Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1899-09-29

| "A nunufed dollars, responded Mrs.
Townley. II brought II with me for
safety, But who-who? There has been
no one"
THE little book agent" gasped Mrs.
| Spreadbrow. she Is the only person
who has been in the parlor besides my
self since you left it. Is 1t possible
can 1t be-that innocent iOokng-O
| deaT,"
hut Mrs. Spreadbrow was woman
of action. albeit mild and gentle, and
| she sprang to her feet, flercely clench-
| ing her small, soft fists "Tll follow
| her!" she cried. Do--you go one way,
! Mariai viii 80 another, and Della and
| the children shall so in the other drec-
tons, o, we will run her down! The
| little hypocrite'"
In few minutes the house was emp
| tied OF occupants, barring the cook.
who stood with her elbows ON the fence
and watched the departing search
party, and the black and white puppy.
| who, In his foolish way, growled at
and worried something under the big
| willow.
With the hot August sun pouring
down upon their heads the pursurers
scurried from house to house, while
with what Mrs Spreadbrow termed
| the intense cunning of Il thief" the
| little book agent managed to elude
| them
At last Mrs. Spreadbrow found maid
servant who said that she had seen the
girl enter the railway station and that
| II Mrs. Spreadbrow hurried she could
Overtake her before the arrival of the
train for st. George. Stationward the
anxious lady sped, fear and indgna-
ton intermixed with a spice of uncer-
| tainty.
What should she do IL the girl refused
to give up the purse? All, she knew;
she would get on the train, find a po-
| liceman at st. George, and intercept her
| as she stepped on the boat
She reached the station Just in time
to see the book agents skirt whisk
through the door of forward car she
herself was hauled on to the last car by
| an obllging brakeman Just AZ the train
moved off
Arrived at 81. George, Mrs. Spread
| brow hurriedly accosted "A policeman,
| explained that the young woman in the
gray linen dress. carrying the black
satchel, had committed theft and
urged him excitedly to detain her. The
officer hesitated moment. and then
interposing his portly form between
the young girl and the gang plank,
touched her lightly on the arm and
said, pointing to Mrs Spreddbrow:
do you know this LADY,"
"Yes-that Is, | went to her house
this morning and she wis"
will you come out of this crowd?"
said Mrs. Spreadbrow. her nrmness
suddenly forsaking her, II want to
speak to you"
But | will miss my boat" expostu-
lated the girl nervousy. My mobher
Will be waiting for me and-what can
you mean by calling policeman to
| stop me?" she concluded with frighten-
ed eyes, as If a full realization of the
situation had but Just flashed upon her.
''Ihe fact is" explained the police
man. 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 despalring fright in her
eyes was pitiful to see.
For theft me-for theft?" she said
with stlif lips.
| 30. do come where II is quiet" urged
the accuser looking as distressed as the
accused and then the three went into
the ferry house,
"Slt down" said Mrs Spreadbrow,
weakly, when they had reached quiet
corner of the big room.
Thank you, | prefer to stand" re-
piled the girl proudly. And now may
! ask what you accuse me OF stealng?"
Il" said Mrs. Spreadbrow. trem-
bling before the pale little thief" I'VE
think you took Mrs. Townley's purse
out Of my parlOr this morning: you
were the only person In the room beside
myself between the time she left 1t
there and the time we found 1t gone
and"
My God" murmured the book agent
dropping into seat and covering her
face with her hands. Presently she re-
covered herself and turning the police
man said "Search my satchel, please
and you" to Mrs. Spreadbrow, you
may search my person; and may God
forgive YOU"
20, my dear, | can't, ! can't can't:
when | look at you can't be be But
everything's against you" Mrs. Spread
brow's eyes were full OF tears and her
voice trembled.
There amt no purse here but this
one" remarked the policeman, who had
been rummaging through the contents
of the black satchel. holding up a slim
pocket-book.
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 must be hid on the lady's per-
son." he added cautiously.
Here II Isl Here IL Isl" cried a
painting but triumphant voice, and Mrs.
Townley, flushed and excited rushed
toward the trio waving II much mauled
Russan-leather bag, such al some
ladies are fond OF carrying their hand
kerchlefs and purses In.
1T was that Wretched black and
white puppy! He must have taken It
out OF the parlor and Eddie found him
chewing II to pieces in the garden.
Why, what Ii the matter, Halter" for
Mrs. SpreadbrOw had dropped into a
seat and regardless OF curious eyes, was
weeping DitcOusly.
T-I-Im sorry. ple-please for
| give me"
The little book agent wavered mo-
ment. Indignation. scOrn and pity chas-
| Ing each other across her face. Then
she slipped down beside the distressed
little lady and taking one OF her limp
hands said simply:
Il do forgive you. Pray don't cry.
But. please, next time you miss any
thing, be sure the black and white pup
py hasn't taken II before you decide
that anybody else has"
She could not refrain from this mild
shot, and though It was tremulously
| aimed, 1t did not miscarry. but went
| straight to Mrs. Spreadbrow's heart,
whore II has lodged ever since.
And 80 IL was the black and white
| puppy! He IL "A sedate dog now and a
great fayOrlte Of Miss Amelia Banks
ex-bOok agent--whO declares that II IL
had not been for him she would never
have obtained her present lucrative and
congenlal position In Mr. SpreadbrOw's
office, where the painful memories of
| her experience as n book agent-and
other painful memories as welfare
fast fading into oblivion.
GSniIs Reminder
| Father (Culliup from tho hand ~ 81