The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-07-15
A HAI!RPI:IN.

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yate Office with disagreeable frown.
he tossed his hat ut the nearest hook
ana dropped himself into his swivel
cnair. Then he lifted his knee in the
ar, olasped his hands about it and
gnawed at his mustache. Ordinarily
Mr. Robert Perkins was good looking
example of manhood. He wasn't at ali
attractive at the present moment, how
ever. That's what the fair haired girl
at the typewriter in the outer Office
thought She could see him when she
raised her eyes above her copy, and she
wondered what disturbed him so.
The fact is, he was very much dis
gruntled man. He had cause to be.
Somebody was spying upon his move
ments. Somebody was even prying into
ms private affairs and stealing informa-
ton that was of great value to him.
Mr. Robert Perkins was real estate
operator, a man of big deals, whose
name. in spite of his two and thirty
years, was already power in the street.
UP to within few weeks he had been
singularly successful, but now some
body seemed to be blocking all his i'm
portant moves. Only the day before he
had prepared in sketchy way the plat
OF an extensive tract he had meant to
secure. and now he had just discovered
that the price had been jumped on him
TO an extent that meant an outlay of
$40, 600 more than he had counted on.
He knew that his breast was the only
guardian Of this proposed deal-his
breast and his desk, for in tho latter
was locked the precious plat.
Mr.. Perkins pulled out his desk key
and thrust it into the keyhole. AT least
he attempted to do SO, but something
interfered, something which stubborn
~ resisted the most violent effort. He
drew out the key and brought forth his
knife. A few minutes of energetic pry-
ing and twisting dislodged the obstacle.
1t was hairpin.
A twisted hairpin Of bronzed wire.
Mr.. Perkins instinctively turned in his
chair and looked toward the fair haired
girl Mt tho typewriter. She was bend
ing over her work and did not see him.
Mr.. Perkins knew that the fair haired
girl used hairpins of bronzed wire.
Somebody had tried to pick his desk
lock with hairpin, the same some
body who had been making mischief
for him right along. Could it be that
innocent looking young woman? She
handled his letters; she was to some
extent familiar with his private bust
ness.
Mr.. Perkins opened his desk with
bang. Then he struck sharply OH call
bell that stood ut his elbow. A boy ap-
peared i'll the doorway.
George said Mr.. Perkins, "shut
the door,
When tho lads back was turned, he
looked at the hairpin again and sighed.
Then he thrust it carefully into his vest
pocket. When tho boy approached him,
he was gazing intently at the plat
where it lay, apparently undisturbed,
i'll the desk.
George" said MIR. Perkins, edo you
remember that 1 left early yesterday
afternoon?'
eyes, sir" said George. "You went
away at 8 o'clock with Mr.. Tompkins
i'll a carriage
Ibid you leave tho outer office before
closing up timer"
Yes. sir. went to the postoffice
for stamps, and I came back by the
way Of Lawyer Briggs Office and left
that ABSTRACT
How long were you gomez"
Bout half an hour, SIR
"Was Miss Phillips in the Office
when you left?'
"Who-Miss Alice?'
eyes, Miss Alice.''
1t was pretty name. It was the first
time Mr.. Perkins had spoken it, and he
thought it very pretty name, and
then his fingers closed on the hairpin
and his heart hardened.
"She was here when 1 left and here
when come back, sir. -
Anybody else here?''
"Mr. Burnham was in just before I
left. He was talking to Miss Alice,
SIR
Talking to Alice?''
There was something in his snappy
tone that carried the intimation that
Mr.. Perkins didn't like this informa-
ton.
Yes, sir, talking confidential like.
When looked around, he stopped down
and said something real low, and Miss
Alice kind of blushed.''
''That will do George
AS the boy opened tho door Mr.. Per
kins called him back
Step across the hall to Mr.. Burn
hams Office and tell him want to sec
him.
Two minutes later Mr.. Tom Burn
ham pulled in. He was q short, stout
man, with double chin and laughing
face
Want to see me, Bob:" he cried as
he took chair.
Yes" replied Mr.. Perkins. He
paused moment. "I'm worried and
puzzled, he added. "Somebodv ia rob.