The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1886-03-31

And who's been fussing with the
mails, l wonder?" suddenly exclaimed
/ the woman, handing Mr. AlcOt two let
| ters she had found on the floor.
That's Farmer Slayback's mail, re
/ joined the postmaster, as be stepped
/ quickly to the section Of pigeon holes and
examined the Slayback "box." 'How
on earth did they get on the tloorl Look,
/ Martha, there ought to be another one.
! It's mot in the box! It's registered
money letter.
With increasing uneasiness he began
| nervously to hunt. The floor was searched
/ thoroughly, every letter-box scrutinized
and each superscription read. as if there
| might be a possibility that the letter had
/ been misplaced Although know posi-
/ lively the three letters were togetherin the
/ right box''-the now exceedingly anxious
man exclaimed
Maybe Willie put itaway," suggested
| the woman.
No. 1 had the letters in my hands
after he drove away TO bring Hat home. "
A frightful thought suddenly assailed
him; his ruddy face turned white. He
clutched his beard in a tremulous fash
ion, as if to steady and repel the painful
idea developing in his mind.
'Tmpossibler' he muttered. "Bill
wouldn't do a thing like that But
what's become Of that letter, registered
containing two one hundred dollar bills2
And where's Bill?1 As if in answer to
his cogitations two quite tranquil young
people entered the store.
Thank Cod" was Mr.. Alcot's men,
tai ejaculation. BILLS not lit out with
that letter, anyway
''Where do you think he was. .father2"
laughingly exclaimed Hattie. Mr.. Alcot
looked sharply at his clerk and replied
shortly: It's to be hoped he can explain
to his mothers satisfaction"
The young man responded with a de-
precating smile.
Il am sorry have occasioned you all
such uneasiness, - then added jestingly.
Il hope YOU did not imagine that 1 had
eloped with Mr.. Slayback's money let
ter!7
Somebody did, for it's gonem was
the terse reply.
ooh, father! You are jokingrn cried
Hattie.
Willie stared in amazement, then ran
to the letter box, followed by the young
girl.
'It's not there, I tell you, Martha
picked those two up from the floor; the
registered letter is not to be found, high
or low. Give an account of yourself,
young man.
'Why, Mr.. Alcot, can you-do you
suspect me-"
"Give an account of yourself, 1 say"
was the wrathy reply.
''Tell father all about it." tenderlv en-
treated Hattie, gazing compassionately
at the young man, who turned pale and
red BY turns, tears of indignatian and
modification yelling to his flashing blue
eyes.
Mr.. Alcott turned angrily upon his
daughter.
What do you know about it, Miss ?
Have you two fools conspired to give me
a shock A wretched joke, 1 swearr'
"Oh. father. You are unjust. I'm
sure viii knows as little about the disap-
pearance of that letter as do. want him
to tell you about his patent"
4 don't want any foolery. Where
have you spent the night, BillF
In our barn
I'm your barn." sneered Mr.. Alcot.
"a likely story
The young man bit his lips to keep
down rising anger, when Hattie inter
posed.
please, father. listen. Willie has
been at work long time on a patent
stopper-his own invention. At night,
after he leaves here. he works at it in the
barn, so that his mother won't be dis
turbed. Last night, although it was
late when he left here after bringing me
home, he said he felt just like work He
has secured patent rights on a crude de-
sign and was axious TO get the perfected
model done and sent away and every
thing all secure before he said anything
10 anyone. This morning the finishing
touches were put on it, and after 1t was
packed he sat over it thinking Hattie
! looked 1t him with loving smile at this
point land then be fell asleep. That's
where l found him
You, How did YOU know
''Oh, knew all about it from the very
/ frstE"
"Oh. indeed. If YOU know so much,
I lust tell me what has become Of that let
| ter. " was the sarcastic reply.
Perhaps the rats have got in the
house again. " she suggested.
Rats Oh, yes; no doubt. Two
legged rats, who need money 70 secure
. patent rights and make models, sneered
, the troubled man. with irritation.
''Mr Alcot, Dare you
Hattie ran 10 the affronted and angry
Young man, quickly placed one hand on
his mouth, and the other crept around
his arm, upon which she caressingly
pressed her cheek, saving
Darling, don't mind father; he cannot
mean it so he is anxious"
''What do YOU mean, my girl. What
is there between YOU two! Heaven be
good TO me F., Such dishonesty and deceit
/ right under my nose
Mr.. AlcOt, hear me-
I won't hear. Restore that letter and