The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1909-06-12
"oh, you are. eh! who for?-

why had the COMPOUNDED machine
place?
At this moment a large, red-faced
man made his way through the crowd.
He seemed at first only curious, but
broken down at such a conspicuous
as be got q closer view Of the car
he started, turned TO the officer and
asked:
What is that man doing in my
suto?"
Il don't know. sir" replied the OFF,
Ger. e" was just trying to find out
when you came up"
We'll, arrest him. l believe he's
stolen 1t. My son and a friend only
left me an hour ago"
Come, young man. you'll have to
come with me-" said the officer, ap-
preaching nearer the car. AS he
peered into the auto he noticed Hig-
gins bare feet, which the latter was
vainly trying to hide beneath the
coat.
Where are your shoes?" he de-
manded, taking a firm grip on the un-
fortunate young mans arm and pull
ing him from the car.
II haven't any" protested poor
Higgins. "But listen, and I'll tell you
all about it,"
Tell 1t to the judge" replied the
officer. But where are your clothes?"
he continued, noticing the others
plight.
"T1l tell you" answered Higgins,
desperately. 81 went in swimming,
and somebody stole my clothes. While
hiding In the woods, along comes this
auto and stops. Its occupants got out
and went and sat in my boat. l con
cluded to take the car, go home and
get some clothes, when | could re-
turn the car and make explanations"
THAT sounds pretty fishy, returned
the officer. 81 believe you're a tramp
and stole the auto, What did you do
10 the occupants?"
Nothing. l suppose they are back
there where l left Them" answered
Higgins.
Take him along, officer" interrupt.
ed the owner of the car. "I1l appear
against him. Meanwhile. I'll take the
a and go in search of my son. Per
haps they have met with foul play"
But I'm telling you the truth"
protested Higgins.
'"Come. now; thatll do" answered
the officer, pulling him along toward
the police station.
Higgins, realizing that further resist
ance was useless, allowed himself
to be taken along.
Here, sergeant" said the officer
as they entered the police station
Lock this fellow up. He's a tramp
"But | am not a trampl" protested
Higgins. I'm a gentleman. I'm vel
known In Belleville. l explained Il
the officer what happened but he re
fused to believe me. I'll tell you tn,
same thing"
"Not now" replied the sergeant
whats your manner"
John Clark" replied Higgins. I'm
hesitatingly.
"Well, John Clark, we1l Investigate
your story later. | think you'll sta.
here tonight, though"
When Higgins finally found himsel
locked up in a small cell. the frs
time In his life. he fumed and ragged
To think that he, George Higgins,
man who had never done anything
, worse than play tricks on his riva
John Clark, In order to win a cir
should be locked Up in a country jail
! charged with being a tramp and aut
stealing!
He tore madly around the smaI
, cell. trying to find a way Of escape
II was useless. The lock IN the doc
: was strong. The n window wa
> protected by heavy bars.
: He walked the floor until exhaus
J ed. Then he threw himself on tn
: bunk AVID tried to forget his trouble
in sleep. But 1t was impossibl
' for him to do even that. Oh, If b
only had the man who stole h!
clothesl He'd make him suffer for II
I Finally morning came. After he ha
eaten a scanty breakfast the Sc
= geant came to see him.
Say, what did you say your nam
was?" he asked.
John Clark" answered Higgins.
= live in Belleville. Telegraph Their
and you'll learn all about me. I'm
: respectable citizen, I'd like you
know"
= Higgins knew what he vas dom.
Clark usually left early in the NOR
: ing for his office in the city. BY tt
! time a telegram reached there. Hi
), gins figured Clark would be gone.
D. who shall / send 1t TOT"
. why, the postmaster. I leave thel
q every morning very early, so my a
q sence will not be missed. Ask If Il
: known there"
a. IAN right; I'll do it." and he wei
!. away.
> When he returned, about an hol
afterward. he was mad clean throug
% See herei" he shouted. you WI
IS s~tringing ne, wasn't you? The pos
master says John Clark hasn't be'
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