The Washington times., 1934-10-13
Now Read On

to plan and build2
Twice, at least, in previous
cases, he had thrown all that no
owned into q critical struggle. He
had won out before and been
richer than ever.
Alspsugh, watching and assist
ing his chiefs activities, took cour.
age. He felt better after his night
out; his sick nerves were c&lmer.
He was . man who, In . little
while. was most likely going to be
rich.
But his dream Of peace and g.
curity was rudely shattered when
Jasper Ingram sent for him and
said: IT may want to draw on
that money in your name. I sup
pose it's around the usual figure,
isn't it?"
Homer's heart stopped. He
looked absent for a moment, as II
calculating, and then managed to
say that he thought it was.
"All right" said Ingram. "JuSt
get it for me in cash, and have it
here tomorrow"
Homer left the office, stumbling
a little, like a man on his way to
the death chamber.
He cam into town the follow.
ing morning revolving plans for
flight.
When Alspaugh answered his
chiefs buzzer, the first question
that ingram shot at him was,
Have you got that hundred thou
sand in cash for me?"
"N-no, sir" Homer Stammered.
IT didn't know you wanted the
money so early. I thought I'd get
it for you 4ring my lunch hour"
1T just happens that have
use for that cash before noon"
What the helps the matter
with you?" Ingram demanded.
Then he suddenly knew.
ION second thought, I'll ride up
town with you" he said slowly.
Trapped
"Mr. Ingram, II wouldn't do
that If I were you" Homer
swallowed nd tried to grin. tits
like this, Nov for Gods sake
don't misunderstood what I'm
telling you! I mean I was going
to put the money back. It isn't
there now, so you sea cack-
ling laugh broke from him sud.
denly, "it wouldn't do any good
for US to go together and try to
draw it out!"
$50, you've stolen it, Ell? Is that
what you're trying to tell me?"
mo, Mr.. Ingram, didn't steal
it. I borrowed i'll can put it
back in a little while i'll took
some before and put it right back.
A sort of accommodation"
ingram was staring at him with
such baleful eyes that Homer
broke off. scared and suffering.
"And I didn't see It," Jasper
unused aloud.
Homer leaned over the broad
desk with hands stretched implor.
ingly towards his chief. His
breath came Sobbingly and his
eyes showed q rim Of frightened
white over the lower lids. mt.
ingram, for Gods sake don't be
hard on me! I've served you
faithfully. Just lately. seem to
have gone crazy I've admired
you, sir, more than any man on
earth. I didn't mean to defraud
you! I was so harried for money,
and I thought I could put this
back I did 1t for my wife,
Mr.. Ingram. You know my wife;
you know what . beautiful woman
she L. and how q woman like
that has to have money spent on
her"
Ingram got to his feet abruptly.
He hooked his big powerful hands
around AlSpaugh'S throat and
shook him as o terrier shakes q
rat. Then he released the man.
and wiping his hands, said con-
temptouSly. II shan't prosecute
you. You can walk out Of here
and not come back. Just q mo-
ment," said Ingram. "Cet the
bank on the phone for me-"
When Alspaugh was connected
with the cashier, Ingram took the
phone from him and asked the
balance in the account. Then he
turned to Alspaugh. write me
check for $18.5o0." he said.
Homer had to make several at
temptS before his trembling fin
gers could fill in the check and
produce . paSsable signature.
''Now get the hell out Of here!"
said Jasper Ingram.
Homer Alspaugh's personal hu.
initiation did not engage his
thoughts for long.
Homer had a drink or two and
then went into a picture house
and sat through the program I'm.
til it was time to take his usual
train.
Marian was not at the station