. W. DILLINGHAM, Publisher, + _Successor to G. W. CARLETON & CO._, + 33 W. 23d St., NEW YORK. + + + + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + +Transcriber's Note: + + +Minor punctuation errors (e.g. missing or misprinted periods, commas, +and quotation marks) and poorly printed letters have been corrected +without note. Other than the corrections listed below, all spelling +variants have been left as in the original. + +The following changes were made to the text: + +Front Matter: EXPRESSMEN to EXPRESSMAN (6.--EXPRESSMAN AND DETECTIVES.) + +p. 21: smoothy to smoothly (smoothly-shaven face) + +pp. 32, 38, and 45: Lily to Lilly + +p. 38: unmanagable to unmanageable (she became almost unmanageable) + +p. 62: wildet to wildest (the wildest affection) + +p. 68: wherupon to whereupon (whereupon she had raised) + +p. 78: Bang's to Bangs's (put in Mr. Bangs's hands) + +p. 94: povety-stricken to poverty-stricken (and the poverty-stricken +hovel) + +p. 106: Waverly to Waverley (After taking dinner at the Waverley,) + +p. 114: deshabille to deshabille (_en deshabille_) + +p. 127: interspering to interspersing (interspersing it with a few) + +p. 153: role to _role_ (she had assumed the _role_) + +p. 158: removed duplicated "to" (better wife 'n she was to me) + +p. 168: _role_ to _role_ (continue the _role_) + +p. 176: removed extra "a" ("a this morning's paper" to "this morning's +paper") + +p. 278: havn't to haven't (you haven't found her) + +p. 311: Evalina to Evalena (upon which Miss Evalena Gray) + +p. 325: Evelena to Evalena (how Miss Evalena Gray performed) + +pp. 334-335 (Illustration caption), 338 and 341: Levereaux to Leveraux + +Advertisements (end of book): Agusta to Augusta (Augusta J. Evans' +Novels.), Expressmen to Expressman (Expressman and Detectives), "and +Detectives" to "as a Detective" (Claude Melnotte as a Detective), +Marryatt to Marryat (Wild Oats--Florence Marryat.) + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Spiritualists and the Detectives, by +Allan Pinkerton + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SPIRITUALISTS AND THE DETECTIVES *** + +***** This file should be named 32007.txt or 32007.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/2/0/0/32007/ + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, S.D., and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was +produced from images generously made available by The +Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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