El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1911-01-31
WARNED Off
tBy Andrew Murray

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Policeman Leggatt was turn
ing a few unexpected hours of leisure
to account with a little private prac-
tice in his capacity as bassoon player
In the police band.
At last the parlor door opened and
Mrs. Leggatt appeared, watching her
husband in frozen silence.
WE'LL she snapped at last, you're
rather running past yourself tonight.
amt your What about six oclock?
I'm not going on dooty tonight till
nine-thirty, my love-" exclaimed the po-
hceman-
Not going on dooty.'' cried Mrs.
Leggatt, in petrified tones Of astonish-
ment.
mo, 1 thought I told you yes'day
morning I'm on plain clothes job,
and
AN that means you'll be 'ome to sup
peri"
Why, yes, I suppose it does" retort-
ed policeman Leggatt, with mild indig-
nation. II suppose if 1t amt a pleasure
it amt hardship exactly for you to
bear my company to meals once in
while"
Pleasure. Huh, like that" shifted
Mrs. Leggatt. Still. that amt the
point. The fact is Lucy's coming here
this evening, and what's more she's
bringing her young man."
Indeed Well and what OF itF'
fumed the policeman. with justifiable
heat "Ain't I good enough for her
young man, I'd like to know"
Mrs. Leggatt cackled Historically.
~Oh, of course. of course. What is
a solicitors clerk. earning four pun
ten week. that he should object to
a fatherinlaw what is full blown
policeman! Why, e ought to introduce
you to all is friends, so as they can
shake 'ands with you next time you're
leaning up against their area ratings
'aving rest, Ell? .Ho. yes-I don't
think"
Leggatt looked rather stunned at
this. Undoubtedly there was something
in what his wife said, and it was his
last wish in the world TO spoil Lucy's
chances of what looked to be a most
desirable match Any revelation as
to his social position could be deferred
until after the ceremony.
He had not seen his daughters beau
himself, but by all accounts he was
quite the gentleman.
A little shrieR>& CONSERVATION from
the window brought him to a halt in
the passage.
There! What did I tell youi Here
they are, coming down the street, and
you've ruined the whole thingi"
The door was opened and in walked
Lucy, radiant with pride and happil
ness, followed by a young man, tail
hat IN hand, and wearing a smile cal
culated to win the heart IT a sphinx.
"Fatheriv
There was such a wealth of disap-
pointment, indignation and dismay in
Lucy's voice that Leggatt. who still
fingered on the landing above made
wild dive to obliterate himself from
view. However, the damage was done.
The polite Percival Pelham was all
attention.
Indeed This IS an unexpected treat.
by Jovel" he said easily 81 had no
idea that was to have the pleasure
aw!-of meeting Mr.. Leggatt also this
evening. understood Miss Lucy to
say that you would be out sir?"
$50 I did, said Lcuy, biting her lip
with angry annoyance. I thought pa
had a-er-business engagement to-
night
"Oh, come" laughed Mr.. Pelham. I'VE
can't always have our noses to the
grindstone. can we? Glad to make
your acquaintance. Mr.. Leggatt, and I
hope you're well. SIR
He was already half way up the
stairs. and reaching up to grip the hand
which was sheepishly held out to him
through the banisters.
I'm very we'll thank you. and 'ope
you're the same" blurted the police
man, and then, having mumbled some
thing about brushing his hair and be-
ing down IN a minute, turned and !
sought refuge in his bedriom.
Ten minutes later Mr.. Leggatt blum |
dered awkwardly into the front parIor !
where the company was assembled. and, |
to make himself thoroughly sociable, |
shook hands with everybody, including |
his wife, insisting that it was a fine |
night. though inclined TO warmish |
ness"
Fortunately supper was announced at
that moment, and the company retired !
to the back parlor where the feast !
was spread
Leggatt took his seat at the head |
of the table. The discovery that a I
roast chicken confronted him so I'M
nerved him that he helped himself to |
two glasses of ale. then wiped hts |
mouth on the tablecloth oDd stared at |
the bird II