The Sunday Oregonian., November 11, 1900, PART THREE, Page 31, Image 31

THE SUNDAY OEEGONIAN. PORTLAND, NOVEMBER 11, 1900.
31
THE CENTIPEDE
By Guy Bootkhy
part m.
Ca.vcMon' Sncceim.
(Copyright. 1900. by Guy Boothby.)
It 1b Just possible that you may remem
ber the attempts made by Inspector Cav
esson of the Queensland mounted police
to effect the capture of the Centipede,
the notorious bushranger, "who, for a long
er time than Cavesson ever likes to think
of now, had kept the pastoral districts,
within a radius of 300 miles of the town
ship of Mulga Flat, in a state of continual
terror. One of the metropolitan papers,
not Inaptly, spoke of him as a criminal
wlll-o'-the-wlsp, and the term describes
him as well, if not much better, than I
can possibly hope to do. As a matter of
fact, he was here today and gone tomor
row! sticking up a station on the eastern
side of Mulga Flat one day and plunder
ing a bank 100 miles distant the next.
Try how Cavesson would, he could not lay
his hands upon him. and when on several
occasions he thought he had Teally got
hold of him. the rascal, by some ingen
ious means of his own devising, managed
to slip through his fingers and be off
about his evil business once more. Mean
while, as I have already told you. Par
liament made nasty remarks, the Commis
sioner of Police officially reprimanded him,
a special magistrate was sent up to take
charge of the district, while several of
the papers went so far as to affirm that
he was not only in league with the enemy,
but that his failures to effect his capture
were only the natural results of the bribes
he had received. As may be supposed,
between one and the other, Cavesson's
life was made about as miserable as a
man's could well be. At last, as bas been
already narrated, he had the good for
tune to secure the capture of the. Centi
pede's lieutenant. How the man contrived
to escape, assisted by his notorious em
ployer, a perusal of the story, entitled
"Cavesson's Blunder," will reveal. It is
sufficient for the present that when the
news reached the public ears, the in
spector's position became even more un
bearable than It had been before. Madly
In love with Minnie Walkett as he was,
he had to remember her father's own
words, which were to the effect that,
unless he could come to him and say that
he had captured the Centipede, he should
not dream of giving him his daughter's
hand in marriage. But how on earth was
that capture to be effected? He had tried
every conceivable plan, but without suc
cess. He had schemed and plottel in vain
Xot only his marriage, but his own good
name depended upon his bringing the out
law to book. but. puzzle his brains as he
would, he could not see how it was to
be accomplished.
."ILVe Ft J5350 RtanIng to my credit at
the bank." he gaid to himself, as he paced
up and down his office one hot Summer's
morning, "and, by Jove. I'd willingly
Plank it down if I could lay hand upon
f r"al ,'n ret He's seParatlng mo
from Minnie, and he's ruining my career.
Ahat have I done that fate should sad
dle me with uch a load?"
He went to the window and looked out
upon the street. It was by no means a
cheerful prospect that he saw thore The
heat was terrific, and the road was Inches
deep in dust. The Iron roofs of the houses
opposite reflected the glare, and when a
scorching blast drove down the street it
tos like a sandstorm In the great Sa
hara. "And to think that if I could only cap
ture the fellow I could be out of this for
ever, he said, glaring at a small dog
ho was scratching himself against the
veranda post outside. Then the sound of
wheels attracted his attention, and a mo
ment later the mail coach, a cumbrous
unwieldy affair, covered with dust and
drawn by five panting horses, appeared in
sight, passed the police office and rolled
rlowly down the street toward the prin
cipal hotel. Cavesson touched the bell
upon his desk.
"The coach has Just passed." he .said to
the sergeant, who appeared in answer to
his summons. "Go down to the postofflco
and bring me the letters as quickly as
possible."
Then, when the man had vanished once
more, he sat down at his desk and amused
himself spearlns his blotting pad with
his pen.
"More wiggings from the Commission
er. I suppose." he said, gloomily. "More
letters from kind friends. Inclosing cut
tings from the metropolitan papers, each
of which will refer to what they call my
gnw-s neglect of duty, my Inabilltv to
capture ttiFTenapede. and will Insinuate
that I am talcing bribes to allow him to
remain at large.' Oh. lt's a beautiful,
beautiful world, and If it weren't for Min
nie, by Jove! 1 could almost wish molf
out of It."
A quarter of an hour later the sergeant
returned with his superior's letters, which
he placed upon the table. Cavesson
glanced at the various missives, and then
selected one. the envelope of which was
addressed In a lady's handwriting. The
contents must have been distinctly pleas
ing ror he Tead the letter eevoral times
btfore he placed it In his pocket.
''God bless her" he said, and added a
momont later with wjual sincerity, "and
confound the Centipede."
After that he tumd his attention to
the remainder of the correspondence.
Selecting a long. . official-looking envel
ope, bearing the letters O H. M. S. upon
its face, he opened It. If the expression
upon his face might be taken as any cri
terion, it was by no manner of means as
pleasant as the lasL It ran as follows:
Sir I am directed by the Commissioner
of PoMce to Inform you that, in conse
quence of your continual failure to effect
the arrest of the notorious criminal known
as the Centipede, who for so long a time
has been troubling your district, it has
been decided to transfer you from your
post at MaJga Flat to another station. In
spector Dickson will relieve you on the
win oi mis present month, when you
are directed to hand over to him the men
in yemr charge, and to report yourself at
this office as promptly as possible. I
have the honor to be your obedient ser
vant, J. WHITAKER-BELL,
Secretary of the Commissioner.
Cavesson groaned aloud.
"This Is the end of everything," he said
to himself. 'Tm proved incompetent and
Dickson Ik sent up to relieve me."
He brought his nst down with such a
bang upon th table that the ink pot
Jumped into the air and came within an
ace of overturning. It would have been
a bad day for the Centipede if he had
stood before the Irate officer at that mo
ment After awhile he picked up tho let
ter and road it again.
"Dickson will be here on the 13th." he
said to himself. "If that Is so. I have
still Ave days grace allowed me. Five
days In which to win Minnie, five days
in whloh to show them that I am not as
incompetent as they suppose me. But
there, what can I do In sttch a short time?
If only that brute would give me one
clew as to his whereabouts I might ao
compHsh something. But. as it is. I might
as well stretch out my hand and try to
-N-&n i"w i
touch the moon as hope for such a bit of
luck. I'm a miserable beggar if ever there
was one In this world."
That afternoon he Informed Mr. Hab
lett, the magistrate In charge of the dis
trict, that he was to be superseded, and
could seo that the latter was by no means
displeased at the turn affairs had taken.
Ever since his own misadventure with the
Centlpedo the other had cherished a dis
like to Cavesson; and, though he did not
say so, he had tho satisfaction of knowing
that it was in a great measure due to
his communication to headquarters that
tho inspector was being: recalled.
For the next three days Cavesson gal
loped about his district like a. madman,
making Inquiries In every possible direc
tion, and sparing neither himself nor
his men in his endeavors to bring his
enemy to book before the new Inspector
should arrive. He was no more success
ful, however, than before, and when
on the "Wednesday night he retired to
rest it was with tho feeling that, sd far
as the Centipede was concerned, his
doom was sealed. According to custom
he slept with his window open. In
Mulga. Flat burglars were unknown
luxuries, and, Indeed, if there had been
a stray gentleman of the craft In the
district, the bedroom of the inspector of
police would scarcely have been the
crib he would have been likely to crack.
Nevertheless, Cavesson's bedroom was
visited that night by a stranger from
the outside world, but who that stran
ger was and how he got in without
rousing the inhabitant has never yet
been discovered. When the owner of
the room went to his dressing table
next morning he was surprised to flni a
grimy letter addressed to himself stand
ing against his looking-glass. Th6
writing was quite unknown to him,
and the spelling of his name betrayed
the fact that, whatever else might be,
spelling was evidently not the author's
strongest point.
"How the deuce did it get here?"
Cavesson asked himself as he picked
It up. "It wasn't there, I'll svear, when
I went to bed last night, and surely no
one would have had the- cheek to enter
my room while I was asleep."
And yet the fact remained that the
lotter had reached him, and that It was
intended for himself. He accordingly
opened It, and scanned tho contents with
a considerable amount of curiosity. It
was short, but, "as It transpired, very
much to the point.
"If Inspeckter Cavesln." It ran. "wants
to catch the Sentlpeed, ho'd better take
a friend's advice and be at the 'Jolly
Bushmen grog shanty on the Yarra
watta Crossing, on Thursday night, when
the man he wants so bad will be there
disguised as a priest. You'd best catch
liim then, as he's cleerlng out of the
Country, and you won't get another
chanst."
Cavesson put the letter down and
donned his considering cap.
"Is it genuine, or Is it only a hoax to
luro me off in another direction, In order
that he shall wqrk one of his villainies
in the neighborhood while I am absent?"
He scarcely knew what to think, or
what action to take. The writing was
plainly disguised, the paper told him
nothing. He finished dressing, and sat
down to breakfast with the weight of
thlB new complication lying heavily
upon his mind. If It wore not a hoax,
how gladly would he embrace the op
pot tumty it offered him of getting even
with his foe; if it were, and he should
aot upon it, and anything 111 should re
sult, then he would vacate his position 1
and take his departure for the south In
one last furious storm of ridicule and
abuse. It was by no means a pleas&nt
position for a sensitive man to find him
self placed in, and Cavesson grew almost j
dizzy as he thought of it. After break
fast ho discussed the matter with his
faithful adherent. Burke; tho magistrate
he resolved to leave out of his calcula
tions altogether. And, as the sequel
proved. It was Just as well that he did so.
"Well, sir," said Burke, when he had
heard everything, "If you'll excuse me, j
It seems to me to be, in a manner of
speaking, like our last chance. The
Centipede, as we all know, has got
enemies as well as friends in the district,
and it's as likely as not that one of them
has turned rusty. Why not give It a
trial, sir? You can leave me here with
three of the men, and you may be quite
sure that I will keep my eyes open, if
only for your soke. It's a black shame, J
HTr niM 4tLf -fpi iiW ' If (Br - "
V , . - -
sir, that you should be recalled because
you cah't manage to catch the chap. The
devil, hemself, couldn't do it, so m
thinking. Plx yourself up a bit different,
sir; like a working man, so to speak, and.
go to the grog shanty. If a priest turns
up, arrest him. It's Just possible you
may turn the tables on your enemies af
ter all."
"By Jove! I've a good mind to take
your advice, and to risk It, Burke," said
Cavesson. "Things couldn't be much
worse with me than they are at present;
while It is Just possible that one of the
Centipede's enemies may bo giving him
away after all."
In this fashion it was settled, and for
the remainder of the morning Cavesson
busied himself preparing for the adven
ture that lay before him.
Shortly after midday, had there been
any or.e there to see it, a most unusual
sight might have been witnessed on the
road that led from Mulga Flat across the
plains to the crossing on the "Warrawat
ta River. A gigantic table-topped wagon,
such as Is used by carriers for conveying
goods from civilization out to tho far
West, drawn by 30 oxen, might have been
observed slowly crawling along the road.
It was loaded with bales of wool, but in
stead of being conducted only by the car
rier and his mate, it was accompanied by
four stalwart men, who, though dressed
after tho fashion of ordinary bushmen.
In reality comprised the inspector of po
lice and three of his most trustworthy
subordinates. Hour after hour the wagon
crawled on Its way, and at least half a
dozen times In every 60 minutes Cavesson,
and. the hands on the top of the load,
called down maledictions on the bullocks
for their slow traveling.
Comparatively short though the discus
sion was. night had fallen, before they
reached their destination and were able
to call a halt by one of the large water
holes that were all that remained of what
In Winter was a river of more than a
quarter of a mile wide. Onco in camp the
work of unyoking commenced, and after
this had been satisfactorily accomplished
and the animals had been conducted to
the water and good gross. It was time to
think about carying out the plot they had
arranged. A fire was accordingly lighted
and tho cooking of the evening meal com
menced. In the meantime a space had
been cleared among the wool bales, and In
this a bed was arranged, upon which one
of the troopers, a somewhat cadaverous
fellow, rejoicing In the name of Brown,
was to act the part of an Invalid. Then
the evening meal was eaten, and after
that Cavesson called his men together.
"Now, lads," he beean, "I want to say
a few words to you. As you are aware,
this morning I received some information
that may possibly enable me to get hold
of the man who has outwitted us for so
long. I believe you are as anxious to bring
him to book as I myself, and if you play
your parts well tonight, as I feel sure you
will do, I see r.o reason why tho arrest
should not take place. In a quarter of an
hour the carrier and I will set off for
the grog shanty. You, Brown, will go to
bed on the load, while the rest of you
will take up your stations among the
bushes close at hand. When we are ready
to capture the . prisoner, you will take
your signal from- me as I direct. If he
escapes it will not be our fault."
"You can trust to us, sir," said one of
the men; and the others echoed his re
mark. Everything having been arranged, Ca
vesson and the teamster set off for the
grog shanty, which was situated some
thing like a quarter of a mile further
down the river bank. It was a place that
possessed a far from good reputation, and
more occasions than ope Cavebson had
had the best of reasons for suspecting
that the proprietor had given the Informa
tion to the bushrangers which had en
abled them to escape from the trap that
he had set for them. On reaching the
hovfe the two men entered the bar. The
teamster, according to tho arrangement
"GOOD EVEXIXG, LANDLORD!" HE SAID, APPROACHING THE COUNTER.
previously agreed upon, called for drinks,
and the landlord, who was behind the bar,
served them. One of the daughters of
the house, who was wiping glasses at
the further end of the room, looked up
as thej- entered, and Cavesson "could have
sworn that he detected an anxious look
upon her face as she took stock of them.
"If the Centipede Is here, I should not
be surprised -to find that she Is the woman
who has given him away," he said to
himself.
The landlord and the teamster, as Ca
vesson was well aware, were, old friends.
For this reason, when the latter stated
that he had a dying man- out at his camp,
the other's suspicions were not aroused.
"Surely you remember him," said tho
teamster. "Jim Heggarty, him as used
to be on the Boulia Read before he came
South?"
"In course I remember him," the land
lord replied. "Poor Jim, and he Is real
bad. Is he?" f
"Bad, why he's as close to death as
ever he'll be in this world," tho carrier
answered. "He's moania' and groanln'
out there as if he'd never know no com
fort again, which is my belief he won't.
When he was up and about ho never be
lieved in nothing, didn't give a cuss for
anything, alive or dead, he used to say.
But now he's down it's all the other way.
He can't rest -noways, because he laughed
at religion, he says, and mother church,
and suchlike."
Cavesson noticed that the woman behind
tho bar gave a sudden start on hearing
this. Next moment, however, his atten
tion was attracted by the sound of horse's
hoofs outside the house. Presently the
door at the further end of the bar, which
led out into the stockyard, opened, and a
Roman Catholic priest entered the room.
Although dusty and travel-stained, he
was neat and natty, and seemed to be on
the best possible terms, not only with
himself, but also with the world In gen
eral. "Good evening, landlord," he said, ap
proaching the counter. "I presume you
can give me a room tonight?"
"With pleasure, your reverence," the
landlord replied. "Have you ridden far
today?"
"Only from Durnford Station," the other
answered. "You may doubtless have
heard that the eldest daughter was mar
ried yesterday to young Mr. McPherson,
of Cootnambrllla. I went out to perform
the ceremony."
Cavesson looked at the man, and took
particular notice of the dark, restless
oyes and clear-cut features, also of the
small scar on the left side of the mouth.
Ho was the Centipede without a doubt.
After a nobbier of brandy and a few more
unimportant remarks, the priest ordered
his supper to be prepared for him, and
then: made as if he would leave the room.
The teamster, however, in the meantime,
had said something in an undertone to
the landlord, who, In reply, somewhat
unwillingly addressed tho clergyman.
"This man, your reverence," he sold In
an apologetic tone, "asks me to Inform
you that one of his mates lies dying out
In camp yonder, and wantB to know If you
would havo any objection to going out to
see him. He says he don't think the poor
chap will live till morning."
The priest looked intently at the carrior,
and then from him at the landlord. Ca
vesson could see that he was placed In an
awkward position. By all the rules of his
cloth It would never have done for him to
have declined to go, and yet, remember
ing who he was, and how necessary It was
for h(m to be close, he had no desire to
run the risks of being drawn Into a trap.
"Do you know this man-? he inquired
of the landlord.
"Know him?" returned the landlord
with a laugh. "Lor bless you, I've
known him for years."
"You are quite sure that I can trust
myself with him?"
This was a speech, as Cavesson could
see, that was possessed of a doublo
meaning.
"I'll pledge 'my word on it," answered
the landlord, who, as may be supposed,
had no notion of the teamster's connec
tion with Cavesson and the police.
"Very well, then, I'll go," the other
replied. "While I am absent let my
supper be prepared, and see that it Is
ready for me by the time I return. Now,
my .friend, lead the way, and if the com
forts of the church can help to assuago
tho spiritual sorrows of your unhappy
friend, you may rest assured that they
shall be given in the most fit and proper
manner."
They loft the house together, and Caves
son, who had at that moment been lolling
up against the counter, prepared to follow
them. As he did so the girl behind the
bar allowed a glass to fall from her hand.
"What did you do that for, you hus
sy?" asked her father angrily. "It ain't
like you to go chucking the crockery
about. Go and get his reverence's sup
per, and look sharp about It. Do you
hear me?'
Ten minutes later the strangely as
sorted trio reached the rendezvous, where
the gray outline of the wagon could br
plainly distinguished, thrown Into relief
as It was by the leaping llames of the
cahipflre. If the priest had any suspi
cions left, this familiar sight must
have tended to relieve him of them, for
he approached the wagon with all his old
confidence.
"Where Is the invalid? ' he Inquired,
as he passed1 th? fire.
"Upon the loading," the carrier re
plied. "How's it, with yoi now, Jim?"
"Bad, bad, mortal bad," .he lck man
replied in a husky voiqo. "Are ycu going
to let me die like a do?, without che
blessings of the Holy Church?"
"No, no, my friend, said the sup.
posed priest. "It is fortunate for you
that I am here to minister to your re
quirements." "If your reverence would bo pleasrJ to
mount the wagon," said; the carr'oc
"you'd be able to see. him for yourself,
Here, you, Dick, hand us the stens aim
look sharp about It"
Thus adjured, Cavesson produced the
ladder, and propped It against the tail
board of the wagon. A moment later
the priest had mounted and was on to.
of the load. Kneeling beside the sup
posed sick man, he Inquired the nature
of his aliments. At the same moment a
woman's shriek rang out en th.3 fttilt
night air, and the innkeepers daughtex
was to be seen hastening towards the
camp.
"What's that?" cried the priest, leap
ing to his feet.
"It means that so far as you are con
cerned the game Is up," answered
Cavesson coolly, producing a revolver
from bis pocket -as be spoke. "Put your
hands above your head. Centipede, or
you're a dead man."
"My dear fellow, there's not the least
necessity for that," returned the Centi
pede, with a gentle little laugh that wm
more ah expression of amusement than
of anything else. "So you're really
Cavesson, are you? Well, it seems as
If you've scored after all, does it not?
I did not expect to be caught In this sim
ple fashion, and Just as I was leaving tho
country, too." Then he added, looking
round him at the others: "I suppose il
would be no use my attempting to make
a fight for It?"
"Not In the least." Cavessxi replied,
and as he spoke 4ie blew his whistle, and
the troopers, who had hltherio latn hid
den among the brushwood, rose and; ap
proached the wagon.
"Just put the handcuffs on him to
make sure, Brown," said Cavesson, end
In reply to the order the invalH rose
ftm his couch and produced a pair of
mnnacle3, with which he encircled tha
Centipede's wrists.
"Fancy my having allowed myself to
be caught in this ridiculouslv simple
fashion," said the Centipede, as he de
scended tho ladder and stood before the
Arc. "After this you'll be the hero of
tho hour, Cavesson."
"It's about time I had u. lltt'o suc
cess," answered the other grimly. And
then, to make assurance doubly sure, he
ordered that one of the handcuffs should
be made fast to his own left wrltit. That
dene, he dispatched two of his rien to
requisition horses from the innkeeper,
bc'ng desirous of returning to the town
ship and setting his prisoner under lock
and key with as little del as possible.
"It Is all my own fault," said the Cen
tipede, as they stood together before tha
fre, awaiting the arrival of the trans
port service. "If I had not played fast
and loose with that girl, who, by th
way. has cleared out, I should not be in
the predicament I am now. I supposa
she gave me away?"
"You don't expect mo to commit my
self, I hope?" answered Cavesson. "It
s sufficient for my purpose tha; J have
got you."
"You're quite right," the Centipede
replied, without the least sign of Ill
humor. "It would not be business-like
to say where one derives one's Informa
tion." Half an hour later they were on thetr
way back to the township, and for tho
first time in many weeks Cavesson was
able to look upon himself m 'the light ot
a really happy man. Inasmuch as he had
effected the capture of the Ccntipedo,
nothing could deprive him of the right
to say that he had complied with his
future father-in-law's stipulation. More
over, he had vindicated his honor, and
shown his detractors that he was far
from being the f Ml they had not only
supposed, but declared him to be.
Something under three hours after
leaving the crossing, and Just as the
police station clock was striking 12 they
rode Into the township. Not a soul was
about, and, in consequence, he was abla
to stow- his prisoner carefully away In
one of the cells without any one but
Burke and his troopers being the wl-ei-that
the notorious Centipede was In the
town.
It was a happy man who retired to rest
that morning.
Next morning he was aroused from
sleep by the sergeant who invaded his
sleeping apartment with the information
that the new Inspector had arrived, an!
that after calling at the police station,
he had gone on to pay his respBCts to the
magistrate.
"The deuce he has!" said Cavesson,
twirling his mustache. "He Knows
nothing about the Centipede. I suppose?"
"No more than any one else, sir," said
Burke. "There's not a soul in the town
ship dreams he's here. I've taken good
care of thnt."
"All right," answered Cavesson. "Now
I will dress, and when I've done that I'll
go along to Hablett's house and drop a
shell Into their camp."
On reaching the magistrate's house he
found the new inspector and his hot at
breakfast. They were more than a little
surprised to see him.
"How do, Dickson," said Cavesson cool
ly, after he had saluted his superior
"Had a pleasant journey up from Bris
bane?" "So, so," said Dickson. "It's too hot
for traveling. Any news of the Centi
pede?" "I fancy we should have heard some
thing about it before this If there had
been," put in Hablett vindictively.
"When Cavesson catches him I shall ex
pect to hear the church bell going to let
us know there's someth'ng imp:rtant on
hand."
Cavesson bit his lip. but managed, with
an effort, to keep his temper. Pretend-
ing to ignore the question.'he asked Dick
son when it would 'be convenient for him
to inspect the Btation and to take over
command, according to thj tenor of the
Commissioner's letter.
"I am prepared to start as soon as pos
sible," the latter replied. "The sooner
the better."
"Will half an hour's time suit your
asked Cavesson.
"Admirably," answered the other.
Thereupon Cavesson bade them good
by and left the house. At the time ar
ranged Dickson and the magistrate ar
rived at the police station. They In
spected the charge room, the various
offices, the Inspector's quarters, and the
stables and the harness-room, and at last
found themselves at the cells.
"What charges have your inquired
Hablett.
"In No. 1 a case of petty larceny," said
Cavesson. "In No. 2 a drunken shearer.
No. 3, however, is more Interesting."
As he spoke he signed to the sergeant
to unlock the door.
"Who Is the prisoner?" Dickson In
quired.
"The Centipede," Cavesson answered
simply, and the surprise and chagrin he
saw on the faces of the two men was
sufficient recompense for him for all he
had suffered at their hands.
Two hours later the notorious criminal,
who had kept the district In such a state
of terror for so long a time past, was
brought before the magistrate and re
manded, in order that further evidence
against him might be obtained. Three
days later he was commlttted for trial,
and was ordered to be taken to Mary
wonga to stand his trial at the next as
sizes. Much to Cavesson's delight, a let
ter from headquarters Instructed his suc
cessor to attend to the matter of trans
portation. "Take my advice, Dickson," Cavesson
said, when they discussed the matter,
"and have him handcuffed to your wrist
night and day. I know the gentleman
with whom we have to deal, and if you
give him half a chanco he'll be off and
away, and you'll never set eyes upon him
again."
Til take good care that he doesn't do
that," answered Dickson, haughtily. "If
he can get away from mo ho's a cleverer
man than I take him for."
"I am only giving you fair warning,"
said Cavesson, with a shrug of his shoul
ders. "Thanks," answered Dickson, laconical
ly. "When I want your advice I'll ask
you for It."
Next day the party started for Mary-
wonga, and Cavesson, who had no further
reason for remaining in Mulga Flat, de
cided to accompany them for the first 100
miles of their Journey. Then ho was to
branch off for the south, and eventually
catch the train for Brisbane. At the last
moment the Police Magistrate, to avoid
having to accomplish the Journey alone
later on, also made up his mind to ac
company tho party, and when the sun
rose next morning they set off, the pris
oner riding a quiet horse, and having his
wrlght wrist handcuffed to Dickson's left.
For several reasons It was far from be
ing a. Jovial party, and Cavesson was not
sorry when the time arrived for him to
say farewell to it. Then he bade Dick
son and the Magistrate good-by, and aft
erward turned to the Centipede, who was
watching him with his usual quiet smile
upon his face.
"Good-by, my friend," he said; "we shall
not see each other again until we meet in
court. You have caused me a grnt deal
of trouble and anxiety, but, olever as you
were, I think you must confess I beav
you In the end."
"You wouldn't have beaten me then,"
answered the Centipede, "had It not been
for a woman's treachery. However, I
bear you no malice. Will you shake
hands?"
"Of course I will," said Cavesson. and
he did so, while Hablett and Dickson ex
changed glances of disapproval.
Then, bidding the party good-by, he
rode off down a side track.
Three days lator he arrived at Bris
bane, called upon the Commissioner, ob
tained a fortnight's leave of absence and
was on the mall train on his way south
In order to remind Mr. Walkett of the
promise he had given him.
"Well, well," said the old gentleman,
when they had discussed the matter, "as
Minnie loves you, and I told you that I
would consider the matter when you
caught the Centipede, there Is nothing for
it but for me to surrender."
He was as good as his word, and that
very day the engagement was announced.
Next morning, however, a surprise was
in store for them.
"God bless my soul alive!!" cried the
.millionaire, bustling out, newspaper In
hand, upon the veranda, where the hap
py couple were seated together; "Just
listen to this."
So saying, he unfolded the paper, and
commenced to read.
" 'As our readers will doubtless re
member, the capture of the redoubtable
bushranger, Centipede, who. for the past
14 months, has been defying law and
order In Southwestern Queensland, was
effected by Police Inspector Cavesson, on
the 12th, on the Yarrawatta River. In
due course the Magistrate at Mulga
Flat committed him for trial at the
next criminal session, to be held In the
town of Marywonga, some 200 miles dis
tant. In order to make sure of his due
arrival, the prisoner was personally con
ducted on the Journey by Police Inspector
Dickson, an officer of high repute, who
was therefore answerable for his safe
custody and delivery. The Magistrate
who had committed him, the Inspector
who effected his capture, and foiir troop
ers constituted the remainder of the es
cort. In due course Inspector Cavesson,
who had received orders to report him
self at headquarters as soon as pos
sible, said farewell to them and turned
south. All went well with the remainder
of the party until they were within 50
miles of their destination. When they
camped beside a creek and retired to rest
In the customary fashion, the prisoner
was sleeping between tho Police Magis
trate and Inspector Dickson, to whose
wristhe was as usual securely handcuffed.
Judge, therefore, of the surprise of the
party when they woke next morning at
finding the Magistrate and Inspector man.
acled together and the prisoner gone. Both
gentlemen, and also the troopers, declare
most posllvely that they did not notice
him moving about during the night, and
are at a complete loss to understand how
he managed to outwit them as he did. As
soon as the fact was discovered, a thor
ough search w"as made of the neighbor
hood, but entirely without success. For
tho time being, the Centipede has van
ished as completely as he has so often
done before. Needless to say, the re
sult of this curious business is being anx
iously awaited In Southern Queensland."
Three months after the appearance of
the above paragraph, Cavesson, who, act
ing 'In accordance with his future father-in-law's
wishes, had sent in his resigna
tion of the office of Police Inspector, In or
der to become postoralist and a husband,
was married to Miss Walkett at the ca
thedral. It was a grand affair, and
many important personages were present,
including myself, of course. When the
ceremony was at an end we returned to
Mr. Walkett's residence for the recoption.
"By the way, Cavesson," said the Com
missioner of Police, buttonholing the
bridegroom after the cutting of the cake,
"this packet reached me this morning,
with an anonymous letter, asking me to
convoy it personally to you on your wed
ding day, and stating that It was a little
present from a well-wisher who was not
conversant with your address.
"I wonder what on earth It can be?"
said Cavesson, and forthwith broke the
seals ahd unwrapped the paper that ln
closedit. A small cardboard box next came Into
view, on opening which a magnificent gold
watch with an equally costly chain was
discovered.
"What a strange thing," he said; "who
on earth can It be from?"
"Is there no Inscription that 'will throw
light upon It?" Inquired his wife.
He turned It over and examined the
back.
"Yes, there "Is," he answered, and read
the following:
"From the Centipede to Inspector Cav
esson. with all good wishes for his fu
ture," (THE END.)
Iri Twenty Tears From Now.
Cheer up, O weary citizen!
This slanr which smites tha ear
As Masons come and go again
Is bound to disappear.
They won't say "nit" Instead of "not," '
Such things they can't allow;
They won't Jiave words like "tommyrot"
In twenty years from now.
They'll not describe their fellow men
As "lobsters" and the like.
Nor talk of things as "Corkers" when
A Joyous mood they strike.
"With wotb our ears they cannot pierce
At aast I don't see how.
Our dialect won't b so "fierce"
la twenty years from now. v
Washington Star.
THE PALATIAL
orais us
Not a darlc office In the bnlldlnarj
absolutely fireproof; electric light
and artesian water; perfect anlta-
tlon and thorough ventilation. Ele
vators run day and nlffht.
. . Rooms.
AINBLIE. Dr. asORGK,Fhys!ektn....C08-600
ANDERSON. Gl'STAV. Attorney-at-Law... 813
ASSOCIATED PRESS; E. L. Powell. Mar .803
AUSTEN. F. C, Manager Xer Oregon atid
"Washington Bankers' Life Association, of
Dos Moines. la.......... 502-503
BANKERS LIFE ASSOCIATION. OF DE3
M0INB6. IA.: F. C. Austen. Manager 502-503
BAYNTUN. GEO. R., Mgr. tor Chas. Scrlb-
ners Sons T , 313
BEALS. EDWARD A., Forecast Official U.
S. "Weather Bureau 010
BENJAMIN. R. W.. Dentist 314
niNSWANGER.DR. O. S.. Phys. & Sor 410-411
BROOKE. DR. J. M.. Phys. & Surg....TO8-709
BROWN. MYRA. M. D 313-31
BRUERE. DR. G. E., Physician.... 412-13-IH
CANNING. M. J 002-eOl
CAUKJN, G. E.. District Agent Travelers'
Insurance Co 71s
CARDWELI,. DR. J. It BOO
CHURCHILL, MRS. E. J 710-717
COFFEY. DR. R. a. Phys. & Surgeon.... 70O
COLUMBIA TELEPHONE COMPANY....
604-eO5-60G-e07-613-6H-615
CORNELIUS. C. W.. Phys. and Surgeon.... 30O
COVER. F. C. Cashier Equitable Llfe....,.30O
COLLIER, P. F., Publisher; S. P. McGulre,
Manager 415-ill
DAT. J. Q. & I. jj 310
DAVIS. NAPOLEON. President Columbia
Telephone Co G07
DICKSON. DR. J.' F.. Physlotan VS-1H
DRAKE, DR. IL B., PhysUlan.... 512-313-014.
DWYER, JOE F., Tobaccos 402
EDITORIAL ROOMS Eighth door
EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCESOCIETY;
L. Samuel, Manager; F. C. Cover, Cashier 303
EVENING TELEGRAM 323 Alder street
FENTON. J. D., Physician and Surgeen.GOO-310
NJX' DR- HICKS C; Eye and Ear...3U
FENTON. MATTHEW F., Dentist 003
OALVANI, W. IL, Engineer and Draughts-
tt" 600
GAVIN, A., President Oregon Camera Club.
214-210-216-21T
GEARY, DR. EDWARD P., Physlelaa and
Surgeon .212-213
GBBBIE PUB. CO., Ltd., Fine Art Publish
ers; M. C. McGreevy. Mgr 313
GIESY, A. J., Physician and Surgeon. ..700-710
GODDARD. E. C, & CO.. Footwear
Ground floor. 120 Sixth street
GOLDMAN. WILLIAM. Manager Manhattan
Life Insurance Co.. of New York.... 200-210
GRANT. FRANK S.. Attorney-at-Law.., 617
HAMMAM BATHS, King & Compton, Props.300
HAMMOND. A. B 310
HOLLISTER. DR. O. G, Phys. & Sur. .504-305
IDLE-MAN, C. M.. Attorney-at-Law.. 418-17 18
JOHNSON. W. C. 315-310-317
KADY, MARK T.. Supervisor of Agents
Mutual Reserve Fund Life Ass'n 604-005
LAMONT. JOHN. Vlee-Prealdent and Gen
eral Manager Columbia Telephone Co 00$
LITTLEFIELD, H. R., Phys. and Surgeon.2iW
MACRUM.W. S., Sec Oregon Camera Club.214
MACKAY, DR. A. E.. Phys. and Surg..711-712
MARTIN. J. L. Si CO., Timber Lands ..601
MAXWELL. DR. "W. E.. Phys. & Surg.701-2-3
McCOY, NEWTON, Attorney-at-Law 71J
McFADEN. MISS IDA E., Stenographer. ..201
McGINN, HENRY E Attorney-at-Law. 311-ia
McKELL, T. J., Manufacturers' Represen
tative 303
MBTT, HENRY 213
MILLER, DR. HERBERT C, Dentist and
Oral Surgeon 608-600
MOSSMAN, DR. E. P.. Dentist 312-313-314
MANHATTAN LIFE INSURANCE CO. of
New York; W. Goldman, Manager... ..200-210
MUTUAL RESERVE FUND LIFE ASS'N,
Mark T. Kady, Supervisor of Agents..604-C03
McELROY, DR. J. a., Phys. & Sur 701-702-703
McFARLAND, E. B.. Secretary Columbia
Telephone Co..... C00
McGUIRE. S. P., Manager P. F. Collier,
Publisher 415-419
McKIM. MAURICE, Attorney-at-Law 600
MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE CO. of New
York; "Win. S. Pond. State Mgr.. ..404-405-409
NICHOLAS. HORACE B.. Atfy-at-Law....713
NILESj M. L., Cashier Manhattan Life In
surance Co., of New York 203
OREGON INFIRMARY OF OSTEOPATHY;
Dr. Ifc B. Smith, Osteopath 40aUo
OREGON CAMERA CLUB 214-215-218-21T
TOND. "WM. S., State Manager Mutual Life
Ins. Co., of New York 404-405-400
PORTLAND EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY,
Ground floor. 133 Sixth 'street
PORTLAND MININO & TRUST CO.; J. H.
Marshall, Manager gjjj
QUIMBY, L. P. "W., Game and Forestry
"Warden 710-711
ROSENDALE. O. M., Metallurgist and Min
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REED & MALCOLM, Opticians... 133 Sixth at.
REED, F. C, Fish Commissioner 407
RYAN, J. B.. Attorney-at-Law 417
SAMUEL, L.. Manager Equitable Life 300
SECURITY MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE
Co.; H. F. Bushong, Gen. Agent for Ore.
and "Washington .50J
SHERWOOD, J. W., Deputy Supreme Com
mander KL O. T. M..... 317
SMITH. Dr L. B . Osteopath 408-400'
SONS OF THE AMERICAN BEVOLTJTION.500
STUART, DELL. Attorney-at-Law 617-618
BTOLTE, DR. CHAS. E., Dentist 704-703
SURGEON OF THE S. P. 'RY AND N. P.
TERMINAL CO...., 7C
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Special Agt. Mutual Lite of New York. ...400
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE 201
TUCKER, DR. GEO. F., Dentist 610-611
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DIST ; Captain "W. C Laagfltt, Corps of
Engineers, U. S. A 800
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HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS; Captain Yf.
C. Langntt, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A. .810
WATERMAN, a H Cashier Mutual Ufa
of New York .403
WHITE, MISS L. E., Assistant Secretary
Oregon Camera Club 214"
TVILSON. DR. EDWARD N., Physician
and Surgeon 301-305
WILSON. DR. OEO. F., Phys. & Surg..70C-707
"WILSON. DR HOLT C. Phys. & Sur. E07-80S
WOOD, DR. "W. L-, Physlelan 412-413-414
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to the rent cleric In the bnllillnt;.
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The ilngglia aocnmnlnUon in -Cui'
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VALUABLE Iutox&ltss TREATISE FR.EB 1
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For years the only safe and rellabto
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