Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1897-08-03
home that carried the intimation that
Mr. Perkins didn't like this informa-

Mr. ferk1nS u100y ike tnle luIOrma.
tion.
eyes, sir, talking confidential like
When looked around, he stopped down
aud said something real low, aud Miss
Alice kind of blushed."
'That will do. George"
As the boy opened the door Mr.. Per-
kins called him back.
Step across the hall TO Mr.. Burn
hams Office and tell him want to zee
him.
Two minutes later Mr.. Tom Burn
ham puffcd in. He was short, stout
man, with double chin and laughing
face.
want to sec me. Bob" he cried ~
he took chair.
"Yes" replied Mr.. Perkina He
paused q moment I'm worried and
puzzled, he added Somebody il rob
binR me Of my ideas.
"Get out!' said Mr.. Bnrnham.
"lt's trre," said Mr.. Perkina "A
half dozen times within the last three
weeks have found myself face to face
with evidence that my private papers
have been tam Icred with"
Seems incrtdible," said Af. Burn
ham.
ayes, but it's true"
"Suspect anybody"
EYES"
Perkins rlug the bell.
George, he said. tell Miss Phillips
that want her"
"Hoid On" said Burnham. Il don't
like this. It's NIL wrong Just excuse
me"
"Sit down." said Mr.. Perkina
The stout man sank back in his chair.
Then the door opened, and Alice enter
ed. She cast a nervous glance from Per
kins 10 Burnham. Her cheek paled .
little. but her lips were firmly COM
pressed. Perkins watt he'd her narrowly.
.'Sit down. Miss Phillips" he said.
~ have called you in here to ask you
q few questions Somebody has been
tampering with the private papers in
my desk, Miss Phillips"
Tie girl started, but she returned his
gaze fearlessly.
Yesterday afternoon this unknown
was ut work again. The tampering
must have taken place while George
was absent from the Office. You. Think,
were here until he returned:'
II was here" Her voice was clear
and steady.
ibid any one enter the outer Office
during that timer
Several men came to the door and
inquired for you. Mr.. Burnham Ii the
only one who entered"
did you sit where you could zee 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 that?"
The girl h,siiated, but her gaze die
not finch.
because -because Of Mr.. Burnham'
attentions"
"Come, now. protest. began the
stout man.
"Sit down." said Perkins.
He locked back ut the girl. Ther,
was deep flush on her cheeks.
"You mean that Mr.. Burnham pal
you attentions that you thought were
out Of place in public Officer"
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 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.
IL have questioned George" he said
hurriedly. as il the business had begun
to nauseate him. land he corroborate'
your statement He saw Mr.. Burphau
stoop and murmur something TO you
| and-and you blushed.
by George" cried Burnham. "thi
is deucedly unkindP
Perkins did not notice him. he wa
looking ut the girl.
Yes" she slowly said. II remem.
Der. I will tell you what he said"
"It is not necessary" said Perkins
Certainly not" cried Burnham.
"Do as you please. said Perkins
cit was cnly simple request" ths
girl went OH. "He said"-
II protest, cried Burnham.
"Go on" said Perkins.
"He said that he wished to clean al
ink well, and be asked me for hairpin. .
Burnham laughed boisterously.
"You see." he chuckled.
Perkins arose and tumbled in his ves
pocket.
"Is that your hairpin. Miss Phillips?
he asked. II found it in the keyhole ol
my desk this morning."
Burnham arose. His face was livid.
"Just a joke. u practical joke" ht
muttered thickly and turned and rushed
from the room.
"I knew it was that cur the instant
you entered the room" said Perkins
but his voice changed as the girl arose
"Just a mo. o.moment, he stammered
ell want to ask You one more ques
| ton"
Their, is q new typewriter in the Per
kins outer Office. but AZ Mra Alic'
Phillips Perkins herself picked her on
IL is believed that she il thoroughly
competent and trustworthy successor d
that esteemed lady.-W. 4. Rose IL
| Cleveland Plain Dealer.