The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1915-06-17

at his feet. Immediately to the left
of the lounge door, yawned the well of
the basement stairway. And one
chance was no more foolhardy than
another. Like a shot down that dark
hole he dTOpped-and brought up with
a bang against "A closed door at the
bottom.
Happily. it wasn't locked. Turning
the handle. he stumbled through. re-
closed the door and inteligently bolt
ed it.
He was now in a narrow and odor-
Gus corridor. running from front to
rear of the basement. One or two
doors open or ajar furnished all its
light. Trying the first at a venture, =.
Sybarite discovered what seemed a
servants bedroom. n.tenauted
The other door introduced him to =
kitchen OF generous proportions and
lahorate appointments - in absolute
order with the exception of the cen
trail table. where sat II nan asleep
with his head pillowed on arms folded
amid a disorder of plates. bottles and
glasses-aslcep and snoring Justify.
He was in police uniform. and cap
hung on the back Of his chair
Wrinkling Il perpleXed nose p. Syb-
arite swiftly considered the situation.
Here was the policeman on the beat
one of those creatures of Penfields
Wanted vest pocket collection. Glad
I'm not in his shoes" unused +. Syba-
rite.
And yes Urgent second thought
changed the tenor Of his temper to-
ward the sleeper Better far to be in
his shoes than in those of p. Sybarite.
just then.
Remembering penfied'S revolver. he
made sure it was safe and handy in
his pocket. then strobe in and dropped
an imperative hand on the policeman's
shoulder
Get up-pull yourself together" P.
Sybarite ordered sternly You're IL
able TO be broke for this
Broke? Where's Jimmy? Who're
you"'
Never mind him. Look to yourself.
This place is being raided"
'Raidej" The man eaped to his
feet with a cry. ".2'w:,n! 1t amt
possible
Listen. if you don't believe me"
The crashing of the axes and the
grumble of the curious crowd assem-
bled in the street We're distinctly audi
BILE. The officer needed no other con
frmation. and yet-inStant by instant
It became more clearly apparent that
he had drunk too heavily to be able to
think for himself
MY Gawd!' he cried. I'm done
for"
Nonsense! OF with your coat"
whats that"
II say. off with your coat, man. and
look sharp! Get it off. and I'll hide it
while you slip into one of those wait
erS' jackets over there. Then. if they
find us here. we can pretend to be EN-.
ployees You understand?"
Wen get pinched all the same" the
man objected stupidity.
We'll if we do it only means trip
to the night court and fine of 81 or
/ SO. Youll be up tomorrow for aU
sence from post. of course. but that's
better than being caught half drunk in
the basement Of II gambling house on
/ your beat"
I Impressed. the officer started TO un,
/ button his tunic. but hestated
/ "S'pose some of the boys recognize
me-"
Where are your Wits" demanded
, P, Sybarite in eXasperation. This isn't
a precinct raid. You ought to, know
that. This is Whitman, going over
everybody's head"
Several white jackets hung from
hooks on the wall near the door. Seiz-
ing one of these. the policeman had il
on in jiffy
Now what'n | dof" he pursued as
p. Sybarite the blue coat over his arm,
grabbed the police cap and started for
the door.
DO? How do | know? Use your
own head for awhile"
With this the little man shot out into
the hallway, slammed the door behind
him and darted into the adjoining
room. Once there he lost no time
changing coats-not forgetting to shift
his money as well-cocked the hat
jauntily on one side of his head "a bit
too large, it fitted better that way,
anyhow. buttoned up and left the
room on the run. For by this time
the front doors had fallen in and the
upper floor was echoing with deep. eX-
cited voices and heavy, hurrying foot
steps. In another moment or so they
would be down in the basement search
ing for fugitiveS.
Ito be Continued Next Week..