Evening star., 1922-09-24

for more than an hour. that he come
tiptoeing in.
"Well?" says I.
"Have-have they gomez" he asks.
"Oh. yes" says l.
And at that he slumps into chair.
IL suppose I might as we'll tell
you the whole story" he sighs.
IF you do" I warned him. re
member I'm liable to be called as
a witness. What have they got on
your
II beg pardon?" says he. staring At
me.
"oh, comew says I. what brand
of crime did they tag you with?'
Crime" says he. "Why. my dear
Miss, Dodge. I trust it isn't as bad
as that"
THAT fat boy spoke Of you as a
crook" says I.
"I know" he admits. II have been
called almost everything. That is
rather a mild term, in fact. Some
Of the others were much more
sevete."
"others?" says I. You don't
mean that a lot more people are
after you, too?'
About hundred. should say"
says he.
And by that time must have been
gawping at him. SAY. was 1t a
regular cleanup act you pulled? I
asked. "Jewelry. or what"
He shrugged. his shoulders and in
dulged in a sketchy smile. you
would almost think So" says he. ito
listen to them. Why, some have
been so abusive that
Lets get down to brass tacks.
Horton" says I. These people who
were here tonight, for instance. What
| form: Of felony did you use on them?'
1.-THE Belchers?" says he. Let me
| see, I believe it was something about
Lucille's handicap in the mixed dou-
bles. complicated with q decision
which disqualified Buddy Eelcher
| from the tub race"
And once more he had me with
mouth open.
Come out Of it.. Horton" says L.
you're wandering again. Was 1t a
second-story job. or an assault with
intent to MAIN"
He waved q limp protest with ono
hand. II think I'd better begin 1t
the beginning" says he.
"AI right" says I. shoot"
| "That was when We organized .
committee of guests and! cottagers
at the Twin Peaks House. early in
| Auelst," says he. ''It seemed to be
the right and proper thing to do.
| Harmless, at least. You see, spent
several seasons there IA come to
know the manager quite well. called
| the head waiter by his frst name.
and some Of the bell boys and wait
tresses were like old friends. had
| oualified a. q regular. an old timer.
| You know how It IL at these resort
places7''
I didn't, but nodded.
WELL" h& goes on. "being .
! bachelor, q dancing man, = fair
golfer, and q passabIe bridge part
ner, suppose I may say without
conceit that was somewhat popu-
lar. Nearly all the guests and cot
ltagers seemed to know me. Most Of
the girls called me Horty. Lucille
did, likewise her sister Marion.
rather liked 1t. One does, you know.
II was In mountaineering. after
noon.. evening. counted my friends
by the dozens, almost by the hun.
dreds. At least, thought they were
friends" -
ITERE III stopped p let loose 4
II sigh.
"Yesr' prompted.
And then" said he, "in rash
j moment I allowed them to make me
lchairman Of the entertainment COM
mittee. AZ fifst was pleased and q
bit proud. I didn't mind the work
the hours spent in figuring out golf
/ handicxps. or planning baby parties
/ and hay rides and corn roasts.
appointed committees and boueh,
prizes and arranged programs. an
told myself that at last was being
of some use In the world. I wal
helping to give others good time
4 And really It IL IN honest-to-good.
ness Job. hsd an idea that al my
labor andwsfry would be appreciated
fne ~ q Z 9s---.s57 - (,