Page:Once a Clown, Always a Clown.djvu/268

ONCE A CLOWN, ALWAYS A CLOWN Ford, catching on at once, replied cryptically, "I have my reasons."

Restraining the rising wrath of Charley, Ward persisted. "That, sir, is not sufficient!"

"Pardon me, sir," Ford returned with dignity, "but I should prefer not to enter into details. The subject is a painful and disagreeable one."

"That, sir, smacks of equivocation," retorted Ward. "On behalf of my friend, I demand indisputable proof of your reckless charges."

"Gentlemen," Ford turned to the others, "I decline to specify all the unpleasant details. In the street I might, but within these sacred portals, No! But I will go so far as to say that this man at this moment has stolen property on his person."

The basso bellowed with rage and had to be held back by main force.

"Wait, wait!" Hap ordered. "This absurd charge fortunately is simple of disproof. Will some of the gentlemen kindly search Charles?"

From the basso's pockets the committee produced club knives, forks, spoons, salt cellars, ash trays, napkins and everything except the club piano, all deposited there unbeknownst to the befuddled Charley during the course of the