The Red Cloud chief., 1900-02-23
CHAPTER III.

'f1Nf vi III
Now this error would mean more
than discrcdit and a consequent check
in Bertha's future promotion. II was n
rule that the examiner who overlooked
"A counterfeit or missing bill should
make good the value OF II. To make
good a thousand dollars would pretty
well ruin the Jackets and old father
Caleb into the bargain. But II was his
duty to make his report instantly to
the Secretary. and with painful reluct-
ance he filled up the prescribed but
seldom requisitioned form. With slow
dragging steps, he proceeded with II to
the Secrctary's private room. but halt
ed with his hand OF the door. Sud
denly that frivolous gossip on the YER
anda rushed into his memory. Had
Wilton Loring-had Bertha herself
stole the missing bill? what then?
Should he turn conspirator and cover
the fraud? No. no, his duty was clear.
He would not allow himself to hesitate,
but knocked at the door and entered.
But there was no respite for him and
for his wife. The Treasurer himself
was closeted with the Secretary.
"One moment, Mr.. Hackett. I'm en-
gagged" was the sharp peremptory dis.
missal, and he perforce withdrew post
pOning the declaration. AS he return
ed stupefied to his desk a clock struck
the hour OF his luncheon interval. II
was the custom of the family to meet
at home for their midday meal. He
locked up the report and rushed ouI
Of the Treasury. Flying home on
cable car, he found his wife there he
fore him. Bertha sat at the table like
one in a dream. She did not raise hei
eyes from the food that stood untOuch,
ed before her. Edmond himself could
not swallow a mOrsel, but furtively
watched his wife while the negress
who waited on them tarried in the
room. The moment they were alone he
leant across the table and whispered
hoarsely:
You passed a packet today-a pack.
ct of Thousands"
The young wife looked up with q
start of surprise. The fear that was
written in her troubled face gave way
to a fash Of desperate hope.
1T came to yOu?"
"One bill Is missing"
Thank God you can pass it,"
No word Of denial. She caught his
recoiling hand across the table.
For my sake-fOr your Bertha's
sake-you will, You will"
Edmond Hackett raised his Other
hand to his damp forehead.
Impossible. child-impossible! YOU
must be saved another way-if II b,
not too late. Find the missing bill
among some papers, as II an acciden,
had placed II there. But, whatever yol
do. put It forward instantly, in.
stantly!"
II cannot, Edmond. I haven't tn,
bill"
You did not steal It? Oh. forgiy,
me. Heaven he thanked for that, IT.,
an oversight. then? Bad enough, bui
not beyond repair. Make out your re,
port at once, and send II in. You are 8
novice. the delay may be overlooked. :
II cannot do that, Edmond. Ii woult
be to cast suspicion upon the cashier
who forwarded the bills to the Treas.
ury."
THAT Is his affair. II the packet was
short when you counted it"
Edmond, why will you not ignore
the shortage? BY a miracle 1t is In
your power to prevent the discovery
1T is not in my power"
How not In your power? The pack,
ct will go from your hands to the com
mittee, who do not count II again; ant
by them it will be deposited In the
macerator, to be ground into pulp. !,
would never be known that forty nine
instead Of fifty bills had been destroy,
ed"
Bertha, you forget the other half.
have only a portion OF the bills. The
upper section Of your packet went to
the Registers Office to be counted
there"
Bertha Hackett grew white as death
and hot tears sprang in her eyes.
I'VE are ruined!" she cried. unless
unless" Her glance from the win
dow perceived Caleb Loring entering
the house, Here is father! He will
find out who had the count at the Reg
ister's."