The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1899-08-18


thief yourself. aud send hera letter say
ing you have repented and return the
money!"
"But don't want her to think that
I'm bad lot" -
"WeIl she edn'tknow that you sent
t. Yoh can pretend to be an ordinary
pickpocket." a''
$50 | can. I never thought of that
BY Jove. it's grand IDEAL Where's ihe
pen and ink? What shall say? tiIvt
us lift, old chap. You're dab hand al
this sort Of thing"
took up my pen, and, aftera little
thought, dashed of the following let
ter:
"Derc Miss: This is from me, the
boke tvot TUX yer purse sens the mum.
bak i,ckause yer father wos once very
kind Ter me when i wos down on mi
luck. an noas yer needs it sight more
than does, yer humble servant. Bill
Nokes."
How will that doT' Isaid, as I tossed
it across the table.
"Spiendid splendid" he cried. as he
ran his. eyes over it. ats worthy Of Bill
Skies himself I'll send it off this very
minute" And he thrust itSin an en-
velope in company with 6pe-pound
note.
You'll let me know how it answers? ?"
| said. as he took up his hat.
"Oh, yes And then, with a hasty
good night. he went flying down the
stairs to catch the post.
The following morning it happened
| that matter Of business took me be
vicinity of Defendants chambers. and.
having half an hour to spare: deter,
mined TO call and see If he had heard
anything in connection with his riot.
AS was about TO entershi sitting
room. however. I heard 2 he sound OF
voices. and a hasty CHANCES Bowed me
that he was engaged. a yanng lady was
standing by the table. facing Deben-
ham. who looked as guilty as any school
boy caught in an orchard.
II got it-back this morning." the girl
was saying. "a man who is Employed
on the railway picked it up as he was
on his way to his work."
I'll ain very glad," Debenham MUIR
INJURED nervously. He must have been
an honest fellow"
"Yes," she said. But the strange
part OF it is that by this morning post
there came Il letter from IA thief. in
closing Il five-pound note. You can
read it II yon like"
And she handed him the precious mis-,
sive had concocted.
He read il in feigned establishment.
II never heard Of such curious
thing. he mtIrmured. Its positively
Isn't it, yolrknow?"
OF course, this ehildlke attempt at
deception didn't deceive the girl.
"Mr. prbenham." she said. you
wrote this letter; you sent this note" .
81? Really Miss
"Oh,,yes you did. It's no use denying
it. No one else knew Of our loss"
There was "a pause. i)ssbensam stood
looking very red and foolish.
Come, you'd better confess she said
at length.
lie rumplsd his hair in reckless
fashion.
1T seems impossible for a. fellow to
do good action in this worldl" he
cried. Hes sure to be found Quit"
Then you did send il -
"Ye-es. You see, you wouldn't let Inc
help you. and $3.50 il struck the that
it would be Il capital idea 10 pretend
that | was the thief" (the hnn.b..g. MS
idea, indeedD. II never thought Tor u
moment that you'd see your purse
again, and il you hadn't done SO. my
little dodge would never have come to
light" a,
mo, don't think it. would" she an.
swered, "for that was a most realistic
letter you wrote"
Debenham groaned.
"You can't think what an effort it
cost me-" he said.
What an effort, indeedl
II do hope you will let me keep it as
a mementoY"
"Yes-if you will promise to forgive
me?"
"oh. there is nothing to forgivel 1t
was very good of you"
AT this moment caught glimpse OF
her face, and was forced to admit that
Debenham had some reason for his ex-
travagant praise.
"And you will not think the worse OF
me for-fortrying to deceive your be
went on. Really. he was getting posi-
lively absurd, from his voice one would
have supposed that he was prisoner
suing for his life.
"Oh, | think better of you'll" she cried.
Il shall never forget your kindness"
And as she gave him her hand she
blushed in ridiculous fashion.
Then Debenham nude an ass of him
self. Instead of simply shaking hands
and saying good-morning. he held her
fingers and said nothing. but Just
stared at her in a moonstrurk kind OF
way that was quite fdiotic. and she
dropped her head like little silly ant
went the color of peonv: then. But
at this point couldn't stand it any
longer, and ! quietly Withdrew.
OF course, was not in the least as
tonished when Debenham rushed into
my chambers the same afternoon and.
with good deal of stammering. CON
fessed that he was engaged. He seemed
quite amazed when BETRAYED no sur
prise, but ! didn't tell him that had
been witness of his folly.
was presented to the future Mrs.
Debenham and her sister few days
later. When Dcbcnham ;aSlxetI me- what