After thanking Mrs. Watson for her efforts in my behalf, I returned to the hotel and wont to my room to think matters over. Mrs. Watson. I reasoned, would probably fail again, should she attempt to interview Mr. Heney, so I decided to call on Mrs. Marie Ware McKinley, as Burns had given her credit for having withstood his inquisition and I felt that she was capable of doing a great deal in my behalf.
It was very probable, therefore, that Marie could arrange matters for me. and as my wife had given me her address. I thought it worth while trying anyway. She was thoroughly familiar with the land fraud cases, and would understand exactly just why I wanted to gain an interview with Mr. Heney. Besides. I was of the opinion that he felt kindly toward her, and u])on receiving the story, such as I had originally outlined, he would not hesitate to call at her residence.
Not having anything to occupy my time during the day, I borrowed a pair of field glasses from the landlady at the hotel and walked to the hills back of Oakland, from whence I viewed the devastated districts of San Francisco. I had a great desire to visit the city in person and inspect the ruins, but would not countenance the thought of imperiling my chances of freedom until after I could talk with Mr. Heney, so was forced to content myself to view the results of that awful disaster from afar.
After returning to the hotel that evening, I took supper and lingered about until quite late, as I did not think it best to call on Marie much before 11 o'clock. I had endeavored during the evening to reach her by 'phone, but did not succeed. As I would not risk making an a])i)ointment by messenger. I figured that, on account of it being Saturday night, she would not be likely to retire very early and would, in all probability, be up until 11 o'clock, if not later.
About 10:30 p. m. I left the hotel and boarded a street car for 32nd street and Shattuck avenue. Berkeley, where I alighted and walked to the address given me by my wife, as the residence of Marie. Upon knocking at the door, it was opened by Allie McKinley. Horace's cousin, who inquired upon seeing me: Isn't this Mr. Puter?" to which I replied that he had guessed correctly.
It was something like four years since I had seen Allie McKinley. and as I was somewhat changed in appearance, he did not readily recognize me, but in taking a second look, discovered in me the much sought for Puter.
Inviting me inside, we entered the sitting room, whereupon I asked if Marie was stopping there. To this injury I received an affirmative answer, accompanied by the information that she had retired for the night.
Stepping to the stairway, Allie called to Marie that Steve was here, and she immediately dressed and came to where we were talking. Marie, of course, was delighted to see me. though she said that she was not surprised, as she rather looked for me to show up soon. Her actions on that occasion were those of a boisterous child, overjoyed because of the return of a long absent friend or parent, and she made no attempt to subdue her emotions.
I was somewhat amused at her childish antics and the interest she exhibited in my revelation of the happenings of the past few months. She was intent on catching every word and was jubilant in her expressions of satisfaction in learning of my success, while she would stop to pity me when I spoke of the trials I had undergone and would frequently interrupt me with words of caution, in childlike solicitude for my present safety.
It was quite natural, I suppose, that Marie should receive me in this manner, as I had known her from girlhood and was familiar with all the circumstances surrounding her love affair with my friend and partner. I had often found it necessary to patch up many of their little quarrels of the genuine lover's kind that had arisen between them. To Marie, therefore, I had been somewhat of a guardian angel, or big brother, as it were, and it was only to be expected that she would treat me accordingly.Page 274
