Evening star., 1932-08-07

dropped the novel she was reading
and ran to the window Of her mod
est home
"J,st a minute. Fenderton," she called, and
hurried to put on her hat, for Fenderton had
not stopped in front of the house for four
weeks. In fact, he had not had his car for
four weeks because his father had taken It
from him when he cmsshed into the police
car, practically demofshing both cars.
The ultimatum his father had delivered was
that Fenderton must get job instantly or he
was through with him. and in desperation Fen
derton had becc cne butchers boy delivering
chops and steaks and liver
It was not like Fenderton to admit that he
had fallen SO lew and he had told May Mid
dleton that he was serving in the lowly butcher
boy capacity as a disguise for his labor in
somewhat vague detective capacity-which May
Middleton did not believe at all. She knew
her Fenderton and she had heard his magina-
tive stories before.
why Fenderton" she exclaimed, as she
got into the car. I'm just awfully glad to see
YOU Did the butcher kick you out Fenderton?
Why did your father let you have the car
back, Fenderton?"
THE truth was that Mr. Roper, while pleased
that his son had promptly obeyed his
ultmatum, did not much like to see Roper
working as butchers boy, and when Fender
ton had held his job faithfully for four weeks
he had talked to FeIlderton sternIy, told him
he could take a reasonable time to find a
more suitable job. and that he could use his
car within reason, provided he did not bang
into any more police cars
Listen, May" Fenderton said in answer to
her question as he started the car, you don't
suppose would go and work in any bum old
butcher shop if didn't have to do lot Of
well-funny things in this detective work I'm
doing. do you?"
We'll of course. Fenderton," May said snug
Cling against him, you can't believe every
thing you hear, can you? About your father
taking your away from you and making
you go to work, mean Fenderton. Fender
ton, wouldn't it be nice if We drove over to
Norton and went to the movies? Have you
got any money Fenderton?"
"Three good old bucks right down in my
jeans" FendeIton boasted Three good old
plunks What does the gas show, May?"
lie knew well enough what the gas showed
because he had just had the tank filled but
tEat was way FendertOn had.
why the tank is full, Feno oerton" May said
looking at the gas register. You must have
been just positively rich, Fenderton."
mot so bad" Fsnderton admitted. "A man
has to be mighty well heeled in this detective
game, May. You never know when you have
to hand out the good old COIN
~Are you working on a case now, Fenderton?"
Nav asked with what apparent eagerness
to learn, and Fenderton looked around as if
fearing that some black-hearted spy might have
hidden himself in the rumble seat
Nothing but the little old biggest case I've
tackled yet that's ALL" Fenderton declared.
Cant say anything about it, May. You know
--undercover job. Strictly on the @. T."
Jaw Fenderton!" May begged. Il won't tell.
won't breathe word What is it, Fenderton?
I'll be mad If you don't tell me"
Bank" said Fenderton Just little old
piece of detective work for the First National
Bank, that's all! They had to call IN good
old Fenderton Roper when the back-number
sleuths fell down on that job. Old George
Durfy had to send for little old Fenderton."
"Oh," said May. surprised. Has your father
gotten you job IN the bank, Fenderton?" but
this was mistake, May saw instantly
w talk Fenderton said in a hurt
voice IF tell you q solemn secret and you
go and talk that wayI"
Now, please, Fende-ton,' May begged. Now
don't 60 and spoil our whole evening. You know
- what meant, Fenderton-I meant, do you have
to go and be in the bank to do your detective
work, Fenderton? And, of course, thought
you'd have your father get you into the bank
because-weIl he does hold stock in the bank,
doesn't he?"
you're pretty smart babe, May" Fender
ton said much mollified You needn't be sur
prised if you see me in the old First National
handing out the money and taking IN the
checks, May" Fenderton said. But keep 1t
dark. babe. It's big stuff"
"Why, Fenderton, I wouldn't whisper 1t to
q SOUL" May said, and she meant it. She did