CAUGHT IN THE ACT.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 165, 14 July 1928, Page 2 (Supplement)

CAUGHT IN THE ACT.

(By ALVA GRAHAM, Helensville.)

It was Christmas time, the happiest time of all. So thought Mr. Simon Mint as ho sat down toaliuge, delicious tea on Christmas Eve. As he ate, his tlfbuglits drifted unconsciously to a scene which had occurred in his office just the day before; to think of it made his heart ache even now. Yesterday had been very wet, and as Air. Mint uad not brought a coat he was obliged to wait in his office until the rain ceased a bit. Suddenly he heard a low, timid knock on the door. Opening it, he saw on the doorstep a wet, shivering youth of about 16 summers.

"Come in, come in," said Simon Mint iheerfully. The boy entered the room, wringing with him a lake of water. He •eemed to be in a hurry, but the man would not listen to his broken sentences int.il he had the boy Bitting in an enornous chair by the roaring lire. "Now," said Simon.

Immediately from some some invisible place in his clothes his vis-tor produced a well-used wallet.

"My wallet," said Simon. lie had lost it that morning, but it had not disturbed him much, as it hud "only contained about £1, and, besides, he was rich. -Keep it, lad/' he said, ior tilt honesty of the lad appealed tojijs kind nature. "And tell ine, what your name?" ".My name is Jirn lleald, but 'I will accept nothing." "At least accept my thanks," said Simon, for he saw it was useless to press him any.more. "And—V" but the lad had moved to the door as quick as lightning and was fione. "How can I reward him?" thought Mr. Mint, as he took a cake from the dish. Then he had an inspiration. Patiently he waited for the darkness to gather, and then, with a large and mysterious parcel under "his arm he sauntered to his destination. The house was not far away, and he soon reached it. All was still and dark, so he guessed they were in bed. Going round to the kitchen window, he discovered that it faced a street, so he hoped lie would not be seen. The window was open a little, and very carefully he opened it further until it was wide enough for him to climb through. Tucking the parcel under his arm, Simon climbed on to the window sill, not without some pulling, as he was a man of many stones. Just as he was about to enter the room a deep voice boomed: "Ha! Caught in the act, eh? Just come down and explain." To say Simon was not startled would be wrong; lie was, very. Slowly he descended and stood beside the policeman. The policeman evidently was satisfied with Simon's explanation, for he said, "Well, sir, I wish you luck," and walked on. Then Simon finished his interrupted errand, and went homo with a light heart. Next day in the Heald household there was great rejoicing. Two large turkeys had been found on the kitchen table with a note, which ran: "From a friend."