The Mena weekly star., 1909-05-20

partisan "Ain't you lived in this burg long enough to find out how to make little mazuma on the side? You're too good for Frisco. Heaven is your home, my Christian friend"
 Gut it out." retorted the man q guess I know how to find my way round as well as the next man"
 Certainly you do.' soothed Mrs. Winter. who was lingering crisp new five-dollar bank note, 'and you are no kidnaper, either; you made no bar gain with those men"
 Sure I didn't" agreed the hackman, nor I ain't standin' for Kidnapping, neither. Why, I got kids of my own, and my woman she'd broom me outer the house if I was to do them games Say, I'll tell you all l knows. They got off, them three. at that there cor ner, and was to drive fast $ I could three blocks ahead and then git home any old way. And that's Gods truth. I-"
 You didn't see where they went7" Mrs Winter was quietly insistent.
 No, didn't. guess I was a dumb fool not ter notice, but they paid me well, and I'd bad thirst. and I was hiking to place know for beer: and that's"
 Did the boy seem willing?"
 ''He didn't do no kicking as I seen
 A few more questions revealed that the man had unpacked his full kit of information. He had never seen eith. CT of the men before The gentleman yes, he was sure he was a gentle man; he wasn't no swell confidence guy; he was the regular thing-gentle- man engaged him to take party to the Chinese quarter; he'd tell where to stop; didn't need a guide; only wanted to make few purchases, he said, and he knew where the things was; yes, maam, that was all; only down there on Market street, or may be-why, somewhere near by--he stuck his head out and told him to turn the corner, and then he kept tell ing him to turn corners, until finally he told him to stop and they got out
 Mrs. Winter gave the man the bank note, counseling him to keep his eyes open for the two men and the boy, and to report to her at the Palace ho- tel, giving his number, should he see either man or boy. It would be very we'll worth his while
 The chauffeur did not interrupt, but he shook his head over the departing hack. He'd ought to have known it want on the square but these hack drivers ain't got good sense even when they're. so to speak sober. which ain't often." he solIloqulzed. Well. lady, if they've took to the Chinese quarter. we'd better b. looking up a Chink to help us, I guess. l know a fairly de cent one--'
 q think I know a better" inter rupted Mrs. Winter, with faint smile She had detected a suppressed pity in the mans regard. Motor slowly along the street There is a shop, if can find it, where there ought to be a man"
 Man you know? Say, lady, I guess l better go in with you, if you don't mind"
 No; stay in your car. You don't know how safe I am. Not only my gray hair protects me, but have only to say few words and any of these men viii fight for me If neces sary. But this is in confidence-jusi between us. you understand. You are not to repeat it, ever'
 She looked at him with franl smile, and inyoluntarily his hand went up to his cap. What you say goes lady. But jest remember I'm right here. spark going all the time. ready 10 throw her wide open when you step in; and"--his voice sank--'I ain't ab- solutely unprepared for a scrap, either"
 T understand" said she. looking at him keenly, and few moments later she stepped briskly into the shop be- fore which he halted with little light ening of the heart because of this un- couth knight of the lever. The shop itself was like any one of score oa the street, crowded with oriental ob'