The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-01-28
THE EVENING STORY
Catching tIae Trolley.
(By Taylor White.)

started from the Public Square on the
half hours. He had just time to make
the 1880. Could he do that there
would be just time to speak to Enid
and get back in time to take the West
ern Express that would connect in
Chicago with the Overland. That
would get him in San Francisco Just
In time to catch the Empress of
China.
He wanted to tell Enid that his
chance had come at last. and ask II
she would wait. An unexpected turn
of affairs had put him in a position
to speak of marriage; a thing he had
not dared to even think of for at least
a year yet.
He slipped down the foggy street
with the easy stride of a cross coup-
try runner and smiled as he heard be-
hind the soft patter of other hurried
footsteps. The man behind would
never reach the car first If that was
what he was running for.
Then suddenly the steps ceased and
a moment later a mob came tearing
around the corner raising the hue and
cry. Colbrook kept on. He felt no in
terest in thief with Enid in Chester
and the car about to start. Then sud
denly bluecoated form started up be-
fore him and he almost ran into the
policeman's arms. An instant later he
had been scientifically collared and
the mob had come painting up
The last to arrive was a fat police
man still violently putting from his
exertionS. He took a fresh grip on
CoIbrook's collar and with flourish
of his club entreated him to come
quietly. For the first time Colbrook
realized that he was under arrest.
Look here" he said, you are MAX
ing a mistake. I'm not the man you're
AFTER
"I know it," agreed the officer pleas
antly. 81 was after a man in green
pants and a red coat, but 1 guess
you'll do" He took a fresh grip on
his club as though anticipating trouble
and looked at his brother officer.
But see here insisted Colbrook.
II was running to catch the Chester
trolley. 1 had to make the 1880 and
was sprinting. I heard some one
running behind me and suddenly he
must have lodged into doorway.
That was probably your man."
"Quite likely" was the cheerful re-
Spouse, but all the same you can tell
that to the sergeant"
But 1 have to get to Chester and
back in time to catch the Western
Express he pleaded. Il am leaving
on that for China"
Through train ?" laughed the Off
Ger approximately. He evidently re-
garded Colbrook as humorist.
patiently. ct am with the Fontellen
company. You can call them on the
phone. Perhaps I'll have time to go
out on the train if you will drop this
nonsense"
you drops yours" was the sharp
command. II know you fellows. Look
not that he don't throw nothin' away,
Rafferty," Rafferty, nodded his under
standing and the trio headed pro-
cession for the police station.
The desk sergeant was a newly pro-
NOTED roundsman impressed with a
sense of his dignity Something in
Colbrook's manner offended him and
he refused to listen to his plea that
the Fontellen company be notified.
Whats the use of botheEin' ?" he
Boston Mike. What have they to do
with the likes OF you? Tell that to
the judge when you're arraigned."
At motion of his head Coibrook
was led back to the cells, and this
being his first arrest, he did not know
that he could bride the officers to get
word to his employers.
His threats to have the whole mat
ter shown up only added to abe dog
gedness of the sergeant and in an
that the sergeant would be back in
the cells with night stick presently
If things did not quiet down.
After that he could only sit in 81
lent despair and wonder what the
outcome could be. If he did not catch
English company would be on the
ground first. 1t was through his old
time friendship for Carson that he had
gained the early tip that led to his
being promoted 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 mad rail at
fate.
Then the grated half of the cell
door was darkened by form and he
sprang to his fact
I'm the bull in this precinct" an
nounced the newcomer. Don't throw
that bluff" he added as Colbrook's
ewes went up in inquiry. "You know
II was 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. Il guess you
know what plain clothes men are by
any title
'The precinct detective? I see,"
said Colbrook.
'"The fairy what had her leather
swiped wants to know what you did
with it,"
I'm sure I don't know what be-
came of the lady's purse he said
pleasantly. This slang was more I'M
derstandable.
"Stow that" admonished the detec-
tive 81 think she'll let you off and
it's ten spot to me if you tell"
"But I tell you there is a 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 thief's
stubbornness. He was back in a min
ute though and Colbrook caught the
echo of a lighter step on the stone
'~The dame wants to give you the
third degree herself" he said. Don't
you give her none of your lip or I'll
come in there"
II am at the lady's service" said