Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1888-06-21

Hzzkg4lHaAkW
"1 SHALL NOT RESIGN UNDER SUSPICION"
certain that he wandered out of his way to
pass the house where he had called but a
few nights before. It was not snowy
abode, but was evidently the home Of people
in easy circumstances.
The early November dusk was gathering
as he stood and looked at it. Suddenly a
light sprang up in one of the rooms, and he
could see the slim figure of girl moving
back and forth, standing for moment with
her hand on the blind before she shut in the
home-like picture which brought a warm
thrill to the heart of the watcher-a picture
in which the sweet, sunny face of the girl
herself was by no means the least attractive
part.
"His sister, unused Norris, moving re-
luctautly. 81 would know her by her re-
semblance to him, anywhere. He's a re-
markably handsome fellow, and she-What
do you mean, sir, by logging my steps,"
This last was spoken to man who had
paused at his back, and who had been
standing for q moment taking in that
the latter turned to move away this person
turned also, and it came like fash to the
express messenger that he had observed
the man on his way here. He remembered
his impression of having been followed on
the previous night, and his anger famed up
at the thought of having spy on his track
'iDogging, the deucei I've as good right
as you to the sidewalk, suppose"
s'Then pass on. If it is only a coincidence
that throws US together, III do the follow
ing"
"Sorry to disoblige, but just turned
back to make call on my friends here in
passing Tn own that your attention to the
house caught my notice, but don't think
you meant any harm, nor did intend to
offend you"
Having thus explained himself, the
stranger passed up the steps, rang, had
the door opened to him, and entered with
the confidence of an accustomed visitor.
Norris Bergman felt little disappoint-
ment at the result. There was something
repugnant to him in the idea of this man
going into the presence of that bright and
lovely girl; taking her hand, perhaps ad-
dressing her Familiarity. Very foolish, Of
course, yet there was something struggling
in Bergman's memory which kept him from
realizing the fun force of his folly.
That square, heavy form, the somewhat
aggressive tone-could he be mistakens
81 believe in my heart it's the fellow who
tried to pass himself of as Lyman Childer
last night! A friend of theirs. Well, it's no
business of mine. What am I to them or
they to me! Nav be it is fancy of mine,
but it came to me afterward that Childer
did not want to see me when we met this
afternoon"
He had good chance to put his idea to
the test, for at the very next corner he
came so squarely face to face with Lyman
Childer that there was no opportunity for
either to ignore the other, Childer put out
his hand heartily.
"Good evening to you, Bergman. Been
to call on me again"
:" / would not think of taking such a
liberty" There was an involuntary stiff
ness in the young mans response. p"
think saw you as was leaving the office
about an hour ago." he added, rather
awkwardly.
" That soa Then you saw that had con-
cluded to take your advice. A little late
about 1t, ehi But then Idon'treally expect to
get any satisfaction out Of my inquiry.
Drop in and see me some time"
With a careless wave of the hand he
passed on while Bergman was celebrating
whether ne ought to confide his suspicious
of the friend whom he had seen enter the
others door. Probably he would win no
thanks by doing so, and considering the
spirit in which Childer treated the whole
matter, the point seemed to lose its inn
portance.
Another part of his meeting with Lyman
Childer required to his mind after he had
paid his visit to the superintendent next
morning. He was met there by point
blank dismissal, and the reason was not
that which his distempered imagination
had conjured. No accusation of being in
collision with the robbers, either directly
or indirectly, was put forth by the official.
cit seems that you have been working
more in the interest of our patrons than Of
the company. Made yourself too fresh in
the Childer's affair. We don't need our
employees to teach us our duties, and will
hold the right of giving our own notifica-
tons when we think best"
In short, Norris Bergman had lost his
place for over-oficiousness in the case
which Lyman Childer would have had him
believe that he-Childer-had mentioned to
the express men for the first time on the
previous day.
The thought fingered unpleasantly with
the young man. Ike appeared to commits
crate with him when his days run was
over.
'sNever was so sorry for any thing,n de-
clared the honest fellow, nearly with tears
in his eyes. 81 wish I'd bit of my tongue
before gave you that advice; but who d
give you the bounce. Whatn you do now,
Bergmani Go back to your unclea"
ssNot likely" said Bergman; but when
he got to his boarding house that evening,
he found telegram awaiting him from that
uncle, Amos Bergman.