The Holly chieftain., 1915-01-29

mo. no." protested the stranger.
I'm not fooling. Get me some clothes
and come with me to the nearest tele-
graph office and I'll show you"
How much" asked Mike, will you
give me?"
us" corrected James.
How much do you want?"
How much will you give?"
Ten dollars"
For suit Of clothes?" Mikes fat
red face depicted his horror.
Twenty" cried the stranger.
"Apiece?" asked James.
Apiece" declared the unhappy
youth.
Apiece. James," said Mike, turning
fnquiringly to his companion.
Make 1t thirty" said James, "and
we may be able to help you"
"All right. thirty apiece. Get me
the clothes"
you might write us each check"
suggested James. and drew forth the
pen and check-book.
For innocence groaned Mike.
commend me to me loving comrade,
James,"
The strangers eyes glittered as he
recognized his book and pen. He
glanced from one ragged specimen be-
fore him to the other. from James
crafty face to Mixes soft visage, but
he said nothing. merely took the pen
and book.
Your names?" he asked, opening
the book and resting 1t against tree
for support.
Better put to bearer" said James.
simplicity is always the best"
The stranger wrote the checks,
signed them and turned to the two
watching him. Bring me the suit"
he said quietly. "and these are yours"
Mike shuf1ed off into the trees and
James and the stranger waited in ST.
lence for his return. He came back
presently and threw the suit at the
strangers feet.
You'll notice." said he, that this
nobby spring suit in ouf latest style is
cheap at the price. Fancy, a thing like
that for only sixty dollars!"
Il see" said the stranger.
Payable In advance" said James.
The stranger handed them each a
check and thoughtfully drew on the
! shabby clothes of the Watermelon. 1t
had not been long since he had worn
rags of necessity, and he hitched
them up with the skill bred OF IA
miliarity. He thrust the pen and book
into pocket he had first made sure
was holeless. Then he turned to the
two and his eyes cleaned.
How much for the carr" he asked.
Mike raised his hands to heaven.
"The car? James, does he think we
stole his carr"
"A stock broker" said James, would
suspect his own mother"
III you want youse car" said Mike,
"go to the hotel"
"Bah," snapped the stranger. DO
you think was weaned yesterday? Be
quick and tell me your price"
Il have no price," said Mike proud
ly. not sure where the car was.
They started through the woods to
the village. the stranger leading and
Mike and James following. At the
edge of the village. they paused In
sttnctively and without a word.
Tell me where the car Is and who
your accomplice is," said the stranger
In the short sharp tones Of one born
to command. "and you two can 20
free. II you don't tell, I'll do my best
to have you arrested and sent up for
grand larceny. Understand"
oh, yes" said Mike. II understand.
When was young learned English,
foolishly, as haven't used 1t since"
We don't know where your damn
car is," declared James. "And we
didn't steal your blooming OUTFIT
What do you take us for, anyway"
Very we'll, then" snapped the
stranger. Il see that you won't tell.
Remember, I gave you your chance"
He turned and hurried down the vii.
lage street. The two watched him as
he stopped pedestrian and apparent
ly asked to be directed to the justice
Of the peace, then they slipped away
In the woods and quietly, simultane-
ously. turned north. falling into gen.
tie lope that took them far with the
minimum Of effort.
II hope the kid amt pinched," said
James. after while.
Mike sighed and shook his head.
Grand larceny" he murmured. That's
gratitude for you"
CHAPTER TX.