The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-03-26
THE EVENING STOR
Farl'ington's Alibi.
(Rv TaSSnn Minor

Tie grass.
But how was I to blame?' he insist
ed. The extent of my knowledge of
racing is that it's a game when the horse
you bet on always comes in last
That's what l told papa" she ex-
plafned, but he said he saw you dis
tlnctly, and that l could not pull the
wool over his eyes in that fashion,
said decidedly. I'm not going to lose
You because L was arrested in a pool
room raid
Gould you speak to Mr.. Tennis p
suggested Agnes. He could tell father
that you simply went there with him at
his request
Harrington shook his head.
You don't know Tennis he chuck
led He's the biggest sort of practical
joker. He might go around and tell
how l got him into trouble. Anyway.
If he ever got hold OF the story, I should
never hear the last of it,
But you must do something, Ned
die" she urged. Father insists that
l break our engagement. He says that
no man who plays the races can marry
a daughter of HIS
Il think shall have to prove an ALI
BIZ Ned grinned. lis he In now?"
Tonight is the annual dinner of the
Survivors club" she reminded him.
He will not be home until late.''
We'll, tell him that / was not in the
pOOlIOOIu, ne Sd1Q. SdlU he IdQ
made a mistake somehow. I'll fix up an
alibi."
1T seems wrong to deceive father"
she protested.
1T would be if he were open to argu-
ment," he admitted, "but, you see, he is
so set that this is the only way
Where were your" she asked. You
ought to tell me where you Were"
'At the Office" he said promptly
HE doesn't like Tennis. SO he's not
apt to get a chance to ask him.
1t took much argument and many
kisses to convince Agnes that their
only hope lay in denial of everything.
Harrington had been in a poolroom
when it was raided, and as the prison
ers were being taken down the street
they had passed Mr.. Ripley.
In that moment Ned harrington
knew that it meant a broken engage
ment, for the uncompromising old
man had a hatred of the race track
and all it's works, and could never be
brought to believe that he had merely
been in there because his employer
had sent him to cash a check, telling
him to bring the money to the pool
room.
1t was late before he finally con-
WINGED Agnes and he took a car down
town. Half dozen. men came from
the hotel at the transfer point and
stood talking for a while, Mr.. Ripley
among them. Presently they sepa-
IdlSu anu RIPLEY was leII alone.
If he saw harrington. he gave no
sign, and Ned was equally oblivious of
the alderman's presence. A newsboy
came along with the night extras, and
Ripley stopped him, searching his
pockets for coin Evidently the
search was fruitless. for presently the
boy passed on and Ripley turned to
IT didn't see you before. Mr. Far
rington." he said, awkwardly. Been
up to the house? ?"
In a flash inspiration came, and Ned
tipped his hat at 1aunty angle and
shifted his cigar to the corner of his
mouth. where he gave it a decidedly
upward slant.
you've got the wrong DOPE" he
said. MY names Parrish; Bill Par
rfsh. What's the game?''
I've been caught down town with
out any money" he said lamely.
There was collection taken up that I
did not anticipate and the boys in the
courtroom took my small change.
shall have to ask you for car fare,
Ned"
Ned nothin'." came the sharp re-
tort. IT told you my name was Bill.
W-i-l-l-i-a-m. Bill. If you want
that old friend gag on me. I've heard
It before. Here's your quarter. Now
roll your hoop and run along"
Ripley looked dazed as his hand me-
cndnlCalIy closed over the coin.
Surely you are Edwin Farrington,"
he persisted. IT know I cannot be mis-
taken.J
"still dreaming?" Ned affected sur
prise. Look here. papa, you be glad
you got your coin I'll make it a half if
you need it. but don't try to con me
ike that
ITS most remarkable resemblance.
stammered the embarrassed Ripley "I
nave known Mr.. harrington since he
was boy. and the resemblance is most
startling"
Ned as he turned into the hotel you
ought to be ashamed Of yourself"
Ned went straight into the telephone
booth and called up Agnes. He rapidly |
ketehed the conversation, and when
Mr. Ripley arrived at the house she |
vas ready for him.
WAS young Harrington here this |
he asked. Agnes nodded.
HE says there was some mistake |
bout your seeing him in that crowd" |
he began. He seemed very much an
loyed."
Did he have on a gray vest and
,lue tie?" he asked irrelevantly.
Evening dress, and of course a white |
ie" she answered. why do you ask"
Her father passed his hand across his
orehead.
TT is very strange he murmured to
himself as he made for the stairs. "I
hink that had better go right to bed"
The girl looked after him. and her
impulse to run and tell him that he had
'een right was strong. But her love for
Jed was stronger, and she forbore.
Mr.. Ripley called at Ned's office the
ext morning. but that young man
toutly denied all knowledge of the
oar and still more strenuously did he
eny the language he had been accused
f using Mr.. Ripley was more eft sea
han ever and could only stare dumbly
fter the young man as the latter went
ack to his desk
But none of the arguments that
Agnes advanced convinced him that he
ad been in error regarding Ned's ar
est and Ned was forbidden the house
,hile Agnes was forced to lay aside the
ring.