Sunday morning globe., 1901-12-08

road when you've taken it, and TN pay YOU
there. We can burn the photograph and
letter out there"
Good morning. was her CHEEKY greeting
as she passed into the yard
Ora dried her tears and came forward to
greet her Gramma Gates walked away
with an air of injured dignity.
Poor girl, " exclaimed Gladys. you've
been crying Pm afraid you take Bob's
cruel Joke too much to heart. Won't you
let me help you in some way?"
Yes Help me find my father"
but he IS probably dead. You said your
only proofs were that letter and photograph
Besides, If your father we're really alive and
willing to acknowledge you, why didn't Mr.
Blessing produce him2"
Mr. Blessing will answer that question
in person" said deep voice behind them.
The girls turned hastily to confront Bob
Blessing.
Waltz he begged as Ora started to go
into the house. 81 demand leave to ex-
plain. would have followed and told you
everything last night, but that had to stay
and disperse that drunken mob. Ora, last
night told you l loved you and asked you
to be my wife. was in earnest My en-.
gagement to this woman" pointing scorn-
fully at Gladys, was euded-ended because
! saw her true nature in time. kept
silence as to your fathers name, Ora, be-
cause hoped to give you a pleasant sur
prise But now it is time TO speak out.n
81 forbid you to utter that libel" broke
in Gladys furously but he went ON un-
needing.
cora, your father is my partner, Thomas
Middleton. The telegram that came last
night was not from him I learned that
this morning II was forgery sent by
Gladysn
Twill not stay here to be insulted by
youW cried Gladys strIding augrily out of
the gate.
And you say She is my half-sister2"
asked Ora, gazing iu wonder after the re-.
treating figure. j don't knows am so
much better Off ~ was before. 10 that's so. "
And now all our misunderstanding is
wiped away2' went on Bob "and You love
and trust me as you did2"
'Oh, I do indeedW sighed the girl her
head on his breast
VI must 60 Doe said. a moment later
Middleton sent the money TO pay the men
IL came last night / have 1t I'm a belt
around my waist ] must ride over to the
aqueduct with ii. This is the day we dedi-
cate the aqueduct, you know; and ] want the
men an paid of before the ceremonies be-
gin They're iu am ugly mood for they've
still got the idea we're trying to cheat them
out Of their money. Why, what's the mat
ter2 he asked, as the girl caught his arm.
81 saw the two Writ boys skulkiug down
the road just beyond the barn she whis-
pered. They're the worst thieves in the
county. They must be layiu' for you to
rob you Of that money on your way to the
works.
well, can't wait. must go ahead and
take my chances"
Stop. Kiss me, and while you're kiss
ing me drop that belt at my feet so they
can't sec what you're doing Then ride
ahead. I'll pick up the belt when you're
gone, aud ride over to the aqueduct by the
short cut with it,"
"But the riskm
81 run no risk The Writ boysll follow
you"
That's true. Here
lie took her i'm his arms and kissed her.
As he did so he let the belt fall to her feet
Her dress hid it,
Take it to the works Give it to no one
but Bard, the foreman he whispered
III be there almost as soon as you are
Goodbye, and God bless you sweetheart "
ITO be continued