The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1908-01-03

Au carriage by q most aston
i NN\VKNf ished and annoyed young
NJ man, was the spectacle
witnessed by the customers of an ex-
elusive downtown restaurant one
evening just at the fashionable hour
of six.
AS Dunford had entered the crowd
ed restaurant fifteen. minutes previous
ly he had been the personification Of
prosperity His immaculate clothing,
faultless shoes and headgear, immense
diamond and walking stick with head
of massive gold design, all gave evil
dence of the wearer's substantial bank
account
He knew it.
That was why he bought them, paid
Tor them, and wore them. Hence
Dunford's florid countenance and ro-
tund figure fairly radiated with self
confidence and esteem.
Dunford mad a daughter, too! Ye
gods, did ever man have such a
jewel as his Jane? Why his Jane was
the embodiment Of all things desira-
Die. Bewitching. handsome, and as
decorous and affectionate as she was
handsome, Jane at eighteen was her
fathers pride and delight. Left
motherless at the age of ten, she had
been real chum to her father.
Dunford's Importance fairly thrust
itself upon those about him, for to-day
he looked and felt his best. Jane was
home from school for her Easter vaca-
ton. She had promised her father
that after an afternoon of formalities
she would meet him here for dinner.
and later they would attend the thea
ter.
Jane was nowhere to be seen, so
Dunford concealed himself in a cosy
little nook to "see but not be SEEM"
He settled himself for few moments
wait.
IF Jane would only wear that same
gown which she wore last night. l
can't miss her; but Heaven knows!
with her mania for fine feathers, ]
am taking uneven chances" he chuc-
kled, as he stole hurried glance at
the menu card.
Pardon my abruptness, sir" said a
business-!ike voice at mis- elbow.
Dunford nearly Jumped out Of his
skim" Looking up he beheld a neatly
dressed and exceptionally prepossessing
young man.
You see, sir, am in the employ of
the law" he continued, deftly permit
ting Dunford fleeting glimpse of the
little silver shield fastened beneath his
coat.
Il take you to be a reliable citizen,
hence allow me to request a little as
sistance of you"
nnnfor1 fol -oy, nv, eko oo,,ll onv,
humble few incoherent words OF
objection.
The officer bent over him and fairly
spun out his words.
AT the table yonder sits a very at.
tractive young woman, for whom the
police of three cities are searching. A
cleverly desperate character. Youthful
in appearance but aged in vice. A
member OF notorious gang of thieve!
and general lawbreakers. An eIusiv,
''will-o' -thewisp." Invite her to you
secluded table. She will accept with.
| out demurring.. Once over here car
easily make my arrest without further
disturbance. for l greatly respect the
management of this place, as we'll as
their patrons. You shall suffer no un.
due publicity in the affair, assure
you"
Dunford grasped the situation al
once. AS a good citizen he must aic
the law. He must not delay but act
quickly. He rose hastily, stepped
noiselessly up to the young woman
from the rear and gently tapped hel
upon the shoulder
She whirIed quickly about.
1t was Jane!
Dunford stood aghast; his round
face now ashen. and his eyes starting
from his head.
Jane was panic stricken.
Dunford in terror and uncertainty
turned to ward her off the detective
The "otficer" was gone!
Sc was Dunford's hat, overcoat
walking-stic watch, diamond stud
and fat round money-roll as he by
degrees discovered
Only a small. neat derby hat, in
whose crown lay an absurdly crude
tin badge decorated with the signifi-
cant numerals "23", remained to COM
fort the unwary one.