The Lamar register., 1901-10-09

| rying poor father. he is even chanS-
ing in appearance, and is becoming SO
haggard. There is some secret sorrow
he is enduring. spoke to him about
it only the other day"
What answer did he give you"
asked.
"Just laughed. and said was gifted
with vivid Imagination"
There, you see, it must be only
business worry. If it were anything
regarding yourself. he would not make
light of it."
Florence was partly comforted by
my assurance. She glanced up into
my face and smiled. But the troubled
and perplexed look came back when
she answered.:
perhaps it is as you say. But can
not get it out of my head that Mr.. jack
son is somehow connected with it ALL"
jackson? How could he affect your
fathers life SO seriously?" exclaimed.
~ do not know. He used to come
here frequently until lately. And after
every visit father seemed to be so
troubled and Worried.
Being satisfied in my own mind that
the difference between Mr.. Morley and
fairs. l sought to lead Florence away
from a subject which seemed to cause
her distress.
| "And what can you tell me about the
station agent at Sidington?" asked.
"Oh, Nelson! how puzzled am over
what you have told me! You say he
tried to shoot you?"
| "Yes; but do not agitate yourself
over that. He did not hit me, you
know" answered.
"But why should he wan, to shoot
you?" she exclaimed.
"That is as much a mystery to me as
to you. Who is the fellow, anyhow?
| Where did he come from? His real
name, understand, is Skinner"
| "Yes, that is his real name," was
Florence's answer.
| "Why, what reason could he have had
for telling me his name was Hunter?
| Tell me what you know about him, my
dear" I demanded, for thought she
really appeared somewhat reluctant to
give me the desired Information.
"Florence, who il he?"
"He is a detective" she answered.
IA detective! He! What is he do
ing about here?" asked, in astonish-
ment.
promise me you will not breathe
word" Florence said, earnestly, hold
ing up her forefnger in emphasis.
81 promise solemnly."
"And promise you will not think me
a very foolish girl?"
"Never!"
"Well, then, after the bank robbery
I used to read all the papers to ascer-
tain II the robbers had been discovered
The time went by, and you, poor boy,
were still under the cruel suspicion
Why, Nelson, nearly all of your old
friends believe you had q hand in the
affair"
"Oh, 1 know thati" fsnswered,
Rloomily. "And was foolish to give
up the trust and love and confidence of
the only true friend seemed to have
at that time" kissing the faithful girls
forehead.
Indeed you were foolish, and cruel.
too" Florence murmured. "Six months
went by, and you went to Europe.
Nothing was discovered regarding the
robbery; and, what was worse, moth
ing seemed to be done in the matter.
Every one seemed to have forgotten all
about it, except that you were the
guilty one; that was not forgotten.
oh, Nelson, felt SO sorry for you!
knew how honorable you were, and
how heavy your heart must have been.
So made up my mind to do something
myself"
"You!"
Eyes. It was foolish, know, but
4 7 1afa Qd
try and clear YOU"
For few moments my heart was too
full for speech. 'And what did you
do7' 1 asked, gently.
IT did not want father to know, 80
I asked Mr.. Jackson to send the best de-
tective he knew. of to me. Mr.. Jackson
seemed very kindly disposed toward
you at that time; he did as requested,
and asked me no questions about my
intentions"
$50 you hired detective to trace the
robbers?" 80. a.
"Yes."
"And that fellow Skinner-is he the
one?"
ayes. suppose 1t was foolish
thing to do, for nothing seems to have
come of 1t, although Mr.. Skinner keeps
telling me he is on the right track now,
and will soon have them"
Foolish, was it? Oh. my darling!"
exclaimed, as caught her hands in
mine and gazed down into the sweet
face. I could say no more then, choked
as was Iby my emotion. The noble,
true-hearted girl! Impelled by her love
for me and her absolute faith in my
integrity, undertaking alone to estab-
lish my innocence, while all the world
remained Indifferent! I saw the noble