The Yale expositor., 1901-11-22

He was Stephen Butts. a relative OF
| the man who had married Martha's
only daughter. who. with her husband.
now was dead.
He presently stated the object OF his
visit. He had come 90 town from his
ranch, wishing to take Jacky back with
him. lie and his wife would be glad
TO adopt the boy. he said.
mo. Butts" Martha replied. with a
touch OF asperlty. II shouldn't feel a
bit relieved To be rid OF Jacky."
And | must stay 10 take care OF
Granny" chmed in the child. slipping
his Arm, pink hand into the wrinkled.
brown one.
Butts argued the matter awhile. He
wanted the boy. Finally he went
away, saying tat he would not accept
MATTHIAS decision as aIal. lie would
be In town again for Thanksgiy-
ing.
That afternoon Martha went TO the
Office OF her lawyer. Nj Crell
MIR. Crell crested her cordially. I'm
glad you called in today. Mrs. Brent"
he said. giving her a chair. II wanted
20 see you"
NO good newsl" he said. I've
heard from Mr.. Ford, but I'm sorry 10
be Obliged TO tell YOU that he writes he
does not see much use OF continuing
your pension case. lie cannot discover
any che who knew Sergeant William
Clay & = James Brent"
James Brent had retaken his true
name when he got his discharge from
the army three years before his death.
and came TO live In this western town.
and now It seemed impossible TO prove
that he and Sergeant Clay were the
same man.
His widow mortgaged the home 20
Lawyer Ford, the pension attorney.
who seeing no chance OF winning the
case demanded payment OF the mort
gage. Crell told OF Fords demands.
Martha started. She grew very
white. She had a poor head for bust
ness matters. and she had not fully
realized. when she mortgaged her
property TO meet the expenses OF en-
ploying the Washington lawyer. that
she must lose II II she did not get her
pension. In the latter event the ten
years arrears due her would easily
have paid up the mortgage.
Il hope we may be alb G 10 save the
place some way" said Mr.. Crcll. OBJ
serving her distress. How about sell
ing that land on the riyer?"
"Oh. sir. cannot sell that; it"
Martha. half extending the deed from
under her shawl. drew IL sharply back
into hiding.
A fierce food OF terror set every
nerve in her old body trembling.
What did you say, sir?" she asked.
weakly. Mr.. Crell explained that Il
would be wise TO sell the land. I'm
sure your husband would approve" he
said.
Martha rose from her chair abruptly
yes. I believe James would want
me 20 sell Il" she declared: he'd want
anything rather than Jacky and I'd be
without home!" She went away
quickly.
Martha did not work we'll that after
noon. Here mind was distracted. She
kept slipping her hand into her pocket
TO feel the deed. It's possession con-
fused her actions.
Unable TO stand the strain any long
err she started to Crells Office 10 tell
the story. But on the way she met
Jacky returning from school.
Come. you're tired. Let's hurry
home" said Jacky. why. that's not
the way home. GRANNY You're start
ing uptown. See. It's well came to
fetch you. Take my shoulder: I'm
pretty big now"
} Marthas determination wilted weak
Is away. she went home with her boy.
[ II was not until they were seated az
; supper that her sense OF right put In a
Z claim again.
r I've taken the second wrong step,
. and I've got to stop herer' She pulled
q herself up.
4 She knew that n the worst came 10
. the worst she might go to the poor
' house. and tried to pursuade him TO 20
TO Butts.
v Jacky's face clouded. he flung him
I self back In his chair.
Now. Granny" he cried. with tears
, you're talking as though you wanted
. me TO go and you said you didn't;
you promised that might always stay
, with you"
n Martha's face fell from tho wheed-
ling expression II had assumed. She
gave up the effort TO persuade thu
n child 90 wish to leave her as beyond
! her strength. She rose abruptly aftei
a few minutes and walked TO the stove
She lifted a lid and snatched the deco
a from her pocket.
J. "why. what are you doing now7'
Jacly asked. surprised at the nervou
2. intensity OF her actions.