The Monticellonian., 1917-01-11
HELEN'S CRIMINAL
BY MARTIN O'NEllu.


the money offered for criminals, lost
persons and stolen jewelry. Here's
man wanted out in Ohio for killing two
men and robbing a bank. There's a
thousand dollars reward for him. l
wish we could get II, don't your"
"Wish it?" sighed Aimee, crumbing
the little table and setting down
three saucers of pudding. Yes, do"
The sisters looked at each other and
then at Bob, who was too busy hunting
for fat raisins to bother with the no.
lions of big girls. His recent illness
had left him with an appetite even
more remarkable than before, and he
was the strongest, healthiest looking
boy in the world-Only against the
rocker leaned a crutch. That was why
the girls had the same thought. A
thousand dollars would do so much
81 wonder" Helen went back to the
paper, chow people catch criminals?
Here's his picture and description, five
feet eleven inches high dark brown
hair, gray eyes, weight one hundred
and seventy-three pounds. They think
he is in this city"
But that might be anybody" put
in Aimee
"Just wait minute" went on Helen.
Triangular scar on left side of chin,
square jaws, mole on back of right
hand"
"Fll put on my hat when the dishes
are done. He'd be hard to miss now"
laughed her sister.
The train was full the next evening
when Helen got on. However, she
managed to squeeze into a small space
In the foremost seat that faced the
other passengers.
Down the aisle rows of commuters
were buried in the evening papers and
Helen studied the passengers with In
terest, finding diversion in the fact that
most of them looked as tired as she
felt. Then suddenly she gave a gasp
of amazement, for her eyes had diseov-
cred face that somehow looked famil-
lar. On a firm chin between two
square-set jaws. was triangular scar
that showed an angry red against an
otherwise rather pale complexion.
Helen's eyes leaped from one feature
to the other-gray eyes, brown hair,
rather tall, she judged. There was
no mistake about it; she had found
him.
"Oh, Bobby" her thoughts flew to
her brother, won't 1t be wonderful if
we get the reward and take you out
TO Doctor Taylor, where you can have
proper treatment"
Suddenly Helen realized that her
prey was looking ut her. She darted a
quick glance ut him, then away, burn
ing a furious red at her folly. for the
man, discovering further interest on
her part In himself and his belongings.
smiled amusedly.
And then fate, upon whom she had
called, came to her aid most gloriously,
albeit bit roughly. There was a
grinding and splintering of glass and
something hit Helen on the back of the
head. Things went out for awhile. and
when her senses came back she WAS
outside somewhere in the snow. Then
she realized that Il man was trying to
make her swallow something. After
that her head cleared rapidly and she
tried to sit up.
That's splendid !" said the man. do
you think yov can stand? If you tell
me where you live we can get you
home"
Helen, now keenly alive to every
thing, realized that her benefactor was
the criminal.
THANK you" she said steadily. II
guess I am able to go now if the
car is ready. Won't-won't you come
too?"
81 was going to ask you if l might"
And in a few minutes they were at
her door won't you come in and get
warm?" asked Helen. The time had
come for the grand coup.
Helen led him into the living room.
Then, excusing herself for a minute,
she went out and locked the door.
Aimee end Bobbie had heard and
were in the hall.
Ssh" whispered Helen. I've got
room. Think of it! I'm going to tele-
phone for the police right away
But while the girls were at the
phone Boobies curiosity got the bet
ter of him. He went quietly to the
door, turned the key and stuck in his
head.
How did you kill them both?" he
asked curiously. rs that the money!
nodding toward he bag.
1.-The man laughed. do you think
I'm Captain Kidd? Come here, little
man."
no, but sister said you were the
man the papers told about. and she
needed the reward. She'll be sorry"
"I'm afraid she will. But / don't
try to kin people. It's my business to
patch them up. l help little boys like
you to throw away their crutches."
whats your name" asked Bobbie.
Marshall J. Taylor, at your service,
sir !"
Helen and Aimee, who had tiptoed
to the doorway, were aghast. They had
heard it all.
1.-The doctor ~ Helen almost sobbed,
and going into the room. she said
quickly: ITS all true, what Bobbie
told you. l was hunting the criminal
to get reward to make Bobbie we'll.
was going to take him to you"
well make Bobbie WE'LL" answered
Doctor Taylor, and some day" he
paused, maybe you can pay me, but
not In money"