Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1912-12-15
OBJECT OF SUSPICION
BY OLIVE WENGLER.

AS Chilly sat huddled on the top
step leading to his house and felt the
misty rain against his face he wish
ed he had not been so everlastingly
reserved. He wished he had been
wont to mingle with his fellow men,
especially since coming to the sub
urbs a few weeks previous to live.
These reflections were surging
through his soul because Chilly was
locked out. In addition to this fact,
it was after II O'Clock, his wife was
away on a visit, and he didn't know
the people next door.
He couldn't go to a hotel, because
there wasn't a hotel in the suburb.
He couldn't take a train back to town,
because the trains had stopped run
ming by that time. 1t grew colder and
colder
Chilly felt that he must do some
thing So. tumbling down his steps, he
strobe across the wet lawn to the
neighboring house, where he rang the
bell.
Good evening" said Chilly to the
blue pajamas that finally opened the
door I'm Mr. Chilly, and live next
door. I'm locked out. Would you
mind lending me all the door keys you
have? Perhaps one of them will fit
my door"
The blue pajamas laughed cold,
sarcastic laugh. You have your
nerve" he said quite likely that I'm
going to help you break into neigh
boris house on any such yarn as that!
| happen to know that the people next
door are away visiting!"
Il saw the trunks go!' floated tri.
umphantly down the stairs In fem
mime tones.
Mrs. Chilly went away, but I'm
at home" explained Chilly.
The blue pajamas laughed again.
Good night" he said. But Chilly
thrust his foot into the crack of the
door.
Il don't blame you" he said, but
I'm telling you the truth Here are let
tiers and cards"
He may have murdered Mr.. Chilly
and taken his papers to help along his
story" excitedly called the fem
mime voice. Don't you believe him
George!'
Il can't hang around outdoors on
a night like this!" protested Chilly
Come along with me and I'll prove
to you that | know the housed"
The blue pajamas wavered, then
slipped on an overcoat and tramped
across the lawn with Chilly. In the
porch behind them the owner of the
feminine voice stood watchfully.
I've got the Ratchet, George, if he
does anything to you!" she called.
The third key the neighbor tried
turned in the lock Of Gillilly's front
door but the blue pajamas stopped
him. What wood" he demanded, SIS
in the dresser in the back bedroom on
your second floor.
Chilly is the most unobserVant OF
men. If Mrs. Chilly should paper the
whole inside of the house with pur.
pie wall paper with yellow polka dots
Chilly would not be likely to notice it,
y don't know" he said.
"There!" cried the blue pajamas,
sternly q knew you were fake!"
Then. pocketing the key, he strobe
away Indignantly.
"Wait mnute!" Chilly begged. 'If
.you won't believe me and let me
into my own house, let me sleep in
your barn
Don't do it, George!" cautioned the
voice from the front porch. Hell
smoke or something and set the gaso-
line on fire. They always do"
mo go, old chap" said the blue pa
iamas firmly. "All I've got to say to
you is TO beat it quick before the
troll wagon gets here! I'm not q
to permit Gillilly's house to be robNed,
even If he is a stuck up dubi'
Chilly skunk away and passed the
night in a secluded corner Of the sub
urban railroad station, where only
three-quarters Of him got wet.
At noon the next day ne walked into
the Office where he knew he should
lind the owner Of the blue pajiamas
How do you do?" he said beaming'
Y to that nonplused person. my
rmes Chilly. I'm the stuckup
ID who lives next door to you.
ink | owe you a lunch Besides I'd
le to impress my countenance upon
our memory by way of preparing fol
NC No II