Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1908-11-28
CHAPTER XVI.

Walter went through two cars. looking
about him on either side, thinking 1t pos
uible that the thief might have taken his
scat In one OF them. There was very
little chance Of this, however. Next he
passed. into the smoking ear, where, to
his Joy no less than his surprise, he found
che man Of whom he was In search play
Sng cards with three other passengers.
He looked I'D carelessly as Walter APP
proached but did not betray the slight
est confusion or sign OF guilt. To let the
weader into a secret, he had actually taken
Walters pocketbook, but was too cunning
20 keep It about him. He had taken out
che money, and thrown the pockstbook
Itself from the car platform. taking an
opportunity when he thought himself I'M
observed. As the money consisted OF
BILLS. which could not be identified as Wal
fers, he felt that he was In no danger
of detection. He thought that he could
afford to be Indifferent.
Ibid you get tired Of wsiting?' he
asked, addressing our hero.
MAY l speak to you momentf" ask
I'd Walter.
"Certanly."
IL mean alone
''Then, gentlemen, must beg to be ex-
sused for five minutes" said the pick
pocket, struggling his shoulders, as If TO
express good-natured annoyance. Nov,
o,y young friend, | am at your service"
Walter proceeded to the other end or
Che car, which Glanced to be unoccupied.
Now that the moment had come, he hard
ty knew how to Introduce the subject.
guppose that the person he addressed
were Innocent, 1t would be rather an awk'
ward matter TO charge him with the theft.
Ibid you see anything Of my pocket
book? p he said, at length.
'Your pocketbook !" returned the pick.
pocket, archiag his brows. why, have
sou lost it'll"
yes"
"When did you discover it's lossl'
shortly after you left me- said Wal
ear, significantly.
am very sorry indeed. l did not see
IT, Have you searched on the hoorf'
"Yes but It isn't there"
"That's awkward. Was your ticket in
che pocketbook2"
mo, 1 had that In my vest pocket"
That's fortunate. On my honor, I'm
sorry for you. l haven't much money
with me, but III lend you dollar or two
~ith the greatest of pleasure"
This offer quite bewildered Walter. II,
felt confident that the other had stoler
his money, and now here he was offerins
70 lend him some Of 1t. He did not car.
20 make such a compromise, or to b,
bought of so cheap; 80, though quite pen
oiless. he determined to reject the offer.
II won't borrow" he said, coldly. vi
was hoping you had seen my money"
The pickpocket turned and went bacl
to his game. and Walter slowly left tn,
car. He had intended to ask him point
blank whether he 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, ~ suppose you did no
and your man"
yes, | did"
"You didn't get sour money!" be added
IN surprise.
"No, he was perfectly cool Still,
think he took 1t. He offered to lend m
"a dollar or two. What would you &C
wise me to der
"Speak to the conductor"
Just at that moment the conductor er
tered the car. As be came up the ais
Walter stopped him, and explained h
Toss, and the suspicious he had formed.
"You say the man Is In the smokin
carr? said the conductor. who had lis
ened attentiveIy. could you point hi
out?"
ayes"
IL am glad Of 1t. have receive
warning by telegraph that one of the Ne
York swell mob Is on the train, probab
intent on mischief, but no descriptie
came with it. and l had no ciew to q
person. / have no doubt that the ms
you speak of is the party Ii So ne
Familiarity known as Slippery Dick.
'Do you think you can get back n
money! asked Walter, anxiously.
~ think there II q chance OF It Con