The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1891-06-04

said ]. but she didn't even stop TO hear
me- but tlounced out of the store. too
angry to speak another word. 1t was
nearly week before she came back
/ and 10! she was all smiles and pleasant
looks. She took special pains TO stop
aud smile at Dave and talk to Mary.
and even ioked and chatted with her
cross old brother-in-law. And rs she
left she invited Mary to come aud see
her soon.
What a sweet, pleasant lady your
sister-in-law is,'' said Mary, "and how
young and beautiful for her age"
Il am glad You like her." said |. but
all the time | wondered at the change
in Maria's conduct.
That night as we were closing up
the store Mary suddenly found that
she had lost her key. We looked
everywhere packages peeped
into boxes, poked behind dry goods,
and left no corner unsearched. Il am
sure | hung it on this nail" said she.
Il always keep little black ribbon
tied through it, and there is deep
notch in the handle, SO that | would
know it anywhere. y
Mary and her sister kept house to-
gether in two rooms, and she felt so
sorry to think she could not get home
in time to have Ruths supper ready.
Il always get there lirst.n she said.
and when Ruth comes in. all tired
from teaching, she has nothing to do
but rest"
Suddenly one day Maria's little mes
senger boy came running up and said
his mistress wanted me to ''come
quick" OF course | FASTENED to the
house and there found a great commo-
ton. Ny brothers widow was sitting
in her easy chair, with hair disheveled,
eyes red. and weeping most bitterly.
Good heavens. Maria, what is the
catch my breath.
20, john how can | say it? But,
o. who had ever a chance to go into
the store safe besides you and me?"
Nobody but Mary Owen. of course
l said
Are YOU sure, John?' asked she.
"Of course | am sure. You know it
as we'll as do, said l.
''Ah, well no doubt, then, YOU can
explain what has happened. Perhaps
YOU have had occasion to use that
money of mine. | mean that one-hun-
Ired dollar bill that put in my red
pocketbook and laid in the safe yes
terday."
No. Maria, you know | would have
asked YOU about it, for that was your
own private money, and none of
mine"
We'll. John, it is gone. Did you
see me look into the safe?n said she.
Yes" said l.
We'll, | missed it then, but could
not bear to speak of it. You know
how many temptations come to a poor
girl and especially one who is getting
ready to be married. John, we must
not have her arrested" ("
Why. what upon earth do YOU
mean. Maria? ] know Mary Owen
never took that money. Don't be in
such haste to accuse her."
II don't accuse her, but the facts
speak for themselves. | will not ar
rest her, but she must leave the store,
and she must restore the money"
How can you be SO suspicious?
Why don't you suspect me? | am
sure am much wickeder than Mary
Owen said |. But it was no use
Maria was determined to 90 at once to
the store, to charge poor Mary with
the theft and shame her before her
lover All the while she cried and
in great distress. | went with her to
the store. and she searched very
quietly in every place where it was
possible that the money could have
been dropped unnoticed. Maria had
written down the number of the note,
and said that she had also marked it
with two red crosses. that she might
always identify it. | made her prom
ise not to speak without nv consent,
but my heart began to grow sad, for
circumstances looked black against
poor Mary.
If that girl is guilty shall never
trust n mortal on earth" said l. Il
feel just rs you do, brother John"
said Maria, land then how pity poor
David"
1 went home to tea with my broth
er's widow, but we did not feel like
eating. She promised not to come
down to the store until | sent for her
hfAI dtiN. ttIltl StcllIti NCll IlltlC1lul
and tender toward the unhappy girl.
| had never liked Maria rs we'll as l
did that evening. | couldn't help
wanting to kiss her, so arose to say
good night and came around the
tea table to take her hand. when my
coat caught in little willow work
basket that stood by. all full of sewing,
and. of course, it tumbled over. Out
rolled spools and thimblas and buttons
and scissors, and as | stopped to
gather them up | saw Il small door
key, tied with Il narrow black ribbon,
and with a deep notch cut into the
handle.
felt my heart stop beating, but had
presence of mind enough to catch up
the key unseen aud put it in my
pocket.
Yes. it was Mary's door KEY. How
| dared not linger any longer with my
brothers widow. but went home and
walked the floor all night.
In the morning early | went to the
store and told them | silpnld be absent
all day. In short time was ut the
house where Mary rented rooms, and
bv the aid of the little key was soon
inside her door, leaving it closed but
not locked. 1t was small and hum
bic apartment. but neat aud clean,
with many dainty touch that pro-
claimed good taste and management.
| felt like a thief as | walked about
the room, trying to find a hiding
place. In one corner was Il closet
where few garments hung upon
hooks. Into the place | went and sat
down upon an old trunk and waited.
As | sat there | felt more than once
like mean. suspicious villain.
asked myself. rs this the way you
take care of your brothers widow?'
But all the same | kept on waiting and
whispering, May the Lord forgive
me if | am wrong!'
| heard the town clock strike the
hours-10 IL and 12-and soon after
ward | heard a noise at the door.
Quickly closing the closet. | left just
enough room To watch what happened.