Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1914-09-17

breakfast table, issuing orders with
the air Of master, she decided that
she didn't know what to do and the
man might as we'll come in.
The fellow came in and Molly went
out to meet him.
Joseph Holmes Is my chauffeur,
SAID she coldly. did you wish to see
him."
The constable removed his hat and
nodded while the maid precipately re.
tired, yes, I did, ma'am. He had
gone to the village, The girl says
Yes said Molly. Wont you come
into the drawing room and waltz"
81 think I had better go after him,
said the constable.
do you want to arrest him for any
reason?' asked the girl boldly.
The constable was young and new at
his Job and not quite sure how to go
about it. He nodded and explained that
he had received word from New York
to find the fellow and arrest him. He
hasn't been your chauffeur long, has
he'" he asked
NO." said Molly. "Onlv few weeks.
I am shocked and surprised to hear OF
this. Won't you come into the draw.
ing room and tell my stepson about II?
We like the boy very much. l am sure
I do not know what to do
"Glad to find a man to deal with
the constable agreed, and followed tho
girl into the drawing room which was
on the side of the house away from
the sea and out of sight of the wharf
and what was being done there.
II shall get Algy?" said Molly has
tily. please sit down."
She hurried back into the library
and drew the curtains at the door.
Whats up?" asked Holmes, who
had heard the colloquy in the hall and
Judged who had come.
"The constable" whispered Molly,
thinking of her boy and that she must
save him at all costs. "Joe must have
done something in New York that he
is to be arrested for. Can't we help
him."
She whispered what had happened
and begged the two to help her keep
the constable occupied so that when
the car returned she could slip out
and warn the boy.
HE is nice boy" she urged, slip
ping her hand into Hancock's which
happened to be near her own and CIV
Ing it a pleading little squeeze. Give
him a chance to get away He is so
Young. Really. he isn't more than
twenty-five. Please help me help
him."
"Jove," said Holmes, II don't care if
l do. 1t will kill time and be amusing
What do you say, Hancock? Are you
ready to outwit the law" 1t would
be almost impossible to reach the boat
now without the constable seeing him
and Immediately guessing his identity.
It would be best to face him boldly and
bluff him out Of his belief. Molly and
Hancock both thought him Todd and
would tell the constable so and before
such proof, whatever description the
fellow had received from New York
would be discounted in his favor.
Hancock laughed and nodded. re-
turning the second squeeze with
thrill of pleasure.
Lets see," said Holmes, pausing on
his way 10 the door and turning to
Molly "You are Mrs: Todd still to the
fellow? What relation are you and II"
"Stepmother and son." whispered
the girl.
Holmes nodded, chuckled and led the
way from the room.
Molly followed them to the drawing
room door and fingered there to catch
the first sound of the returning car.
"Howdy.do," drawled Holmes, Il
hear you have come to arrest by man.
The constable nodded and drew out
Some papers which he consulted ner-
vously. "The despatch says Joseph
Holmes"
Describes him, suppose?" ques-
toned Hancock, with an air OF serious
doubt as to whether the chauffeur was
the man wanted. "This Joe may not
be the one you want"
"They telegraphed his description
but hadn't time yet to send his photo"
said the man, running through his pap
ers. "He is tall, and they say in the
village that this Holmes is tall"
Holmes nodded. "He is tall fellow,
but am tall myself"
and so am t. said Hancock grave
"My hair is black" said Hancock
and gravely patted it.
80 is NINE" added Holmes, "and
my complexion sallow."
you've made mistake some
where" declared Hancock, positively
and innocently, never doubling for
moment Holmes identity. Had not
Molly said he was Todd? "This Joe is
tall and his complexion is sallow, but
he has sandy hair, lot black. Are you
sure he is the one?"
"He could have bleached his hair"
suggested Holmes.
The constable frowned angrily, wor-
ried. "His name is Joseph Holmes,
isn't it?'
"Yes," said Holmes.
"He came about three weeks ago,
didn't he?"
Eyes" doubtfully. II believe SO. |
have just come myself and am not
sure when he did come. Mama hired
him in my absence. Suppose go and
question herr"
III I could question her. said the
constable eagerly.
II shall send her in" said Holmes,
already at the door. "Mr. Hancock
has known the fellow longer than
have. He can answer your questions
even better than l."
He went out and found that Molly