XLIV.

The Arrest-Interview with the Governor of the Empire State.

ABOUT noon of the day succeeding that which saw the events recorded in our last chapter, Mr. Mortimer and Chief M-1, stood in the U rail

road dépôt, surrounded by a small coterie of friends. No greater matter occupied their attention than the shrill whistle of the locomotive announcing the approach of a western train.

"There is the train," said Mr. Mortimer.

"You had better return to the hotel," said Mr. M-1.

"Very well," replied Mr. Mortimer. with you."

"I agree

In a few moments the train had arrived. Chief M-1 stood upon an elevated platform on the east side of the dépôt. He was accosted by a number of the newly arrived passengers, mostly residents of New York. Among these was James Mordaunt. Within ten feet of him, stood Doyl and Dady.

"Good morning! Mr. M-1," said Mordaunt; "this is a surprise. When did you leave New York ?"

"On the 11th, sir," replied Chief M-1. At the same moment he caught Doyl's eye, and gave him a private signal to make the arrest at once.

Doyl advanced within the circle, and, taking Mordaunt by the arm, addressed him in an under tone. "Sir! you are my prisoner."

"Prisoner?" said Mordaunt, endeavoring to shake off Doyl's grasp.

"Be quiet, Mr. Mordaunt. Take things as they come," said Doyl.

"By what authority do you make this arrest ?" asked Mordaunt, very much excited.

Doyl handed to Mordaunt a warrant, by which he learned that he was charged with causing the death of John Furnace, by procuring one Robert Shank to commit the deed.

Mordaunt asked several questions of Doyl, but obtaining answers so laconic and meaningless, he soon relapsed into silence. Mr. M-1 had left the dépôt, as soon as he perceived that Doyl had understood his signal.

"Where are you going with me?" asked Mordaunt.

"Aboard the train," said Doyl. "Would you like a dinner?"

Mordaunt gave no heed to Doyl's question, consequently, that official ordered him to take his place in the car.

"If you behave yourself, you will not be troubled with the irons until night," said Doyl, as they took their seats.

"Did Mr. M-1 know anything about this arrest?" asked Mordaunt.

"I didn't notice whether he looked on or not," replied Doyl.

"Do you act under his orders?" asked Mordaunt.

"Whenever he has anything to do out of New York county, he is very apt to employ my valuable services," replied Doyl.

"And is that the case in this matter?" said Mordaunt.

"You can see on the face of the warrant, who give me the work," said Doyl. "Shall I show it to you?"

"If you please, sir," said Mordaunt, biting his lip, and most bravely endeavoring to swallow an angry reply.

At this instant, Mr. Mortimer entered the car; but, apparently without seeing Mordaunt, he immediately left it and entered the one behind.

"By Jove! Chief, you had near got me into a scrape," said Mr. Mortimer, as he opened the door of the rear car. Doyl has Mordaunt in the forward car instead of this."

"If he recognized you, you will be sent for; therefore, I don't see but that you're quite in the scrape," said Mr. M-1, laughing at Mr. Mortimer's perplexed countenance.

"What can't be cured, must be endured," replied Mr. Mortimer.

"Of course," said Mr. M-1.

The noise of the train, which had now gained full headway, put an end to the conversation.

"Tickets!" cried the conductor.

"How do you do, Mr. Mortimer?" said the conductor, as he reached the seat occupied by that gentleman. "I heard you were at the city of

"I have passed a few days there with my friend,

Mr. M-1, of New York. Mr. M—1, allow me to introduce to you my friend, Mr. Kellogg."

"Mr. Mortimer, a gentleman in the forward car requested me to hand you this card. He desires that you will come to him," said the conductor.

"I shall break my neck if I go now," said Mr. Mortimer.

"If Mr. Kellogg will bear a note to the person who occupies the same seat with the gentleman who sent that card, I think I can remove your difficulty, Mr. Mortimer," said Mr. M-1.

"I will do so, soon," said the conductor.

The chief penned the following on a slip of paper, using the crown of his hat as a table:

DEP.-SHERIFF DOYL,

Allow no communication whatever with your prisoner.

M- –1.

Mr. Mortimer, upon visiting Mordaunt, found that the note had accomplished its object. Doyl resisted every effort Mr. Mortimer made to converse with Mordaunt.

Having arrived at Albany, Mr. Mortimer, accompanied by the chief, made an evening call upon the Governor of New York. The hour was not the most propitious, but Mr. Mortimer's official duties left him no choice.

"Mr. Mortimer, I will forward a pardon for George Melville to-morrow," said the governor, after he had listened to the relation of the facts developed by Sarah Graham.

"I have obtained the signatures of the judge, the district attorney, and ten of the jury who convicted

him. The other two, I have ascertained, are not living," said Mr. Mortimer.

"These are unnecessary in this case, Mr. Mortimer," replied the governor. "Not because of the high position of the applicant for George Melville's pardon, but from the simple fact, that I have personally known this Melville and his family; and I have not been able to see any adequate necessity surrounding George, to warrant so much risk in obtaining six hundred and twenty-five dollars. I shall grant this pardon with real satisfaction."

"Please send it to my hotel, Governor. I am disposed to enjoy the effect of your satisfaction. It proves catching," replied Mr. Mortimer.

"The pardon shall be sent early in the morning," responded the governor.

"Mr. Mortimer, I must get a dispatch to New York to-night," said Chief M-1, taking out his watch.

"It can be sent to the office by a messenger," said the governor. "I desire the company of you both for the evening. There is paper."

M

Chief M—1, taking pen and paper, wrote the following dispatch:

ALBANY,

To J. V. S.-OFFICE OF CHIEF OF POLICE, NEW YORK.

Kantadhes tisgenryrfa.

18-.

M- -L.

"There, Governor; please send that to the telegraph office, and I shall not disobey orders to-night," said the chief.

The governor was about to inclose it in an envelope, when Chief M-1 interruped him.

"Governor," said he "that is entirely unnecessary.