Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1883-01-05

the ulnlng room Whcrr She WIZ busy
i preparing tea "Phu.br. where's tn,
coat | Wore yesterday? ,"
That old one ?"
odd OF now. where is il ," | de
mandpd
I'm afraid seemed to speak harsh
ly. but | was only excited
Phoebe looked scared. | had never
addressed her SO before.
''Forgive me. George" She faltcrcd
Forgive You for what?'
There WAS peddlrr calno
along to day. and and | exchanged
your old coat you know it wasn't
tit to wear any longer. dear for a
pair Of the loveliest little flower VASES
I've been waiting FOR You to notice
them. but but -"
My looks must have terrified her
for she burst into tears, sobbing ont
Il didn't think you would mind It.
George"
Poor Phoebe. it was the first time |
had made her cry; and after ali | had
only my own selfish folly to blame
Why hadn't l told her about the
money.
Taking her to my arms and kissing
away her tears. l said:
Never mind, darling; don't cry
about the coat; but do you know which
way the peddler went?"
My kind words reassured her. The
smile came back to her face. but the
question about the peddler puzzled
her.
Il didn't notice which way he
went" she answered; but since you
don't mind about the coat. what differ.
ence does it make. dear!"
| didn't care to explain the mighty
difference it made; for saw it would
break PhGbe's heart to know the
truth and could do no good.
After tea | went out on some pre-
text and made such inquiries as
could with prudence; but though l
found some ono who had seen the
peddler, none could give me any clew
to him or whittier he had gone
Phoebe was delighted with her
vases; and of course, l had to admire
them, too though 1 confess it would
have afforded me greater satisfaction
to have smashed them over the con
founded peddler's head.
spent sleepless night, though l
managed to keep Phoebe from obsery
ing my distress. 1t would be time
enough to vex her with the truth when
there would be no other course left.
Making an excuse for another early
start, got to town by the first morn
ing train.
1 notified the police and spoke of
advertising; but that would never DO.
the superintendent said. As the
money was in a hidden pocket, the
only hope lay in finding the coat be-
fore the presence of the notes was
discovered. Whatever search was
made must be prosecuted secretly.
Giving the best description of the
peddler l had been able to obtain. I
went to my Office with heavy heart
What should l do when Jonas Swirl
came for his money? He would never
believe my story, and Heaven only
knew what harsh measures he might
choose to take
want any pens, sir?" inquired
some one entering the door to which
my back was turned.
Nor 1 answered gruflly, without
looking up.
"Some nk?-some blotting paper? ?
some soap?-some matches 2-some
Not caring to hear the inventory
finished, / turned to request the man
to leave. But didn't. He had on
my own old coat, more attractive to
my eyes. just then, than the richest
royal robe!
How would you like to sell that
coat you have on?" 1 asked as uncon
cernedly as possible.
The man smiled as one might at
what he thought very poor joke.
"Or maybe you'd exchange it for
the one wear?" added quickly.
You're hardly in earnest, sir"
"Indeod 1 am," said;" fancy the
cut of yours, and here's mine-come,
even up and no higgling"
uc COdl WHlCA uIcW VII uhet
thrust into his hands was quite new,
and worth many times that for which
1 offered to exchange it. was evi-
IDENTIFY taken for lunatic, but that
didn't balk the peddler's greed for a
good bargain. The barter was com
pleted and the man hurried off, prob
ably fearing the return of lucid in
terval in which l might seek to can
eel the trade
But 1 followed at his heels, keep
ing him in sight till l had searched
the secret pocket, where l found the
money all safe!
And l found it just in time, too, for
before many minutes Jonas Swirl
came as he had promised. Our settle
ment was soon completed, and each
had his own share to do what he
would with.
Phoebe was surprised to see me in
my old coat; but when told her all
and saw how white and scared she
looked, l was glad I had waited till
there was only good news to tell her
i Judge Clark.
Only Gil persons out of 100000
were charged before the Dutch (Hol
land) criminal courts last year. of
whom 72 were women, and only IL
below Is. This either proves great
laxlty of the police or most excep-
tional freedom from crime Child