Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-09-02

him under the portico. The manager and four walters stood round him in dis consoiate attitudes. One or two of his remarks-he was talking very loud reached my ears. l changed my mind. I would wait till he was calmer. 1 turned away, but at that instant Daw- son caught sight of me. A second later he was pouring the story of his wrongs into my ear.
 Here came my fatal weakness. I let him go on. He took me by the arm and walked me of. could not escape him, and all the way he thundered against the thief.
 If it costs me e2O. I'll bring him to justice!" he declared. Really dared not break it to him just yet.
 Suddenly from round a sharp corner there came upon us-almost running in to us-Lydia Lovelock herself, with Dawson's umbrella in her hand. He had been narrowly scanning every um- brella we passed. He scanned this one and cried, darting forward:
 My umbrella!"
 With a little scream Lydia turned and fled. Dawson was after her like an ar row. I pursued Dawson. Why. oh, why, did she run away? Surely she must have recognized me.
 It was a very quiet street we were run ming up. and our strange procession at tracted little notice. The chase was soon over. l caught Dawson just as he caught Lydia. For moment we all stood pant ing. Then Dawson gasped again: My umbrella! Thief
 Lydia seemed very agitated. Of course I came to her rescue. Avoiding Daw- sons eye, hastily told my shameful tale. Lydia's face frightened, but still there was apprehension in her looks.
 This lady, believe me-" said. .'is en- tirely blameless. Of course she thought the umbrella was my own. My sole con solation. Dawson. is to think that had you been in my place you would have done the same"
 II dol t see" remarked Dawson rude ly, why it consoles you to think me a thief"
 preserved n dignifed silence.
 However" he continued, If this young lady has quite finished with my property, perhaps she will be good enough to give it me back" Lydia did not take the hint. She clung to the umbrella.
 Tiff you would be so kind" she stammered. 'as to lend it to me for to- day-the weather is still threatening-I would return it tomorrow" Your request, madam, is modest one" answered Dawson sarcastically, but, as you observe. the weather is threatening. and 1 want my umbrella Kindly give it me" Really, Dawson, to othige lady"-I began.
 Why don't you buy her an umbrel- la:" sneered Dawson.
 If she would accept it, I should be- I stopped. To my surprise, Lydia laid her hand on my arm and said: "Oh, do, please! And may I keep this till we get to the shop?" 1did not understand her, but We turned round and began to walk. looking for a shop. She was very strange girl. She Jagged behind. had to wait twice for her. Once she took turning as though to leave us, and when called her back she pouted.
 Suddenly Dawson looked up. Tt rains" he said. It did rain. Put up the umbrella" said Dawson roughly.
 Let the lady have it." said indig- nantly.
 "We'n share it." grinned Dawson. You can get wet But Lydia did not put it up. Tho rains not much" she faltCred. It was now pouring With n muttered oath, Dawson snatChed tho umbrella from her. Lydia shrickcd and ran away like a frightened rabbit at the top of her speed up the street again. Stop. stop l cried. Stop. my dear Miss Lovelock." Holy powers" exclaimed Dawson.
 He had opened the umbrella As he did SO there was thud on the pavement - two. three thuds. In amaze I looked | down. There lay a silver cigarette case. two purses and gold watch. Dawson burst into maniacal laughter as he point ed at Lydia's retreatiu- figure. That girl could run. For 2 moment stood dumfounded. What a revelation! Dawson chuckled in | satanic glee. Sadly l stopped down and picked up the purses, the cigarette case and the watch. Great Scott" I cried. and my hand flew to my waistcoat pocket.
 It was my watch!
 did not prosecute Lydia because l | could not have overtaken her, and for other reasons. It was altogether too 1 sad, too disheartening, too disappoint- l ing discovery. Dawson, however. ob- served that it seemed to him an excel lent example of poetic justice in real life St. James Gazette. Treatment For A ..wud Hair"