The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-09-18

detain her. The officer hesitated a mo-
ment, and then interposing his portly
form between the young girl and the
gangplank touched her lightly on the arm
and said, pointing to Mrs. Spreadbrow:
do you know this lady?"
'Yes-that is, 1 went 10 her house this
morning and she was
win you come out of this crowd?" said
Mrs. Spreadbrow, her f1rmness suddenly
forsaking her. IL want to speak to
you"
But I will miss my boat 'expostulated
the girl nervously. My mother win be wait
ing for me and-what can you mean by
calling a policeman to stop me?" she con-
cluded with frightened eyes, as If a full
realization of the situation had but just
flashed upon her.
The fact is" explained the policeman,
this lady wants me to arrest you for
theft, but maybe you can explain certain
suspicious circumstances"
The girl was white TO the lips now and
the look of despairing fright In her eyes
was pItiful to see.
For theft-me-for theft?'' she said with
stiff lips.
20, do come where it is quiet" urged
the aocuser, looking as distressed as the
accused, and then the three went into the
ferry house.
"St down." said Mrs. Spreadbrow weak
-
of the big room.
Thank you, 1 prefer TO stand" replied
the girl proudly. "And now may L ask
what you accuse me of stealing?'
II said Mrs. Spreadbrow, trembling
before the pale "little thief I'VE think
you took Mrs. Townley's purse out of my
parEor this morning; you were the only
person in the room besides myself between
the time she left it there, and the time we
found it was gone, and
MY God" murmured the book agent,
dropping into a seat and covering her face
with her hands Presently she recovered
herself, and, turning to the policeman
said: Search my satchel please. And
YOU" TO Mrs. Spreadbrow, you may
search my person; and may God forgive
your
20, my dear, cant-I can't; when 1
look at you 1 can't be-be- But every
things against YOU" Mrs. Spreadbrow's
eyes were full of tears and her voice trem-
bled.
There amt no purse here but this
one" remarked the policeman who had
been rummag ing through the contents of
the black satchel, holding up a slim pock
etbook
That's mine Look through it; you will
find just 20 cents" The book agent spoke
very calmly ... .... -
That's right" he assented, putting the
purse back. But, of course the money
may be hid on the lady's person." he add
ed cautiously
Here il is! Here it isl" cried pant
ing but triumphant voice, and Mrs. Town
ley, flushed and excited, rushed toward the
trio waving a much mauled Russian leath
er bag, such as some ladies are fond of
carrying their handkerchiefs and purses
in. ut was that wretched black and white
puppy. He must have taken it out of the
parlor and Eddie found him chewing it 10
pieces in the garden. Why, what is the
matter, Hattie?' for Mrs. Spreadbrow had
dropped into a seat and, regardless of Gu
rious eyes, was weeping copiousy.
"I-I-Im so sorry. But things did look
SO against you. Ple-please forgive me-"
The little book agent wavered a moment,
indignation, scorn and piety chasing each
other across her face Then she slipped
down beside the distressed little lady and
taking one of her limp hands, said SIM
ply:
II do forgive you. Pray don't cry. But,
please, next time you miss anything, be
sure the black and white puppy hasn't
taken it before you decide that anybody
else has" She could not refrain from this
mild shot, and though it was TREMENDOUSLY
aimed, it did not miscarry but went
straight to Mrs. Spreadbrows heart,
where it has lodged ever since.
And so 1t was the black and white pup
py! He is a sedate dog now and a great
favorite of Miss Amelia Banks-ex-book
agent-who declares that If 1t had not
been for him she would never have OBJ
tanned her present lucrative and congenial
position in Mr.. Spreadbrow's office, where
the painful memories of her experience as
a book agent-and other painful memories,
as welfare fast fading into oblivion.
Frances A Schneider