Dorothy Dale (A Girl of To-Day) | Page 9

of the
men, trying to get on the track for capture.
"Through that same alley into the saloon," Ralph said. "I will go at
once, and have the place searched."
"As soon as he got the papers Dorothy had he went off," finished Tavia,
"just as he did when he got my notes."

Leaving the girls to quiet themselves in the drug store, all the men,
except the head clerk, started out to give the alarm.
This time a thorough search should be made, and even a reward offered
by the town for the capture of the coward who went about trying to
frighten helpless girls. There was certainly some hidden motive in his
actions, as he had, each time, made an attack on some one connected
with the Bugle's business, and the men quickly concluded his intentions
had to do with an attempt to stop the Liquor Crusade.
Miles Burlock also figured in the case they decided, although how this
stranger was mixed up in matters relating to Burlock, and what
connection Mrs. Douglass' death could have with such affairs, was not
plain.
The druggist warned Dorothy and Tavia not to tell their experience to
any one, not even to the folks at home, for, he argued the stranger
might get to hear they were after him, and so escape.
Dorothy readily agreed to keep silent, in fact it would not do for any
one in her home to know of her experience, as the major was too ill to
be worried, but Tavia did not see why her father should not be
acquainted with the affair, as he always knew what to do. And why
should other men be allowed to search for the man who had threatened
her, when it was plainly her own father's special privilege?
"Well, if you feel that way about it," agreed the druggist, "tell your
father to come down here to-night and perhaps he will be put on the
committee."
This was quite satisfactory to Tavia, and after making sure that no more
strangers lurked about, the girls made their way home.
"I never was afraid in daylight before," remarked Dorothy, whose face
was still pale from the fright. "Let us hurry. There are the boys. Be sure
not to say anything to them about the scare."
"Hurrah!" shouted Joe swinging his empty strap. "All sold out."

"Me too," said little Roger, who had his strap buckled so tightly about
his fat waist, that he had hard work to breathe under the pressure.
"Hip--hip--" answered Tavia, continuing:
"Blow Bugle, blow, Blow Bugle blow, We're very proud You blew so
loud To let the people know."
"Price five cents! Order now! That's the way city people put things in
the papers about their goods," declared Tavia. "I think when I leave
school I'll look for work in a newspaper office."
"Ralph said you did splendidly," said Dorothy, "I'm sure I never could
have gotten along without you. But we are home now and--"
"No paper for the major," finished Tavia.
"There's a boy. I'll get one," said Joe, running off at full speed to
overtake the newsboy, who had just turned the corner.
"Aunt Libby may be cross," whispered Dorothy, "for she has been all
alone, and this being Saturday she would expect help."
"Mother won't say anything to me," Tavia decided, "for--well, I have
something to tell her that will make her forget all about the work."
"Not about the--you know--" cautioned her companion."
"My, no," answered the other. "It's just about Mrs. Douglass' funeral.
You know ma always goes to funerals, and I have found out that people
may go to the house and see her. That will interest ma."
Joe was back with the paper, and was proud to have such an active
interest in the Bugle. It seemed something to say it was his own father's
paper, and then to have people remark what a bright sheet it was, and
how it was never afraid to tell the truth.
"Let me give it to father?" he asked Dorothy.

"No, let me?" pleaded little Roger, "cause I ain't hardly seen him a bit
lately."
"But you must not tell that we sold papers," directed Joe. "Father is not
to know yet, you know."
"Oh, I won't tell," Roger promised.
"But you might forget," argued Dorothy.
"Nope," declared the little fellow, "I'll just let this strap keep squeezing
me, then I couldn't forget."
"And have father ask where you got it," said Joe laughing.
"Then I'll tie a string round my finger," persisted the younger brother.
"I'll tell you," Dorothy concluded, "You just run in, give father a good
hug, put the paper on his lap and run out again without saying a word.
Then he will think you are playing newsboy."
This plan