The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1914-09-18
TOO EASY
Some Folks Are Like "Tar-Ba-
by" So Soft Their Simplicity
Makes Them Dangerous. .
BY IVOR M. LOWRIE.


(Copyright.)
Ned Thompson looked up from the
ledger upon which he was working. A
customer had entered the store.
How do you do?" The one and
only clerk of the Elite Hardware EN-
porium greeted the prospective buyer.
How can serve you?"
Il want to get hunting-knife. Some
thing with good-sized blade"
"Yes. sir"
Ned placed an assortment Of such
cutlery before the customer for in
spection.
Here's one that can especially rec
ommend. 1t is of an exceptional quail
ity of steel, finely tempered. The
handle is well constructed. In fact,
we had this article manufactured for
our exclusive trade"
The I'VE" referred to Mr.. Thomas
Hadley, sole proprietor of the "em-
porium." Being situated in Portland,
the gateway to the Maine woods, MT.
Hadley thought it expedient to carry
full line of sportsmen's goods, and
had, indeed, special hunting-knife of
rare excellence made. 1t pleased him
greatly, the more so in view of the
fact of it's having the name of his
business establishment stamped upon
the blade.
How much?" inquired the custo-
mer.
Three dollars, and it's good value
for the money"
I'll take it," was the abrupt re-
ply, the purchaser rendering a twenty
dollar note in payment.
Have you nothing smaller" asked
Ned.
mo, 1 really haven't" the man re-
piled, whereupon Ned placed the note
in the drawer of the cash register,
handing back the change.
AS Ned was wrapping the package,
the man reached into his trousers
pocket and drew forth several notes.
why, l have some smaller notes
after ALL" he exclaimed. "Just let me
have that twenty, and I'll give you the
| exact change"
Ned reopened the drawer and hand
| ed the man the twenty-dolla note. to-
| gether with the wrapped knife, receiv-
ing in exchange three one-dollar notes.
| Good day, sir" The man hurried
away, and Ned resumed his work upon
the ledger.
Some time later that morning Mr.
Hadley entered.
! AS was his infallible custom upon
entering the store, Mr.. Hadley un
| locked the cash register and balanced
the cash on hand with the amount or
the printed slip.
| You are seventeen dollars short!
were the. electrifying words of the pro
| prietor.
What"
Seventeen dollars short l have
counted the cash several times. Here
you count it.
In a dazed state, Ned staggered tt
the cash register. His nervous fingers
verified the others statement
But, / can't fathom it. l gave GU
no change. Mr.. Lang paid me TWEEN
ty-fve-cent piece for the key, and tn
stranger, three one-dollar notes for thu
knife. At first, he presented a twenty
dollar note, but later discovered tina
he had the exact amount of the pun
chase, so gave me 1t, and returne
him his twenty. Oh! I see it now!"
| Mr.. Hadley sadly shook his head.
mo, he didn't fOrget-or rather, h
did forget Intentionally. It's an oil
game, Ned. I'm rather surprised tina
you allowed yourself to be duped b.
It."
I'll repay you," agreed Ned.
That's not the question just a
present What we want to do is t
catch the fellow and Jail him.
/ Mr.. Hadley was true to his NeN
England idea of justice.
You would know him if you say
him?"
Yes, sir" assured the still pei
turbed Ned. Hes tall-dark hair an
mustache = heavy eyebrows = dar
eyes-wore a dark-blue suit and
derby hat
well, I'll go over to police head
quarters and have them look out fo
him. Chances are, though, that he ha
lit out for Boston, or else the wood!
by now"
j Arriving at headquarters. he a,
quainted the authorities with the pa
ticulars of the theft, and was d.
scending the stone steps to the sid'
) walk. when a policeman rushed VI
almost colliding with him.
Recognizing Mr.. Hadley, the Office
called:
Don't go. You are the very ma
the captain'n want to see. Come o
: In" and he hurried into the building
Mr.. Hadley following closely.
In the captains office the policema
reported:
"a man attempted suicide In Greer
hotel. Lieutenant Scott called tn
City hospital ambulance. They've &c
him there by now"