The Plymouth Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1869-1941, 1870-01-27
ours brought TO the unhappy man, it is

hours brought to the unhappy man, it is
needless for us to know.
The house remained very quiet. When
Jackey's bedtime came, he heard his
mother bring the child to the door,
and opened it for him to enter. But he
would not look at the little fellow in his
white night-gown, who stood pulling at
his coat. Beside him, on the mantle shelf,
lay the pistol ready for use. He could
not touch or look at the child, but mo-
toned him away, turning his back on
him.
Eight o'clock came He heard his wife
come again to the door, softly listening
He remained quite still. She should
think him asleep. "By nine o'clock all
would be safe," was part of her plan
The clock in the hall rang out half past
eight. Nine Bender took up the pistol,
and, concealing it in his breast, left the
chamber. Passing the door of the child's
room he laid his hand on the wood, with
a sudden, passionate tenderness, as though
it had been the boy himself, "Jackey !!
Jackey!" he cried Tomorrow the child
would be alone-without father or mother !
1t might have been different
But It was too late now. He went
down the stairs, and entered a small un-
lighted room adjoining the parlor.
In another moment there was roll of
wheels on the street, a carriage stopped at
the door, and then there was low ring
at the bell.
"They carry the matter boldlyw he
muttered. Whatever agony of pain the
old love that would not be stifled had cost
him tonight, was over now; an impla-
cable madness seized him-the fury with
which the hound pants the moment before
it falls upon its prey. They were in his
power
He crept nearer to the door; held it
ajar, his hand upon the lock. He heard
Crompton enter, and the next moment
the soft rustic of Mary's dress. He could
not distinguish her words, but the tones
of her voice made him shudder. Not for
years had they thrilled with such nervous,
trembling joy as now. She laughed once,
low, hysterical laugh not far from tears.
Crompton spoke in whisper. Once she
raised her voice little.
You do not know what to-day is to
me, have waited for it for years"
Bender raised his hand-his finger was
on the trigger. He pushed the door but
before it opened, Mary left the parlor, go
ing lightly up stairs. She had apparently
forgotten something for her flight.
He stood waiting, her steps sounded
above him. When she should reopen
the door would be his time
She was on the stairs. One moment
more-then - she broke into the verse OF
an old song; an old silly habit of hers to
sing when her heart was full:
''Sae true his heart sac smooth his speech,
His breath like caller air;
His very step has music int
As he comes mp the stair.
For there's nae luck about the house.
There's nae luck at a,
There's little pleasure In the house
When my gudemans AVA.
1t was hiS song He had liked it best in
their old cOurting days; ne had made her
sing the children to sleep with it always.
The pistol dropped from his hand. "She
is true My God she is truer'
He stood there, for how lon, he never
knew. He heard the low murmur of their
voices The devil, be sure, did not leave
him altogether.
2 He fancied her hand in Crompton's-
their lips meeting. But the weapon lay
at his feet untouched.
Why should he not at least open the
door? He had a right to their secret,
whether guilty or not. The man trembled.
Great drops of sweat wrung out on his
forehead
"She is my wife. She is a true woman.
Though she kill me, yet l will trust in
her" Yet there was nothing to fight back
the devil Of suspicion but that CHEEKY old
songi
The halldoor opened and shut at last.
There were hurried voices outside, and
then the carriage rolled away. Was she
gone?
He thrust the pistol in his breast and
opened the door, Mary stood there, her
face flushed, tears in her eyes, folding up
strip Of paper. When she saw him,
she sprang forward, and hugged him
close.
"The money! the money" she sobbed.
" For the mOrtgage!" crying and laugh
ing, till she cried again. telling him be-
tween times that she made it-she-in her
usual tumultuous fashion. "Couldn'tsshe
understand
mo, don't understand" he said, sOth-
ing and petting her as he had forgotten to
do for many long day. 81 have been
more dull than you know, Mary. But it's
over now, thank God"
" 1t was all my drawing, you know, Sam.
My one talent, as you. used to call it..
When you were so hard pressed two
years ago, thought might turn it to ac-
count. l went to the Academy of De-
sign And did turn it to account-in
designing Don't you understand me
now! Friend Matthew Saul said / had
a very pretty gift, indeed. Everybody
was anxious to help me. It's such friend
ly world, Sam,' creeping closer to him.
" Is it, Mary? Perhaps so. God knows"
$50 they took me into the establish
ment, and paid me for designing new pat
terms for gasfixtures. Ten dollars stone.
That was two years ago And have not
drawn the money till to-day. | heard
(taking breath, and speaking slowly, that
you were not to receive your back pay. So
| went to Mr.. Crompton this afternoon
and asked for settlement He is the
businessman, and so considerate and
kind | always thought how much alike
you were, and what good friends you
would be, when you knew him. 1t wasn't
payday, and it took some time to make
out my account. But he offered to bring
the money himself tonight, that might
give it to you as surprise in the morning.
to pay off the mortgage and now have
you nothing, and nobody you can call your
Own-nOt even me ?"
Sam Bender only held his wife close to
his breast and kissed her. She was so
used to his silence-when he was deeply
mOvcd-that she did not heedit.
"You thought me brutal-mad to-
night, Nary"
"Bless your dear old miserable face
how could be so silly? You have been
i'll and nervous, and the disappointment
to-day was more than you could bear.
understood it all sent Jackey in, think
ing he would comfort you, Shall we go
and tell Jackey about the mortgage? ~
anxiously.
81 doubt if he would understand"
Perhaps not, looking blank. Though
Jackey understands a great many things
that would surprise you. He's a very
wise child. Who can that be 50 late ? Mr..
rria nf o ,ra;,,