Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-06-01
Stealer of Marble ByE4gm1YallarS

saying what you thought of my idea-weI.
DON'T"
This time she did smile, but before she could
answer him he went on, speaking rapidly in
high treble that sometimes rose TO falsetto
squeak:
You're a perfectly beautiful girl and I'm
crazy about you but there's tragedy in
my life . really. Perfectly CHASTITY tragedy
An everything's at SKIES an sevens If I'd had
any sense I'd have brought in Teller to look
after things. I'm beginning to see that now"
For the second time in "a hours this young
man, who had almost been tongue-tied and had
never deigned to notice her, had poured forth
a torrent of condolences, and in one had, with
frantic inSiStence, set forth a plan which had
amazed and shocked her Abruptly he finished
wiped his weak eyes and said in his normal
voice:
Get Dillingham; on the phone; want him"
She wondered, her busy fingers few over
the keys of her typewriter, to what extent his
agitation and wild eloquence was due to the
rumored "shakiness" of Telfers Consolidated.
Mr. Dillingham; came, sober little man. bald
and taciturn. and went in his secretive way
into his employers room. There hint
in his appearance his manner that he
templated q great crime. He stout to q
point OF podgineSS; apart from his habitual
frown, his round face, unlned by the years.
was marked by an expression of benevolence.
Yet MIR. Stephen Dillingham;, managing di-
rector of the Teller Consolidated Trust, went
into the Office of the Central Bank late that
afternoon and presented a bearer check for
SOC, 900, which was duly honored
OF Billingham'S movements thenceforth little
was known. Neither the Always nor the
waterways had known him, the police theory
being that he had left by an evening train that
had carried an excursion party to Florida
GGT>HLS is the biggest steal we have had in
years." said the district attorney. 'If you
can slip in sideways ON the inquiry, Mr.. Reeder,
should be glad. Don't step on the toes of the
police-they are quite amiable people where
murder is concerned but a little touchy where
money is in question. Go along and see Sidney
Teller"
Fortunately, the Frustrated Sidney was dis
coverable outside the city area. Mr.. Reeder
went into the outer office and saw a familiar
face.
Pardon me- I think I know you, young
lady," he said, and she smiled as she opened the
little wooden gate to admit him.
you are Mr.. Reeder-We live in the same
street" she said, and then quickly: Have you
come about Mr. Dillingham;"
Yes His voice was hushed as though he
speaking of a dead friend 1T wanted to
see Mr.. Teller, but perhaps you could give me
little information"
The only news she had was that Sidney
II I
and was at the moment in such state OF
collapse that she had sent for the doctor.
IT doubt if he is in a condition to see you"
she said.
ST will take all responsibility" said Mr.
Reeder soothingly Us Mr. Telfer-er-a friend
of yours, Miss p"
'Belman is my name" He had seen the
quick flush that came to her cheek; 1t could
mean one of two things. mo, am en-
ploye, that's ALL"
Her tone told him ali he wanted TO know.
Mr.. J. G. Reeder was something of an authority
on Office friendships
Bothered you a little has he?" he MUIR
INJURED, and she shot a suspicious look at him.
What did he know and what bearing had Mr..
Telfer's mad proposal on the present disaster?
She was entirely in the dark as to the true
state of affairs; it was, she felt moment for
frankness.
Wanted you TO run away! Dear mel" Mr..
Reeder was shocked. HE is married."
"Oh, no-hes not married" said the girl
shortly. Poor man, I'm sorry for him now.
I'm afraid that the loss is very heavy one
who would suspect Mr.. Dillingham;"
"Ah, who indeed" sighed the lugubrious
Reeder, and took of his glasses to wipe them;
almost she suspected tears. 81 think 1 will go
in now-that is the door?"
Sidney ierked up his face and glared at the
intruder. He had been sitting with his head
on his arms for the greater part Of an hour
IT say what do you want?" he asked
feebly. IT say can't see anybody. q.
District attorneys department." He almost
screamed the words Whats the use Of prose-
cutting him If you don't get the money back"
Mr. Reeder let him work down before he
began to play his very judicious questions.
II don't know much about it." said the de-
spondent young man. I'm only sort of fig
urehead Dillingham; brought the checks for
me to sign and 1 signed 'em. never gave him
instructions; he got his orders I don't know
very much about it. He told me, actually told
me- that the business was in a bad way-hah o
nv week