Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1907-10-28

| the uickerlng WICK.
He blew it out. A clock in the small
/ jewelers. shop opposite showed the
time-ten minutes past IL. In thai
part of London, busy hive of men and
women of the working class, he had nc
chance of removing his belongings be
fore the policeman returned.
What would happen If the friendly
constable believed Jocky Mason's ex-
cited statements? True, Philip had
no reason to fear the law, but with
| exposure might come other troubles.
Would any one advance claim to his
meteor? Mr.. Abingdon limited at such
thing. He paid no rent for his
house; he might be turned out instant
ly-refused permission to remove any
thing except his few unstable house
hold goods.
Assuredly he was in an awkward
predicament. OF course there was q
chance that the policeman would con-
tinue to laugh at the convict's folly.
If he did not, there would certainly be
complication. Could he avoid them by
any means? Where was there a safe
hiding place for his diamonds until
next day? Would mother inspire him
again as she had not failed to do dur
ing so many strange events? Would
her spirit guide his footsteps across
this new quicksand on whose verge
he hesitated7
A few doors to the left was O'Brien's
shop. The old man crept into sight,
staggering under the weight of shut
ter. Good gracious! Why had he not
thought of this ally sooner? Some
precious minutes were wasted already.
"Arrah, Phil, phwat in the worruld"-
wait just the least bit, Mr.. O'Brien.
have some portmanteaus that l want
to store for the night. Do let me put
them at the back of your shop. My
place is not very safe, you know"
Sure, boy, that's a shmall thing to
ak. Bring 'em, an welcome"
With the speed of deer Philip dived
into the news. He carried the two
lesser bags without extraordinary diff
ficulty and deposited them behind
O'Brien's counter. The third was al.
most too much for him, as the weight
was all in one hand, but he got 1t there,
breathless with the exertion.
He had to open the fourth and tear
out the stufing of paper. When riiad
with the packages taken from the
fifth. It was beyond his power ts lift
It, 30 he dragged 1t bodily along the
news and into the shop.
A passerby offered to help him.
mo, thanks" he managed to say.
though the effort to speak calmly took
away his remaining breath. at am
only taking it to the shop there"
The man glanced at the shop-it was
a marine store dealer's-a place where
lead and iron and brass found ready
sale. He passed on.
BE the forchun NV war, Phil, where
did We get the iligant leather TRUNKS
an phwats in them?" inquired the as
tonished pensioner.
The boy bravely called a smile to his
aid. II have big story to tell you
one of these days, Mr. O'Brien, but
have no time tonight. These things
will not be in your way until the morn
ing?"
THE divil bit. If things go on as
they are, there'll soon be room enough
in the poor ould shop. To think afther
all these years that murtherin' thief
in the war Office
Philip was safe. He rapidly helped
his friend to put up the shutters and
rushed back to No. 3. Even yet he
was not quite prepared for eventuali-
ties. He ran upstairs and gathered a
few articles belonging to his mother,
articles he never endeavored to sell
even when pinched by hunger.
The last dress she wore, her boots, a
hat, an album with photographs, some
toilet accessories from the tiny dress
ing table, the coverlet of the bed on
which she died-these and kindred me-
mentos made very credible bulk In |
the denuded portmanteau.
He gave one glance at the hole in |
the back yard as he went to the coal !
house for fresh supply of coal. That !
must remain. 1t probably would not !
be seen. In any case it remained in
He was stirring the fire when a tap
sounded on the door, and the police
man entered, followed by an inspector. |
CHAPTER X.