The Portland daily press., 1900-09-22

was white and slender, with long, taper
fingers. l think there is a great deal Of
character expressed in the human.
hand, so l thought to interest myself
by studying the hands of my pretty
vis-a-vis.
They were now gloved and crossed
on her lap, and, to my surprise, instead
of the slender, plant hands l had no
ticed, these were as characterless as
those of a stuffed doll They seemed
to be fairly crowded into her gloves,
and while 1 was wondering how she
could so dlshgure such naturally pretty
members someAing very singular hap
pened.
My eye was attracted by a move
ment on the right side Of the lady, and
while watched two long white fingers
and thumb stole out from under her
cloak and busted themselves in the
pocket Of the woman sitting next her.
Presently they slipped back under the
protecting garment holding a purse. I
looked closely at the other side and de-
tected a movement there also. All this
time the two gloved hands lay crossed
in her lap and her eyes were on the
floor of the car.
This double surprise caused me two
separate shocks. The lady had four
arms and was a picl1pocket. Immedi-
ately she arose and started to leave the
car. On the instant L decided how
would act l hurried after the mis-
guided young woman, pausing an in
slant only to say to the lady whose
purse she had taken:
Madam. if you have lost any of your
property, report to police headquarters.
Perhaps can recover it for you"
The lady looked up in surprise, but 1
did not wait. I sprang from the car
and took after the four armed lady.
She had left the avenue and was
walking rapidly down a side street
when l overlook her.
Pm afraid you are bad young wo-
man." I said
She looked around in establishment.
''What, my elderly protector again %
she said, and began to laugh, but did
not pause in her rapid walk. 1 had
difficulty in keeping up with her.
Il saw you take that purse" 1 said
sternly, "and 1 want you to give 1t to
me-"
what purse? What are you talking
aboutY she said angriIy.
"@The purse Of that lady who sat be-
side you. There is no need for you to
dissemble," ! replied. "If you don't do
as bid you, win have you arrested -
She shot a wicked look at me from
under her black brows, but made no
reply.
1T is a shame that you should turn
your afiictiOn to such base advantage, D."
I said.
"What anictionY" she asked.
I did not wish to wound her unnec-
essarily and hesitated before replying.
'"The fact that you have two arms
more than other people"
She turned away her head, and her
shoulders shook. I thought 1 heard a
sound of laughter, but when she turned
around she seemed to be crying
you don't know what I suffer on ac-
count Of it," she said, her voice broken
by sobs. People avoid me as a mon
strosity I am very poor, too and this
is the first time have ever stolen"
I could not help feeling sorry for her.
Give me the purse" l said, "and
perhaps 1 can help you"
She put out her hand-one Of the
pretty ungloved ones - and laid the
purse IN my extended palm.
Thank you SO much" she said-'no,
do not follow me - we shall meet
again" And she almost ran away from
me.
At the first convenient opportunity 1
examined the purse. 1t contained moth
Ing but a little change, a pair of eye
glasses, a key and some visiting cards.
The address on the latter was quite