The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-02-28

Mr.. Bill Durkin.
Mr.. DUrkin in turn looked at Mr.
Johnson.
Then, without comment. Mr.. Durkin
took a simple and obvious precaution.
He removed a towel from the rack
over the basin in the corner and draped
il nearly over the doorknob, so that its
white, opaque folds obscured any view
that Afr Bovine might care 10 essay
Having done that much, ne tiptoed
over to the couch and sat down, and
Mr.. Johnson sat beside him
BILL he said, ingenuously, what
kind OF stunt is this, anyway
We'll, you can search me- Mr.. Dur
kin muttered YEARLY. Did the guy
come down here in an airship-or
what?"
He didn't start out OF Portland on
the train with US
Il KnoW darned well he didn't"' said
the bigger man tersely. Il stood on
the steps and watched till the damned
train went out,
And the ticket man said there wasn't
another through New York train till
morning
Afr. Durkin licked his lips.
Yet the Holsters in there" he said
=.
no matter how he got there
Walter tviddIed his white thumbs.
rs he after you, Bin?"
''Huh?"
rs he after you2"
why would he be after ne?' IN
quired Mr. Durkin- rs he after you,
Waltz
Wei, Uhy would he be after me?"
IL
ness.
We'll, it's a sure thing he's after
somebody snapped his large compan-
ion, savagely. There amt no coinci-
dence about this game, Waltz
I guess there aint!' Mr.. Johnson
agreed, gloornily. What are we going
TO do, Bnl2''
"I-dunno. Wait A while"
They waited; ana perhaps each was
raching his brains in vain for an an
swer 10 the newest problem.
None seemed to come. FurtiveIv, as
he tucked his precious bag between his
heels with a mother-like care, Mr. john
son glanced sideways at his companion.
His companion sat with bowed head
and murmured unhoIy things.
once Of twice his head came up and
he seenned about 20 speak; then it went
down again and ne remained silent.
Until at last both started violently
az rap upon their door.
And here Mr.. DUrkin sat up with u
bounce
that's Iunchy' he announced.
Yes
And I've got tiff it's the same big
} guy lat took the order. I've got it,
Got WHAT"
The way out.' grinned Durlin, as
I he arose TO unlock the door. Gimme
! 81. Waltz
Almost mechanically. it came into
/ sight. Durldn pOclleted it silently and
| II the third knock, opened the portal.
a busting little person glided in
whisked the reading lamp from their
square table-sent cloth shooting
| across it-laid knives, forks. spoons and
napkins without q sound-and llisap-
prsred with an Arabian Nights effect
that was nearly hair-raising-
He was no more than zone when
their waiter did his own mystic act,
He too. appeared soundlessly- He cast
silver covers and plates and ladies' and
/ p'atters broadcast; and in a matter OF
/ two minutes lunch was serving.
M. Ourkin watched it absentIy:
more than all, he watched the large.
stupid face OF the gentleman VINO was
doing the work, and ais anatomy. And
when the chairs we're in place and the
| alter had gwen an inviting wave or
| his napkin, MI. Durkin took him by the
arm and led him to the farthest win
| dow.
Jack" ne said, confidentiaUy,
| what's yer job worth hcTe2"
.'Vot2 HimmeI,' The man started
souriy. 1T is worth nothing / am
this evening-vot-fired. after the din
ner,''
Elegant" commented Mr.. DuFkin.
Dye need money. Old MANI"
For three children, NIT der father
out Won job" said the waiter, with
a shrug.
Better yet. Listen, There's a new
guy in the room next door here"
Yes"