Evening star., 1931-05-24

bucks q page Wen probably get hooked on Il.
some theatrical companies have got stung."
"Yeah7" Shoestrings eyebrows pulled into .
straight line. "N we don't assay . hundred
per cent safe we pay OF get closed down. Wen,
we won't get closed down. and we won't pay."
Shoestring Charles cigarette was dead. He
threw 1t away.
Grab q rattler right back to Metropolis" he
commanded. "Pick me . big room with good
light IN Il at the New Western: It's old FASH
ioned, with plenty Of places for an electric ear.
Get one Of them old babies, with the heavy
portieres hanging in front Of the folding doors,
so guy can work q camera II necessary Then
grab the next room for hideout, and hire the
best agency you can get-the Hawkeye. Have
'em put q TAN on me the minute light in town
and another ON the chief. Understand"
I'm on my way" answered the fxer.
moment later the show owner paced his
car alone, lighting one cigarette from another.
$50 I'm IN for o shake down, am ~" he asked
himself and frowning, continued his pacing.
Suddenly he halted. "It'n be tough on the kid"
he unused.
COUR days later, Shoestring Charlie Grenolds
stood under the marquee Of the Worlds
Famous Circus, now occupying the center Of
the fairgrounds at Metropolis. In the fore
ground, apparently only one Of many listeners
before the sideshow ballyhoo stand, q private
detective kept watch, not upon Shoestring, but
upon others who also might be watching or
following him. In the background was another,
fulfilling for q moment the task Of a ticket
taker at the main gate.
Shoestring paid no attention TO either. His
eyes were upon the activities Of q man In the
uniform of a chief Of police, accompanied by
two sergeants. They had been making the
rounds of the show for more than an hour.
Now the chief was approaching, and the show
owner awaited him.
wit a ticnt
smile.
Chief Hampstead ignored him temporarily.
"You may CO." he commanded.
The sergeants saluted and departed. Then
the chief turned to Shoestring
"I understand there was young animal
trainer and his wife on this show. Named
Edwards
"Yeh." Shoestring became heavily inter-
ested. "T thought there was something funny
about that pair. So canned 'em about 10
days back Have something ON 'em did you,
chief"
The man pulled hard at his breath
'Not exactly" he answered and resumed his
bruSque attitude. so far, you seem all right.
But understand, no overcrowding or blocking OF
exits And IL I hear any complaints Of short
changing I'll close you down."
He walked away and Shoestring Charlie
watched him leave the show-grounds and climb
into the big police car in which awaited his
sergeants. At last the automobile rolled away,
just as the circus f1xer came up
did you get hold of Joe Edwards?" Shoe
string asked.
"Yeh, and found out why Whitney amt
here. He's down at the cars sleeping; changed
jobs yesterday night watchin now. He'll be
on hand tonight with Joe, all right. Joe says
you did just right; nobody but him can handle
that rajah lion"
Shoestring began the rolling Of cigarette.
well" he mused at last, "it looks like we've
got every bet coppered. If that brick kiln
holds steady maybe wen be all right"
Then, while two unobstrusive men kept watch
on his movements. Shoestring Charlie stroiled
out through the crowded midway and TO
juice Joint in front Of an old brick kin, where,
IN moments when customers were lacking. he
asked confidential questions. It was only one
Of many Visits that day.
There was reason. Behind the striped rear
awning Of the tuAee jonk was . bAxTtcade Of
heavy boarding. Between that and IN inner
haETicade we're two men with Eides. the maGa-
xAneS AEled with sseel-jeeketed bullets And
bealinA that second harTicade was IN escaped
Hen.
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