Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-11-02

90 Dy lis SuQcen IueNA 21S ouus las
mouth. which be had opened to eI-
plain the matter. and stuffed his
change into his pocket with an exag-
gerated display Of haste.
Where is he?s he growled as he
ran after the fleeing bellboy.
Across the lobby he deserted Book
ton walking away with the two suit
cases, headed for the checkrooT,
where they were to have been left
during the day.
spurred on by authority. the boy
seized Rockton
"Here!" he cried. "Whachu dom
with them bagsT"
Rockton turned a mildly surprised
face upon his captor and then glanced
smihngly at Guble in the REAP. He
wondered why Garble looked 80 eour.
Why" be said easily, zone Of EMS
mine, and the other is his" indicating
Garble.
The boy turned upon Garble o
look which spelled complete under.
standing.
"How about that for nerve2" ha
asked.
Hes an old hand at it," said Gar
BILE, stopping up and frownins upon
Rockton. Drop EN-! And we'll have
to see about you!"
Garble pointed to his name card in
the tag on his suitcase. Clever of
him. he commented to the bellboy.
What do you mean to began
Rockton, Indignantly.
Garble transfxed him with q stony
stare. II mean to hand you over to
he police for grabbing my gripH;
that's what mcan," he said distinctly.
Then he coughed de had to. because
Rockton's face was. so funny. Call
the house detectivei" commanded he.
Amusement, rage and the shock r.
duced Rockton to o state Of incoheT-
oncy, which was easily taken for q
sign Of guilt. Moreover, the house
detective was feeling unusually sus-
Dic!ous that day. And Garble was irn-
Dressive.
"You come with me-" the detective
.old Rockton-
As Garble, with unholy glee, gazed
upon his miserable friend, he thought
Of an added touch. They had been duo
20 take luncheon with Miss Nedden
and her mother at one o'clock and. IT
tho truth must be told, there was quito
q contest on between Rockton and Gar
bic as to who should win the favor of
pretty Alice Nedden.
This mans liking for my grips has
delayed me-" be murmured. 81 have
an engagement at one O'Clock and
don't believe 7 can make it unless
cell taxi"
Don't call one." suggested the
house detective. You'll have to com :
along to the station to prefer
chargcs."
It was then that Rockton, catching
glimpse OF the CONSERVATION on
Garble's face, braced up. He even
grinned. They sat Gartng at each
other all the way to the station end
then Rockton had his innings.
Look here" he said to the question:
ing officer at the desk. He says tic
can describe all the articles in both
grips: Well, so can T. Why ism
my word as good rs his? tell yoC,
Il you'll investigate this you'll find
hes the guilty man. He's trying t.
steal my property by having me lock-
&c up"
ITS all joke" protested Garblcr
watching the clock hands.
II think III look into this" said the
desk sergeant, ponderously.
Which be proceeded to do, with a
The frills of red tape known to a co.,
scientious city policeman.
With the combined and disguised
aid Of the hotel clerl: and two Dusinec
friends, after they had related the
history of their lives from birth and
had been threatened with e fine fer
getting gay" Garble and Rockton,
ut $40 o'cicc!, that afternoon, fnall7
were released.
Garble was q chastened man. Ea
had been through much since moor.
lie had not even dared to telephone n
explanation to Alice, since it woul
never do to mix her up in polio
casa Besides, now, could he explain
10 her that ne vas rnable to appea:
at luncheon Gecauso he was detaine ]
by the police?
They caught their train for tia
east with only q second to spare.
When his rancor rad somewhat cooled
Rockton approached GaTple, who YVES
a;riting voiualinoGsiT.
Wat are you dcing?" he growled.
Garlic looked up colby. Il az!
.ritiNc 2 ..-CC-G-i!." ne said distinct