Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-04-17
CHAPTER NV.
THRIFT, HORATIO, THRIFT"

lcW E : %s the most positive man
IN Eb 80 N ner that the mvStcri-
l1cESY AfHS Gus woman was not
NJ srsff---HD Miss Maclane. This
did not have the effect OF taking Bren-
da entirely out of print. but it inspired
all the newspaper writers with cau-
ton, for. though some OF them were
not able to believe that Blair was tell
Ing the truth, it was impossible to over
look the fact that he was the only wit
ness.
The most serious of the immediate
results of this publication was expert
enced by Dr. Blair himself about 10
o'clock in the forenoon. when he receiv-
ed Gail from Captain Nealc. The cap
tain seemed not to be representing the
department upon this occasion, for lie
was in the dress of q private citizen.
Even his shoes were different from q
polceman's characteristic footwear.
As the apparel evidently was not worn
for purposes of disguise, it might be
assumed that Mr.. Neale had come upon
personal errand.
When admitted to Or. Blairs office.
opening from the room; then he be-
slowed moments attention upon sons
of the doctors effects which had been
collected as if 70 be packed in large
trunk.
Going away?" inquired Neale.
"Move." responded Blair.
"Wbat for?'
"You'vc succeeded in spelling my
tractice around here" was the reply.
al am not more modest than other doc
tors, but the kind of righteousness
which comes from having a uniformed
policeman call at the house every ten
minutes is not n good advertisement
So have engaged other quarters"
"WhCref"
al would like to tell you that it's none
of your business" said Blair, 'but that
wouldn't prevent you from finding out.
I'm going up town."
And he gave the address, which the
captain ostentatously noted down.
Having done this, he looked Blair in
the eye and said
81 don't know whether you're going
or not"
MAKE your mind easy" replied the
doctor. Il am"
You're an important witness In this
case" said the captain, land l want
you where can get my hands on YOU"
"Well, I'm not going far"
The captain screwed up his queer
eyebrows in his own peculiar fashion.
Its my opinion" said he that
you're going TO the house of detention"
Rlair looked uneasy, but he mustered
smile.
"The house of detention Is for the
poor" he said. at is for people who
will stand being imprisoned six months
or a year for nothing without making
any fuss about it,
"You're poor enough, my friend" re-
piled the captain, land III see that you
don't make any fuss. I've got a story
all fixed up that will keep you quiet"
Blair let the lid of the trunk fall
heavily and then sat down on top of it.
"Well, you needn't tell me what it is"
he said. "Ill take your word for it
that it's good one. In short, you in
tend to ruin me in this town."
The captain put his hand into his
pocket in way that made Blair nerv-
Gus, but it was nothing more formidl-
bic than a piece Of chewing tobacco
that appeared. Neale nodded slowly
as he bit off n piece.
From the beginning of this case"
said the doctor Il have been totally
unable 10 understand your game. What
IS it,"
My game" replied the captain, "is
TO take good care Of Joseph Neale."
"Wen,' said Blair, what have
done to prevent it,
Ever hear the story of the beggar
who asked the professional charity
man for q dime?"
Il DOM remember it." said the doc
tor.
THE charity man said: Go over on
the other SIDE of the street. I'm work
ing this side.
Clair appeared to ponder deeply upon
the significance of this ancient tale in
the present situation.
Look here" said the captain sud
denly. You saw Brenda Maclane COM
ing out of that house, and you had
sense enough to keep still until you
found out where YOU stood. That was
all right. You found out, right away,
what kind Of n father she had, and you
knew that your Information was worth
money. Now, don't jump. I've looked
you up, and I've found out that you're
not above that sort Of thing. Very
well; few of us are, but when you
found out that was ON you ought to
have done one of two things-quit or
let me ill.,"
Blair drummed on the trunk with
his fingers.
Il thought you were after Alden" he
said.
"pm after 'cm BOTH
"Do you still believe there's anything
In Alden's story Of money!" Queried
Blair, eying the other shrewdly.
Neale nodded emphatically.
"But wen leave that for a minute"
he said. "in the matter Of Maclane
let you go on, merely showing you that
was keeping close track. | didn't
suppose you'd jump so quick"
"What do you meanT
The captain shook a big forefinger in
Blair's face.
you went to Maclane's house last