Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1894-04-05
CHAPTER XIV
WHAT TON MAD TO SAY.


cence In the matter OF the money
troubles was shaken, and more than
once she asked herself whether any Of
the terrible accusations could posi-.
bly, be true.
She went home and tried TO assume
something OF her usually cheerful de-.
mcanor.
"Savannahs been here asking for
you," said her mother Seems u good
bit put out about something or other
can't make her out; and I'm blcst "
I'm not glad she's gone. Can't like the
lass, for all her soft waysand voice and
that"
what did she want?"
Didn't Say; except that she wanted
TO speak to you. Seemed mighty
curious To know whether you'd come
from the mill yet"
For moment the mention Of Snvau
nah's visit drew away Mays thou 80.
from the chief subject; but they soop
went back TO Tom and the course
which she had better take.
She made up her mind before she I'm
ishcd her tea, and she startled her
mother by the abruptncss with which
on her hat She would go straight to
Tom, tell him all she had heard, or
nearly all, and ask him what IL meant
Tom was ut home when she reached
the cottage. lie was sitting alone,
looking so detected and miserable that
the girls heart went out to him with n
great rush Of sympathy and love. lie
looked up when she entered and gave
her smile OF welcome--a sad, feeble
smile enough. that flickcred out quick.
ly, and was followed by II look OF
anxious, searching scrutiny which
Mary could not fail 10 NOTED lie
seemed as II he was almost afraid Of
what might be her object In coming TO
him.
For the moment she could find moth
inR TO say, and busted herself In tall
ing of her hat and jacket, lettering 40
as TO gain time. Then she went TO
him, and. moved by sudden impulse,
put her arms round him and kissed
him. She was 80 rarely dcmonstrative
In hor affection that so unusual M act
on her pnrt unsettled him somewhat,
and his response TO her carcss was not
very warm one
N
girls emotion lcssened and she grew
calmer. Then they began to talk. At
first IL wns about subjects that had no
connection with the object OF her
visit, but presently Tom told her Of HIS
visit TO Murstone and what had passed, |
ibid you notice any change in his
manner" she asked
Ellis manner is always bcastly disa.
greeable; aud to-day could have
struck him for his snecrs and insults.
In fact, had plenty OF difficulty TO
keep my hands of him"
ibid he give you the books bacls?"
mo. On the contrary he point blank
refused, and said something about hav-
ing them overhauled for the whole time
] have been secretary. lie asked me
whether ! was sure that the balance
which the book showed to be due was
oil that was really due. | answered,
hotly enough, no doubt, that | would
have no more 10 do with the whole
business, and flung the money on the
come TO blows II I'd stopped, !" said Tom,
growing excited.
at was all the money that was due,
wasn't 1t, TomP" asked Mary, pausng
moment, in doubt how 10 ask this
The question angercd the man
what you do mean2 DO you mean
what he seemed to insinuate-that I'd
been keeping something back? OF
course, II was all the money Didn't I
tell you no last night? should have
thought you would be ready TO believe
me, at any rate"
81 do, Tom; OF course, do. But |
want to tell you what they say now;
and don't know how to begin"
what do they sayP" he asked,
sharply.
They say that there Is another
amount of ten pounds due" said Mary,
speaking slowly and hesitatingly, and
scarcely raising her voice abovea whis.
per
1.-THE liarsl" burst from the mans
lips. who has told you this2"
II heard II from Reuben Gorringe,
TO whom Murstone had been"
$50 Gorringe is my enemy, Is he?"
exclaimed Tom, excitedly. II thought
noticed something strange In his con-
duct to-day"
81 don't think he is against you.
Tom" then she suddenly stopped, re-
membcring the second and graver ac-
cusation-"at least not In that. lie
gave Murstone the money ut once. lIe
said that he was suro you would wish
1t paid at once, and so he paid IT,"
1.-THE devil no did And what right
has ho got TO interfere In my affairs?
To do a thing like that Is just as much
us 10 confess that the lie Is true. I'll
go and have this out with Murstone
alone. The villain, to trump up such a
dastardly tale against snel''
lie got up eXcitedly from his chair,
as II TO 60 out.
But he changed his purpose as sud.
denly and began walking quickly up
and down the room.
81 wonder what ON earth IL can 'all
mean|" he exclaimed, as II thinking
aloud. ut seems as II there was some
conspiracy all about me 10 get me into
disgrace. don't understand It,"
"Murstone-is he a straight man?"
asked the girl.
Eyes, yesl he's straight enough.
Hes a disagreeable, sneering beast;
but he's straight enough" was the an.
CRY reply. /
''ls he not too sharp to make mis-
tale2"
He stopped suddenly, wheeled round
and faced the girl at this.
do you mean is what he says trueP"
he asked, irritably.