Smyrna times., 1903-05-27
CATCHING
A BURGLAR.

oHAnS from Tue accOmmO-
Natlon train, he arrived at a decision.
ne would not get off at Honeyville.
II was unexpected, this finding of
Grlppen on the lookout. It was three
years now since that wary Chief of
Police had met Paynter, but the
chance OF recognition was too great
and' while the officer would have been
ueilghted to greet the traveller, that
worthy felt that the attentions thrust
upon him would be dstasteful.
a natural modesty had led him to be
the last to leave the smoking car. snd
tne locomotive was already snorting
1or start, when he paused with his
Ioot on the lower step, awaiting the
rlSnt moment to recedo quietly. It
came.
Inc train gathered Roadway, and.
as ne grasped the rail to steady him.
selt before turning, the quick eye on
the platform rested full upon his face.
and Paynter knew in a second he had
been recognized.
Spotted" growled the burglar, as
he slipped into the car ''HeIl wire |
ahead. Guess I'll turn countryman.
Let's see; next stop is Phippsdale, six
miles. Good, I'll go over the noun
tam and Join Jack at Brooks Junction.
A letter will bring him. Then we'll
slide back to New York tomorrow
night and give this Job up"
"Ihoughtyou got off at Honeyville." ="
SAID the conductor, pocketing the few
cents fare.
NO; had ticket to there. that's
all. 'Twould hardly haye paid to get
OF to buy another ticket for six-mile
trip"
The person who emerged from the
tollet-room of the car when the train
halted at Phippsdale bore no resem-
bIance to Paynter, and the black bag
wore canvas cover.
lie was a respectable old farmer
with ancient, well-brushed garments.
gray hair and scraggy whiskers, and
steel-bowed spectacles under a cheap t
new cap. Besides, the mans shoul- L
ders hunched, and he! limped slightly. n
while Paynter was quick stepping and fl
erect. r.
For one of his apparent age, he dis 8
appeared with uncommon alacritv. and n
among the summer visitors who \
thronged the platform Of the little .e
station he was unnoticed. Then, too. =
there seemed an unusual excitement.
The lorngers were staring at the cars.
After the rear of the car md whirled a. a.
around the curve and the arrivals were VI
driving away, an old man went into =
the waitlng-rOom-a combination of n' n'
store, Post Office and loafug room. %
A telegraphic instrument clicked in u
one corner. Flies buzzed under the ~
drawn window shade. Posters and ~
advertisements decorated the walls. VI
In the centre of the room a half.
dozen men cOnversed in tones of ex- "o
element. One fat, perspiring and oe
waved a yellow paper with nS n1
gestures of concern. Ci
"Clear through the smoker went a.,
boys, and thar warn't so sech a chan. MA
looked 'em all over" He read from bo,
-he telegram Tall, slim, smooth VIII
ACE, scar on chin. Dark eyes and an,
hair. Black valise, brown SLOUGH hat rec
black coat, light trousers. If not mil
ound, give description to conductor. npt
md wire next station for officer sno
That's what Grippen says, aud I've elm
missed him. Amt that hard luck? Fm
Wouldn't l have twitched the critter Dire
'ut a-fyin'? Worst of it is, Goocb. +
he conductor, see feller like that clu
nd said he was to get off here. of
"No sech man did" asseverted a wis
lnk youth, who closed his mouth only r
'hen speaking. "Now, Sheriff, thar apv
'asn't. You told me to watch, lidn't cen
Ou? 1 did, didn't? Wall, 1 gtess. clul
"Then he's on thar yit, and Goch- roo
declare for it, most forgot tc send sess
message. Here, Crissy," to a SOL II
mn young woman behind the etter paif
'Se' you telegraph this on, iea a it dec,
/, to Hinchman, station agent at priv
-ollis Crossing, and then send yord has
Chief Grippen, that L jest missed his of T
an. not
THAT lets me out, boys" he aided, wor
and I've done my duty. I'm ging Rar
p to the house now. Seems to ne a are
ASS of cider wouldn't go bad .fter lecti
lis. Any of you want to Gomez" Mr..
They all promptly followed him. man
"You look after things, Crisy.:" stru,
He'd the Sheriff, going out. lion
The flies buzzed and darted inthe than
iddle Of the room, as all sounds or In
ased except the clicks of the tile I'll
aph key. from