The Jennings daily record. [volume] (Jennings, La.) 1900-1903, 1902-05-19
SECURING MAR. BARKER.
BY Henry Harris.

for an instant, at the sky and the tops
of the buildings, as if he imagined
some one might be calling from there
Having succeeded in seeing no one he
started rapidly down the street.
Presently he heard the pattering
footsteps of some one running behind
him. Would his dignity permit him
TO run? The idea made him blush but
he remembered that delay meant de-
feat for Long, and that defeat for
Long meant dollars out OF his own
pocket.
plan OF escape presented itself.
II e hurriedly drew his watch from his
pocket, glanced ut its face, and made
IL pretense OF realizing that he was i'll
danger OF missing his train. He took
Il tirmer grip on his satchel and started
on Il run for the railway station. He
had been an athlete in his day, and
even now was'no mean runner.
Dodging the people when he could
and jostling them unceremoniously
when he could not, down the street he
fed. People eyed him with surprise
as he hurried by. Their surprise
changed TO wonder when. Il few mo-
ments later, a boy dashed past, calling
loudly.
Then they realized that the promin-
ent citizen was not anxious so much
to catch Il train as to avoid being
caught. Carl was shrewd enough to
know that by calling to the man he
would compel him either to stop or to
to give the i'm IMPRESSION of being pur-
sued.
passers-by who paused and watched
the chase did not understand the cause,
but enjoyed the spectacle.
wv ELL" CALCULATED the Rev. Mr.. Nor
row, as he adjusted his silk hat after
coming i'll violent contact with the fee
ing man, only to have it tilted over the
other way by the youthful pursuer,
''the town seems to be on the move
this morning: business must be press
ing"
Yes" replied q bystander. Barker
seems to be Il little rushed this morn
ing
The chase was becoming exceedingly
interesting. Shopkeepers rushed to
their doors to learn the cause of the
disturbance. Mr. Bankers face glowed
Il brilliant red; perspiration stood out
upon his countenance. Then he
caught sight of Il cab standing on the
other side of the square, waiting for
business. The business came with Il
rush.
Nh Barker saw q way of escape. He
dashed into the cab, calculated with
his remaining breath. Depot quick"
slammed the door and sank back pant
ing on the seat. The drivers whip
Kissed i'll the horses ears. they leaped
forward and Mr.. Barker was off.
Here was another good excuse to
present for not serving the subpoena.
but Carl was not looking for excuses.
For Il moment he was puzzled and
stopped short on the curb and gaZed
after the cab.
Near by was a group of ieering boys,
among them some whom he knew. for,
rs he had told Mr.. EIoff, this was his
native town.
Hey, legs called one. what YOU
waiting for? Why don't you go on?'
Carl turned toward the speaker. who
was leaning on Il bicycle. and opened
his mouth as if to make some sharp re-
tort. but catching sight of the wheel,
changed his mind and said Lend me
your bicycle Fox. Will you?'
Nope" replied Fox, shaking his
head, II want it myself
Carl watched the cab rolling down
the street and rapidly increasing the
diStauc" between him and Mr.. Barker.
Here" he said. thrustiug his hand
into his pocket. III give you fifty
cents if YOU will let me use it"
Put il there was F0X's brief but
expressive answer, us he extended his
hand for the coin.
! Carl gave him the money threw n
long leg over the saddle, and was soon
| pedaIinG down the street after the cab.
AS soon as he was fairly started the
| boys set up n shout. Mr.. Barker was
| wping the perspiration from his rudy
| face and cOngratulating himself that
| he had escaped from n very uncomfort
| able and trying situa ton, when the
| shout reached his ears He glanced
! back through the little window in the
! rear and beheld that troublesome
| youth astride II wheel and pursuing
| him like fate.
| Dear me- he calculated. biting his
! lips with veXation. 'how annoying!
| What Il nuisance that boy isl
! He thrust his head out of the cab
window and called to the driver. and
mt the same time handed him some
! thing which shone in the sunlight like
! silver.
The driver took it and Immediately
displayed an astonishing interest in
| his work His horses seeming to for
get all city rules and ordinances, broke
| into Il run. Behind, Il wheelman rode
like a professional trying to break u
record. There had been Il heavy rain
the night before. and the streets were
rod with SIinlV which