CHAPTER XXXIII.
BATEATO SUMMONS BIG MUCH POLICE.
A vitagraph film of Bateato’s journey to and from the police station would consist of a series of dark brown blurs. If you have ever noticed a mouse in full flight you will have some idea of how that Jap ran. He knew where the police station was, too, for he had been there once when his brother, Itchi Comia, was arrested for assaulting a Russian peddler.
If the little Jap had only coursed through another street things might have gone somewhat differently in the Gladwin household, for he would have encountered Whitney Barnes hurrying in the opposite direction, and that young man would very likely have prevented him from going to the station.
But there was absolutely no obstacle in Bateato’s way until he reached the station house, and the only obstacle he encountered there was a serious impediment in his speech.
Police Captain Stone had returned to barracks a few minutes after the departure of Barnes and a few minutes before the arrival of Bateato. He was 223 standing beside the lieutenant’s chair when the Jap sped in, and he seemed almost interested (for a police captain) at the extraordinary manifestations of emotion in Bateato’s countenance.
“All pleece––quick––robbers––thieves––ladies!” began Bateato, then paused and made wild jabs above his head with his hands.
“Crazy as a nut,” said the lieutenant in an undertone to the captain, and the captain nodded.