while he was newsboy on the Southern Pacific railroad, running from Portland, Ore., to Dunsmuir, Cal. At the time of his interview with Colonel A. R. Greene, Special Inspector, Department of the Interior, Wilson was chief clerk in the office of the Warden of the State penitentiary at Salem.
Wilson told me that he had become cognizant of the fact that Greene was looking for him through conductors and brakemen with whom he was formerly employed, and his first impulse was to leave the country, as he fancied an indictment had been returned against him for his participation in the 11-7 frauds. On second thought, however, he resolved to stay and face the music, as he was holding a good position, and moreover had concluded that the case would not amount to much.
In a few days Warden James called at his room and informed him that a man named Greene wished to see him down in the office. The feelings of ^ll?on can better be imagined than described when he received this startling intelligence, as all the courage he had been storing up for the occasion seemed to have deserted him in a hurry. In desperation he seized a flask of whisky near at hand and partook copiously of its contents, and thus braced up, he followed the Warden downstairs and was ushered into the presence of Colonel Greene.
The latter focussed his eagle eye upon the young man, and then began his inquisition, while a stenographer proceeded to take down the questions and answers.
"What is your true name?" inquired the Government inspector.
"Thomas R. Wilson," came the ready response.Page 132
