Page:Looters of the Public Domain.djvu/292

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later, to learn from a most reliable source that Marie was in no wise connected with the plot, and that, when she came to the park to meet me, she was totally innocent of what had taken place and that her sole object in coming' was to learn my plans for the future and to offer her aid, in whatever way I might suggest, to further my interests.

On the following morning, shortly before noon, the Chief informed me that Mr. Heney was in the office, and a few minutes later, he appeared at my cell. It required but a glance, even before he had an opportunity to speak, to satisfy me that Mr. Heney felt kindly toward me. His face wore a serious expression as he approached, but was not stern and cold, appearing rather as that of one who was vexed and sad, and when his eyes met mine and we were face to face. I could readily see in his every action and expression the man of sorrow and pity because of my trying position and the circumstances under which we were forced to meet.

He frankly stated that I had done wrong in going away and said, because of my having done so, he regretted to inform me that it would probably become impossible for him to do as much for me as he otherwise could.

After our conversation, which probably lasted 40 minutes, during which I related to Mr. Heney as briefly as possible all the circumstances surrounding my recent adventures and my purpose in returning to the Pacific Coast and of the efforts I had made to meet him. I felt somewhat encouraged, as he listened very attentively to everything I had to say. He appeared to appreciate my position and to realize that I told him the truth, exactly as I knew it to be. Mr. Heney, before leaving, informed me that I would shortly be removed to the Alameda County jail at Oakland, where I could remain until such time as I could arrange affairs with my family, when I would be transferred to Oregon. In bidding me goodbye, Mr. Heney stated that he would probably call again, but in any event, he would see me in Oakland before I left for the North.

I remained in the Alameda City jail either three or four days in all, when United States Marshal John H. Shine, accompanied by one of his deputies, called and informed the Chief that he was ready to remove me to San Francisco, where I was commanded to appear before the Judge of the Federal Court, preliminary to my removal to Oregon.

The Chief informed me of the Marshal's presence and of his purpose in calling, and removed me to his private office, v^here T was securely ironed by Marshal Shine. He then led me to a carriage in waiting, and invited me to step inside, after which, he took a seat by my side, while his deputy occupied the seat facing me. and we were thus driven to the Federal building in San Francisco.

Arriving there, I was taken to the Marshal's office, relieved of my irons and escorted by a squad of deputies to the Court room and before Judge Dc Haven, waived the reading of all documents and indicated my willingness to return to Oregon without the necessity of further delay.

I was then taken back to the Marshal's office, where I met and talked v.nth Mr. Heney. and also had the pleasure of meeting and conversing with William J. Burns. As this was the first time I had encountered Mr. Burns since my escape from him in Boston, my curiosity was somewhat aroused as to how he would greet me. and noticing, when I caught his eye. that it was his purpose to speak, I walked toward him, and as he extended his hand. I remarked:

"I will be glad to shake hands with you, Mr. Burns, if you feel you can do so in the same friendly way you have always done in the past."

"I haven't a thing in the world against you. Mr. Puter," was the reply, as Mr. Burns grasped my hand.

"Glad to hear that." I replied, and continuing said: "You know, Mr. Burns, I had no intention of injuring you when I made that fight in Boston—my only thought, in fact, was to get away."

"Oh," replied Burns, "that was all right," and in turning away from me, as he did at that time, I was thoroughly convinced that his feelings toward me

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