The Washington herald., 1917-04-16

mo; prefer the black stitching"
Helen laid back the aIl-white gloves.
Il can't give it TO you in your size
six is the smallest"
''wen. what have you in a better
glover"
Clearing a space on the Uttered coun-
ter, the clerk drew out still another
box, then paused to give a waiting Gus
toner her change
Startled at a touch on her arm, Helen
turned to find a plainly woman
regarding her with penetrating intent
ness.
I'D like to speak TO you a moment"
drawing her away from the crowded
counter. Then with a frightened hold on
her arm, Come with me-"
"Why-I-I don't understand" shrink
ing back.
Come quietly sternly. IF you don't
want everyone to know
What do you mean?" Frightened,
tried to free her arm.
You know very we'll what I mean"
sharply urging her on.
Was the woman insane? Helen's
thoughts were chaotic. They were at the
elevators now. and she was being drawn
into car marked Employees Only"
THE office" to the boy"
ominous sound. Then flashed a confu-
sion Of newspaper stories about shop
lifting. This woman was a detective.
blundering ineXcusably Helen's fear
turned to indignation.
As they stepped from the car on the
fourth floor. again she tried to free
her arm with a furious.
who do you think am? You're max
ing a hideous mistake"
will you come quietly or must 1 call
a fioor-walker?"
The fourth floor with its rugs and up
holstery was less crowded than the first,
and the woman. less cautious, had men
acingly raised her voice.
rearing to create a scene by protesting
Helen, with flashing eyes and burning
face, walked silently beside her to the
office in the rear. Two clerks I'm the
curtain section whispered meaningly as
they passed.
Through door marked Private" they
went and they confronted a gray-haired
man at his desk. Looked up he surveyed
Helen with keen, cold appraisment
Il m Mrs. Curtis" she burted flaming
ly. Mrs. Warren z. Curtis! May l ask
why this woman has brought me here?"
For answer the detective leaned for
ward and drew from Helen's pocket two
pairs of white kid gloves-unmistakabl
new, still fastened together.
As Helen stared. the room seemed
whirlinE about her. Dizzily she held to
the back OF a chair.
Thought I'd catch her at the gloves.
This makes the eighth pair in two days.
Shall search her now, Mr.. Harvey"
I never saw those gloves before"
Helen almost screamed. "I don't know
how they got there? Call up my husband
Broad 1885,"
"Thererl be plenty of time for that"
again the iron grip on her arm, as the
detective urged her to an inner door.
oh, can't you tell-can't you see she's
making a mistaken" wildly.
Just moment. Miss Barker. You saw
her put the gloves in her pocket?''
They were lying on the counter-sus-
near the edge. Then they disap-
I saw them in this woman's |
pocket"
The manager now turned to Helen, who |
was sobbing an excited denial
Take this chair. Try to be calm, You |
say your name is Curtis?"
Mrs. Warren e. Curtis! Oh. this is an !
My husbands a lawyer-we'ye |
an account here-I-'
That doesn't alter the case, madam, |
but If this is your first offense, as I'm in !
clined to think it is. Wen be lenient with |
you"
"Oh, please call my husband-Broad |
1851" Historically
Are you sure you want your husband /
10 know this?" gravely. Think IL over |
Tor moment Don't do anything you I
nay regret"
With swift unexpectedness. Helen
snatched the telephone from his desk.
Broad 4S6S;" chokingly. Quick
Iuicki"
That's only for inside calls" drawing
he instrument from her. Then turning
70 another telephone, still studying Helen,
he gave the number. 0....
Hello. is a Mr.. Curtis there? 'If |
'ou please. Mr.. Curtis? This is
Ardman's-the managers Office. There's
| lady here who claims to be Mrs. Curtis
She is In some difficulty and wishes you
o come at once"
oh, let me speak to hfm-let me speak
o him" struggling TO free herself from
he detectives hold.
mo. she's not hurt--no accident. ]
prefer not to say more over the wire.