The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-08-29
SHANNON

| though he was giving all of his ap- parent attention to kittie. From time to time she caught him gaztrg at her as if he were trying to calcu- late the effect of his gaisU. l For her own part. the Nebraska girl adopted an easy manner that was | almost aloofness. It seemed the 1 only thing to do. Kittie leaned toward Sprogget and patted him on the arm affectionately. ''The more I see of you, Miles, the better like you. You're gilt-edged lover, I'll remark" | Isn't she a wonder He smiled triumphantly at Miss Smith. ..I can see that you are going to be easv to get along with" 1 Its nj, Q you both are so delight fully pleased Miss Smith said, pointedly.
 The waiter reappeared, guiding a young man with his hat in hds hand toward their table. It was the mes senger from the, ticket spe ,ul;tor.
 ''Twenty-one dollars for the tickets and four d'.lIars for delivery. MT. 1 Sproggest,'' he said, placing the three | pastboards on the table. I Sprogget reached to the inside of 1 his coat for his bill-foid | The pocket vas hopelessly empty! | He withdrew his hand ai1nlessly and | thrust it into his trouser-pocket His | fingers encountered only several | small silver pieces. It -dawnedA upon him that he was without money. There had been more than five hun dred dollars in the wallet when he 1 left the Waldors. Well, I guess I'm rube all right!" He grinned sheepishly at the girls. | Somebody nicked me for my wallet" You mean somebody tapped you for your roll ?'' Kittie asked, in con sternation. ''They sure did'' he an | swered. The waiter. -yho had over- heard, underwent a sudden and com plete change Of attitude. 9 What's that?" he demanded srs- picious1y "They don't no dips work in this joint
 Nevertheless, my bill-fold is miss ing. I'm going to ask you to send for | the manager He spoke to the 1 ticket messenger. You just wait here a cou1fe of minutes"
 The waiter looked upon the party This ain't job for the manager, | he said. f'Swanheimer himself | handles these cases. I'll get him in a | hurry"
 Swanheimer appeared, as if some one had pressed button, a fat oily man with disagreeab1e scowl. Whats this I hear-what's this | about bein' robbed?" In tome, man ner, and expression he was too plainly skeptical.
 Sprogget explained quietly. And you ain't got no kaIe?" You guessed it-Tm flat"
 The proprietor turned to his min- ion "Get the cop." When a scrap was on, Swanheimer trusted to his staff to settle all issues but in the matter of money he had an abiding faith in the blue coated men of the law.
 Miss Smith. intimidated. sat speech less. Not so with Kittie.
 Just a minute. mister" she safo. With a harshness that matched ana even exceeded Swanheimer's This gentleman here's an oil man, so don't get rough, see? We don't need any cop-'
 But this situation affected Swan- heimer in his vulnerable spot There was money at stake.
 'I got system for these cases,'' he said coarsely. You make good or you go to the station-all of you. I've had my eye on you all evenin' order in twenty-five dollars worth of roses for the table. Don't try to stall me, sister"
 Beneath his coat of sunburn, Sprogget seemed to pale. He rose deliberately to his feet.
 I'm personally responsible, I'm registered at the Waldorf, and my drafts are on deposit with the clerk there"
 The proprietor waves a heavy hand excited1y.
 That's the same kind of line all the four-f1ushers pull" he sneered loudly. You broke the law when you ordered a meal you can't pay for NOW you dig up, or you and the danes get pinched."
 The waiter, who had fingered a mo- ment, started for the door, but he was stopped by hand on his arm.
 Just minute-just minute" smooth voice said. very gently
 There's going to be no trouble about his check''
 Spfogget looked :n surprise on the speaker. Tnere was something elu- slVely familiar in the smallish young chap who had tntervened Swan heimer, too, seemed startled, and then a smile of relief spread itself on his gross face.
 'Vy, MT. Fredericks. if the nartv is friend of yours-'
 Fade away, Swannie'' said the stranger waving his hand. Exit out, vamoosei"
 When he had gone the young man drew wallet from his po.ket and extended it to Sprogget.
 In one side you'lI find my card" ne sa1d "1n the other side are the pank-notes. Help yourself like it was your own''
 men Sproggct recognized him. He was the same dapper young Tartar "no had battled so ga1lant1y in Kit ie oefense-the sa1ne who had sunk oeheaeh one mighty pi1e-driving smash from the Westerners fist.
 CHAPTER VII
 TOmmie
 IT Miles Sprogget felt any delicacy