New Britain herald., 1929-03-26
CHAPTER 1

glanced rapidly up and down the subway platform and brought his eyes to rest the fox nechpece around M dreds shoulders
 She was very proud of that scarf It had been given to her by guest the hotel where she employed just before the sailed for Siam with her husband.
 Mildred did notice the sealthy approach of the sly looking individual who stopped and leaned against nearby pillar half hidden from her sight.
 Her attention focused young down by the newsstand They bumped together the stairs There had been an echo of quick sorry fleeting, polite gesture with soft gray hat and he gone, huryng in vain attempt to make the train,
 Mildred hurried also, but they both too late. She was annoyed Just those few seconds lost in the collision would cost her several minutes.
 We'll, lEr Grant Hurry, whose fault it was, had missed the train, she with satisfaction Served him right go ackne traffic though lie football field
 It further annoyed her that he didn't to mind Apparently he absorbed the paper he held in his hands.
 I'll bet he hadn't darn thing hurry for" Mildred thought resenttuy, casting another crossgance at him. Nice profile of Wall Steet-young broker look about his clothes Surely there wasn't any need for him to worry about getting home before dinner spoiled. And this was chop night at her house. Mildred reflected uefuy We'll maybe her mother hadn't cooked all of them Any thing but warmed-Up chops"
 She looked at her wrist watch Nearly an hour late NeI at least had escaped the terrible crush of the subway rush hour She went and took seat on bench snug aling her chin down the luxurious platinum fox It always gave here a pleasant sensation to do that.
 Her mother had looked grave when first she the gift " don't my girls getting used to tinely they can't afford she said Mildred had sighed that l1el life was spent in getting used things she couldn't afford All day she saw fashionay and eNpensvey 2oWned women coming and going in the udson Hotel It rather hard contact for very pretty girl whose salary needed at home
 train pulled in and she stepped quickly aboard, taking seat by an open window with her back to it. She noticed that the nice looking young Was not in her car,
 Neither he in any other, Back on the platform he lifted his eyes from the sports page and sNore feengN Stood right like dumb and let 1t go past me-, he lanented disgust As the departing train pulled farther away the words he chose to express his emotions grew stronger
 Then far up on the platform, thrust an arm through the open window Mildreds back, gave swift jerk and withdrew it before anyone could stop him. Nlth came Mdreds She felt the sharp at her throat when the clasp drawn agalns 1t before she Knew tat anything was happening
 Fortunately the clasp parted. Her hand flew up ln snctivev and she cuched IantcaT at the brush Of the fur as tip disappeared from her sight Simultaneously she screamed but for few seconds she too beWdered to move Then she jumped her feet and through the cars to find guard He could do nothing for her It not new story him. He advised Mildred to leave the train at the next station and return
 Her hepessness brought of complete loss to Mil dred The only good fur she'd owned The thief would be many blocks away before she could get back unless he were caught There was chance that had him snatch the fur she told herself encouragngy as she hu ried over to take downtown train.
 She found a crowd gathered at the scene of the theft and when she had pushed her way the presence of the officer at the center of it she beathess to speak for a moment
 He had expected the return had, in fact de- ayed starting for the police station with the whose he held iron grip But e couldn't wait any longer The crowd would not dspere long there something be and the officer knew there imminent danger of being upshed off the platform the tracks below
 That's my fur" Mildred managed at last to gasp and reached out hand to take it.
 Sorry miss" the officer said; you'll have to come along with to the station and claim your property.
 Oh Mildred walled, I'm late now
 You'll too' the officer sad turning to young beside him. Mildred had until then, looked any one except officer and his prisoner She recognized the young
 "Dd you catch hm?' she asked breahlessy.
 Of course he answered to both of them.
 But how did you do ? she pressed he helped her to make through the crowd to the street Weren't the tran?
 Couldn't have been caught him, could r? Don't you believe me?'
 "Oh yes of course. The crowd thrust them closer to- gether Mildred looked up at him with "Im awfuly glad But how did you do it."
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