The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1908-09-03
CHAPTER XVI.

N1l
Walter went through two cars, looking
,bout him ON either side, thinking it pos
sible that the thief might have taken MS
seat in one of them. There was very
little chance of this, however. Next NE
M sed into the smoking car, where 10
his iov no less thar his surprise, be
ne man of whom he was In search play
ING cards with three other passengers.
He looked up carelessly as Walter ap-
nroached. but did not betray the slgnl-
est confusion or sign of guilt. 10 let 'ne
reader into a secret, he had actually taken
walters pocketbook, but was too cunning
70 keen it about him. He had taken out
tbe money. and thrown the pocketbook
tseIf from the car platform, taking an
opportunity when he thought himself uh,
observed. As the money consisted Oh
bills. which could not be identified as "ai-
ter's. he felt that he was In no oange,
of detection. He thought that he couiu
afford to be indifferent.
Ibid you get tired of waitingF ne
asked. addressing our hero.
May l speak to you a momentf ASK
ed Walter.
Certainly"
81 mean alone"
} ..Then. gentlemen, l must beg to be ex-
cursed for five minutes" said the PICK
nocket. Struggling his shoulders, as II 10
-exnress ~good-natured annoyance. Now,
nv Young friend, | am at your service.
Walter proceeded to the other END Oh
| the car. which CHANGED to be u~noccupleh.
Now that the moment had come, he hard
lv knew how to introduce the subject
| Sunnose that the person he addressed
were innocent. it would be rather an awk'
ward matter to charge him with the theft
did YOU see anything of my pocket
book?'' he said, at length.
Your pocketbeok !" returned the PICK
pocket. arching his brows. why, havs
you lost it,"
Yes"
"When did you discover its loss?'
shortly after you left me-" said wal
ter, significantly.
."Im very sorry indeed. l did not see
1t. Have you searched ON the foorF
Eyes; but it isn't there.
THAT'S awkward. Was your ticket II
the pocketbookT"
NO. / 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 tw'
with the greatest of pleasure"
This offer quite bewildered Walter. Il
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 D.
bought off so cheap; so, though quite pen
niless. 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 bacI
TO his game. and Walter slowly left tn
car. He had intended to ask him point
blank whether be 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, l did"
you didn't get your money" he added
in surprise.
mo. he was perfectly cool. Still,
think he took it. He offered to lend m
a dollar or two. What would you ad
wise me to dog
Speak to the conductor
lust 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.
sYou say the man is in the smokin
carr" said the conductor, who had ns'
ened attentively. Gould you point hiT
out?"
Yes"
81 am glad of it. | have receive
warning by telegraph hat one OF the NeV
York swell-mob is on the train. probaol
intent on mischief, but no description
cnme with it. and | had no clew to tn
person. | nave no doubt hat the ma
YOU speak of is the party. IT So ne l
Familiarity known as Slippery Dick.
"Da you think you can get back m
money? 2" asked Walter, anxiously.
II think there is a chance OF It, Com