Page:The purple pennant (IA purplepennant00barb).pdf/234

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THE PURPLE PENNANT

"Come on," persisted Mr. Addicks. "We're all friends together. What's the idea, Shaw?"

Fudge threw a final appealing glance at Perry and plunged: "It's none of our business, sir, only I—er—I happened to see the notice in the express office and——"

"What notice?"

"About the train-robber. And then we—we came in the other day and couldn't help seeing the scar and—and knowing."

"What scar, Shaw?"

"On your arm, sir; the white scar just like the description says."

"The white—— Oh!" Mr. Addicks nodded comprehendingly.

"We haven't breathed a word to anyone, Mr. Addicks, but I guess they got on to you. And we thought you ought to know."

"Of course." Mr. Addicks' countenance held puzzlement and some amusement, and he was silent a moment. At last: "Let's have this just right now," he said. "You suspect me of being this train-robber and you think the police are after me. Is that it?"

"Y-yes, sir."

"The description of the robber fits me, does it?"

"Why, yes, sir, all except the height. I guess

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