The state herald., 1915-03-12
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Yes" agreed Bartlett. There is a
good hotel near the railroad tracks"
Where are the railroad tracks ?"
asked the general. who had lost all
faith In Bartlett's knowledge Of the
country. I'VE passed no railroad
tracks,"
Just before you come to the vii
lage," retorted Bartlett. irritated as a
badgered animal. "You have to cross
them as you come up the main street"
I'VE crossed none." said the general,
with the Indifference of one who real
lies that there is no more to hope for.
The boat is sinking, let 1t sink. The
last cent gone and the landlord COM
Ing for two months rent Let him
come.
NO." said Billy gently. I'VE didn't
father"
why. we did. we must have" pro-
tested Bartlett 81 always come here
on the railroad train. They have to
flag 1t, but 1t stops. Why. know there
are tracks there"
They were all gathered around the
table, except the Watermelon and Al
phonse. Alphonse still stood by the
door. hat In hand. He was merely
paid hireling. His masters affairs
were none of his. The Watermelon
still sat on the dresser and swung his
feet. The predicament was only one
OF the many he was more or less al
ways involved in and not worth think
ing about Bachelor and the police
did not worry him that night 1t was
too early.
why not eat something before we
go?' he said. 1--WE have been here
about an hour now, and another hour
won't make our crime any the worse"
Yes" agreed Henrietta promptly.
surprised at her own depravity.
Lets" and again she took out the
plates and napkins.
Suppose they come back" softly
whispered Billy.
lnstinctively they all glanced at the
door. and Henrietta paused with her
hands on the edge OF the basket.
The Watermelon laughed you amt
worrying because you broke into an.
others house." said he. What's fret
ting you is that you may be found
out"
ITS, awful" Acknowledged EiRy. Il
feel funny in my stomach and have
creeps up my back"
so have l." said Henrietta. and
nodded grimly.
DO what you please" said Bartlett
But don't get caught"
They won't come" said the Water
melon. They have been gone for
quite time and aren't coming back"
"Ah. my dear Holmes" said Henri.
eta, explain your deductions"
They've been gone long because
there is so much dust on everything
and the house smells so close. They
won't be back tonight because none of
the neighbors have been In to leave
anything for them to eat and there
aren't amy chickens in the chicken.
house. Alphonse would have stirred
'em up II they had been there"
Suppose some one passes and sees
the light" suggested the general.
tempted 10 the breaking point by the
dainty supper so near ut hand and the
thought OF the terrible apology OF
meal they would get at the dilapidated
hotel they had passed In the village.
And above all things. the general loved
his meals.
I'VE are at the back OF the house
and II Is almost twelve. Every one
is In bed and those who aren't are
drunk and wouldn't be believed any.
way"
ITS flye miles to the village" added
Bartlett with no apparent relevance.
"Aw. be game" encouraged the Wa,
termelon. BE sports"
lust being hungry is enough for
me" declared Henrietta. taking the
last OF the odiblos from the basket