The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1909-10-14

any supreme manifestation of revenge
from the cafe management, and yet
the meat would leave him filled and
happy for the journey to his winter
refuge.
But as Soapy set foot inside the res
taurant door the head walters eye fell
upon his frayed trousers and decadent
shoes. Strong and ready hands turned
him about and conveyed him in silence
and haste to the sidewalk and averted
the ignoble fate Of the menaced mallard.
Soapy turned Off Broadway. 1t
seemed that his route to the coveted
island was not to be an epicurean one.
Some other way Of entering limbo
must be thought of.
At a corner of Sixth avenue electric
lights and cunningly displayed wares
behind plate glass made a shop win
dow conspicuous. Soapy took a cob
blestone and dashed it through the
glass. People came running around
the corner. policeman in the lead.
Soapy stood still with his hands In
his pockets and smiled at the sight
OF DrdSS DuCCOuS.
where's the man that done that?'
inquired the officer excitedly.
"Don't you figure out that might
have had something to do with it?"
said Soapy. not without sarcasm. but
friendly. as one greets good fortune.
The policeman's mind refused to ac-
cept Soapy even as clew. Men who
smash windows do not remain to par
ley with the laws minions. They take
to their heels. The policeman saw
man halfway down the block running
to catch a car. With dra wns club he
joined in the pursuit. Soapy. with dis
gust in his heart, ioafed along, twice
unsuccessful.
On the opposite side OF the street
was a restaurant of no great preten-
sions. 1t catered to large appetites
and modest purses. Its crockery and
| atmosphere were thick. its soup and
napery thin. Into this place Soapy
took his accusive shoes and telltale
trousers without challenge. At table
he sat and consumed beefsteak. flap
jacks, doughnuts and pie. And then
to the waiter he betrayed the fact that
the minutest coin and himself were
strangers.
"Now get busy and call cop" said
Soapy.s ."and don't keep a gentleman
waiting"
mo cop for youse." said the waiter
with a voice like butter cakes and an
eye like the cherry In a Manhattan
cocktail. 'sHey. Con"
Neatly upon his left ear on the cal
lous pavement two. walters pitched
Soapy. He arose. joint by joint, as a
carpenters rule opens. and beat the
dust from his clothes. Arrest seemed
but rosy dream The island seem
ed very far away. A policeman who
stood before a drug store two doors
away laughed and walked down the
street.
Five blocks Soapys travelled before
his courage permitted him to WOO cap
ture again. This time the opportunity
presented what he fatuously termed
to himself ''cinch." A young wom-
an of modest and pleasing guise was
standing before show window gaz-
ing with sprightly interest at it's dis
play Of shaving mugs and inkstands.
and two yards from the window Il
large policeman Of severe demeanor
leaned against water plug
1t was Soapy's design to assume the
role of the despicable and execrated
"masher." The refined and elegant ap-
pearance Of his victim and the CONT
guilty Of the conscientious cop encour-
aged him to believe that he would soon
feel the pleasant official clutch upon
his arm that would insure bis winter
quarters on the right little, tight little
isle.
Soapy Strengthened the lady mission
ary's ready made tie, dragged his
shrinking cuffs into the open. set his
hat at a killing cant and sided to-
ward the young woman. He made
eyes at her. was taken with sudden
coughs and ''hems," smiled. smirked
and went brazenly through the impu-
dent and contemplate litany OF the
"masher" With half an eye Soapy
saw that the policeman was watching
him fixedly. The young woman NOV
ed away a few steps and again be-
slowed her absorbed attention, upon
the shaving mugs. Soapy followed,
boldly stepping to her side, raised bis
hatsand said:
''Ah, there, Bedelia! Don't you want
to,come and play in my yard?
The policeman was still looking. The
prosecuted young woman had but to
beckon a finger and Soapy would be
practically en- route for his insular
haven. Already he imagined he could
feel the cozy warmth of the station
house. The young woman faced him
and, stretching out a hand, caught
Soapy's coat sleeve.
''Sure. Mike" she said joyfully, If
you'll blow me to a pail Of suds. I'd
have spoke to you sooner, but the cop
was watching"
With the young woman playing the
clinging ivy to his oak Soapy walked
past the policeman. overcome with
gloom He seemed doomed to liberty.
AT the next corner he shook OF his
companion and ran. He halted In the
district where by night are found the
lightest streets, hearts. vows and IL
brettos. Women in furs and men In
greatcoats moved gayly In the wintry
air. A. sudden fear seized Soapy that
some dreadful enchantment had rem
dered him immune to arrest. The
Thought brought a little of panic upon