The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1908-07-04
STRONG AND STEADY
BY noRaTlo AleeR. N.

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 4
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 and
tapped him on the shoulder.
What's wantedY' he asked, looking up.
You've looked at my ticket"
I wish to speak to you a moment
He rose without making any opposi.
ton, and walked to the other end Of the
ear.
WELL" he said, and there We q slight
nervousness in his tone, what's the mat
ter? Wasn't my ticket all right?"
mo trouble about that. The thing ID,
will you restore this boys pocketbook r.
"Sir," said the pickpocket, clustering,
do You mean to insult me? What nave
to do with his pocketbook?"
"You sat beside him, and he missed It
directly after you left him."
What Is that to me? You may search
me II you life. You will find only one
pocketbook upon me, and that il my
own"
Il am aware of that" said the conduc-
tor, coolly. II saw you take the money
out and throw it from the car platform"
The pickpocket turned pale.
"You are mistaken in the person." he
said.
mo, am not. I advise you to re-
store the money forthwith"
Without word the thief, finding him
self cornered. took from his pocket roll
of bills, which he handed to Walter.
lis that rightr asked tho conductor.
EYES," said our hero, after counting
his money.
$50 far, SO good. And now, Slippery
Dick" he continued, turning to the thief.
II advise you to leave the cars ct the next
station or will have you arrested. Take
your choice"
The detected rogue was not long In
making his choice. Already the cars had
slackened their speed, and short dis
lance ahead appeared small station. The
place seemed to be of very little impor-
lance. One man, however, appeared to
have business there. Walter saw h,x
quondam acquaintance jump on the plat
form, and congratulated himself that his
only loss was a pocketbook whose value
did not exceed one dollar.
The conductor on seeing the pocketbook
thrown away had thought nothing of II,
it to be an old one, but as soon
as he heard of the robbery suspected at
once the thief and his motive.
CHAPTER XVII.
Walter stopped long enough at Buffalo
to visit Niagara Falls, as he had intend
ed. Though he enjoyed the visit, and
found the famous cataract fully up to his
expectations, no incident occurred during
the visit which deserves to be chronicled
here. He resumed his journey, and arriv-
ed in due time at Cleveland.
He had no difficulty in finding the Office
Of Mr.. Greene, the agent of Messrs. Flint
& Pusher. He found that this gentleman,
besides his agency, had book and sta
tionery business of his own.
Il don't 60 out myself" he said TO
Walter; ''but l keep a supply Of F'lint's
books on hand, and forward them to his
agents as called for. Have you done
much in the businessw
No, sir; am only beginner. have
done nothing yet"
II thought not. You look too young"
'Mr Pusher told me had better be
guided by your advice"
You had better go fifty miles OF at
least. The Immediate neighborhood has
been pretty well canvassed. There's
Earle, now, flourishing and wealthy
town. Suppose you go there frst?'
'I'll 60 this afternoon"
"You are prompt"
Walter arrived in Earle In time for
supper. He went to a small public house.
where he found that he could board for
a dollar and half day, or seven dol
lars by the week. He engaged a weeks
board, rejecting that he could probably
work to advantage week In 30 large
place, or, if not, that five days at the
daily rate would amount to more Than
the weekly terms.
He did not at first propose to do any
thing that evening, until 1t occurred to
him that he might perhaps dispose Of
copy of his book to the landlord in part
payment for his board. He went into the
public room after supper.
''Are you travelling alone?" asked the
landlord, who had his share Of curiosity.
EYES," said Walter. Il am a book
agent"
Meeting with pretty good success?"
''I'm just beginning" said Walter, smil-
ing. IF you'll be my first cutomer, I'll