Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-04-12
By GEORGE RANDOLPH CHESTER
Author of "Get Rich Quick walinpfordo -

''e" laws, more panicstricken than
ever and his whispering sounded like the
exhaust of safety valve. "rlI go right
away and protect the bank. What has
happened to him, Mr.. sledgeg,,
Nothins vet" stated sledge. "slt
down. Davis"
WI Davis sat down, and the four who
had been told TO walt looked at one an
other with growing wonder, and at the
impassive big man. who was still draw
ing inspiration from the decreplt mon.
rive minutes passed. Bendix and Boz
zain and Gally sat in comfortable quiet
resting all their faculties. physical, mem
.ai , ana moral, but Mr.. Davis fidgeted
audloiy He twiddled his fingers, hc
iussed with his cravat, he ran slim nooses
IN his watch cord. he wiped his reading
off, ' ''OA 'i'ei''
rive minutes more passed. Mr.. Davis.
III desperation, rang the bell for the
NeiVet-footed Adolph, and ordered a
urlhk: In other gatherings Mr.. Bozzam
would nave enlivened the moment with a
story, or with conversation and repartee.
uh OCCASION he could have sung a song
or recited poem, or played seven-up.
craps or tiddleywinks. ali with the MEAS.
ing hnish of a professional. Just now,
however, he remained as placidly calm as
cake of Swiss cheese.
n step came down the narrow passa Re-
way. ~ raw-boned fellow appeared in
the doorway He was tall and big. and
wore good clothes. His hands were
coarse, and had bulbous finger tips, with
extremely broad, stubby nails, but they
showed no signs of recent toll. He had a
,.,l
and low forehead. He looked like a
retired coal HEAVIER The exlgencies oa
politics had once made him County
treasurer, and since then he had lived in
prosperous idleness.
Sledge arose, and walked around to the
front of the table
Say, Feeder" he growled. i've been
paying YOU seventy-five a month for two
years. That right?
Yes" hesltated Feeder, with a puz-
zled glance at the unusual crowd In the
little room.
What for?" demanded Sledge.
MIR. Feeder smiled ingratiatingly, but
paled in the process.
Campaign work." he replied.
What for"' demanded Sledge
'Well-I-' and more puzzled than ever,
he looked around the equally puzzled
gathering. Even Bendix was at loss.
What for, 1 say!" suddenly thundered
Sledge.
"on the level?" inquired Feeder. IT
don't get this Sledge. l don't Sec
Tell emf
well, II you got to have it"
He stopped, gave another glance at his
audience and stared at Sledge incredu-
lously.
sledge advanced a step toward him.
II said, tell EN-
Here goes, them" responded Feeder.
exasperated. For keeping my mouth
shut about receiving the public funds in
terest money for you"
You're n liar!' doomed Sledge, and
suddenly stepping forward with marvel
Gus agility for so ponderous a man,
swung his right arm, the biceps of which
was like thigh, and knocked Feeder
straight through the door. Throw him
out" he directed, and sat down.
BendiX accepted that commission as
readily as If 1t had been a suggestion to
ring for another drink. rather heavy
man himself, he stepped lightly into the
passageway, grabbed Feeder by the col.
lar as he was rising, and punched him In
the ear. Phil and Blondy, both gentle
manly bartenders. selected for the hard
ness and limberness of their shoulders,
came running back as promptly as fire
horses at the sound of the gong.
"Rough toss" explained Bendix briefly,
handing his collar hold to Phil.
There was a rattle of chairs and tables,
and the crash of two or three glasses in
terspersed with an occasional smack.
There were eXclamations from a few
and few inadvertent oaths
from the astounded Feeder but Phil and
Blondy were voiccless, until, after bat
tering Feeder at the curb until a police
man came up, they turned him over for
n wagon call.
whats the charger" asked the officer.
pink necktie, I think" returned Phil.
But I'll find out" and he ran back to
Sledge's room. Feeders plnched," he
stated. Want 1t to stick?"
"Uh-hunh!" grunted Sledge.
"Copper's fussy. He wants to know
what's the charge"
Sedge took a slow survey of his wit
nesses, and the faintest possible suspi-
cion of a twinkle came into his small
gray eyes.
Attempted blackmail." he chuckIed.