The Washington herald., 1907-03-11
FARRINGTON'S ALIBI
BY JESSUP MINOR.

BY JESSU
Harrington looked up with such genuine
dismay that even he laughed at himself
as he caught his reflection In the glass.
But how was I 10 blameY' he in
sisted "The extent Of my knowledge Of
racing is that it's a game when the horse
you bet Oh always comes in last"
That's what I told papa she ex-
planned. but he said he saw you dis
tinctIy. and that I could not pull the wool
over his eyes in that fashion"
''Well. something must be done" he
said. decidedly. I'm not going to lose
you because ! was arrested in a pool
room raid"
Gould you speak 70 Mr.. Tennis?" sug-
gested 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 chuckled.
Hes the biggest sort Of practical joker
He might go around and tell how I got
him into trouble. Anyway, il he ever
got hold Of the story, I should never hear
the last Of il.
But YOU must do something. Neddie,
she urged Father insists that I break
our engagement. He says that no man
who plays the races can marry a daugh-
ter Of his"
4 think I shall have TO prove an alibi, 3"
Ned grinned rs he in now?'
Tonight is the annual dinner Of the
Survivors Club she reminded him. He
will not be home until late"
well. tell him that I was not in the
poolroom." he said. THAT I said he had
made a mistake somehow. I'll fix up an
aubt"
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
/ q chance to ask him"
It took much argument and many
kisses to convince Agnes that their only
/ hope lay in denial OF everything Far
rington had been in a poolroom when it
was sraided, and as the prisoners were
/ being taken down the street they had
/ passed Mr. Ripley
In that moment Ned Harrington knew
that it meant a broken engagement, for
/ the uncompromising old man had a ha-
tired of the race track and all its works,
and could never be brought to believe
/ that he had already been in there because
/ his employer had sent him 10 cash a
check telling him to bring the money 10
! the poolroom.
It was late before he finally convinced
! Agnes and he took a car downtown.
+ Half a dozen men came from the hotel
at the transfer point and stood talking
| for a while, Mr.. Ripley among them.
/ Presently they separated, and Ripley was
/ left alone
! If he saw Harrington, he gave no sign,
and Ned was equally oblivious Of the
/ aldernaR's presence. A newsboy came
along with the night extras and Ripley
/ stopped him. searching his pockets for
a coin. Evidently the search was fruit
/ less, for presently the boy passed on and
! Ripley turned TO Harrington.
/ 4 didn't see you before, Mr.. Earring
ton" he said awkwardly, Been up 70
the house?"
/ In a fash inspiration came. and Ned
/ tipped his hat at a jaunty angle and
shifted his cigar 10 the corner Of his
mouth. where he gave it a decidedly up
ward slant.
You've got the wrong DOPE" he said.
/ MY names Parrish; Bill Parrish.
/ What's the game?"
i've been caught down town without
I
! collection taken up that I did not
anticipate and the boys in the courtroom
/ took my small change I shall have to
ask you for car fare. Ned"
Ned nothin'." came the sharp retort.
/ I told YOU my name was Bill. Will
( lam, Bill If you want a nickel, you
can have it, but don't play that old
/ friend gag on me. I've heard 1t before.
/ Here's your quarter. Now roll your hoop
and run along
Ripley looked dazed as his hand me
/ chanically closed over the coin
Surely YOU are Edwin harrington" he
persisted. II know 1 cannot be mistaken. -
Still dreamlngg' Ned affected surprise
1 Look here, papa, you be glad you got
your coin I'll make it a half IL you need
/ it, but don't try to con me like that"
/ Its a most remarkable resemblance, +"
! SIdLnTnereU tne SHiDdIIdSSeu Ielpley- i
have known Mr.. Harrington since he was
boy, and the resemblance is most start
ling
Here comes your car; ride on said
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
sketched the conversation. and when Mr.,
Ripley arrived at the house she was
ready for him.
Was young Harrington here this even
ing?" he ;sked. Agnes nodded.
He says there was some mistake about
your seeing him in that crowd. she be-
gan. He seemed very much annoyed"
Did he have on a gray vest and a
blue tie?" he asked iTrelevantly.
Evening dress, and OF course a white
tie" she answered. why do you ask?''
Her father passed his hand across his
forehead
1T is very strange" he murmured "a
himself as he made for the stairs Il
think that I had better go right to bed"
The girl looked after him, and her i'm
pulse to run and tell him that he had