Charlevoix county herald. (East Jordan, Mich.) 189?-1953, 1916-05-12

urday morning after shadowing his
man safely to his place of business.
The chief listened attentiyely, and at
the end said:
"All right; we will go through with
1t that way. Want any help?"
That was where the sleuth over
played himself.
Hell. no' he replied. "Pll handle
that fellow all right. Leave Ii TO me"
When Joe left his place of business
that afternoon and leisurely walked
downtown he was followed at reas
enable distance by the gum shoe man.
Joe made several purchases, dump
ed the bundles in taxicab, and rods
down to where the schooner lay, with
Mcdonald trailing along in another
taxi.
Joe had his bundles put on board
and quickly drove away. He went to a
hotel and ordered a fine dinner. The
sleuth seized the opportunity to de-
our a sandwich and drink glass Of
beer. Joe finished his dinner and call
ed for his check.
81 may as well be hung for a sheep
as for goat" he unused as the waiter
was making lightning calculation
He drew a pocket check book from
his clothes and with fountain pen
filled out a check for two hundred
dollars.
Here, George" he said to the wait
er, "get this cashed for me. Tell the
cashier to give me gold"
Yes, sir, Mr. Lent; right away,
sir"
Paying his dinner check, Lent made
the rounds of the saloons and cigar
stores where he was known and cash
ed checks ranging from five dollars to
one hundred dollars each, stuffing the
gold he received in the ten pockets If
his trousers and waistcoat. In all he
cleaned up close to twelve hundrec
dollars.
The sleuth was kept busy peerng
into windows and noting names and
addresses while Lent was making his
rounds. Finally Lent looked at his
watch. TOO early for lsaacs,' he
thought.
He took in the tail end of a Vaude-
vile show, played a game or two If
billiards at the Palace, and then walk
ed up Market street for half mile,
turned north for half a block, and
went up the steps of a solid looking
building.
He entered the vestibule and close"
the door behind him. AS he did so
panel of the inner door slid aside and
a dim light shone on his features.
There was a subdued click and the
inner door opened noiselessly. Lent
walked up stairs entered a room, and
was at once greeted by greasy lock
ing, short and stout man who wore
evening clothes.
Good evening, Mr.. Lent, you are
a stranger"
BUSY on other things, Isaacs,' re
piled Lent. Besides you keep me
broke" He glanced around the room.
II was just an ordinary gambling joint
to all outward appearances.
Two faro layouts, a roulette wheel
and two card tables were placed
where they would do the most good
or harm. There were fewer than ten
men in the room, and Lent knew four
of them to be employees of Isaacs.
"You don't seem to be very busy
tonight. What is this-a prayer
meeting?'' observed Lent.
II don't understand it myself" re.
piled Isaacs; this ought to be my
busy night. Would you like to bet
some of your money against miner
"You don't think I came around
here for five o'clock tea do your"
Good! Come into the office and
I'll deal for you"
Isaacs led the way to small office
back of the big room. In it were a
boys size desk, a safe, and faro ia
BILE. Lent sat down. Isaacs produced
deck of cards, tore off the cover, shur-
fled with the grace that comes of long
experience, placed his hands, palms
down, on the table and smiled at Lent
well, give me soms chips" said
Lent.
How many?"
Hundred dollars will do"
Isaacs scrowled slightly. You're
starting in light" he remarked.
Lent flushed, but answered calmly:
"Cut out the comment please
Isaacs did not make reply but go,
the chips and collected five gold
pieces. Lent placed a dollar chip on
the tray of diamonds and another on
the seven of spades, which he copper.
ed. Isaacs snorted.
Il won't wear the skin off my fin
gers for that kind OF betting; what's
the matter with your" he cried.
Lent looked him in the eye.
"Isaacs," he said slowly, you have
taken about ten thousand dollars OF
my money in the past month. I'm play
ing my own system. Now you deal"
Isaacs grumbled, but began slipping
the cards from the card. When the
cards in the box became exhausted
they had gotten action about six times
AT the end Of an hour Lent was sew
enty dollars ahead. Isaacs kept badg-
ering Lent TO increase his bets.
eINhan InpIx Ia onpnfnU uottr UNIV