The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1872-06-06

calling him, my good man." hustling
him along, and 10 way to get out of the
scrape but to try to convince them that
he was not Il common thief.
Thus the unfortunate bridegroom was
pulled through the crowd, people star
ing at him, the policemen holding him
fast by the arms, and mis- captor follow
ing close at their heels, giving vent to
feelings of enjoyment in occasional OK
clamations OF "Scoundrel !" Scamp
but he couldn't come it over mel' &c.
Goaded at last beyond endurance, Dick
suddenly turned upon him.
But / haven't got your watch, l tell
you! You ought to know what you're
talking about, before accusing All honest
man in that way
None of that, now," said the police
man, roughly; "come along quietly"
"We'll see we'll see " shouted the
tormentor.
And thus was Dick led along, a mis-
erable captive. Men looked curiously
at him us they passed, women drew
back in horror from the criminal. Never
had poor Strong so longed for the face
of an acquaintance but none met him.
1t was growing dark, and was not an
hour when any one he knew was likely
to be out. In the side street very few
persons were abroad; and so they reach
ed the station-house. For some little
distance Dick had been quite silent, and,
recovering from his rage. had tried to
think what might be the best for him
to do. Once in the dirty room of deten-
ton, fresh cause for anger speedily
arose. The robbed man, who gave his
name as John Clarke, showed as a very
respectfully dressed person when in the
light, and displayed the dangling end
of handsome watch chain from which
the watch had been wrested.
"The ring was little worn," he said,
"and broke with the pull. l felt it, and
saw the hand that grasped the watch.
1t was brown and uugloved, like his"
pointing to Dick, who as usual was un-
gloved. Il turned round quickly and
caught him. Now see if you don't find
the watch on him."
"It's all an infamous lie" said Dick.
What should l want of his beggarly
watch Z"
"The prisoner had better be quiet
and let himself be searched" replied the
police captain.
"Search me and welcome" retorted
Dick, pulling off his overcoat, there
by bringing to view a handsome dress
suit.
The men looked at each other in sur
prise. "I didn't think he was swell
cove" said one "he looked like the COM
mon kind"
Mr. Strong now drew out his own
watch, which was an elegant chronome-
ter.
Here" cried he to his captor, "why
should man want to rob you when he
has such timepiece as that"
at was stolen, too, I've no doubt"
replied Mr.. Clarke, imperturbably.
Dick nearly fell into rage again.
You're an incorrigible old fool" said
he.
prisoner will please be careful" said
the officer, sternly. "Now, sir, what is
your name?
Richard Strong"
"Residence Z"
"Oak Hill Farm, Allegheny County,
New York"
A shade of surprise crossed the Off
GERS face as he asked" Occupation:"
Farmer"
Just then Dick, who still had his
watch, opened it, and uttered Il cry of
horror-it was after eight o'clock.
"For Gods sake, be quick with this
farce" he said earnestly. 81 have a
most important engagement, and it's
already past the hour"
Mr. Clarke smiled contemptuously.
Tin afraid you'll have to put it Off"
he said.
"You do not seem to understand the
gravity of the charge, Mr.. Strong" said
the captain. "Offcers Smith and Brown
will please search the prisoner"
With what grace he could muster, Dick
submitted to the search it was long and
tedious, and resulted, of course, in moth
ing. Strong was boiling over with in
dignation and impatience, but had to
put up with it and as it CHANGED from
the fact of his having on new clothes
the pockets We're nearly empty, he had
hardly anything upon him to serve as
vouchers for the truth of his assertions
about himself. His linen was, indeed,
marked with his name, and the men
were convinced that the culprit was by
rank a gentleman, whether the charge
made against him was true or II 1T. When
he was brought into the large room,
Clarke sprang forward eagerly.
did you find the watch Z"
"No, of course they didn't" replied
Dick. The mans countenance fell.
Then he must have flung it away
whom l caught him." he said.
"Why, do you think stole it, then Z"
demanded Dick.
"Of course you did; 1 saw you take
it."
Dick turned away from him, without
reply, to the captain. "Now, sir, hope
you will let me CO."
"No, Mr.. Strong, we cannot do that
while this man swears to this charge
against you."
This was more than Dick had expect
ed, and his reserve broke down. -" But
Captain, you must let me go-why, this
is my wedding night, and l must 60"
"That's likely story" said Clarke,
with a sneer.
"May l ask whom you are TO marry"
asked the officer, looking rather incred-
ulous.
1t was awfully against Dicks ideas,
but he had to say, "a daughter of Mr..
Jonn Weldon"
mot Weldon of Weldon & Grey"
"Yes."
"Oh, that's too much" cried the ire
pressible Clarke; "as if he would look
at such fellow as you"
Dicks anger famed out again, but he
began TO find there was no use in dis