The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1898-09-09
! The Norwell Treasure.
saVLTHY, it's absolutely absurd, Mr..

the book it must be in the house some
where2 She has had no opportunity to
dispose of it,"
Robert Barrie, Scotchman, had tried
hard TO keep his temper through this
interview with young Sprague for
many reasons. One of them was his
suspicion that Sprague loved his daugh-
ter Marian, the very apple of his eye.
Another was his respect for Sprague
himself, and perhaps the strongest OF
all his boast that he never let his tenn
per master him.
This occasion, however, was too much.
TO be told by young "whipper-snap-
per" that he ought to be ashamed OF
anything was not to be tolerated. Be-
sides, Sprague evidently did not know
that the book had been found in the
house of his aunt, barbara Myles. He
turned on his caller, purple anger
mounting to his forehead, ard shouted:
'Yes, can see that the book must of
course be in the house." He came a
step nearer and added: ''And it was
found there this morning. Here it is
now"
And he held out the priceless copy OF
Izaak Walton that had long been the
pride of Norwell. Sprague turned
white and seemed about to fall. Found
in my aunt's house, you say?" he fal-
tered.
AYE" answered Barrie. 'Now, can
you deny she stole it? Who else knew
more of its value? Who else had a
chance to steal it? Didn't she tell Miss
Timmins it would sell for at least $780,
and she knew where she could use the
money we'll? l don't know that she
hasn't used her position as librarian to
she got any money to send to you at
college. ! shall call meeting of the
library trustees at once and see if they
will not agree with me to prosecute her
to the extent of the law. And now,
don't you step over my threshold again
SO long as you live. 1 dom want any
thing to do with your breed of thieves,
either you or your"
Sprague took a sudden step and
tackled" Barrie as he had many a
time tackled a running half-back at
football practice. Barrie fell heavily
and looked half afraid up into the stern
young face above him.
snow, get up" said Sprague, "and if
you ever say another word against my
aunt in my presence Tll-I'll give you
another lesson in football tricks of the
goal-kicking description" he finished,
half smiling to himself.
Only the morning. before this inter-
view the town of Norwell had been
thrown into spasm of excitement by
the news that "our book" had been
stolen. When Peter Hackett died he di-
vided his really notable library among
the public libraries of his native state,
and to Norwell fell his famous Walton,
the object of many bookworm's pill
grimage to his library. Its bequest
was hedged about by many conditions,
the foremost of which was the solemn
injunction that under no circum-
stances was it to be removed from the
library.
It was this particular condition which
caused Barbara Myles to experience a
continual expressing sense of response
bility. The Walton was never absent
from her mind when she visited it's rest
ing place in the library dozen times
day.
Beyond the slender salary which came
from her position she had little except
an unusual education and the biblio-
phile's love of books. John Sprague
was her only relative and she loved him
with the love of mother. Robert Bar
RE, bringing her the quarters salary,
his daughter Marian, and of late &C.
centric Job Doyle comprised the list of
her Norwell callers.
Young Sprague repaid her love and
sacrifice with almost the devotion of a
lover. He knew the story of the extra
cataloguing done for the big city Ii
brary that he might complete his col
lege course. His love for Marian Bar
RE, too, was no secret from his gentle
little aunt, and she fed him. hungry for
news of his sweetheart, with constant
letters.
She herself had discovered the loss
and reported it to the chairman of
trustees, Robert Barrie, with fear and
trembling. He had. told the village con-
stable, and that Sherlock Holmes. be-
ing told the remark made to Miss Tim
minis about the value of the Walton,
Immediately arrested Barbara Myles.
John Sprague left the house realizing
that probably his love dream was over
for good and all, but not sorry, on the
whole. that he had defended his aunt,s
good name in such summary fashion.
The news of the finding of the book
staggered him and he sought to ex-
plain it to himself, never once depart
ing from his stout belief in his aunt,s
honesty. On his way to her house,
where she was confined in the absence
OF more suitable Jail, he met Job
Doyle. Job was as eccentric and alb
sent-minded as Pudd'n' Head Wilson,
and withal bookworm of the wormiest
Kind. This morning he was full of the
missing book and as indignant as
Sprague himself at the turn affairs had
taken.
John, my son." said he, sswhat
fuddle-headed piece of business is this?
II could get hold of that constable 1
believe I'd cane him; I do. Why, the
fool, to think Barbara mean Miss
Myles-took it. The angel Gabriel
might steal it, but she wouldn't. See
here, John, I suppose I ought to tell
you something, seeing you are the only
living relative she's got. Tn in love
with that little woman-yes, sir, am
and, by old Izaak Walton himself.