Mexico weekly ledger., 1889-04-04
Xxx.

81 don't know how l came to give him
the chance. This will be q lesson to me,
Norris. I was too conceited, and thought
myself far too sharp; | wanted all the credit
of ~unraveling this affair. You remember
that Maloney told us Edison had gone out TO
seek the assistance of a friend that night
when Won SO o~pportuneiy found him! Wei,
/ set myself to watch for that friend, sup
posing he had got an mixing of Edson's
whereabouts, and to-day when / was told
that 4 person had been inqoiring for him, |
went down 10 interview the person. Il
turned out to be one of those cadaverouS
tract pcddlers, on the hunt Of sinners to
convert. but l spent some little tine talk
ing TO him, to convince myself Of the gen
uincness of his mission. When l went back
to the sick room. I found it empty. Mind
you, that Miller, as he called himself. had
never fairly come out Of his stupid safe.
He took what we gave him, ate and slept,
and lay there like q man whose mind was
torpid; but I can see now he had his wits
about him through all. He knew he had
given himself away to me-, and he took this
way of beating me. You're in the right of
it to be modest, my boy. I'll never boast Of
my OWN snartness again"
HE may have wandered away in a fit of
alteration suggested Norris.
mo. I thought of that, but in that case
he could not have gone far without calling
attention to himself. lean find absolutely
10 trace of him, and l have been hunting
since noon. lie knew what he was about,
and has been storing his strength for just
such an effort, / have no doubt
Uncle Amos spoke modify. He was bit
terry disappointed and huniliated at this
result Of his detective experience.
There was another feelingin the younger
mans breast. His enc hope Of serving
Carol and saving her from Ingot had disap-
peared with Edison. Fate was taking cruel
pleasure in thwarting him whichever way
he turned.
1t might be as well. He had no doubt
Althca was right in saying Carol had been
influenced by her brother; but would she
care TO be saved ut the expense of that
brother, whom she adorod. The more he
thought of it, the more Norris was con-
WINGED that Lyman Childer had been guilty
OF some wrong doing which gave Ingot a
hold or him. 1t might be completely in that
defGlcati1n of the previous cashier, or it
might be something entirely independent
of the business of the bank. He could not
give form to the suspicious which assailed
him, but SONG underlined foreboding led him
to o step which he did not think necessary
to reveal even to his uncle.
About this time, good Mrs. Bates began
to shake her head and sigh dolorously over
the change in her model lodger. Daylight
was struggling in at the windows before
his latcl-key clicked in the lock, and he
dragged himself YEARLY up to his room to
lie there till noon, when he appeared heavy
eyed, l~istless, without appetite or zest, only
to &C through the anne performance when
night came around again.
The first time or two this happened, Mrs.
Bates only murnured that young men
would be young men, but after nearly a
week Of such actions she uuburdened her.
self to Sally.
"Tve seen many O one 90 the same way,
and it's alters them that seems inner
contest that's the worst when they once
gets goin'. It's downright shameless not
to miss one night, I say! Had the head
ache this morning, had he! Wei, l don't
wonder. It would be a hardened old topper
that wouldn't have it after such a round.
I'll give him O piece Of my mind if he starts
out tonight, you see if l don't"
Accordingly, when Norris made his prepa-
rations for leaving the house he found his
landlady in the way.
81 wouldn't make so bold for every one,
but l cant bear to sec you going On so, Mr..
Norris. lain you any mercy on yourself,
at aha How long II you stand it at this rate.
do you Think 'Tain't as if you was seasoned
to these things. It's a-tellin' on you now,
as a blind man might see, or I wouldn't a.
took the liberty, for l thinks to myself he
hain't no one to advise him, and mebbe q
word spoke in season will make him see the
danger of his ways"
"Thank you, Mrs. Bates. a sure you
mean kindly" said Norris, with a hidden
mile lurking at the corners of his mouth.
81 hope, then, you'll stay in this evening,
sir. If you knowed how I've Worried, you'd
take better care of yourself. Go to bed at
Christian hour, Mr.. Norris, do. You'll fee
enough better in the morning"
Your advice is good, Mrs. Bates, and
I'm sorry Ican't act on it; but don't worry
about me. III turn over a new leaf with tht
new year, ] promise you that. Every young
man must nave his fling, you know, anG
mine is, perhaps. not SO bad as you think.n
Laughing, he left her, to make his way Il
arnany STORED building IL which he has
rented q room. 1t had this advantage. it:
windows commanded a view of the banking
!, institution Of Evcrleigh G Childer. and here
Norris had been keeping watch night afiel
night, expecting he scarcely knew what.
Some attempt upon it, possibly, IN view o
that note Althea had recelved-or SOM
traitorous deed by one employed within.
He was here in pursuance Of his promis
i. to protect Mr.. Evcrlcigh's interests as h
, would his own. He would trust to othe
means when he was once admitted to tn
: bank; until then, he would keep guard il
the only way he could.