The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-12-16
THE EVENING STORY
The Sheriff and the Chauffeur.

The sheriff and the Chauffeur.
By clarfssa Mackie.)
The farm gate creaked loudly and
to the window. Two triangular patches
of light on the driveway, followed by
a dark bulk. betrayed the arrival of
an automobile. The voices of men
raised in angry alteration fioated
through the open window.
"Oh, dear! He's caught another
one" walled Annie Jane sleepily, as
she lighted candle and proceeded to
brush her pretty brown hair.
The mirror reflected a lovely face
full of sweetness and modesty, with
soft curves and enchanting dimples.
If mother was only at home to take
turns with me
'.Annie Janet" beloved a voice up
the stairway: you git dressed and
come down. got another one of them
chawfers down here!"
Coming, father yawned Annie
Jane, buttoning herself into the little
pink frock she had worn that after
noon. :
When she enter the kitchen her
father was sitting on a corner of the
table fussing with an old-fashioned
revolver. Beside him was shotgun.
Every separate, snowy whisker of
the sheriff bristled with hostility when
he glanced toward the 1awbreaker
whom he had captured.
Inc unhappy prisoner was lOunS-
ing, his chair tilted back against the
wall. He was also smoking a cigar
cite and cycling his warlike captor
with good natured tolerance. He
jumped to his feet when he saw Annie
Jane and the cigarette performed a
parabola into the coal scuttle.
"Sit down!" roared Peter Lamson-
ST reckon you don't realize you're a
prisoner, young man! Now, Annie
Jane,'' he added, turning to the girl,
I'm going over to get the justice and
you better let me take you over
in my car" interrupted the prisoner
eagerly.
The sheriff glared at him wrathful-
~. ''Yes-and when you get me out in
the road you'll run away with me just
as a chawfer did with sheriff down
Scuogue way! AS 1 said, Annie Jane"
he continued, turning his broad back
on the prisoner, and addressing his
daughter, I'm going to ride over to
Justic WainwrightS and get him to
come over; if he amt to home, I'll get
Smith. But I wanted Wainwright to
know I'm looking after things on the
Willow roadi'
"Oh, I say, sheriff." said the pris-
oner. withdrawing his glance from
Annie James downcast face, II
You keep still, young fellow!"
thund erred Peter LAmson. unbending
his figure to its full height Now,
you understand that whatever you
say will be used agin you! Do you
march into that pantry. double
Quick!"
The chauffeur measured the sheriff
with a calculating eye. At the end of
a minute his gaze encountered Annie
James appealing glance. Then he
bowed his head and disappeared with
in the dark pantry.
The sheriff slammed the door,
locked it and hung the key on a con-
venient nail. Then he opened a slid
fV4cr n in no Of fINA
Now, Annie Jane, you set here in
front of the little door, and if that
chawfer tries to get out, do you use
this weepon on himi Better aim for
anything e1sei' He thrust the re-
volver into his daughters reluctant
grasp.
you know I'm afraid Of firearms,
father" cried Annie Jane timorously.
81 couldn't shoot it off,
Peter Lamson bent his head until
his white whiskers brushed Annie
James pink ear. sit amt loaded he
whispered hoarsely. Then with an
elaborate wink at the girl he left the
room.
Five minutes later Annie Jane,
crouched in the Boston rocker facing
the pantry. heard the rattle of wheels
as her father rode out of the gate.
chimed -.
"Put the revolver on the table If
you are afraid of it; I won't try to
escape" said a reassuring voice from
the pantry. Framed in the opening
was the good looking face of the pris-
oner.
eff you'll promise" said Annie Jane.
relievedly. She placed the weapon on
the table and resumed her seat.
Father is very-very conscien-
tious,'' she murmured alphabetically.
There was a distinct chuckle from
the pantry. 81 have noticed that"
remarked the chauffeur. dryly.
Father has only been a sheriff
since the first of the month" she fur
Their explained. "You know there is a
signboard down the road which says
that motorists must slow down to ten
"I'm aware of it. That's what hap
pened to mel"
ut happens to so many of them"
sighed Annie Jane And then father
catches them and they are so rude.
go again. They offer bribes."
The prisoner blushed holly under
the scorn in Annie James voice.
What did father say when you
tried to bride him?' she asked
HE said-he said he was the only
sheriff in the county that couldn't be
bought said the prisoner soberly.
Annie Jane nodded. Father is like
that she said simply. He sought the
appointment because he believed that
he had the moral courage to refuse a
bride. Our new justice, Mr.. VAIN
wright, says the lives of the people
in this community shall not be en-
dangered by the reckless driving of au-
toiStS; he says they shall observe the
law! We have never seen Mr.. VAIN
wright. but father says he's the right
man in the right place."
The prisoner smiled somewhat grim
".
''Of course you look at it from an
other point of view" said Annie Jane,
courteously. 'T hope your employer
wilI-will pay the fine."
s'Thank you" said the prisoner gent