The state republican. (Jefferson City, Mo.) 1871-1896, 1896-03-05
CHAPTER XVI
LOSING A FRIEND.

tiiNA VI wa i"A nNhINi MS illlNl "
the moment. When it came to him
how helpless he was to render him any
aid in his trouble it was torture to
him.
Il think, DR.. Dabney," said Bertha,
"my going would do him more good
than yours, and | can 60"
Glow can you do him any good?'
john asked in some surprise.
II think l have something to tell
that will help him" said Bertha
Brother Jack talked to mother and
me about what he heard the men say
about getting Mr.. Charlie out of the
way. Would it help him for us to
tell thatg'
But these war times, will you not
be afraid to 20 and run the risk of
your life, for that villain Clayton is
there and has the money to have any
foul deed done he wants. He may
have you killed in order to withhold
your evidence.
Il do not fear him, " said Bertha,
FOR l shall be doing my duty, and
God will protect me. Oh, DR.. Dab
nov. if vour brother can only be
cleared and the guilty murderer
brought t1 Justice. l am willing to run
most any risk"
Tell me, was Clayton the muir
dcrrg 20 asked John, eagerly.
II will tell Won" she answered.
"what Jack heard Mr.. CLAYTON say.
Flor he WAS the man that wanted yor,r
brother ont of the way. He said to the
other man. whose name Jack did not
know. Can't Won mt Charlie Dabney
out Of my way and he answered,
Yes. for a Thousand dollars L will
rive II, said CLAYTON. .but mind that
Won do vo,r Wort, we'll and keen fine
matter close, lack hoard their ngree.
mont mud r,r,o and toIl ne ,nd Lorra
us to secrecy"
"But rerbons CIovton,s o~ccomnIice
was tbo m~nr5ere, " soi1 DR. Dalnry
"Yes " said Rortba .,lut ! r,n't
helm THINKING If was Mr. CIoyton for
that NIGHT aftc, .1,rl- started IN SEQ
Mr. Cborlie 7 so,y Mr. CLAYTON woIk-
inc in fine same direction lack had
been rome only y short while and 7
feel almost .ure that CLAYTON heord
.Tack fell Mr.. Charlie and then he
waited till .Jack started home alone 70
kin him"
She could not bring all these dread
rul scenes 70 remembrance without
feeling the old ongnisb and bitterness
The tcars and sobs choked her inter.
ancn.
"Bcrtba, don't talk of if any more. -
said John. feeling that he could MOI
stand to see her distress. believe. '
said Bertha, that God will bring i
out some way, the proof of that mur
der"
"And YOU will 90, Bertha, and do al,
you cal. " he asked.
Eyes, sir, with Gods help" she
answered.
"Then NAV lie indeed helm YOU and
bless Won for your goodness to me. Nv
hands, (aud he held them IN. male
and emaciltcd) care bound, and so far
as my help ayails. nv brother would
be lost. But | see how strong and free
YOU are. so strong in faith, too, and
nothing is impossible TO the believing.
Oh. | wish | could have some of it,
for the future looks very dark TO me. -
Il don't think, " said Bertha, ''that
we ought ever to despair when we
thinl; Of how good God is, and how
strong"
If was decided that Bertha and her
mother were TO start the next dav to
attend Charlie Dabuey's trial. as the
time was now SO near, they were
afraid TO mt off starting. Travel.
like everything else. was uncertain.
and they knew not what might arise
70 DELAY them,
Bertha stood nv DIR. Dabnev's he'd to
receive messages for his home folks.
81 think Won have made me selfish.
Bertha" DIR. Dabney said as she an.
preached the bed. 81 am so selfsl
that I can hardly stand to see you &c
away, although you go in my service.
Your going means to me a cold, darl
cell. food half cooked. no water t.
drink, nothing to read, aud no one t,
speak to. Is that a dark picture? l
is a true one, for l am a prisoner.
want to make a request of you, Bertha
one l know you Will gladly grant
viii you give me the little Testamen
you have been reading ont loud
mel 1t has been such a comfort to M
l can I let tnat CO. TOO. 90
on Dr. Daoney' IL makes me 81
glad to hear you say that said Der