The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1910-03-15
stranger placed the ring in its place

in the tray.
"Honk, honk." sounded an automo-
bile horn from the street beyond.
And then startling thing happened.
The stranger suddenly struck the
Jeweler In the face with his left fist.
1t was a hard, swift blow that stag
gered and stunned the surprised man.
Before he could cry out the stranger
had snatched up the tray and with
three steps reached the entrance. Pass
ing out, he closed the door behind him
and swiftly thrust his cane through the
double door handles on the outside;
thus temporarily fastening them.
With the tray held closely against
his body, under his coat, he brisl1ly
crossed the walk and was about to step
into an automobile whose driver had
his engine running and only waiting
for this passenger. when a boy darted
forward from the shadow of the store
wall and flung himself with a wild
screech on the strangers back.
So fierce was the onslaught, so
strong the impact of the tough young
body, that the man fell beneath it. GO
ing down face first on the curb. barely
missing the wheel of the car, with the
boy still clinging to his back
The driver of the automobile swore
savagely at this tragic interruption.
and leaning down from the seat struck
the lad savage blow on the head
with the handle of a revolver.
Come, jim" he said Quick"
But the boy, though sick and dazed.
chung desperately to his half stunned
prey.
He heard cries and hurrying foot
steps and the crash of glass. He heard
the throb of the starting machine, fol-
lowed by wild roar that seemed a
mingling of all the other sounds Then
he remembered no more.
When he came back to consciousness
he was lying on the couch at the rear
of the jewelry store. and the proprietor
on his knees beside him. was bathing
his aching head with a wet towel. The
girl clerk and the man clerk were close
by and big policeman doomed over
him.
He tried to say something to the
proprietor. but at first his lips would
not move.
But the proprietor understood him.
Yes, boy" he answered, the tray
is all right Not ring is missing"
A faint smile crossed the boys pale
face.
Il was layin' for dat trick" he said.
His eyes rolled up until he could see
the big policeman's face. Did you get
emp he demanded.
Got 'em both, lad" the policeman
answered. That is you got one. an
when the other chap tried to get away
his machine slddded into the curb and
smashed wheel, an we nabbed him"
The boys eyes were still upturned.
DO youse know who de tray
snatcher is?" he asked.
No" said the big officer, looking
down
Hes Jim German. Pony JIM the
boy answered. Il seen him when he
came in de store"
We'll, WELL" muttered the big pc.
liceman. Pony Jim Gorman!"
He turned abruptly and went up to
the closed front doors where another
big policeman was standing guard.
Better. dear boy?" the proprietor
softly asked
Sure" replied the lad. ITS only a
bump on me COCO. Youse don't have
to soak it no more. I'll be all right in
half o. no time"
But he was still dazed and very
weak, and his eyelids would fall down
in spite of his efforts to hold them I'D
Do you hear me. boy?" murmured
the proprietor, as ne went lower. CAS-
soon as we have you well again YOU
are to come into the store as my help
er and | will gladly teach you all
know"
The boy family smiled.
1T will be our store then. won't it?'
ne muttered and a bright smile light
ed his face
There was a little silence
"Say?" the boy whispered.
yes, dear boy"
Dat was a fierce way to break in me
new shoes, wasn't it?"