The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1929-04-26
- 1879 by
hEA Service Inc

models.
Mr.. Mettle came in late. He
greeted Stephen with a sour face
and a skinny nod.
Stephen worked like a Trojan
that morning, using his utmost SELL
ing powers on all potential buyers
who came within sound of his voice
He saw Carl Short come in some
time after II and go directly to Mr.
Mettle's private office. The inves-
tigator was closeted there with the
manager for about fifteen minutes
before Stephen was sent for.
ERESH trouble was in the air
l. Stephen knew as soon as he
opened the door and faced the two.
On the desk between them lay a
81 caliber revolver, a large roll
Of bills and q bunch Of keys in a
leather key holder.
Stephen did not at first see the
keys or the money. His eyes were
fastened upon the gun.
Ever see it before?" Short asked
dryly Mr. Mettle said nothing.
His mouth was like a crack of ice,
drawn sharply across his face as it
was
Stephen shook his head. NO"
he said.
"Or this?" Short picked up the
roll Of bills.
Stephen looked puzzled Again he
shook his head.
And I suppose you never set
your eyes on these before, either?"
Short rasped, taking the keys from
the table and holding them out on
the palm of his hand under Ste
phen's astonished gaze.
why, they look like my keys?"
he exclaimed unhesitatingly.
Hin" Mr. Mettle muttered;
''guess you couldn't deny it, because
saw you when you snapped on the
keys to the car you stole"
Stephen whirled upon him
"Stole?' he repeated blankly.
That's right, Armitage," Short
interjected crisply; we've got the
8OUQS Oh you.
Like hell you have" Stephen re-
torted, losing control of his temper.
What kind OF a setup is this? I
never saw that gun or that roll be-
fore in my life. I don't know where
you got the keys, unless you've
caught the guy who stole ="
We have" Short assured him.
The keys were found in your room
this morning. The gun and the
money, too. That's enough to hold
you"
Stephen stared at him, pop-eyed.
Not in my ROOM" he began but
Short cut him off again.
There's no argument" he said
CURLY, the hotel manager made
the search with us. I guess you're
through helping crooks to rob your
firm. Better come along quietly be-
fore the men outside get wise"
Il
a SILVER ran over Stephens
L \ body as it was borne in upon
him that he was under arrest.
Under arrestl He, Stephen Armi-
tage. He couldn't get it.
Turning Tor aid to Mr.. Mettle, he
saw his employer wave his hand
with an outward, finishing gesture
that did not need words to convey
its meaning. Nevertheless Mr.. Met
tie barked out an order to Short to
take him away. Get him out of
here"
And Stephen was taken away"
Later he found himself booked
at the nearest police station on a
double charge of possessing a fire
arm without a license and grand
larceny.
Being unable to provide bail, he
was locked up. The help of pro-
feSsional bondsnen was not avail
able; neither would he wire to his
family in Indiana for aid.
But lawyer; he'd have to have
a lawyer. Someone had to get him
out of there. He paced up and down
his cell, vainly figuring how and
where he could raise the money for
a lawyers fee.
And Pamela! God. how was he
going to let her know about this?
That was Stephens darkest mo-
ment. The disgrace of his position
swept over him like a crushing
weight. He dropped to the cot and
buried his face in his hands.
It was some time before he was
able to think nationally. Then it
came to him that he could COM
municate with Harold. ask her
brother to send Pamela to him.
He'd have to see her. have to
know that she'd believe in his in
nocence.
He got up. pressed his face to the
bars and called out loudly for the
turnkey.