The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-11
Prize NoveIettes-No. 3.

distinctly. The calls OF walk clerks were
such matters OF routine that little note
was taken OF the persons or the clerks
themselves, who were called by the names
of their firms, IL they were called by any
names at all. Laker had behaved much
as usual, so far as the cashiers could re-
member; and when finally the Eastern
Consolidated was left behind nothing
more had been learned than the chat
about Lsker's new umbrella.
Hewitt had taken leave OF Mr.. NeaPs
clerk, and was stepping into hanson,
when he noticed a veiled woman, in
widows weeds, hailing another little
way behind. He recognized the figure
again, and said to tho driver: "Drive first
to Palmer's Tourist Office, but keep your
eye on that cab behind, and tell me pres
emily II 1T is following u.s."
The cabman drove of, and, after pass
ing one or two turnings, opened the I'D
above Hewitt's head and said: "That
there other keb is a-follering US, sir, an
keeping about even distance all along"
"All right-that's what / wanted to
know. Palmer's now"
At Palmer's the clerk who had attended
to Laker remem bored him very well, and
described him. He also remembered the
wallet, aud thought he remembered the
umbrella-was practically sure of 1t, in
fact, upon reflection. He had no record OF
the name given, but remembered it dis
tinotly to be Laker. As matter of fact,
names were never asked in such q transac-
tion, but In this case Laker appeared to be
ignorant of the usual procedure, as well
as in great hurry, and asked for the
ticket and gave his name all in one
breath, probably assuming that tho name
would be required.
Hewitt got back to his cab, and started
for Charing Cross. The cabman once more
lifted the lid and informed him that the
hanson with the yelled woman in 1t was
again following, having waited while
Hewitt visited Palmer's. At Charing Cross
Hewitt discharged his cab and walked
straight to the lost property office. The
man In charge knew him very well, for
his business had carried him there fre-
quently before.
81 fancy an umbrells was lost in the
station yesterday" Hewitt said. at was
q new umbrella, silk, with gnarled
gorse-root handle and two silver bands,
something like his sketch. There was
monogram on the lower band-C. w. l..
were the letters. Has 1t been brought
here2"
"There was two or three yesterday"
the man said. "Let's see." He took the
sketch and retired to the corner OF his
room. "Oh yes-here it is, think. Isn't
this it2 Do you claim itf"
"Well, not exactly that, but I think I'll
take look at it II you'li let me. BY the
way, l see it's rolled up. Was 1t found
like that?"
"No; the chap rolled 1t up that found
it-porter he was. It's Ia fad OF his, rolling
up umbrellas close and neat, and he's
rather proud OF 1t. He often looks as
though he'd like to take mans um-
brella away and roll IL up for for him
when it's o bit clumsy done. Rum fad,
eh?"
"Yes - everybody has his little fad,
though. Where was this found-close by
here2"
"Yes, just there, almost opposite this
window, in the little corner"
about o'clockf'
"Ah, about that time, more or less"
Hewitt took the mbrella up, unfast-
enod the band and shook the silk out