Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-14

'Ive been robbed" he called to Bum. "QuickI
Follow that mani"
Together they dashed to the door, hurried
out onto the platform and streaked along it to
its farther end, where the portly little man
could be seen rapidly going up the steps,
Don't lose sight of him." painted Caesar.
But the little man was already out of sight
when they reached the top of the steps and ran
out onto the street, which dark and de-
serted.
A large house with a lawn and shrubbery IN
front Of it stood at the corner of the street. and
they strained their eyes in that direction q
darker spot seemed to be moving furtively
across the lawn. Bum, with his hand held
stifay in his pocket, dashed ahead and Caesar
followed.
They overlook the little man in the center OF
the darkened lawn. Come across with that
wallet" Kissed Bum. sticking the gun into the
little mans ribs, land don't try any funny
stuff"
Don't shoot! Oh, don't shoot" whispered
the man in terror, fumbling in his pocket. Bum
reached in and secured the wallet and the two
boys backed away.
They turned and ran out onto the street. and
were soon in the subway again. "Whew!" re-
marked Bum, that was close. 1t was q good
thing 1 had the gun
Caesar regarded his friend uneasily. The
color was slowly returning to his face. Would
you-er-would you have shot it, Bump"
oh, no." cheerfully. 1T isn't loaded"
the door of his suite in the Hotel st. Charles
an infinitesimal crack and peered out into the
hallway. Then he swung it wider. Come in,
boys" he cried heartily. Il had about given
you up" ...
Mr.. MELLIsH was an alert handsome young
man Of 80, with sharp profile, vanished
hair. and q small clipped dark mustache He
was dressed for travelling; his bags and boxes,
a considerable number Of them neatly strapped
and in readiness for travelling, were ranged
about him on the floor.
Bum thrust the wallet into Caesars hand,
and the boy took it and opened it casually.
Suddenly his jaw dropped in CONSERVATION.
Vsibly the ruddy color swept out OF his cheeks.
"Oh. my heavens!" he gaSped. This isn't our
Wallet"
What" said Bum.
What! What! said Mr.. Mellisb He
smiled unpleasantly and squashed out his
cigarette. What lonsense is this? Didn't you
bring the money!"
I'VE had it," said Caesar miserably, but
but this isn't it, He fnge- ed the bills in his
nerveeSS hand There's about 5000 here but
is isn't ours The wallets looked alike on the
outside, but the inside is different. There are
more compartments and the bills are smaller"
Both boys began explaining at once VOL
Ubly and with many gestures. Mr. Mellish lis
tened impatiently, now and then glancing at
his watch
"All right all right" he said finally TN
have to get along with the 900, suppose. But
assure you these picayune Transactions"
Caesar stared But Mr.. Mellish, cant
give you the 900. 1t isn't ours. We practically
robbed that man of his money"
=" Practically is a good word" sneered Mr..
Mellish IF your story is true you held him
up and took it at the point of gun"
Caesar gulped. eyes we did," he admitted,
looking at his shoes. Bum shuddered
Mr.. Mellish turned suave well, boys, u
can't be helped. Just little mix-up ON your
part, and well meant-well meant. Now, you
just give me the money you have there and
Continued ON ELerenfh Pnne