Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1879-07-11

it the last thing atore | got ready 70 so
70 bed. and-it was gone"
In vain proved all search, Neither
up chimney, nor down cellar, nor i'll
any imaginable corner WAS the bag OF
gold-pieces to be found.
Mrs. Peckington," said Cora, huski-
ly, sit must be stolen"
"Yes," said Mrs. Pec&ington, whose
lips were now compressed, and there
WAS something in her manner that Cora
never before noticed, as she called her
white-headed farm boy, and told him to
run over and ask Farmer Simkins 10
step to the Peckington place that morn
ing.
"Andyou may as well stop for George
Merrilton as you come back" said she.
When he was gone, she came close to
Cora Dallas.
CORA" said she, I'VE two are alone
together now, and | am the last one To
be hard on You; confess now and We'll
see how the matter can be cleared up"
Cora opened wide her brown eyes.
Confess what?" she asked Innocent
~.
That Won took the money; there
WAS no one else that could have done il.
You were here ali alone Yesterday even.
ing, and know it was strong tempta-
ton to Il gal that never had So of her
own in the world. Cora, you're young,
child, and | don't believe your alto
gether bad, but Satan SITS us all rs
wheat, and
"Stopw cried Cora, growing white
and breathless, "you suspect me you
think am a thief! Mrs, Peckington,
may God forgive YOU; forgive you for
your very cruel suspicion"
Mrs. Peckington was silent. She
knew not how she could help the inl-
preston which So strongly bore upon
her mind. Who but Cora Dallas could
have taken the missing gold?
George, George!" gasped the poor
girl, fitting up to him as for safety, as
the door opened and the stalwart form
OF George Merrilton appeared; "she
believes that stole the money; You do
not think SO, do yoa?
George Merrilton's eyes sparkIed ner-
vously.
cousin Clarissa, | would stake my
life on Cora 5 Innocence"
Mrs. Peckington shook her head.
1t looks very ugly tor her" she said,
but Of coursnif She can prove it
1t needs no proof in my eyes" said
George, quietly, us he drew Cora's arm
within his. There, little one, don't
tremble so, and look 50 wonderfully
frightened; no one shall dare harm
YOU as long as | am by your side.
But where is Mr.. Simkins ~ asked
the widow, missing her strongest ally in
this hour of need
IF you please, ma'am," said the
white-headed farm boy. she had gone
away suddenly to Allenville at 4 O'Clock
this morning to sec his father, as he had
4 stroke, and they don't expect him
back until the last of next week"
Mrs. Peckington stood undecided.
at all events" she said, turning to
Cora Dallas, you can't expect shelter
under my roof no longer. didn't look
for such treatment from you"
"Cousin Clarissa," said Merriltou
bravely, 81 love Cora Dallas and stand
here to espouse her cause. You may
sue her if you like"
Il shan't do that" said the widow.
'leastwise not until Jehorum Simkins
comes hone to advise me what's best. "
But" went on George Merrlton, II
shall make her my wife thiS very day,
in order that can olier her u home in
place of the one of which you have SO
cruelty deprived her"
The widow, albeit naturally kind
hearted woman, fired up at this.
"0f course I've nothing to say she
SAID, "if you choose to marry thief"
But she stopped here-lhe upblazing
fire in Merrilton's eyes admonished her
to go no further.
1t was lonely enough these cold Win
ter nights, sitting at her fireside, the
money gone, the merry sound OF George
Merrilton's voice silent, and Cora's
bright presence vanished.
''If / should be wrong in 'sposing she
took it," she said to herself, 81 should
be dreadfully sorry to think Of all the
ugly names | called her-but don't see
as there can possibly be any doubt about
it. Any way, Jehorum will advise me
when he comes"
And on the dusky edge of Saturday
night Farmer Simkins came.
81 never was so glad to see anybody
in all my born days." said Mrs. Peck
ington, impulsively jumping up from
her seat-and she told him the story OF
the vanished bag of gold before he had
chance to deposit his portly bulk upon
the chair she Hospitality drew forward
Mr.. Simkins turned dull red-then a
tallow white-got up and sat down
again, and finally dragged a lether bag
from the recess of his hutternut colored
coat-tail.
~ never II play off practical joke
again. blamed ef ] do" he calculated
"for | declare to gracious, hadn't any
idea Of the mischief was doin'! Here's
your money, Clarissy-I heard you tell
the folks where it was as / was scrapin
the snow of my feet under the window
that night, and | reached It down. just
for joke, when you had gone 70 see
about the supper. | meant to have
brought it back the next mornin', and
have good laugh with you about the
burglars, but you see how was fixed
father got poorly, and | couldn't think
Of nothin' but him-but YOU won't lay