The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1907-03-28

early tip that led to his being pro-
NOTED to be foreign salesman at more
than double his old salary.
Now this mistake would cost him
not only his promotion, but probably
even his position, and he could only
sit helpless in his narrow cell and rail
at fate.
Then the grated half of the cell
door was darkened by form, and he
sprang to his feet.
I'm the bull in this precinct" an
! nounced the newcomer. Don't throw
| that bluff" he added as Colbrook's
eyes went up in inquiry. "You know
what bull is"
st va; always under the impression
| that they possessed four feet and
! horns,' he said.
"That's a good bluff, but it don't CO.
said the visitor. II guess you know
what plain clothes men are by any
title
'The precinct detective? see,' said
CoIbrook.
"The fairy what had her leather
swiped wants to know what you did
with it,
"I'm sure / don't know what became
of the lady's purse" he said pleasant
~ This slang was more understand
able.
"Stow that" admonished the detec-
tive. II think she'll let you off, and
it's a ten spot to me if you tell"
"But | tell you there is mistake.
he insisted. Your men picked up the
wrong man"
With a snort of disgust, the ward
man turned away. Here was chance
/ to make $40 gone through the theirs
stubbornness. He was back in min
ute. though. and ColbrOok caught the
echo of lighter step on the stone
tagging.
sThe dame wants to give you the
third degree herself" he said. Don't
YOU give her none Of your lip or III
come in there"
"I am at the lady's service" said Col
brook hopefully. He understood from
the previous conversation that she
could free him by refusing to make
comDlaint 1t should not be very ditfl-
cult TO convince her that he was moi
the thief.
He started as she spoke, but some
impulse restrained the exclamation
that sprang to his lips.
"What was in the purse that was 50
valuable?' he demanded, making MS
voice harsh and unnatural.
CT cannot explain" she said. with
- 10 nj
which 1 am very fond. The purse was
a keepsake. l am most anxious about
that
Colbrooks heart gave leap. 1t was
the purse he had given her that she
sought. and it was Enid Sangston who
was pleading with him to restore her
property.
'T'Il get you another purse just as
good he said, ''if you will get me out
| of this, Enid
With scream she started back
from the bars as Colbrook moved into
the light Your she gasped.
ST was running to catch a car" he
explained ut was misty, and the thief
slipped into a doorway, and the mob
thought that since l was running it
must be 1 who was the culprit. Then
the officer collared me and brought me
| here
"Tnl so sorry!'' she gasped.
'I'm not" he disagreed. Il see the
hand of fate. You see, l was running
to catch a car to Chester to see you.
You were in town, and l should have
missed YOU"
"But why such haste?" she asked.
81 am leaving this afternoon for
China" he explained. "My chance has
come at last. and l wanted to ask you
to wait for me. dear. Will your
81 think" she said, that we must
bow to fate. l ran into town unex-
pectedIy. and Suppose you had
caught the car and gone out there.
should not have had a chance to say
goodby"
"Now we can say it over the lunch
table. and there's still time for trip
to the jeweIry store, too, if you will
explain to the officer that I was not
the thief"
That formality was quickly accom-
plished. and presently they were pass
ing the desk Colbrook leaned over
and shook the sergeant's hand
"Goodby, sergeant" he said heartily
: 'T am very much obliged"
81 wonder what he meant" unused
that official as he regarded the bill that
had been left in his palm. Sure.
! thought he'd make trouble with the
chief
| ke - I