The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-09-01

Then he couldn't be a tramp" sale
James judiciously. "Tramps don't know
nothing about motor cars"
maybe he took it up to the hotel
said Mike, cheerfully helpful
The stranger shook his head. NO
he wouldn't do that. He would get out
of the country as fast as he could"
/, IF there wasn't no gasoline" sug-
gested James tentatively.
He could easily get some from the
hotel II was early when he stole m,
clothes" And James realized with re-
lief that the youth before MIN was, in
his own eyes, always right, and ad-
vice was wholly superfuous.
81 saw a big red car" said Mike
down the road bit, over the Other
side OF the village, going south. But
maybe your car wasn't red"
Yes; yes; it was" cried the stranger
What was the make? Could you tell ?
"A Thomas car"
"Ah. my car. Get ME something tc
put on and III make it worth your
while. I'm William Hargr1ve Batche-
lor. Maybe you have read about me
in, yesterdays papers," And the poor
shivering, naked wretch drew himself
up proudly and smiled with much COM
placency.
a." said Mike, tapping himself on his
breast, "am George V of England"
No, no." protested the stranger.
Pm not fooling. Get me some clothes
and come with me to the nearest tele-
graph Office and I'll show YOU"
How much" atked Mike. will you
give me-"
Us" corrected James.
How much do you want"
How much will you give"
Ten dollars"
For suit of clothes?" Mikes fat,
red face depicted his horror
Twenty" cried the stranger.
"Apiece?" asked James
Apiece" declared the unhappy youth.
Apiece, James" said Mike, turning
inquiringly to his companion
Make it thirty" said James, "and
We may be able to help you.
"All right thirty apiece. Get me
the clothes"
You might write us each a check
suggested James. and drew forth the
pen and check book
For innocence" groaned Mike,
commend me to me loving comrade,
James"
The strangers eyes glittered as he
recognized his book and pen. He
glanced from one ragged specimen be-
fore him to the other. from James
crafty face to Mikes sly visage. but
he said nothing, merely tok the pen
and book.
Your nsmes?" he asked. opening
the book and resting it against a tree
for support
Better put to bearer" said James.
Simplicity is always the best"
The stranger wrote the checks, signed
them, and turned TO the two watching
him. Bring ME the suit" he said quiet
~. and these are yours"
Mike shuffied off into the trees and
James and the stranger waited in ST.
lence for his return. He came back
presently and threw the suit at the
strangers feet.
You'll notice" said he. that this
hobby spring suit in our latest style is
cheap at the price. Fancy. thing like
that for only sixty dollars"
Il see said the stranger
Payable in advance" said James.
The stranger handed them each a
check and thoughtfully drew on the
shabby clothes OF the Watermelon. II
had not been long since he had worn
rags OF necessity, and he hitched
them up with the skill bred OF ia
miliarity. He thrust the pen and book
into a pocket he had first made sure
was holeless. Then he turned to the
two and his eyes CLEANED.
How much for the carr" he asked
Mike raised his hands 10 heaven.
The car: James, does he think we
stole his carr
a stockbroker." said James. would
suspect his own mother
ii you want youse car" said Mike.
go to the hotel
Bah" snapped the stranger DO
YOU think | was weaned yesterday: Be
quick and tell me your price"
Il have no price" said Mike proud
ly. not sure where the car was
They started through the woods to
the village, the stranger leading and
Mike and James following. At the
edge of the village. they paused in
stinctively and without a word
Tell ME where the car is and who
your accomplice IS" sale the stranger
in the short, sharp tones OF one born
to command. "and you two can go free
II you don't tell. III do my best to
have you arrested and sent up for
grand larceny. Understand"
oh. yes said Mike. Il understand
When | was Young | learned English.
foolishly. as l haven't used it since"
we don't know where your damn
car is declared James And we
didn't steal your blooming outfit What
do you take us for, anyway"
Very well, then" snapped the
stranger. Il see that you wort tell.
Remember, | gave you your chance"
He turned and hurried down the
village street. The two watched him as
he stopped a pedestrian and apparently
asked to be directed to the justice OF
the peace, then they slipped away in
the woods and quietly. simultaneously.
turned north. falling into a gentle lope
that took them far with the minimum
Of effort
I hope the kid amt pinched," said !
James. after a while.
Mike sighed and shook his head |
Grand larceny" he rlurm ed That's |
gratitude for YOU"