Chapter XVII
BEING acquainted with a number of lawyers in the city, I had my friend consult a member of one of the prominent firms, with whom he made an appointment for me to see him at his residence that evening- at eight o'clock. Upon making known my identity, the gentleman invited me in, and we retired to his library, where I related the circumstances of my arrest and escape from Detective Burns and of my desire to secure a certain grip, which I had left at my former boarding house, together with a check for $1,022.
The attorney expressed the opinion that he could secure both grip and check for me without difficulty, so I gave him a written order on the landlady for them, and made an appointment with him to meet me on the following afternoon at a certain point in the city to which he was to come by street car and arrive at exactly two o'clock.
From my attorney's residence, I returned directly to my room, and retired for the night, and on the following morning, having decided to change my headquarters, I settled my bill and vacated.
Taking a street car, I went to South Boston, where I had breakfast and spent the forenoon about the steamer docks and lumber yards in that vicinity. After luncheon I engaged a horse from a liveryman whose acquaintance I had made earlier in the day, who furnished me with the best animal in the stable and one that he was accustomed to driving personally.
On my way to the point where I was to meet my attorney, I was particular to observe the surrounding streets and to make a note of those I might select in event of my being discovered and being forced to make a hasty retreat. I always had in mind that my identity might become known at any moment and I was cautious to be prepared for any emergency. I was commencing to feel, now that the exciting incidents of the past few days had left me yet free to my own sweet will, that I had taken some desperate and wholly uncalled for chances, and that in future it would stand me in hand to use a little more discretion regarding my conduct.
Upon arriving at my destination, I drove about for several minutes, as I was somewhat ahead of time, and as each car in turn made its appearance, I managed to be about two or three blocks away and at a point where I could observe if my attorney alighted, and at the same time note if anyone else got off, or was in a position to watch his movements or see what was taking place. When my attorney came, I drove rapidly toward him, and taking him in the buggy, we hurried away.
In response to my inquiry as to what success he had met with, he stated that he had secured the check, but that, being informed by the landlady that her house was being watched, he did not venture to remove the grip. He suggested that I give him the keys to the latter, so that he might secure such articles as I desired, which he said he would bring to me in his pocket. I demurred to this, as I did not care to have anyone handle my private papers and suggested in reply, that he call on my landlady again that evening, after dark, when he could wrap the grip, which was not large, with a number of newspapers, giving it thePage 254
