The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-09-01
IL COMES UP SMILING B. CHARLES SHERMAN

ly, 'but there's always the danger that
some cop will have brains. And he's
bound to get away tonight, all right,
and have the bulls on you the minute
he does. You had better take all the
time you can TO get away and don't try
to shorten it none"
The Watermelon slowly tinwound an
other bill and nodded. Il know, but
Pm sorry for him. A few hours won't
make much difference. He hasn't the
slightest idea who swiped his clothes.
He'll think some tramp did and that
the Teller is getting out of the country
by cross-cuts and as fast as he can.
Don't you see? No one will look for
me with the general and Bartlett I'm
going to have week of fun"
Maybe" said James gloomily. Hard
ly, if you give that bloke his clothes
before you need to-
The Watermelon waved the statement
aside.
I'VE are going to leave about FIVE"
said he.
"Thcy are waiting for me. now 1t
will take you a bit of walk to find
the place. | put the clothes in an
empty log near pile of rocks at the
foot of three tall pines, standing to-
gether about ten yards from the lake.
You can't help but find it, Give him
the clothes and this check book and
fountain pen. can't use them and you
two won't get gay with them cause
Mikes a coward, and James has too
much sense
You're a damn fool" sail James
shortly.
Hes all right" argued Mike, mean
ing the man in the forest shades. What
can hurt him."
Il know. but he's mighty uncom-
Portable Can't sit down, maybe, and
there may be flies and mosquitoes-"
Nav" protested Mike Hes Just
comfortable. If it was the style,
would like to have gone naked to-day"
He'll have the police after youse,"
warned James, "aS soon as he can reach
the village"
Sure he will Gratitude is a flower"
said Mike grandiloquently, that have
never licked"
And never WILL" added James with
grim pessimism.
That's all right" returned the
Watermelon. 81 amt gathering any
flowers this trip Here's a ten-spot
for each OF you, and mind you do
what | say"
For you" said Mike, I'D give me
hearts blood"
Where do we find this pond'" asked
James.
Come with me and III take you to
the road that leads by it. You give me
time to get TO the hotel, though, before
you give him his clothes"
Trust me. said Mike, lovingly con-
cealing the greenback in the dark dirty
recesses OF his rags.
They parted in the road where the
Watermelon had come upon the big
red touring car Mike and James
watched him until he disappeared over
the top OF the hill. then climbed the
wall and made their way through the
woods to the little mountain lake.
I'VE won't get the Clothes" said
James, until We have had a talk with
the guy and tried to get him into
reasonable frame of mind. It's just
likely that he may be somewhat put
out"
There was no one in sight as they
made their wau cautiously to the edge
OF the lake. The trees grew nearly
down to the narrow. pebbly beach and
were reflected in the quiet depths of
the water The little brook. tumbling
over its miniature waterfall. with a
ripple and splash. was the only sound
that broke the ail-pervading silence.
Nothing stirred in the underbrush,
neither man nor beast, and James and
Mike were about to slip away as quiet
~ a. they came when a stick snapped
behind them sharply and Mike wheeled
A man was peering at them eagerly
over the tops OF a few bushes. His
face was white and his teeth chatter
ing His arms. dimly discerned through
the branches, were wrapped around his
shivering form with fervor and he was
standing gingerly on first one foot and
then the other.
Hello" said Mike facetiously. Co
ing in" and he nodded casually back
ward to the lake.
Been in," chartered the miserable
wretch, trying TO control his teeth 50
that he could say more
"Oughtn't to stay in too long," ad-
vised James solicitously. Your lips
look blue"
Bad for the heart" said Mike.
We amt ladies'" added James with
delicacy. You might come out from
them bushes
"Some-some one stole my-my-my
Clothes" stammered the young man,
stepping carefully forth. Been here
here since this-thiS morning" He
ooked sharply at the shabby pair be-
fore him, with quick distrust in hi, !
oloodshot eyes and added coldly, Some
some tramp"
Did you see him." asked James
"No-no-no But who else could
nave stolen them"
T." said Mike, drawing himself up
o his five feet FIVE and throwing back |
lis pudgy shoulders. Il am a tramp. |
rust, sir, you meant no insult to me
orofession?"
The stranger waved the question |
lside. Get me some clothes and I'll I
give you some money"
What money" asked James.
Il will send you some | am rich. My !
ar is in the road. Maybe you saw it
was coming through the woods TO
he hotel 20 get tow up, for | was
nut OF gasoline. when ! saw the lake
t was early and thought would take
swim. Maybe you saw my car by the
ide OF the road?'
Il didn't see no car said Mike.
did you come by the road?"