The Washington herald., 1915-08-22
LOST-A LIMOUSINE.
BY CLARISSA MACKIE.

MIR. Kenneth Blake's library was a quiet
dreamy place on this midsummer after
noon. The famous writer of detective
stories was browsing over a pile Of proof
sheets and the sound of the telephone
be- brought his well-shaped head up
with a sharp jerk
He pulled the instrument across the
desk and took down the receiver.
Yes" he inquired lazily.
This" spoke crisp. businesslike voice
at the other end. rs Henry Kensington.
of 81 Wall Street. Some one has gone OF
with my motor car. a limousine. number
1884 Have some of your men trace it.
will you. please? 1t was standing down
here in front of my Office and-what' s
that you say. not police headquarters?
Why didn't you say so before, confound
your impudence, sir" And the indignant
Mr.. KensinSton rang of.
Kenneth Blake hung up the receiver.
leaned back In his chair and laughed.
Wouldn't that get your he inquired
of the empty air. Suddenly he stopped
laughing and considered thoughtfully.
I'm blessed IL don't trace that limou-
sine myself" he declared. Thanks to
my habit of making rotations on this tel
ephone pad. I've got the car number, and
who knows but what I may get a yarn
out of 1t, although most likely it's only
a case of sordid steal. My first visit will
be to the traffic cop down there at Wall
Street"
Blake pos. sseed speedy little ctric
car of his own-one of the results of many
detective stories well told-and in a short
TIM he had left his home in Washington
Square and had interviewed the traffic
o..icer at the busy downtown corner.
Because Kenneth Blake had been born
lucky he obtained faint clew. The officer
had noted the number of car 1884 because
the driver had not observed the mighty
wagging of his official thumb and had
slipped around the corner and up Broad
way like a flash.
"a big ginger-colored car. SIR" he ex-
planned to Blake. I've telephoned ahead
and they'll catch the fellow before he
reaches Forty-second street"
Blake whirled around and bore uptown,
pausing now and then to get news of the
ginger-colored Limousine: and always lie
heard of its speed. of its number being
taken, but never was II arrested in It's
northward flight
At last he traced II through the Bronx
and out along the roads through West
chester. feeling rowing interest In the
chase. And, then, in the loneliest part OF
the highway, he came upon the ginger
colored limousine stranded by the way
ed anxiously from the window.
"Haw muttered Blake. as he slowed
down beside the limousine. The plot
thickens Enter the heroine"
What's the trouble?" he hailed. cheer
fully.
"A flat tire" she responded. Il don't
think you can do anything. thank you.
I won't detain you
But you can't remain here" protested
Kenneth. I'll change tires for you.
Got a spare one?'
Il think so-but. please-if you will 90
on-we-I shall get along all right. she
said nervously.
Are you driving this carr" demanded
the writer of detective stories.
Yes"
with Mr.. Kensington's permission!"
he asked. regarding her keenly.
She looked thoroughly frightened
mot exactly How did you know II
Because he called the police station
and gave the number of the missing
car"
And you-you are the police? she
gasped in Mortified tone.
tracing the car II think you better
let me change the tires and then go
back to the city with me-"
Mono she cried affrightedly.
cannot do that. Oh. dear. what shall 1
do?" she sobbed softly.
Let me change your tire-and you may
so where you please" muttered Kenneth.
gruffly. jumping from his machine He
thought II odd that the girl did not
leave the car while he worked. It almost
seemed n though she was On guard.