The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1907-01-23

ject apologies and trust you will &C.
cept my explanation" Tom continued.
did you find a gun on him. Clancy"
asked the detective.
mo, sir, but he's got a good big wad
Of money"
"Do you know, ma'am, il your mon
ey's safer"
"Yes, it's untouched in the drawer Of
my dresser"
This is no new scheme, ma'am, but
I'm strongly inclined to think that in
this case the gent Is straight. II the
people on the next street identify him
w can let him go. But Of course II
you say the word we'll pull him In
now"
mo; give him a chance to clear him
self. but be sure before you let him
60"
Tom nov breathed freely. He knew
that a few inquiries would set him
straight, but he had greatly feared that
he might be locked up while they rel
being made.
The officer returned from downstairs
and, stepping to Toms side, reported:
There's a pane Of glass out Of the
rear extension window. The back door
L. open and the swag's all tied up In
the tablecloth in the dining room, and
Here the maid, entering excitedly. in
~terrupted. I'm sure. ma'am," she
gasped, II just heard some n moving
IN your room!"
There's two of 'em, boys" whisper
ed the detective. FIT them bracelets"
And Tom was handcuf1ed. CLANCY, 60
quietly upstairs and cover the door to
the roof. Brady, watch the fire e.
cape" Then, turning to Tom, you
walk quietly ahead Of me, and II you
give any signal I'll make you look like
the outside ring of a target after pistol
practice"
Instantly the situation became clear
to Tom, but he knew his best course
was to obey, SO he started down the
hall and quietly preceded the officer
up the stairs.
At the top of the flight the detective
stopped and listened. Suddenly push
ing open the door Of Mrs. Hapgood's
.oom, he covered with his revolver the
real burglar, who was pilfering the
dresser.
"Here, Clancy" he shouted, put the
nippers ON this man and take 'em both
downstairs"
They were halfway down when the
front door opened and a tall, middle
aged man Of fine appearance entered.
He was evidently prepared for the situ-
alton and was about to speak to the Of
fcer when, seeing Tom, he stepped for
ward and, extending his hand, ex-
claimed:
"Hello, Belden. How in the name Of
conscience did you come here, and
what's all this about anyway"
Excuse me, Mr.. Walters" answered
Tom, "if l give you both my hands.
It's difficult to differentiate just now,
but If you can prove your Identity and
establish mine you'll put me under
eternal obligations" Then, turning to
the officer: Say, man, don't you think
l can get along without these orn
ments now? I've helped you to catch
a real thief. and It's time you let up"
"Why, you see," said Mr.. Waters to
his sister after the officers had gone
with their prisoner, II have known
Tom Belden for years. He used to be
our Boston correspondent.
Then he turned to Tom.
"Come on, my boy; let's go down tc
the dining room and see If that drafted
, thief left any cigars on the sideboard
I'll keep you with me until l think II
safe to let you out. You might have
further trouble finding the right 1920"
II say. Mr.. Waters" responded Tom
III you'll promise not to give this yarr
away to the boys I'll sign an agree
ment to stop ut a hotel whenever I visit
New York again and give you a Ike,
to my ROOM"