The Detroit times., 1912-10-07

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nearly three and at three he would
have to 60. or the man down yonder
In the swimming hole might come af-
ter him to reclaim his clothes and
motor car The Watermelon begrudg-
ell every precious moment.
Wait. and will see what the mutt
wants." said he. You will wait.
won't your" he pleaded, looking down
at her where she sat on the log.
We really ought to co." said Billy.
"All right, but don't run of until
Twelve cured that cough, will
your"
Billy nodded and the Watermelon
strode to the bushes from whence
had sounded the harsh, constrained
cough. He pushed the branches aside
and gazed into the small, pinched
face of a thin youth Of about eigh-
teen, dressed in the uniform Of the
hotel.
Hist" cautioned the boy. before
the Watermelon could speak II want
to tell you something important"
"All right. spit 1t out and be quick
about 1t" ordered the Watermelon.
II the real William Hargrave Batch
elor had managed to get word to the
hotel about the impostor, the sooner
he knew 1t the better. The boy had
probably come to ofrer to help him
escape in exchange for something,
money most likely. Like all tramps.
the Watermelon was quick to read
faces, and in the crafty young face
before him, he saw only the dollar
mark.
Tt don't want no one to hear
me-" said the boy, with a motion to-
ward the log and Billy's slim young
back
The Watermelon hesitated, but in
the shifty eyes he saw fear and de-
ference. II he knew the Watermlon
erence.
"Gwan, spit it out" ordered the
Watermelon. Il amt keen for the
pleasure Of hearing any OF your heart
to heart secrets"
Its very important" said the boy,
"and no one must hear"
II suppose you think every one is
busting to hear your words Of wis
DOM" said the Watermelon. Prob
ably get dime a word, eh?"
IT'S about you.' said the boy.
harsh with impatience and nervous
ness. It's" He drew a piece OF
paper from his pocket and held II
out. HE gave me that to send"
Who are you?"
The telegraph clerk" whispered
the boy. with a frightened glance to-
ward Billy on the log
The Watermelon read the paper
and smiled slow, sweet smile OF an
ticipated pleasure as the full import
of Bartlett's telegram became clear.
deepened. Then he turned and drew
the boy farther away.
Bartlett sent this, eh?''
YES" cried the boy, eager with
excitement over the service he was
rendering the great man. "And the
minute read 1t and knew that you
were here, / knew you ought to have
It."
Didn't you send it?"
Yes, / had to. You see he stood
right there. But just as soon as he
went, lit out to find you"
Where is he now?"
II seen him on the front porch with
Miss Crossman. Say, you'll want to
be going now. won't you, huh? You
ken get to New York tonight II you
hurry"
The Watermelon ratified the coins
in his pockets and looked down at the
thin, crafty face OF the youngster.
* ID" said he, IF you keep on ast
you've begun, you'll be doing time,
sure. You're thieving little snipe
and ought to be the head OF a corpor-
alton some day, or a United States
senator, cause you haven't as much
honor as a grasshopper. see? don't
know why you shouldn't land in Sing
Sing, II you miss the corporation job
or the senate"
Huh" said the boy. reddening with
the praise OF the great man.
"If you let on that you have shown
this to me, you will lose your job
here, you know. So. until can see
my friend, j.. Pierpont. about that
other job for you, you'd better keep
your mouth shut Understand"
Sure" cried the boy. Course I
understand"
The Watermelon handed him q
quarter. When I reach New York"
said he airily, I'll send you me check
for a thousand"