The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-06-19

the timer"
Packing my portmanteau."
"Oh, packing your portmanteau."
Eyes. That is it."
He stopped and nonchalantly threw
it open. His clothes and boots and
some Of the other contents were ex-
posed to view. The Inspector laughed.
Not many diamonds there, Brad
ley
"No, sir. I told you Mason was talk
ing rubbish"
Did he say any more about me be-
ing the boy who found the meteor?"
asked Philip with a first rate attempt
at d grin.
wouldn't talk Of anything else" vol
unteered P. c. Bradley.
Judging by the way he dropped
when | hit him, expect he saw stars"
said Philip.
Are you leaving here?" asked the
inspector.
Eyes, I must The company which
owns these premises intends to pull
them down on the first of next month"
what is your Nance"
"Anson."
"Ah. l think I remember hearing
something about your mothers death.
Very nice woman. 1 was told. a lady
too"
Yes; all that and more"
"Of course That accounts for your
manners and appearance. Have you
found some friends|'
The inspectors glance roved from
the serviceable portmanteau to Philips
tidy garments, and it was his business
to make rapid deductions.
Eyes, most fortunately"
"Anybody connected with Sharpe &
Smith, the constable put in.
Sharpe Il Smith? Who are they?"
Don't you know? Their young man
certainly didn't seem to know much
about your movements. He has been
here twice looking for you. The first
time waS-let me see-last Monday
about o'clock. l was on duty in the
main road, and he asked me for some
information. We came and looked in,
but your door was locked. The man
on this beat this afternoon told me
that the same clerk was making fur
Their inquiries today, so as soon as
came on night duty l strolled into the
news to find out if you Were at home.
That is how / happened to see you.''
He turned toward the inspector.
"He was packing his bag at the mo-
ment, sir, and Mason had evidently
been scared from the window by my
footsteps in the ARCH
The inspector pursed out his underlip.
1.-THE whole thing is perfectly clear"
he said. boy, have you got watch?'
NO" said Philip, surprised by this
odd question.
Bradley, he hasn't got a watch OBJ
served the inspector. He again adj
dressed Philip.
'Where are you going tomorrow"
II am not quite sure, but my address
will be known TO Mrs. Wrigley, the
/ James street laundry, shepherd S
| Bush"
"Ah! The constable says you do not
wish to be mixed up in the arrest of
Mason. There is no need for you to
appear in court, but-er-in such cases
as yours the-er-police like to show
! appreciation of your serv'
ices That Is SO. Bradley. isn't it?'
Eyes, sir. If it hadn't been for him
I shouldn't be here now. Jocky had
me fairly cornered."
You had no time to summon assist
anceY'
Il barely heard he was here before
the window was smashed, and 1 knew
he was trying to get out the other way
You heard him, Anson?"
Philip looked the policeman squarely
in the eyes.
'You had just taken off your great
coat when the glass cracked, he said.
Police Constable Bradley stopped Il
pick up his coat. He did not wish Thu
portion of the nights proceedings to b,
described too infinitely. In moving tn,
garment he disturbed the packet of let
tiers. Instantly Philip recalled th
names of the solicitors mentioned b,
the constable.
You said that a clerk from Messrs
Sharpe & Smith called here twice2" b
asked.
YES"
He picked out one of the letters
opened it and made certain of his fact
: before he cried angrily:
Then I want to have nothing what
ever TO do with them. They treate
my mother shamefully"
The inspector had sharp eyes.
What is the date of that letter?' b
inquired.
Jan. 10 of this year"
"And what are those-pawn tickets
Yes. some of my mothers jewelr
and dresses. Her wedding ring wa
the last to go. Most of them are OF
of date. but I intend to- will try
+ save some Of them, especially her wet
ding ring"
Jocky Mason's romance was now di
i sjpated into thin air. The contents
/ the portmanteau. the squalid appea
ance of the house, the date of the S
II q bftpTia Of "