The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-08-13

ue BAT III lie AluciI SoAAO0 AsSAAAS
meditating over large tea" he cast
envious glances at the bloaters and
teacakes enjoyed by the men in the
regular work.
Anything in the piper. Bill?" said
man opposite to his pal.
Always a-garping down that little
column, you are. Wot's the gime?"
'.Bill knows is book orl right" said
another man. That's wot they calls
the Agony Column Els a-lookin
there to see wot's lorst SOS e can
keep Is optics open for 1t, and git the
reward
After some desultory conversation
on the subject Of the Agony Column"
as a profitable investment for spare
time. Spoofer lurched out and made
his way thoughtfully down the street.
Within half an hour he entered the
free library and laboriously drew up
something In pen and ink on clean
sheet OF paper. After surveying 1t
with much satisfaction. he carefully
counted a small stock OF money and
went off with hurried footsteps.
It was two DAYS later that Spoofer
again entered the albert" He had
disposed of half a mu. OF tea when
Bill entered and briskly ordered coffee
and pair OF kippers. A glimmer Of
smile overspread his features as
Bill picked up the paper and turned
to his favorite corner. He was read
ing a news item. which ran:
go pounds. Reward will be given
for information of the whereabouts OF
John Walker, formerly of Newcastle.
The missing man Is of nautical ap-
pearance, aged about forty. red-haic-
ed, OF slim build, has scar over right
eyebrow, tattoo stripes on back. and
burn on left foot; has Travelled abroad,
but is believed to be In England. In
formation should be given to Hall
Gun, Investigator, Guy Chambers.
Hopper Street"
Except for the tattoo marks and the
burn. which were not visible. this was
a glaring description of Spoofer HIM
self, who sat apparently unconscious
of II in the corner.
Bill had just started on his first kip
per when he happened to glance up
and see open at the missing man
thrust thus fortunately into his hands
he proceeded hastily with his tea and
awaited an opening to get into CONVEX
sation.
Spoofer gave him one speedily by
inquiry for particulars of a cheap lodg-
ing.
I'm a stranger about here" he
said.
Lodgings amt so easy to find In
London" Bill ventured: mot like
"Wot dyou know about Newcastle?''
said Spoofer, delighted to find that
Bill was voraciously eating the bait.
Not much,' said Bill. Ever bin
there?"
my 'ome." Spoofer said.
Bill hurriedly finished his tea and
offered to show his new-found acquain.
lance to lodging.
Look ere he said. as they went
up the street, II might find YOU a
shakedown in my own crib. il you
amt particular. I'm all on me own
ANY corner will do me-" said Spool
err. we'll pleased. Its only for a
night or two. I'm sailin' again soon
as can fix w BERTH" -
Bill was glad to have this inforna
ton, and decided to communicate
with the lawyer on the following
morning. In the meantime Spoofer
voluntarily offered the information
that his name was Johnnie Walker
much to the delight Of his host They
took a stroll together later in the ev
ening when Spoofer apologized for be
ing ''out Of funds" and asked Bill II
he could trust to the honesty of a
! sailor man to pay him back from his
first months screw. Feeling that the
twenty pounds was as good as in his
pocket, Bill settled all scores.
Tempted by the statements Of hi
comrade, Ted picked up the paper
that evening when he entered the Al
bert Coffee Rooms and at once turned
to the agony Column" The adver
tisement for John Walker excited
him even more than it had done his
friend Bill He seemed to remember
having seen a man answering the de
scription given. and he had just time
to tear out the printed notice wher
Harry entered.
"Hallo!" said Harry midwa,
through a fried egg: 'old Bill bin a
this paper? Torn the blessed bit ou
too, artful cuss! Wonder wot his
game is?
Dog lorst. p'r'aps." said Ted.
While Ted was vainly searching thu
public houses that night in hopes O
running across the missing man, Bill
was making up a bed for Spoofer /,
the little room that served him as ,
kitchen.
Haven't hurt your foot, hope:" h,
said suddenly.
That's an old trouble-burn on m,
heel" replied his guest.
With this information Bill went Il
bed. Not altogether satisfied, though
for during the evening, while under
the influence Of copious srefreshmen
supplied by his host. Mr.. John Walk
er had relieved himself of such revela
tions as were inconsistent with a sea
faring career. This flaw in an other
wise unblemished personality kept Bill
awake and when towards midnigh,
he heard the loud snoring of hi
| guest he Slipped out OF he'd and fool