The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-01-29
CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.
had telegraphed to Edith begging her
hospitality for day or two, and she met me
on my arrival at the railway station a little
astonished at my change of resolve: but I
had determined to say nothing to anyone of
my plans for the present, so made the ex-
cuse OF a sudden longing for a mouthful of
country air.
1t was o'clock when we arrived at the
vlcarage l surprised my friends by remark
ihg suddenly that 1 was pining for a good,
long tramp and should walk over and
pay visit to my old friend Widow Davis
suit Mollie," objected Edith, that is in
such a very. lonely neighborhood, and I can't
come with you, for I have three invalids to
visit in the opposite direction"
| on, don't think about that prayi' said
cheerfully you know I am used to all these
roads, and the walk will do me the world
of good
had reflected that Jim's work kept him
IN the fields all day, my only chance of find
ing him at home was to go in the evening
so [ started, feeling a little excited and with
Pleasant consciousness of being engaged
OF very important matter
The cottage where Jim lived with his old
mother was, as Edith had said, in lonely
nelghborhood, not on the main road but
near little by-path that led nowhere in
particular
AS I reached the door I resolved that if
Mrs. Davis at home I would devise
some means of speaking to her son alone
and so save her the unwelcome knowledge
OF his guilt if, L suspected, she was ig-
norant of it.
However, no strategem was required.
When l knocked, rather nervOusy at the
cottage door at first no one answered; then.
on louder repetition of the knock, very
gruff voice cried out from within
Come in, can't yer? and don't stand
hammerin' there!'
This not inviting; but I pushed open
the door, and went into the Kitchen, which,
as [ knew, was also the living room of the
family.
I looked round for Jims mother, but she
was not there.
Only Jim sat crouched over the stove,
where the fire had been allowed to die out,
after performing its daily duty of boiling
/ the kettle for his tea, the remains of which
still stood the table
Coming in from the brightness outside the
kitchen seemed very dim to me- but I could
see that inns face was flushed and bloated
and. even to my inexperienced eyes, it
showed signs of strong drink.
! He made no attempt to get up when he
saw me, but only stared in stupid silence and
surprise.
rs Mrs. Davis at home?" asked, by way
of making a beginning
mo, she amt he crowded she's gone
out nursin.'
! ooh, it doesn't matter I said "for it is
you I wish to see, and not your mother"
A CLEAN of intelligence came into the dull.
heavy eyes, and Jim looked at me keenly for
moment and then a deeper red stole into
his face, and he dropped his eyes, uneasily.
| What can I do for you, mss?" he asked,
presently, in a surly tone, but with evil
dent attempt at civility.
1 I did not answer at once, for now that the
moment of action had arrived, I began to
feel little bit nervous and doubtful: but I
resolved to put bold face on the matter;
so, after a little hesitation, I said, coolly--
st have come to fetch my aunts jeyels,
Mr.. Davis!"
I hoped that the words would startle him,
and they did, for he sprung half out of his
chair, and for moment, remained so, hold
ing himself up by the wooden arms, and
staring at me with half frightened. half
defiant air, that would have convinced
at once, even had l doubted the truth of
Sarah's statement.
you must ha made a mistake miss
faint no good t&lkin' to me about the
thir gs'
mo: I am not mistaken" I said, cooy
though with fast beating heart for 1
know that the jewels are in your old port
lnanteau-
"What'' he cried. springing up again. and
facing me with frightened eyes, and a
blanching face Its lie!" he added, hoarse-
ily; ''its a lying story, got up to ruin me;
but I'll be even with them that's done tt'
He clenched his hands. trembling violent
ly; but l was glad to see that my sudden
accusation had had the effect of SOLDERING
him. and that the stupid sullen look IN his
face was giving way to one of frightened
anxiety, and I hoped that he would be will
ing to hear reason.
Listen to me- I said quietly. 81 know
that the jewels are in your possession, and I
have come myself to give you the chance of
restoring them privately. without it ever
being known, even to the police; and /
promise you that if you will give them to
me now I will persuade Miss Martyr not to
prosecute you