The Washington herald., 1922-06-23

lho pcu anu gave lnOuBHl 70
eventualities. All colored Birming-
ham knew that Edner Torring had
been posing for her picture. Choco-
late society was waiting agape for
sight of the canvas. And II was
obvious that it was soon to be
treated to a sight for which neither
artist nor model had planned.
Circumstances had connived
against him. One more day and
Edner would have been at leas,
partially clothed. But now? Ly-
mus couldn't even explain. for ex-
PLANTATION would publish broadcast
to the world his masquerade. Did
he tell of his deception Birmingham,
would know that he was not an
artist, and Birmingham would laugh
him out of town. More. there was
that damning contract which Lawyer
Chem had drawn up and he had
signed-that. and the $50 advance ac-
cepted in the guise of an artist.
There was little sleep in the
room occupied by Lymus that nighs
Investigation had disclosed the fact
that the Flukers residence had been
vacant during the afternoon. Sis
Callie having been downtown shop
ping and the , other gentleman
boarder busy at his job with the
City Ice Company. The intruder had
found a clear field and a world
Of time for his vandalism.
The day dawned raw and dis
NAL Low hanging clouds scudded
by within view of Lymus' window
thick, damp clouds, which exudeu
heavy moisture that chilled him
to the bone and kept him lying
supine with the spread pulled up
about his thin neck.
Finally he rose and staggered to
the window. The prospect was
gloomy to the nth degree.
At 10 o'clock Sis Callie an
nounced a visitor. Lymus scented
trouble. Just at the moment it was
impossible for him to scent any
thing else. He shrugged indiffer-
emily and babe Sis Callie show the
man in.
She did. She tried to hang around,
but Lymus shut the door abruptly
in her face Then he opened it
again and requested politely that
she remove herself from the prox-
unity of the keyhoIe. After which
he made assurance doubly sure by
plugging the lock. Finally he
turned.
What you vans with me, Noah
Lee?"
The face of the big man glowed
with triumph. He lowered above
Lymus menacingly.
You lii speck of less'n nothin'."
he growled. Use got a good min to
sqush your
"Sqush away" invited Lymus. TT
don make no pretickeler Offence
to me-"
''1fn I was to lay my hans on
you"
"Bein' murdered is the fondest
thing / is of right now. Brother Lee
My grave amt Ewine be big enough
to cay my troubles into"
Noah seated himself on the edge
of the bed and lighted a cigar. He
chuckled audibly. Lymus flushed
Laugh. big boy. i'm you en- see
anythin' funny roun' heah. 1 cum
graduates you"
faint what I see. Brother John
SON., returned Noah. It's what I
dom see.'
"Meanin' which,
"Aint you ben paintin' a pitcher
of Edner Torring?"
II has"
Where is il now"
Lymus' diminutive body grew
rigid. He advanced a step closer to
his visitor. Noah Lee-is you the
Teller done swiped that pitcher
outen this room?"
Noah nodded cheerfully. rs is"
Lymus walked to the window,
where he stood for a moment star
ing down at the gray.dismal pros
pect. He spoke without turning.
How come you to steal that pitcher,
Noah?"
Cause" returned the visitor
frankly. II Graves to make maiage
with Priscilla wattles.''
What Edner Torring's pitcher got
to do with that"
With you not tryin' to may Pris-
silla-I is gwine have a chance. An
you amt gwine try no mo- to make
ma'iage with her"
How you talk that soht of fool
ishment?"
The minute you makes talk with
her again. Mistuh Lymus johnson.
i as gwine to show Lisha Torring
that pitcher of his wife. an he's
most likely gwine inquire where
her clothes are at"
And this situation was square in
deed. Noah had stolen the picture.
which he was suspending over the
head OF the diminutive Lymus an a
sword of Damocles The price for
his silence would be the calling off
of Lymus' courtship. Did Lymus
continue to pay court to Priscilla.
all Noah had to do was to exhibit
his ill-gotten trophy to the mas
sive husband of the beautiful Ed
ner-and Lymus saw himself being
patted in the face with a spade.
NOAH"
"Huh?'
''Ain't you reelizin' I en- bav.
you rested TO- stealin' that pitcher?
Sholy. But you amt gwine do
nothin' so foolish"
How come you figger thataway?"
Minute I gifts rested, Lisha Tor
ring sees him that pitcher of his
wife an then Use gwine be a heap
mo- comfutibler in jail than what
you is out"
"S'posin'," said Lymus slowly
"s'posin' / lays often Priscilla Wat
ties. Does you return the pitcher
back to me?"
"Yeh-soon as I an her gets
mailed"
"Wigglin' Triple, An i'm she
DON may you-what is / gwine do
them"
You paints yo'se'f another pitch
er of Edner an delivers same. I