Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1914-09-17

HIT lOSSIlicl.
Yes, Cuney Cluney:! whispered
james Cluney to Doogan savagely
Then, aloud, he explained, with a fore.
ed laugh: "Looney. Ha, ha. That's
the nickname | had when we were al
college"
Its most annoying" broke in Mrs,
Carr. II can't hear a word without
my ear trumpet"
Your ear trumpet" exclaimed Gu.
ney. He stopped and Il nameless ter
ror crept over his face.
whats the matter, james," queried
Madge solicitously.
Good Lord" was all he said. But
from his coat pocket. where he had
thrust his hand as he laughed. he slow.
ly drew forth the ear trumpet.
There was a chorus of The ear
trumpet" and then Mrs. Carr, glarin2
at James Cluney, asked:
james, what is the meaning OF
this:"
II don't know replied Cluncy hope
lessly.
Il car explain."' intcrposcd Doogan
with a loud laugh. It's Il joker
"A joke?" frowned Mrs. Carr.
Yes! Ha, ha, ha. Steal something
from your mother-in-law on your we'd
ding day-good luck. Ha, hal"
We'll, l don't see anything funny
about it," declared Mrs. Carr, Will
much stiffness.
Say. James," whispered Mr.. Carr t.
Cluney. What did YOU do with the
bracelet:"
The bracelet? l didn't take the
bracelet"
"Oh, excuse me. l thought you did
The old gentleman was still gazing
suspiciously at his son-in-law elect
when Mr.. Spelain hustled toward the
door. saying: You'll have to hurry
good people. l must keep that other
appointment of mine"
Now" said Cluney to Doogan when
they were alone. How the devil did
that trumpet get into my pockct?"
Don't try to kid me-" returned Doc,
gan. You must have put it there"
What If the bracelet should turn vi
in the same way"" muttcred James
Cluney as he thrust his hand into his
overcoat pocket. Then. with Il howl,
he withdrew it sharply, and the brace.
let was in his fingers. Good Lord,
here it isl"
Give it to me. I'll take care of it,
said Doogan. taking the bracelet and
putting it in his pocket. That's what
I'm here for"
"Thanks"
Don't mention it," responded Doc.
gan.
You'll stick by me. won't you?"
asked Cluney as he took Off his over
coat and laid it on a chair.
Sure thing"
"IT make it worth your while"
You bet YOU Will" observed Doogan
emphatically to himself.
There was a sudden outbreak of ex-
cited voices outside in the hall, and
the whole family, with DR.. Willoughby
and the minister. came surging into
the room boiling ove with excitement.
James, James," screamed Madge,
the house has been robbed!."
Eyes, rObbed!' sQueaked Mrs. Carr.
ooh, dear.."
"Robbed?' calculated Doogan in a
co%nvincingly incredulous tone.
whats gone now" asked Quincy
family.
Cali my beautiful wedding ~presentsr'
walled Madge.
Everybody in the house must be
searched" proclaimed Mr.. Carr s%tcrnly.
Hide the bracelet. Hide it!' whis-
pered Cluney to Doogan.
But Mr.. Jack Doogan needed no such
advice. He glanced about for Il con
venient place to put the bracelet and
found Mr.. Carr by his side, with one
Of his coat pockets handy.
Everybody ought to be searched"
opined the minister, with the authority
Of the pulpit which he generally car
ried with him. Am I suspected?"
There was a general chorus Of mos"
to this. SO Mr.. Spelain said he would
go away. ofticiate at the other mar
rage ceremony which was so much on
his mind and return to perform the
same office for James Cluney and
Madge Carr an hour later.
Mother, do you suppose the maid
could have began Joan hesitatingly,
for she had taken rather a fancy to
Nell.
whats that?" asked Doogan quick
ly. "Are there any new servants in the
house?"
Eyes, the maid" explained Mrs.
Carr.
whats her name?"
Her name is Nellie" replied Madge.
"Did you call me, ma'am?' asked
Nell, coming forward from the door,
where she had been listening to the
lamentations over the loss Of the we'd
ding presents.
SIS this girl q suspicious character?'
demanded Doogan, frowning and TAX
ing the whole matter upon his Shout
ders.
"Not exactly suspicious answered