The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-03-13

''Oh. didn't he? How good of him!
81 didn't mean to ask you about II,
only 7 knew YOU would say what you
did. and somehow I just wanted to hear
YOU say it," finished Betty Il didn
think much about what he said when
he said it. but afterward, somehow, 1t
lust crossed my mind that
THAT what2 savagely interposed
Wharton.
II don't know what" replied Betty.
only a vague idea that it might nave
been something else that called you up
town. But II 4 / imagined 1 must be
mistaken for you are never able to
leave your office whenever 1 ask you.
Never"
You know how important it is, Betty.
that / should attend to my work. Bust
ness is business, and there IS no get
ting away from set rules and regula-
tions"
Il understand, said Betty. It's all
right I'm not complaining. only
wanted you TO tell me about it with
your own lips. for you have never de
ceived me, Will
Il hope you are not becoming sus-
picious?'' said Wharton anxiously.
That thief had a method in his mad
ness. 1 understand that he is crazy
about you himself, and thought he
would poison your mind against me-
But ne didn't succeed did Le?' Tell
the truth, Betty"
"Of course, not answered Betty.
But I am sure YOU misunderstood. It
was perfectly natural that he should
remark about your being there. l Won
dered at the fact myself"
But let US return to the subject of
'honor among thieves.
That is just what 1 was going TO
explain said Betty. 1t would have
been a very simple matter for him TO
push me out Of the car while in the
park and no one would have been The
wiser. for we frequently passed turns
in the drive where not a soul was 20
be seen. But he didn't do that"
He was enjoying your society too
much" suggested Wharton.
win exclaimed Betty reprovlngiy,
! please don't say such things.
Finish the story" directed Wharton.
( L am certainly curious TO hear the
end"
Sorry to disappoint you said Betty.
with a little laugh of triumph. but this
| is one of those stories at the bottom
Of which is written Continued in IT
next You thought It a good JOKE
when [ told you that / had played
the detective. You thought. of course.
that nothing came Of it. But you were
mistaken
What do you mean by that2' asked
Wharton. with a vague sense Of uneasi-
| ness.
nod a
money" answered Betty, as size
Strengthened herself up to her full
height and squared her plump shoulders.
What exclaimed Wharton. He
couldn't believe what he heard. You're
joking
Please don't believe me always jok-
ing when I am perfectly serious" an
swered Betty.
Here is the money" she added, and
took the roll OF bills from her bag
Wharton's eyes opened wide in aston
ishment. His EXPRESSION soon changed
to one Of delight
rs it really true" he asked. You
have actually recovered the money. DID
anyone ever hear or such good luck
7 can't believe il. It's beyond all com
prehension. I never expected 10 lay
eyes on it again. This IS simply great
II thought you would be pleased,
said Betty proudly. Count ii. Yo'
will find that every bill is In its prope
place"
Wharton followed her instructions ana
I found the thousand intact.
He threw his arms around Betty
|. neck.
You're a brick, Betty" ne cried
, You're a wonder There's no use talk
ing. you are as clever as they max
them Bot tell me, how under the sui
= did YOU induce so smart fellow a
, Nelson 10 deliver UP the goods
That's something I can't understan
any more than you can" replied Betty
1T was such an easy matter for min
to escape, as you said a moment ago
, don't know what possessed him, for ha'
, / been a thief I would certainly hav
made of with the money, once l ha'
gone so far as 70 steal IT.