Los Angeles herald., 1908-03-08

Il am no thief" he cried. i am
as honest as you are!s
His 1.-THE form seemed to grow and expand
as be stood before them, and Mr.. Wayne was
powerless for moment.
Then he recovered his voice.
''This is all very fne." he said; ''but how
did the property come in your trunk and IN
your pocket, if you are so innocent and hon
est? There is honor among thieves, they say
but you were willing enough to sell your ac-
compice for the sake of the reward. Yes,
he continued, with increasing wrath, you
helped rob me, and then was to reward you
as well Somebody call policeman"
The man was fairly wild with rage, and Mr..
Smith strove to pacify him, fearing stroke
of apoplexy.
Before Rob could reply, and while the man
aging editor still sat In dazed way, the door
opened and another person was added to the
group.
With cry of JOY, Rob sprang toward the
newcomer. 1t was Rocky Mountain, hale and
well who clasped the boy in his armsi
Alter the first greeting, Rocky looked about
him.
"What is the meaning of this excitement"
he asked
at MEANS" replied Mr.. Wayne, "that this
precious youth, whom you seem to be SO glad
to meet. has been detected in crime"
"a crimei"' repeated Rocky. "Rob Archer
commit q crime! 1mpOSS1Dlei q stake my
life on his honesty"
you'd lose it, then" grimly answered Mr.
Wayne. HE not only helped rob my store,
but he betrayed his partner in guilt"
81 don't believe it." said Mr.. Mountain, still
retaining his affectionate hold upon Rob.
But We found part of the stolen articles
in his trunk" declared Mr.. Wavne, somewhat
awcd by the vehemence of Rocky.
He didn't put them there; / am positive
of that" said Rocky.
eve found some of them in his pocket"
Mr.. Wayne said this with the air of man
who deems all doubt removed
81 don't care if you saw him taking them
1 wouldn't believe it!' exclaimed Rocky. 1T
is an iimpossibility. There is some mistake
about it,
,''Alistake or no mistake replied Mr..
Wayne, "this young man goes to Jail Wen
see what the judge and Jury have to say
To Rocky's surprise, Rob did not appear
in the, least alarmed. Turning to the editor.
II would like to see the man who SAYS I
helped him commit the robbery. After that
l will explain everything. Can I see him ?"
:, Certainly" said the editor, relieved
under arrest at once Is began Mr. p'I Wagn ,
The editor interrupted him.
1.-THE boy shall be brought face to face with
ued, turning to Mr.. Smith, don't say a word
about this business. We shall not require
your services at the interview"
Foor Smith, felt that his lips were sealed,
and he turned away in bitterness of spirit.
Mr. Wayne grunbled; but his remon-
strances were useless The four-the manag-
ing editor, Mr.; Wayne. Rocky Mountain and
Rob-proceeded at once to the cell where the
captured burglar was confined. He was
rough-looking man, and as his eyes met those
of Mr.; Wayne he asked:
Ibid We git the rest of it?"
yes" replied Mr.. Wayne, "and we've
hrauohf the bov who helpad ta1xo
The wretch's eyes wandered over the proun
''This is the one" said Mr.. Wayne, fouch-
ing Rob on the shoulder
why, never seen him afore," replied the
prisoner, after long stare from his bleary
eyes.
But we found the stolen valuables in his
ROOM" persisted Mr.. Wayne.
Cant help that; it want him that help
ed lift the swag" answered the man, with
look of stolid conviction.
Mr.. Wayne was dumfounded and the editor
laughed, while Rob, taking book from his
pocket, drew forth picture and held it before
the eyes of the prisoner.
THAT'S him." said the man.
i was the photograph of Tom Fitch!
have. been his trunk that you opened"
'Mrs. Shipton, ] think her name was, said
it was yours" replied Mr. Wayne who seem
ed determined not to be convinced of Rob's
"Tom Fitch and traded trunks few days
ago." explained Rob. did the key I gave you
mo acknowledged Mr.. Wayne. I'VE
forced it open" Then he continued: "How
about the diamond pin in your pocket?"
~ didn't know what was in the package
till it was opened. Tom Fitch gave me that
today noon. on our way to dinner. to keep
fol-, him. He said it belonged to his mother,
and | promised to say nothing about it."
Always Tom Fitch" cried Mr. Wayne,
angrily. "Why didn't you explain this be-
fore?"
being thief that / could not say word
And besides. I wanted to see if this gentle
man" pointing to the prisoner. who grinned