Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1888-07-26

and enjoy them when the whole affair has
blown over and been forgotten"
You are Pere Tabaret for reasoning"
said Norris, with smile
"The thing seems plausible to you,
thenr'
"Oh, very plausible The only point
against it is, that things of that kind are
not easily covered over. There would have
to be accomplices, or at least false rec
ords."
A clever man could manage it. Well
pass over the difficulties, and see what
comes next. Surprising that he is dead and
buried in the eyes of the law, where would
person of Edson's stamp naturally turn
to hide himselfl Not an intellectual man, a
plodder in fact, understanding no language
but his own, after living all his life here,
what chance would there be for him to
have good time in foreign countries. Not
any. There's more probability of his drift
ing back here in some sort OF disguise
where he knows his ground, and will not
feel altogether outcast and alone"
"Then your idea is to watch for him
herel"
Norris had learned to be patient with his
| uncle's hobbies. He looked at all this as
another chimera, to be pursued while the
novelty lasted, then dropped and forgotten,
but he would not wound the relative who
had been kind to him in his own eccentric
way by saying as much.
A shrewd look came into Amos Bergman's
shriveled face.
''Pve given you my theory in full, but I
shall not give even you my plan of action.
A pretty detective I'd make, even of the
amateur sort, if didn't know when to hold
my tongue. It's lesson you have learned
very well, my boy, very well indeed, and
Of n Come
flowers while the daylight lasts.'
He arose with alac-ity and led the way, as
if anxious to leave the subject they had
been speaking on. Norris blushed nttie
to feel that he was leaving wrong impress
sion by his silence. He had lost all zest in
his own effort at detective work; the mys-
terry of the train robbery was likely to re-
main as much mystery to the end, and OF
late he had not felt so sensitive on account
Of the express company suspicion.
He staid three days at the cottage, then
finding Amos Bergman still absorbed IN his
theories and plans, went back to his city
lodgings.
1t was only the middle of December now.
He had quite two weeks at his disposal be-
fore settling down to the routine of bank
duty-for Norris had made up his mind to
go to work there with the new year. He
had check in his pocket-book which Uncle
Amos had insisted upon giving him for ex-
penses, my boy; you know said l would
see you through and though Norris had
seized upon the opportunity to explain that
he had no hope of discovering the train-rob-
bers, the other had only laughed and refused
to be convinced.
ssTalse your own time, my lad. There's
nothing gained by being in too much of a
hurry Come to me when you want more
and use that as you please. l haven't had
| my eyes shut, though you may think s.,
Your friend Childer is brick, ehs-lucky
that his loss wasn't such as to worry him
much,-a fine fellow. but we could wish he
was more soeiable and not so much on his
guard. BY the way, did he go to see you
after you were hurt. thought not! But
| his sister did and there's your point of
| vantage. Remember that ais fair in love
and war"
/. Saying which, Uncle Amos had parted
| from him in high, good humor, leaving his
nephew amazed by his penetration and
| shrewdness.
| ''He must have got an inkling of how
! things stand through the Everleighs. And
| he seems perfectly willing for me to try my
luck with Carol. 1 thought-but no matter
what thought. The dear old man is i'm
proving with age 1 must show him more
| attention after this, l have not gone to see
| him as often as l might
| Oh, wonderful kingdom of lovers
heart! The magic touch which opens it is
| a kind word for the reigning deity; the
| knowledge that his uncle was not averse
| to sweet Carol did more to win his nephew's
| gratitude than all his kindness in the past.
+! Mrs. Bates opened the door for him close
! after his ring.
'sWell, it do seem like a Providence that
sou should come just now, with such a note
,sraitin' from the lovely young lady. and l
! hope it's no bad luck as has come to her. l
| Il didn't go for to read it. Mr.. Bergman,
! not ben' inquisitive, as I'm sure you'll say,
| but it sort of fell apart in my hands before
| knew. You'll find it on your table, yes,
sir; and hope you'll excuse me for hap
PENN to sec. Oh lordy lordy! what did
| Ihave to go and give that away forP' groaned
| the landlady, as Norris sprang up the
| stairs three steps at bound. " haln't got
| a mite more sense than that Sally"
| But, indeed, that slip of creaEl-tinted
paper. neither inclosed or sealed, must have
| proved temptation to the average land
| lady. Norris Bergman'S heart beat fast as
he took it up; but for that confession by
| Mrs. Bates, am sure it would have gone to
| his lips before he opened it.
| 1. held but dozen words:
| "Come to me at once. am in the great
| est distress. Yours, ALTHEA"
"A sense OF disappointment, Dut also OF re-
| lief, passed over the young man. The
| simple matter of the signature made all
! the difference, but he prepared at oucc to
| obey the summons.
| CHAPTER XIII.
| AN EvENTFUL NIGHT.
| The air was full of soft snow-ha1ze3 when
| Norris again found himself in the street.
| The gas lamps were like dim, yellow blurs
against the thckened atmosphere, and the
/ electric lights were like hazy moons. The
sound of footsteps and the rattle of vehicles
were muffled; cold blasts whistled about
the corners; there would be hard freezing
by and by, and bitter discomfort for all who
| had to face the Indictment night.
| Norris did not mind the cold, but he
| plunged along at great pace, intending to
| take a street car for the avenue, but had
not yet reached the line when he stopped
suddenly, as sharp cry, followed by a
| deep groan, came to his ear
The sounds proceeded from side street
near at hand, and remembering his own ex.
perience In that dark alley, he ran toward
! the place. to find o black heap upon the
sidewalk, which lay silent as he ap
| preached.
s.What is the matter here! Are you hurts
| What has happened to you"
IL slipped and fell" answered gasp
ing voice. Don't call any one, please. III
he-ab,e-to get up--after-awhile."
81 doubt il was Norris mental com.
! rent The thin, white face he was able to
descry through the gloom was so wan and