The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1909-02-19


the law! We have never seen Mr.
Wainwright, but father says he's the
right man In tile right place"
The prisoner smiled somewhat grimly
"Of course you look at II from an
other point Of view," said Annie Jane
courteously. ~ hope your employer
will-will pay the flne."
THANK you" said the prisoner
gently.
There was long silence after that
broken now and then by the dropping
| OF a coal into the crate Of the cooking
stove. Annie Jane was observing the
leathern cap and goggles and huge fur
coat flung across chair. Somehow
the prisoner in the pantry did not seem
to be like the majority of motorists
whom the conscientious sheriff cap.
tured In the night watches.
AS rule, the prisoners were dusty
and grimy, with oily hands blackened
and discolored. They were Of every
nationality and temperament, but one
and oil concurred in that they were
unjustly detained.
This young man, however, had o
clean cut, clever face, with a deter
mined Jaw and keen blue eyes. He
was an Americana; his hands were
brown and strong and well kept. An
ME Jane liked good hands.
Suddenly she uttered little shrek
and tucked her feet under her ruffled
skirts.
The prisoner shifted his gaze from
her charming face to the bright rag
carpet. What is the n &tterT" he
queried. g
"Such a .horrid ratv' Quavered Annie
Jane, pointing to where small, gray
body slid along the floor.
Give me the revolver and IN pot
him." he suggested eagerly.
mo, oh, no; 1 can't let you out" Sob
bed Annie Jane Historically.
Nonsense! I'm not going TO have
you frightened to DEATH" retorted the
prisoner authoritatively.
II am afraid OF it-but promised to
keep you locked up. cannot break
my word" murmured Annie Jane, with
an attempt at valor.
Once when she was little child
rat had bitten her hand, and since then
the mere sight Of one would send her
into Mysteries.
The chauffeur looked at her face.
from which every trace of color had
fed, and, with muttered exclamation,
he turned away from the little open
ing.
A minute later came the sound OF
window being raised, and presently the
prisoner walked into the room through
the back door. without a word he
seized poker. There was a rush Of
steps, sharp squeak and then silence.
The door opened and closed.
The chauffeur washed his hands at
the sink. II shall return to the pantry
now" he began, when the outer door
opened again and the harsh voice Of
the sheriff doomed through the house.
Annie Jane sprang to her feet.
whittier, If possible, than before.
Hes locked in the pantry, justice.
and Annie James been a-watching
himr' said Peter Lamson triumphanily.
Mr.. Justice Smith, stout, rosy and
jovial, withal he had been aroused
from his bed, entered the room il ad-
vance of the sheriff, and his genial
glance alighted on the prisoner. who
was calmly drying his hands Oh the
roller towel.
Hello, Wainwright he cried so
you got here after all. LamsOn says be
went over to your place. but your serv-
ants said you were out in the machine
chasing scorchers, suppose! Now,
Miss Annie Jane, have out the prison
er, and Wen each land him heavy
fine, eh, Wainwright
Justice Wainwright swept the room
In keen glance that noted Peter Lam
sons chagrined face and the pitiful
entreaty in Annie James eyes
Sorry. sheriff It's all my fault, but
your prisoner has escaped he said
carelessly.
''Shucksr' exploded Peter Lamson
with sincere relief.
Your treat, sheriff." laughed Smith
comfortably. Let II be some Of that
old russell cider. III so down with you
and hold the lamp.
When the discounted sheriff had pre-
coded Smith down the cellar stairs, the
late prisoner approached Annie Jane.
who stood disconsolately before the
stove.
You were very kind, indeed, MIR.
Wainwright" she stammered with en-
barrassment Il know father will be
hurt and mortified to realize he has
made such bluDder-that be treated
you SO unkindly."
"You were very kind to the prisoner.
Miss Annie Jane" said the justice,
with tender note IN his pleasant
voice. Under those circumstances II
was very strange, that he should try 20
escape. wasn't it|'
Annie James eyes dropped before the
warmth in his gaze, but she made no
reply.
Il don't believe-be escaped, after
all," unused Wainwright thoughtfnlly.
And subsequently ii was proved that
he did not
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