Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1921-11-26
mt from Clara--for the hard times

ing. II could not be that Clara was the
shoplifter. and yeti looked bad.
The next day Bob came across Hazel
and Clara AZ one Of the lace counters.
They were talking to Esther Elston,
who also attended Clayton college.
They introduced Bob. and after re-
marking about the excellent weather
Miss Elston moved away.
The two girls were again at the
Jacobs home that evening when Bob
arrived. They we're making costumes
for the hard times party. Shortly af-
ter Bob's arrival Clara prepared to
leave and Bob offered TO drive her
home In his runabout.
Bob loved fresh air and sunshine.
and except when 1t rained he kept the
top of the car down. The sun was
shining with unusual intensity for so
late In the day and he offered to raise
the top for Clara's benefit.
"Its not necessary" she said. 81
can use the parasol. I'm afraid will
get blistered II / don't have some
shade"
She opened the object In question,
and as she did so something fluttered
from II to the floor OF the car Bob
picked II up and handed II TO her with
sinking heart 1t was piece Of
lace.
why. where did that come fromT'
Clara exclaimed In evident surprise.
Looks like some of Elston's goods"
commented Bob stepping on the
starter.
I'm sure didn't buy It," declared
Clara. 1T must have dropped In when
l was at the store today"
But Bob was convinced. and all
night he tossed and tumbled In his
bed, his brain In II turmoil. He loved
Clara and they were 10 be- married In
the fall. but this horrifying discovery
was enough to daunt any man on the
matrimonial brink. Marry shopllft-
er? Impossible
He was In q trance all the next day.
caught between conflicting emotions.
Love was arrayed against duty-to
himself and his employer. He must
reveal the shOplifter: II was what he
was paid for, and surely he could not
marry the girl 10 the face Of such
publicity Still. he loved her.
That night he came to decision
He would marry Clara. regardless. He
loved her and he would take her for
his wife. shOplifter though she was.
Perhaps she was kleptomaniac and
not responsible for her thleving ways
II she persisted In the habit he would
try to reform her, but his bride she
would be At all costs. He would re-
sign his position rather than inform
on her. and they would live in some
other city.
Two days later Clara came TO the
store again with Hazel. and Bob
fingered by them. determined to watch.
Miss Elston was there. waiting to take
her father to the golf links. and the
girls engaged in conversation at the
silk counter. Presently Mr.. Elston ap-
peared and his daughter left with him
There goes the biggest cut-up In
college" commented Hazel "She keeps
the faculty in hot water all the time"
The following morning Mr.. Elston
again summoned Bob TO his Office.
The Shoplifter is continuing opera
tions" he announced. land the week
you gave yourself is nearly up. silks
were stolen yesterday and laces the
day before. Have you a clewT
~ have" Bob declared. II believe
have the shoplifter spotted but as
sure you dislike revealing her iden-
tity."
what" exploded the boss. You
mean 70 say you know the guilty
party and yet want TO shield herr
What Go pay you for, young mani
/ demand that you solve this mystery"
Very well, shall do So before the
day is over"
He waited until Miss Elston arrived
and entered her fathers office. Then
Bob tapped at the door and was told
10 enter.
"Mr. Elston, l am about 10 reveal
the identity Of the shoplifter She Is
standing beside you now"
The proprietor's face turned livid,
and ne seemed about 10 make an at
tack on Bob But Miss ElSton stepped
forward. smiling sweetly.
Father, your astute detective has
solved the mystery When came
home from school and learned you had
hired a detective | saw an opportunity
for some fun-to match my wits
against the smart sleuth So | have
been taking things from the store for
a month. This is such a prosaic es-
tablishment; nothing ever happens
and thought II was up 10 me To ere
ate some excitement rs we'll as puz-
zle this bright young man. Clara sum
lners had talked so much about her
detective lover that decided to show
her he wasn't so much. was ter
rrlly brazen about IL; even went ~
far as 10 give Clara rag doll ! had
taken; and the other day ! dropped
Il piece Of stolen lace in her parasol