The Bozeman courier., 1927-01-21
PAGER FVFTWEN


grOaned, 81 should tell you that therb was.
Just now am man, not a clergyman"
ut seems pity" Mr.. Tidd sighed, that
the two can't sometimes change places"
They mounted higher and higher, climbed
the last ascent, and neared the thicket. The
policeman leaned over from the back, agOg
with excitement.
"There he be, sir-there he be! He's
tinkering with the motorcycle Us'n tackle
him right away, Mr.. Tidd. It be a good
half hour before the inspector can come
along"
Mr. HaseltOn brought the car to a stand
still and remained at the wheel while
Police Constable ChOpping and Mr.. Tidd
approached the little clearing. At their ad-
vance, the girl who had been lying on a
rug, half raised herself and stared at them
her eyes wide open with horror. The young
man paused in his task. he gripped the
wrench which he had been holding fiercely
in his right hand. He was by no means a
pleasing looking person at that moment
What do you want2" he demanded.
Police Constable ChOpping produced his
notebook. 1t was Of no particular use, but
the handling Of it gave him a feeling Of
confidence.
''Us just wants to ask a question Of you
young sir" he announced.
Like your damned cheek" the young
"'Tis a plain question and needs nObbut
simple answer" the policeman continued.
HAS yOu'm been down to MelhamptOn this
morning on that there bicycle2"
That's my affair."" was the curt re-
"Uml REFUSES to answer" the policeman
commented. Every well, young sir, then
I'll put it to you straight. There's a rob-
berry been committed at the MelhamptOn
bank"
The young man threw the wrench upon
the grass. The girl had staggered to her
feet.
Leonardo she shrieked.
She was in his arms. For a moment no
one spoke. Police Constable ChOpping's
smile brOadened. He turned expectantly
! towards his companion. Mr. Tidd swal-
lowed hard and faced the situation. For
the first time in his life he told a delibeF-
ate and amazing falsehOOd.
This is not in the least like the young
man who robbed the bank he announced,
in a clear tone" not in the least like him."
The pOliceman's smile faded away into an
expression Of blank disappointment The
young man seemed suddenly to stiffen. He
turned his head half dOubtfully towards
the speaker, but the girls arms were tight
around his neck. Her eyes too. were fixed
upon the little bank manager and they
shOne with a light which made Mr. Tdd
feel that lying was most delightful
vocation.
You are sure, sir?" the policeman per-
sisted dejectedly.
Absolutely certain" Mr.. Tidd declared.
"The young mans appearance seems some
what familiar to me, but he is not in the
least like the young blackguard who
tackled me this morning. Why, ChOpping,"
Mr.. Tidd went on, finding his task easier
=
assailant was short, fair haired man OF
Isturdy build?"
81 can't rightly remember" Police Con-
stable ChOpping observed dOlefully, that
you described the chief at all-said you'd
wait, maybe, until the inspector cum
along"
well, well!" Mr.. Tidd exclaimed with
a sudden change Of tone, looking hard at
Of apprehension was beginning to dawn,
Il do believe-why, it's Leonard HaseltOn,
of course. Dear me! And your father has
been looking out for you every hour. d.
Z Mr. HaSeltOn"
: The vicar had already descended from the
car. He came hurrying up. 1t was all he
Tidd's hand, but he remembered Police
Constable ChOpping, who was standing
: sOlemnly aghast in the background:
My dear Leonard" he said taking his
sons hand, "and your wife, Of course
Frances, think. My dear we are expecting
; you both. If your bicycle is out Of order,
! Leonard, you had better come into the car
and l will drive you home. l am afraid,
{ he went on, that you can't have had a
very comfortable tour"
( The girls smile, the happiness which
s suddenly shOne In her simple but DeautlIul
q face, were more than Mr.. Tidd could bear.
= He turned away, and, dropping his cane,
S was several moments picking It up.
3 "SuppOsing you take the young people
down to the car, vicar" he suggested. I'VE
will follow directly"
The vicar extended his arm. The girl,
clinging to it, moved happily off. Leonard
:. hesitated once or twice, but Mr.. Ttdd's
{ gesture of dismissal was peTemptory.
Il "ChOpping," the latter said, as soon as
o they were alone, 81 am sorry for your dis
n appointment, but l had to tell the truth
"sure-Iy," was the somewhat doubtful
!. response. "What might that be you picked
"A piece of black material-part Of &
l. lady's dress once l should think" Mr
l. Tidd replied, completing the destructoin o.
d the clumsy black mask. What should
r like you to understand, ChOpping, Is thai
n think in this matter you have shown
great intelligence and prOmptness. 1t was
P not your fault that we came off on wrong
scent. shall take care that the inspector
g The staIwart guardian Of the peace sait
y nothing. He was gazing thOughtfully dow
?. to the valley. Mr.. Tidd watched him GOV
- ertly. Presently the former delivered him
=. self of a portion of his thoughts.
q "I thank e kindly, sir, he said. 1Ot
u be a man of brains, Mr.. Tidd, and the vicai
~ well, he do be a much respected gentle
- man. Maybe it's best for the likes OF m!
3 to keep a silent tongue. But, Mr. Ttdd-
''Well, ChOpping2"
20 81 wudna have you think me a simple
- ton"
~ heim.l