People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1899-06-08

FOB HIS HONOR.

VI lnC NOh OOahtN
The sheriff, burly man of 40, had his
mother and crippled son OF s years
living with him. The old mother was
continually afraid, and the helpless
boy needed teaching. The sheriff ad-
vertised in the papers OF the state for
companion and governess- y teach
ers' agency sent Florence Early to
Riverdale.
The sheriff stared at her when he
met her III the railroad station. lie
believed sac had not been well fcu.
Ills impU.,g was to take her INFO ti.e
first eatI.y house ana te.d her up u
little. Sin ,.~s too much OF lady foi
that, ami he bundled her into his
buggy i'll awkward silence.
Florence Improved 50 much in few
days thai he was sure about the eat
ing. He gave her the piece OF stake
next the bone as his most delicate at
tention. When he grew less shy he
looked into her face and met the
steadiest pair of eyes he had ever
seen.
The sheriff knew humanity. He
looked at her, and felt that when he
was obliged to go away at night he
could sleep, knowing that the old
mother and delicate Willy had stay
and comfort.
One day he took her into the Jail.
1t was fearful place. One story
was above ground. In this were kept
the prisoners held for minor offenses;
in the other, veritable dungeon, was
a man confined for capital offense.
He was the son of a wealthy farmer
and accused of the murder of both IA
Their and mother on the evidence that
he had had dispute with them the
day before the foul deed.
johnson Martins was the strongest,
most remote cell of the dungeon; lie
was allowed to see no one, and the
sheriff himself carried him his food
On the day the sheriff showed Flor
ence Early through the Jail she met
the Jailor, a man with a settled, stub
born look. Finally the sheriff led the
way down the dark, close stairway,
and, unlocking heavy door, ushered
her into dark corridor. He lighted
a lantern and led Florence to the far
end of the passage, paused before a
barred grating, and called, in a voice
not unkind, johnson, here's your
new jailer."
Florence started. Someone crawled
to the bars.
For the love of God, Terrence, how
long is this to last?"
There is nothing new this morning.
John. l have to be away until late to.
night. This lady will give you your
dinner and supper"
There was no word in reply. The
sheriff returned to the doorway.
Miss Florence" he said. 81 must 90
over to Berlin township after man.
cannot be back before midnight. |
want you to take care of Martin"
An hour later he was gone. and she
had the key and his Instructions.
Miss Early was reading aloud lust
before dinner, when the servant came
10 tell her someone wanted to see
her. She found a rough man in the
nall, nervous and awkward.
They say sheriff's gone over 10
Berlin, miss. How long will he have
gomez" ''
"A few hours" replied Florence,
tersely.
The man looked at her and whisper
ed quickly:
I'm friend of his'n. l come TO
tell him all McVaigh Townships com.
ing tonight after Martin. They've To-
Gated Aliens hired girl, and she saws
sne saw johnson about Z o'clock that
night and not half mile from the
farm" YIN 'He
Florence Early felt an awful chill
at her heart Then the strong. kind
lace OF the sheriff came before her
with an effort she replied:
III you have horse and know tbe
way, ride to Berlin for your life. You
snail De well paid. Don't lose a min.
ute' Bring him here; l will keen the
man until he comes" WV
She went to dinner calmly. and AFT.
erwards gathered up some delicacias
and added them to the meal for Mo-
TN. She threw light shawl over her
head. "i 0'er ner
Inc 1ailer was in the hallway when
sne went down the steps. He looked
troubled. She did not know ba InaT,
Inc Inc corridor seemed darker than ever
one SET the lantern by the grating
opened it and thrust into il fbe has
ket. A hand took it. '-'
Ga, Eat your dinner" she said gently.
YOU" " say 10
ing. ' " inc graf
They will try to take you from tbo
jan tonight" she said simply. equity
or not guilty, if l save YOU. will voy
give yourself up to Sheriff Torrencs
tor trial?" Aoiienee
he looked her in the eyes.
am an innocent man." he cried
noarsely, but before God | will stand
'riaI II you save me from that mob"
mel" 'ai ~ W
he made the oath and she left him
Eleven o'clock came. Outside there
was utter silence, then came the soun6
Oh many footsteps. The men of Me-.
'aign township were not out for vain
parade. They meant business.
A terrific battering came at the
DOORS the one level with the yard at.
lacked first. The jailer looked on,
IRON a small window in the old roof
IL had been used for such purnosaS
| "Nn uopt ho.x.--