The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-06-28

been even one day before. and there was
no -four in the house now. He was still
bitterly at odds with life, but the after
effects Of the whisky Whettles had given
him we're nervousness and irresolution.
The clock gave warning for another
hour. False, friendly old clock, if he
could have seen your face he would have
known it lacked ten minutes of midnight
then; instead he believed it would strike
one. Too late for Whettles. Perhaps he
was now at the old elm; he would hurry
there and bring him back to do his share
of the work. He closed the window be.
hind him and hurried off to the rendez.
vous. There was no one there. At that
moment the relief OF having been pre-
vented from sin overbalanced every
other feeling. Something must have
been caught; perhaps he would say that
his accomplice was waiting for him un-
der the elm He started on swift run
for home, to find his wife watching for
him in the moonlight.
She was too thankful at finding him
sober to worry at the lateness OF his
coming. Being woman of tact she did
not question, but went to sleep, while
Pete lay till daybreak in a cold bath of
fear, expecting a rap and summons to
Jail at every tapping of bough or snap
ping of frost-bitten nail.
Whettles had fingered about Turner's,
a great house over the hill, in the hope
that the guests-for there was a party
that night-would take their leave. But
no, the house was lighted from cham
bers to parlor, and sleighs came instead
of going away. He walked up and down
the orchard, cursing himself to keep
warm. Later and later. and the singing
and dancing shadows on the curtain did
not cease. He would hurry over to
Poysett's and see if the cats paw had
done his work there. He stole up to the
designated window, as Pete had done.
No one was there. He listened and
whlstled softly. The clock struck one.
He had no idea it was 50 late. Pete must
be waiting for him at the elm. And so he
too. hurried away.
But there was only mammoth lace
work of shadow under the elm. Where
was Pete? The master villain, himself
puzzled, reflected moment. Perhaps
the fellow had the money and was hiding
it at home. Lucky thought! He would
go to the house and call him up, in spite
Of disturbing wife and children. Then
see if he would refuse to share! He took
the road, and, passing Toppan's saloon,
noticed dim light in the barroom. 1t
was rather unusual that it should be
there so late, but he had known it to
happen before. He had just about money
enough for a dram. He tapped. and
then tried the door; it was unfastened,
and he went in lightly. A man in great
coat rose from his seat by the stove and
swiftly, dexterously pinioned him. Top
pan himself, always on the winning side,
was there to help, and Whettles was ar
rested for his last crime.
Mrs. Poysett and Linda were afoot
early the next morning. putting the
house in holiday trim.
II declare if faint an hour earlier n
thought" said Mrs. Poysett as she came
down into the sitting room where the lit.
tie air-tight was already doing ardent
best. LINDA, you didn't strike that
clock round yesterday. after all"
mo, mother, forgot it," laughed
Linda. II should forget my head now
adays, if 'twasn't on
II tell you what it is" said the mother,
beginning to spread the breakfast table.
I'm just out Of patience with that clock,
strikin' the hours away sfore they get
here. 1t seems real malicious, tryin' to
hurry you off. Now, perhaps it is only
half days job or SO; let's send for
Tinker Pete and have him come up and
fix it,"
So the chore boy was dispatched for
Pete. He came like culprit, uncertain
whether the message was feigned to
cover suspicion OF him or not. But no
one could look into Mrs. Poysett's clear
eyes for moment, or hear Lindas clear
laugh, with even lingering fear that
either had anything to conceal. When
they described the clocks malady I am
inclined to think Pete was as near being
faint with surprise as ever man was in
his life, and think he touched the worn
old clock case reverently, thanking it for
keeping his deeds honest. however he
had sinned in thought. He stayed to
dinner, and Mrs. Poysett put up pair
of goodies for the children. On his way
home be heard the news. Whettles had
been arrested and taken away on an
early train. Again he walked in fear and
trembling; his hair grew used to stand
ing on end in those days. He expected
an interview with Nemesis concerning
his intended crime, but. whether justly
or unjustly. Nemesis stayed away.
The wedding? 1t was . very quiet one,
and the happy pair went away next morn
ing, followed by blessings and old shoes.
Frank had such an extravagsntly good
time in Boston, that he felt he could not
ounterbalance IL by plunQiug into work