Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/79

Rh "You can come with me," went on the head officer, to Dave, and both walked back to the automobile establishment. Here they found the proprietor of the place, full of curiosity over what had occurred.

"A thief, eh?" said he. "And this is his booty," and he pointed to the valise.

"We'll soon make sure," said the chief, and he pried the bag open. A quantity of silver and of gold-plated ware was exposed to view. Much of the ware had a fancy M engraved upon it.

"This is Senator Morr's stuff, sure enough," said the chief. "I hope we have the whole of it."

"Perhaps the table ware is here," answered Dave. "But didn't he take some other things—diamond rings?"

"He did, but they are not here."

"Then he must still have them."

Between them, the chief and Dave carried the heavy valise to the station house. Then another policeman was summoned, and sent out to aid Jackson in his attempt to round up the escaped criminal.

"I'll have to ask you to stay here as a witness against that fellow," said the chief to Dave. "It was shrewd of you to expose him as you did."

"How long will I have to stay here?"

"That will depend. I'll send word to Senator Morr at once."