El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-08-16
(By Ronald Davis.)

Spoofer was down on his luck. AS he
sat in the Albert coffee rooms meditat-
ing over a slarge tea" he cast envious
chances at the bloaters and teacakes
enjoyed by the men in regular work
'-Anythink in the piper, Bin?" said
a man opposite to mis- 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 t'Es a-lookin there to
see wot's lorst SOS e can keep rs optics
open for it, and git the reward
After some desultory conversation on
the subject of the Agony Column" as
profitable investment for spare time
Spoofer lurched OUT and made his way
thoughtfully down the street.
Within half an hour he entered the
freelibrary and laboriously drew up
something in pen and ink on a eleah
sheet of paper. After surveying it with
much satisfaction, he carefully counted
small stock of money and went off
with hurried footsteps.
1t Was two days later that Spoofer
again )entered the Albert" He had
disposed Of half mug Of tea when
BIZ entered and briskly ordered coffee
and a pair of kippers. A glimmer OF
smile overspread his features as Bill
nicked nm the paper and turned to his
favorite corner. He was reading news
item, which ran:
30 pounds. Reward will be given 1or
informal ton of the whereabouts OF john
Walker, formerly of Newcastle me
missing man is of nautical appearance
aged about 30, red-haired. of slim oulio,
has a scar over right eyebrow, tattoo
stripes on back, and burn on left toot'
has travelled abroad. but is believed to
he in England. Information should
be given to Hall Cuff. Investigator,
Guy Chambers, Hopper Street
Except for the tattoo marks and the
burn which were not visible, this was
a slaring description of Spoofer MIN
self. who sat apparently unconscious
of it in the corner.
Ril1 had lust started on his first
kipper 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
aw aited an opening to get into CONVEX
sation.
spoofer gave him one speedily by in
ouiry for particulars of a cheap lodS-
ing
Tina. stranger about here" he said.
lodgings amt SC, easy to find in
p,aces-Newcastle for instance
.'Wot d'you know about Newcastle?
said Spoofer. delighted to find that
Bin 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 ac-
quaintance 70 a lodging
1o &C
up the street, 'I might find you
shakedown in my own crib, if YOU amt
particular. I'm all on me own
ANY corner will do me-" said Spoo-
fer, we'll pleased. It's only for night
or two. I'm salin' again soon as can
fix up a BERTH
Bill was glad to have this informa-
tfcn, 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 de-
light of his host. They took q stroll to-
gether later in the evening when Spoo-
fer apo1ogized for being "out OF FUNDS,
and ask ed Bill If lie could trust to the
honesty Of sailor man to pay him
hack from his first months screw.
Feeling that the 20 pounds was as good
as IN his pocket, Bill settled all scores
Tempted by the statements of his
comrade. Ted picked up the the paper
that evening when he entered the AL
bert coffee rooms, and at once turned
to the Agony Column" The advertise
ment for John Walker excited him even
more than II had done his friend BILL
He seemed to remember having seen
q man answering the description given
and he had just time to tear out the
printed notice when Harry entered.
"Halle" said Harry, midway through
a fried egg: "old Bill bin nj his pa
per? Torn the blessed bit out too. art
full cuss, Wonder wot his game is?
Dog Jorst, p'r'aps" said Ted.
While Ted was vanity approaching
the public houses that night IN hopes
of running across the missing man
Bill was making up a bed for Spoofer
in the little room that served him as
a kitchen.
Haven't hurt your foot. I hope?" he
said suddenly.
That's an old troubled burn on me
heel replied his guest
With this information Bill went TO
bed Not altogether satisfied, though.
for during the evening. while under the
Influence of the copious refreshment
NV Eis Mr. John all or