Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1897-08-13

INV liild' ~ y MI WEOIR. Jubb t1Cuhd
me-"
'Sit down." said Mr.. Perkins.
The stout man sank back in his chair
Then the door opened, and Alice enter
ed. She cast nervous glance from Per
kins TO Burnham. Her cheek paled a
little, but her lips were firmly com
pressed. Perkins watched her narrowly.
''Sit down. Miss Phillips.' he said.
II have called you In here to ask you
a few questions, Somebody has been
tampering with the private papers In
my desk, Misa Phillips.
The girl started, but she returned his
gaze fearlessly, ,..
Yesterday afternoon this unknown
was at work again. The tanpering
must have taken place while George
was absent from the office. You. think,
were here until no returnedp"
~ was here" Her voice was clear
and steady.
did any one enter the outer office
during that timer"
Several men oame TO the door and
inquired for you. Mr.. Burnham Ia the
only one who entered Z"
Ibid you sit where you could see my
private door,
mot all the time. moved my type
writer table to the window and put the
screen about me.'
MAY | ask why you did that2''
The girl hesitated, but her gaze did
not finch
"Because--beoaus Of Mr.. Burnham's
attentions.
Come, now. protest. began the
stout man.
''Sit down." said Perkins.
He looked back Mt the girl. There
was deep flush on her cheeks.
''You mean that Mr.. Burnham paid
you attentions that you thought were
out Of place in public office9"
Mr., Perkins voice was cold and hard.
The girl compressed her lips.
yes" she murmured.
Hang it all, man." sputtered Burn
ham, what has my saying u compli-
mentary word or two to pretty girl
got to do with your alleged robbery?'
The girl turned her head and looked
at him. and there was something in the
look that made the heart in Perkins
bosom leap for joy.
II have questioned George" he said
hurriedly, ~ IL the business had begun
to nauseate him, land he corroborates
your statement. He saw Mr.. Burnham
stoop and murmur something to you
and-and you blushed."
"By George" cried Burnham, this
Is deucedly unkindp'
Perkins did not notice him He was
looking ut the girl.
YES" she slowly said, 81 remem-
Der. l will tell you what he said. :"
1T IL not necessary" said Perkins.
Certainly not. cried Burnham.
''Do as you please" said Perkins.
ut was only simple request" the
girl went on. He said
II protest.. cried Burnham.
eco on" said Perkins
''He said that he wished to clean an
ink well, and he asked me for hairpin.
Burnham laughed boisterously.
you zee. no ohuckled.
Perkins arose and fumbled In his vest
pocket.
lis that your hairpin. Miss Phillipsr"
he asked. II found 1t In the keyhole Of
my desk this morning"
Burnham arose His face was livid.
Just joke, a practical joke" no
muttered thickly and turned and rushed
from the room.
II knew II was that our the instant
you entered the ROOM" said Perkins.
but his voice changed an tho girl arose
Just mo-moment, no stammered.
"I-I want to ask you one more ques-
tom
Their, Is a new typewriter In the Per
kins outer Office. but M Mrs. Alice
Phillips Perkins herself picked her out
1t is believed that she IL thoroughly
competent and Trustworthy successor to
that esteemed lady.-W. X. Rose in
Cleveland Plain Dealer.