Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1910-11-04

youth were fairly dying down the
stalrs-he wouldn't wait for the ele-
vator-and be was across the street
and into the store in another fast fol
lowing sixty seconds
1t took the attorney some time to
ind the girl. The wonder Of II Is that
be found her at all in that huge bee
hive Of struggling patrons and clerks.
She was on the first floor and at the
handkerchief counter He patiently
waited until she bad finished her pur-
chases.'
II beg your pardonF' be commenced.
approaching, hat in hand
The girl stared at him coldly. She
was a revelation In beauty-all and
more than the photograph had prom
ised.
IL have here" said the lawyer.
something that l believe belongs to
you" He smiled In what be evidently
believed to be a courteous manner, but
which left an entirely different impress
sion on the lady.
Il do not know you. sir" she an
swered in a well bred voice, the ca
dcnce Of which thrilled her susceptible
admirer to the full Of his rapidly beat
ing heart you have probably mis-
taken me for another person" Her
eyes rested meditatively upon an ap-
preaching foorwalker.
Il know we have never met" began
Rawllns namely 'but-but"-
AT an almost imperceptible sign
from the girl the hoorwalker joined
them.
This gentleman" began the girl dis
family. thinks be knows me. He
doesn't" She paused suggestiyely.
The Goorwaiker wise Of his kind.
eyed the attorney with small favor.
"You had better go. sir. else He.
too, ended his sentence with an elo.
quent stop.
Rawlins. despite his keen admiration
for the girl. was angry
zone moment" he said. authoFita-
lively to the official lie turned again
to the girl.
Perhaps you recognize this" he
asked and held the watch before her
eyes.
The maid gazed at It with some Gu
riosity. Il do not" she said. TO my
knowledge. have never seen It before
in my life. Are you the er-otficial
propounder of enigmas heref"
Tho sarcasm was lost on the do
spondent Rawlins. who. with the ran
hand Of the doorwalker on his arm.
was being rapidly escorted toward the
door.
I'm giving you a chance" explained
the latter. although hadn't ought 10.
The bosses here haven't any time for
fresh guys who antagonize the trade."
An elderly woman with gray hair
and faded blue eyes came hurryins
after the pair aud touched the defect
ed lawyer on the arm
Just a moment" she began breath
lessly. "My niece has been telling me
about it. You-you must have my
watchr'
II knew it, interrupted the tiodr-
walker. Il knew 1t from the start.
madam. He's dip old offender
probably. II you'll Just step into the
office I'll see that you recover your
property without any fuss. and Wen
send this party down
The woman stared
'You are rather oiIicious. This gen
tlemau was attempting to do my niece
a favor. He is no pickpocket. am
sure Of that" She spoke coldly.
She turned to Rawlins Tell me.
was the watch you wished to return
set with three diamonds and did Il
contain a little mlniaturef"
Rawlins nodded happy assent The
girl had Joined them The youth noted
with an appreciative eye the embar
raised flush tfotting her cheeks.
"This is your property" came from
Rawlins Once again be took the
watch from bis pocket. and the eager
hands Of the older woman arcepied #.
"oh. how can ever thank vsuY'
/ she gasned III really Is my watch"
She turned to Eawins And ypu rec
ognIzed my ulece from the little pic
ture?"
Again the happy youth nodded
Words were beyond him.
"But how did you get itf'' she asked
wonderinrly Il saw that great. TT
thief who grabbed it from ny hands
run ard jump On street car and al
though | promptly r.rnriel the mat.
Ter to the rnliie really had given up
expecting the renrn Of the trinlSei
long ago.
at was my first day in the city
she continued. Il live in New Orlenns,
yon must know. and | am only visit.
ins here Marie she is my sister
/ worries so over tri;ies TINT didn't tell
her Really. | never expected to sec
It aaaln r.
"TlIt why dent yau allow the zen.
] ileman 70 answer yuur Iuesii n.
auatle%" lau%lilnsly Interrupted the
] sirl.
4 Iron. RawAns great lisht had
dAwued The ruid tnrh heavs
weight seated On his rls,li In the car
had been the nls.e ekci who h,d
stolen thr v'a'rl i,si,'eYfly f,s,fs"s
capture. he had shifted he thing uiiaa
Rawlius ard taken thp cheaper time
piece Of the attorney in return.
ITS long story explained the
youth--almost too hong to tell here
| am lawyer. VIII offices Just ncloss
the way" lie hanied the older wom-
on card. III might suegesf--
"You must ride home with US In our
carriage." eagerly interrupted the
aunt. land explain in detail l.ea.ly
I wouldn't miss the story for The
watch Or perhaps" she amended
'you can't spare the time just now T.
Rawlins glanced at the red checked
girl.
Il u be pleased TO ride home with
you" be said.