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Show I TO CATCH A THIEF By F. L Rowley n UMORS ARE NASTY THINGS. Some rumors, seemingly, are rooted in truth. When nourished carefully these can blossom overnight; over-night; they can blast a reputation faster than you can sneeze. It's a simple matter to find a blabbermouth to spread rumors. Most rumor-mongers work for nothing. We had one In our town who was exceptionally good for nothing. I'm not going to tell you the name of the town, because it might also be yours, and there's no sense in both of us being ashamed of it. The rumor that follows concerns dogs. G. Wozzles stole dogs. He stole dogs of assorted shapes and sizes He turned them loose behind a high chain-link fence that surrounded his property. At the time I learned of G Wozzles and his doggy business he had some twenty-nine animals yapping at passersby I work for the city. 1 was assigned as-signed to contact G Wozzles and run to the sheriff's office with a signed confession. After eyeing s phalanx of dogs for ten minutes I decided not to open G Wozzles' gate. Perhaps I should sound out the neighbors first "It's about time the law is looking look-ing into this!" cried one old man as I showed my credentials "This rustler has had things his way long enough!" "Has anyone come up with a specific charge against him?" The old man squinted "You on his side?" "Just getting the facts," I assured as-sured him. "Name is Bates," said the old man. "Jim Bates." "Well now, Mr Bates, how long have you known G. Wozzles?" "Used to be an honest town, this did." said Bates. "Remember once years back when some folks claimed the election was ruined I Hah! A recount proved It to be the only honest election In the country. " Tis so!" cried a portly woman wom-an wearing a babushka. "One crook like Wozzles don't ruin a town. Now if it was apples, that's" "Madam," I asked impatiently, "are you a neighbor of Wozzles?" "I live on this street," she conceded. con-ceded. "Have you ever heard of anyone complaining over the loss of a dog?" "Of course not. He's shrewd, G. Wozzles is. He drives off in his station-wagon and steals dogs In other towns.' Then when a reward is offered he runs to oollect It " "Can you prove this?" She backed up to study me through frosty eyes Then, In an aside to the old man, she hissed: "He's with HIM all right." A gate clanged behind him "What's the gathering for?" asked a lean man with a wide mouth. "Say, you're new here!" he said holding his hand out to me. "My name's G. Wozzle, sir." Then, with a grin: "I steal dogs " "You admit It?" "That's what everyone says, ain't it?" His eyes twinkled, then blinked at my credentials. "Used to be a traveling veterinarian," veteri-narian," he explained hastily, "then I took to boarding dogs kike to meet some of 'em?" "No thanks. Boarding dogs, you say? That's not what some of your neighbors think." "Busybodies bah! I got papers for every dog in the yard." "Then I'll have to go elsewhere to catch a thief." G. Wozzles laughed We shook hands and I left. And at the corner I passed a group of people with their heads together Could it be that a new' rumor was being launched? I shuddered. |
