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If Billy Byrne felt any sorrow because of his mother's death he did not reveal it

outwardly. He owed her nothing but for kicks and cuffs received, and for the

surroundings and influences that had started him upon a life of crime at an age

when most boys are just entering grammar school.

Really the man was relieved that he had not had to see her, and it was with a

lighter step that he turned back to retrace his way along Grand Avenue. No one of

the few he had met who recognized him had seemed particularly delighted at his

return. The whole affair had been something of a disappointment. Therefore Billy

determined to go at once to the Lake Street Station and learn the status of the

Schneider murder case. Possibly they had discovered the real murderer, and if

that was the case Billy would be permitted to go his way; but if not then he could

give himself up and ask for a trial, that he might be exonerated.

As he neared Wood Street two men who had been watching his approach stepped

into the doorway of a saloon, and as he passed they stepped out again behind

him. One upon either side they seized him.

Billy turned to remonstrate.

"Come easy now, Byrne," admonished one of the men, "an' don't make no fuss."

Oh," said Billy, "it's you, is it? Well, I was just goin' over to the station to give

myself up."

Both men laughed, skeptically. "We'll just save you the trouble," said one of them.

We'll take you over. You might lose your way if you tried to go alone."

Billy went along in silence the rest of the way to where the patrol waited at

another corner. He saw there was nothing to be gained by talking to these

detectives; but he found the lieutenant equally inclined to doubt his intentions.

He, too, only laughed when Billy assured him that he was on his way to the

station at the very instant of arrest.

As the weeks dragged along, and Billy Byrne found no friendly interest in himself

or his desire to live on the square, and no belief in his protestations that he had

had naught to do with the killing of Schneider he began to have his doubts as to

the wisdom of his act.

He also commenced to entertain some of his former opinions of the police, and of

the law of which they are supposed to be the guardians. A cell-mate told him that

the papers had scored the department heavily for their failure to apprehend the

murderer of the inoffensive old Schneider, and that public opinion had been so

aroused that a general police shakeup had followed.

152

The Mucker