Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1916-01-27
THE CLUE
BY JAMES FRANCIS DWYER.

BY JAMES FRANCIS DIVER.
Copyright. Paget Newspaper Service.
1t was midnight. In Fifth evenue
there were few pedestrians, and so q
fat man in evening dress, hurrying
northward, attracted tention. Six
night birds, who thought his actions
mysterious, followed a few PAGES in
the rear. Occasionally they ques-
toned each other as they trotted
briskly along, but the questions were
put in the hopeless tone that the ques-
toner uses when he knows the per
son questioned cannot supply the in
formation he requires.
The fat man didn't speak. He NOV
ed at smart jog trot, looking straight
to the front and seemingly unaware OF
the fact that he was the cause OF
much conjecture. The mystery scent
ed by the others was caused by the
peculiar movements of his hands. His
arms were outstretched, and his two
hands revolved round each other like
the hands of n fisherman hauling in
line. And the inQuisitive ones in
the rear were unable to explain this
movement. 1t was not dignified eX-
ercise for fat man in evening dress,
and their curiosity was justified
At Thirty-second street policeman,
doing on the opposite side Of the
road, Strengthened himself as he saw
hA inn IN +f,Iy ri
him. Swinging his night stick he
crossed over and waited the approach
of the little procession. He was in
charge of that neighborhood, and
there should be an explanation.
The fat man passed the officer at
gallop. His hands were moving fast
er and faster, and the tails of his coat
were sticking out like little black
wings in his rear. The Law vas
trife astonished. AS he stood look
ing after the leader of the hurrying
squad, he was iostled by the inquisi-
tive ones following. and he became an
noyed. He grabbed a straw.hatted
youth by the shoulder and questioned
him.
"What's the matter?" he cried.
"Search me-" answered the ques-
toned one. "Le'me go; / want to see
what that ole guy is up to-"
The policeman lost his temper. He
was being treated with disrespec'. y
festive citizen was running fool pro-
cession over his beat without giving
him the least explanation! So ne let
go of the youths shoulder and d;siied
madly after the man in evening dress.
Here, what's the game?" he painted,
"What sort of a stunt are you up 10,
anyhow"
The fat man shook off the grip OF
the law and ran faster than ever. his
outstretched hands circling round
each other like the arms of wind
mill in gale.
"Stoop down and I'll tell you," he
Pasped, as the officer mate another
effort to restrain him.
The evident responsibility Of the fat
man made the policeman comply with
the request, and bending his six to5t
frame he ran alongside the other and
listened The inquisitive mob. now
numbering score. gathered in close,
hut the night-stick described circle
and they backed into safety
For nearly twenty yards the police
man ran with bent back. Then he
Strengthened himself up and lausfed
loudly Good for YOU" he cried.
Sprint little or we may be too late"
Then he started to run madly along
side the man with the windmill arms.
The curious ones were annoyed.
They were taxpayers. and they did not
think it right that the officer who WIS
their servant. should keep the soiu'
tlon Of the mystery n secret, They
rrowled angrily whenever the Law
chuel'ied over the story that the fat
man had whispered, but they followed
nj full speed. Late jewellers Joined
the group but when they asked the
reason of the chase they were told to
watch the movements of the leaders
hands