The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1900-06-08

was white and slender, with long, taper
fingers. | think there is a great deal Of
character expressed in the human
hand, so thought to interest myself
by studying the hands of my pretty
vis-a-vis.
They We're low gloved and crossed
on her lap, and, to my surprise, instead
of the slender, plant hands | had no.
tiaed, these were as chaTacteriess as
those of a stuffed doll. They seemed
to be fairly crowded into her gloves,
and while l was wondering how she
could so distigure such naturally pretty
members something very singular hap
pened.
My eye was attracted by a move
ment on the right side of the lady, ana
while | watched two long white fingers
and a 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.
looked closely at the other side and de-
tected q movement there also. All this
time the two glovea hands lay crossed
in her lap and her eyes We're on the
floor of the car.
This double surprise caused me two
separate shocks. The lady had four
arms and was a pickpocket. Immedi-
ately she arose and started to leave the
car. On the instant | decided how l
would act. l hurried after the mis-
guided young woman. pausing an in
purse she had taken;
Madam, if you have lost any of your
property, report to police headquarters.
Perhaps cen recover it for YOU"
The lady locked up in surprise, but
did not wait. | sprang from the car
and took after the four armed lady.
She had left the avenue and was
when | overlook her.
I'm afraid you are a bad young wo-
man." | said.
She looked around in establishment.
What. my elderly protector againw
she said. and began TO laugh, but did
not pause in her rapid walk. | had
difficulty in keeping up with her.
Il saw you take that purse" l said.
sternly. land wan you to give it to
me-
what purse? What are you talking
aboutw she said angrily.
.sThe purse of that lady who sat, be-
side YOU. There is no need for you to
dissembie." | replied. IF you don't do
as | bid you, | will 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 affection to such base advantage
/ said.
"W5hat afiliction?,' she asked.
l did not wish to wound her unnec-
essarily and hesitated before replying.
1.-THE fact that you have two arms
more than other people,
She turned away her head, and her
shoulders shook. thought I heard a
sound of laughter. but when She turned
around she seemed to be crying.
you don't know what l suffer on az
count of it." she said, her voice broken
by sobs. People avoid me as a mon
strosity. l am very poor, too, and this
is the first time | have ever stolen"
could not help feeling sorry for her.
Give me the purse" | said, "and
perhaps l can help you"
She put out her hand-one of the
pretty ungloyed ones and laid the
purse in my extended palm.
Thank you so much" she said-'no,
do not follow we shall meet
again" And she almost ran away from
me.
At the first convenient opportunity /
examined the purse. 1t c3ntained moth
ing but a little change, a pair of eye
glasses, a key and some visiting cards.
The address oil the latter was quite