Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1908-01-09

\ HN(i"2At lShed ana annoyed young
~ -<S- ~ man, was the spectacle
witnessed by the customers of an eN
elusive downtown restaurant one
evening just at the fashionable hour
OF six
AS Dunford had entered the crowd
ed restaurant fifteen minutes previous
~ 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 wearers substantial bank
account.
He knew it.
That was why he bought them, paid
for them, and wore them. Hence
Dunford's ford countepance and ro-
tund figure fairly radiated with self
confidence and esteem.
Dunford mad a daughter. too! We
gods. did ever man have such a
Jewel as his Jane? Why his Jane was
the embodiment Of all things desira-
bic. Bewitchng handsome. and as
decorous and affectionate as she was
fathers pride and delight. Left
been a 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 seen"
He settled himself for few moments
wait
IF Jane would only wear that same
gown which she wore last night |
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-liie voice at mis- elbow.
Dunford nearly Jumped out of his
skin" Looking up he behell neatly
dressed and exceptionally prepossessing
young man.
You see. sir, I am in the employ OF
the law" he continued, deftly permit
ting Dunford fleeing glimpse of the
little silver shield fastened beneath hi.
coat.
Il take you to be a reliable citizen
hence allow me to request a little as
sistance of YOU"
humble a few incoherent words o
| objection.
The officer bent over him and fairl,
! spun out his words
AT the table yonder sits very at
| tractive young woman, for whom tn,
| police of three cities are searching. 4
I, cleverly desperate character. youthful
| in appearance but aged in vice
member OF ii notorious gang Of thieve
and general Iawbreakers. An eiusiv
"wiIl-o'-the- wisp." Invite her to yon
! secluded table She will accept with
out demurring. Once over here l cal
easily make my arrest without furthe
disturbance. for ] greatly respect tn
management of this place. as well a
their patrons. You shall suffer no lln
| due publicity in the affair." l assur
| you"
Dunford grasped the situation a
once, As a good citizen he must ali
the law. He must not delay but ac
quickly. He rose hastily s tppet
noiseiessly up to the young woman
from the rear and gently tapped he
upon the shoulder
She whirled quickly about.
1T was Jane!
J Dunford stood aghast: his roun,
face now asnen. and his eyes startin!
from his head.
Jane was panic stricken.
Dunford in terror and uncertaint.
turned to ward her off the detective
The officer was gene!
So was Dunfords hat overcoat
walking stick. watch, diamond stud
and fat round money roll, as he b.
degrees discovered
Only small. neat derby hat. il
whose crown lay an absurdly crud
! tin badge decorated with the signif
cant numerals "23", remained to com
fort the unWary one.
| Loree neaiipp