Charlevoix county herald., 1916-10-27


broke through the little group. abrupt
ly seized the right hand of the pretty
girl, looked closely at the back OF II
and dropped 1t just as abruptly. The
girl, her eyes blazing with anger,
reached for the closed parasol that
was lying at her side and raised 1t In
mdair, to strike.
The two men backed away, uttering
abject apologies and loud protests be-
fore the sudden onslaught OF indig-
nant femininity; then they broke into
run and made for the esplanade.
Slipping his marine glass into his
coat pocket, the onlooker, amused,
started in pursuit.
He saw the same impudent fellow
approach a girl, dressed in a sailor
suit, seize her right hand, scan its
surface hastily, then drop it and at
tempt a getaway.
But the girl was too quick for him.
Getting hold Of the mans injured
hand she hung on, calling for help
at the top of her lungs. policeman,
J block distant, came running. just as
the curious onlooker reached the
| spot.
You're under arrest" Numbered
| the patrolman. What d. you mean,
anyway, by walking around the streets
annoying ladies, eh?"
Il wasn't annoying ladies' argued
the squirming prisoner. It's a mis-
take. / never did such thing in my
: life!"
The younger man twisted his arm
free and reached into an inner peck
ct. Drawing out a cardcase, he
snatched bit of pasteboard from 1t
and showed it under the shifting nose
of this minion of the law.
That's who am he howled Zero
ciously. Todd Drew, son Of the great
inventor. Just now, when Count Freel
and | were talking business, in a lit
tie shack on the beach, someone bar
ricaded the door, reached in through
hole in the wall and stole the plans
of the greatest war invention the
world has ever known. They're worth
fortune, The hand that reached in
and grabbed those papers was marked
/ with a Red Circle-and the person
whoever 1t was) had on a girls sailor
suit.
II corroborate all he says" added
the count, hastily. 81 wish to say"
well, your story sounds grand"
decided the policeman, but / think
you're both liars. So, come along
with me-"
An hour later, Harry Gage, Lamars
confidential clerk, came into. his en-
ployer's private Office and handed the
crime specialist telegram that read:
Sutton, Aug. 2.-Mr. Max Lamar, SIP
Black BdIs.:
Fathers war instrument plans
stolen. Circular birthmark on back
Of hand only clue. 4 am held by police
here on charge Of annoying girls.
Come at once. Todd Drew.
Lamar's brows contracted suddenly
as he read Circular birthmark!" The
Red Circle, of course-and at Surfton!
I'm off to the beach-Surfton. Any
thing important comes up, phone or
wire. Red Circle!"
|
from the step of the car and ran to-
ward little group of three men, one
in a policeman's uniform. He grasped
the hand of the youngest of the three
and shook 1t heartily.
Its the most terrible mix-up all
around" this man said to Lamar.
Imagine them holding me for annoy
ing women! Say. for pure imbecility.
recommend me to the police Of one
horse burg like this!"
See here, you!" interrupted the
emissary of the law, "that1l do!
I'm"
That's all right, officer" Lamar
broke in soothingly, my friend is
naturally excited over his arrest. I'll
be responsible for BOTH
$50 you thought you saw Red Cir
Gle on this persons hand, eh?" he con-
tinued suavely as they moved of the
station platform.
Just within hearing distance, a
woman with a suitcase started sud
denly.
Thought nothing!" retorted Drew
emphatically, 81 saw 1t. II was as
distinct as-er-as anything"
Drew uttered a sudden grunt and
pointed ahead OF him. The two 9th.
er men stopped short and looked.
"A sailor suit" whispered Drew ex-
citedly Another one! Shall we"
Lamar's face lighted up He put q
OBTAINING hand on the agitated fell
lows arm.
I'm afraid you will have to leave
this sailor suit alone, Drew" he said.
The young lady is a very dear friend
of mine-Miss June Travis. | want
you to meet her. She's charming"
Within ten feet of them. June, look.
ing out over the water, had been un
aware Of their approach. Staring into
Lamars face, now, she lost her com.
posture for the merest fraction OF a
second. The next instant she had ex
tended her right hand and placed II
between his two eager ones.
, Drew and the count. suspicious OF
any and all sailor suits, crowded up