Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-04-02
WI ADTER WI


of it."
CHAPTER XVI.
Walter went through two cars. looking
about him on either side thinking it pos
sible that the thief might have taken his
seat in one of them. There was very
little chance of this, however. Next he
passed into the smoking car, where TO
his joy no less than his surprise, he found
the man of whom he was in search play
ing cards with three ether passengers
He looked up carelessly as Walter APP
preached. but did not bctray the slight
est confusion or sign of guilt To let the
reader into secret, he had actually taken
Walters pocketbook, but was too cunning
to keep it about him. He had taken out
the money, and thrown the pocketbook
itself from the car platform, taking an
opportunity when he thought himself IN
observed. As the money consisted OF
bills, which could not be identified as Val
ter's, he felt that he was in no danger
OF detection. He thought that he could
afford to be Indifferent.
Did you get tired of waiting?' he
asked. addressing our hero.
May | speak to you moments" ask
ed Walter.
Certainly"
Il mean alone"
"Then, gentlemen, l must beg to be eS-
cused for five minutes" said the pick
pocket. struggling his shoulders, as If to
express good-natured annoyance. Nov.
my young friend, | am at your service. y
Walter proceeded to the other end of
the car which CHANGED to be unoccupled
Now that the moment had come, he hard
ly knew how to introduce the subject
Suppose that the person he addressed
were innocent it would be rather an awk-
ward matter to charge him with the ihef.
did you see anything of my pocket
book?'' he said. at length.
Your pocketboo :" returned the pick
pocket, arching his brows. why, have
you lost it,"
YES"
when did you discover its loss:"
shortly after you left me-" said Wal
ter. significantly.
I'm very sorry indeed. did not see
It. Have you searched on the fioor?"
YES; but it isn't there"
That's awkward. Was your ticket in
the pocketbook?
mo. had that in my vest pocket
That's fortunate On my honor. In
sorry for you. l haven't much money
with me. but I'll lend YOU a dollar or tive
with the greatest of pleasure"
This offer quite bewildered Walter |,
felt confident that the other had stoler
his money, and now here he was Offering
to lend him some of it, He did not car.
to make such a compromise or to b,
bought off so cheap: so. though quite pen
niess. he determined to reject the offer.
81 won't borrow" he said. coldly. ~
was hoping you had seen my money"
The pickpocket turned and went bach
to his game. and Walter slowly left the
car. He had intended to ask him point
blank whether he had taken the money
but couldn't summon the necessary cour
age. He went back TO his old seat.
Well" said the old gentleman VIII,
sat behind him. Il suppose you did no.
find your man."
Yes. did"
''You didn't get your money!" he added
in surprise
NO he was perfectly cool Still,
think he took it. He offered TO lend m
dollar or two. What would YOU adj
wise me to do"
Speak to the conductor"
just at that moment the conductor en-
tered the car. AS he came up the aisl.
Walter stopped him. and explained hi.
loss. and the suspicious he had formed.
You say the man is in the smokin:
carr said the conductor, who had rs.
ened attentively. Could you point hin
OUT
YES"
II am glad of it. have received
warning by telegraph that one of the New
York swell-mob is on the train. probabl,
intent on mischief but no description
came with it. and had no cew to tn,
person. | have no doubt that the maj
you speak of is the party If So he a
Familiarity known as Slippery Dick.
DO You think you can get back n,
money!" asked Walter. anxiously.
II think there is a chance of it. Conn
with me and point out your man."
Walter gladly accompanied the conduc
tor to the smoking car. His old acquaint
ance was busily engaged as before in
game, and laughing heartily at some "a
vorable turn.
There he is" said Walter, indicating
him with his finger.
The conductor walked up to him an
tapped him on the shoulder.
What's wanted:' he asked. looking VI
you've looked at my ticket"
L wish to speak TO you a moment"
He rose without making any opposi
tion. and walked TO the other end of tn
ear
Well" he said and there We a Sign
nervousness in his tone. what's the mat
ter? Wasn't my ticket all rightE'
NO trouble about that. The thing /;
will you restore this boys pocketbook !
Sir said the pickpocket, clustering
do you mean TO insult me? What nav
| to do with his pocketbook
"You sat beside him, and he missed
directly after you left him.
what is that to me? You may scare
me if you life. You will find only on
pocketbook upon me. and that is m
own
Il am aware of that" said the conduC
tor, coolly Il saw you take the none
out and throw it from the car platform.
The pickpocket turned pale