Joseph Donahue, assigned only last night to special patrol duty in the
Eleventh Ward, at midnight was shot through the brain and instantly
killed. The tragedy was enacted in the full glare of the street lights
on the corner of Polk Street and Clermont Avenue. Our society is indeed
unstable when the custodians of its peace are thus openly and wantonly
shot down. The police have so far been unable to obtain the slightest
clue.
Barely had he finished this when the police arrived—the Inspector
himself and two of his keenest sleuths. Alarm sat upon their faces, and
it was plain that they were seriously perturbed. Though the facts were
so few and simple, we talked long, going over the affair again and
again. When the Inspector went away, he confidently assured us that
everything would soon be straightened out and the assassins run to
earth. In the meantime he thought it well to detail guards for the
protection of Mr. Hale and myself, and several more to be constantly on
the vigil about the house and grounds. After the lapse of a week, at one
o’clock in the afternoon, this telegram was received:
OFFICE OF THE M. OF M. October 21, 1899.
MR. EBEN HALE, Money Baron:
Dear Sir,—We are sorry to note how completely you have misunderstood
us. You have seen fit to surround yourself and household with armed
guards, as though, forsooth, we were common criminals, apt to break in
upon you and wrest away by force your twenty millions. Believe us, this
is farthest from our intention.
You will readily comprehend, after a little sober thought, that your
life is dear to us. Do not be afraid. We would not hurt you for the
world. It is our policy to cherish you tenderly and protect you from all
harm. Your death means nothing to us. If it did, rest assured that we
would not hesitate a moment in destroying you. Think this over,
Mr. Hale. When you have paid us our price, there will be need of
retrenchment. Dismiss your guards now, and cut down your expenses.
Within minutes of the time you receive this a nurse-girl will have
been choked to death in Brentwood Park. The body may be found in
the shrubbery lining the path which leads off to the left from the
band-stand.
Cordially yours,