The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-06-21
A CHELSEA LIVERY RIo.


foTd, but the Gales all called him Billy
except nr- Gale, the head of the family.
VINO didn't ike the young fellow. Mr..
Gaze dislike for Billy may have been
prejudice or IT mag have been foresight.
nuI Il began while his son Bruce was ~
college and was founded upon and
strengthened By Bruce's stories Of his
friends iawlessaess. Bruce called II
spirits, but his father. who suspected
that his boys extravaganza was due 10
pad company, made a shrewd guess that
lilly was at the bottom OF all the devil
aent which kept Bruce in debt 70 trades
men and in disfavor With his professors.
But Bruce was loyal 10 his friend,
brought him home for the vacation ar the
end of their junior year and-nsde him
acquainted with Marjory. his only sister,
an impuisive. beautiful, athletic and self
willed girl OF p. The Gales expected TO
find Billy restless. laughing. harum-
searun boy" OF "A. as Ar. Gale ex-
pressed it, nobody expected much OF
him, but they were surprised. 20 sag
the least, at his appearance. OF good
height. paler than the athlete Bruce. with
very black, wavy hair, calm, vistful. gray
eyes, mouth like a wom2n's. gentle
hammered. low-voiced, sure of himself.
but modest. cheerful without levity.
handsome when he smiled. but seldom
ton TO their anticipations OF a young
man famous among his friends as the
most reckless, insubordinate, fun-loving
roysterer that ever tantalized a worthy
dominic or upset the decoruIa OF 4 morn
ing chapel.
Il like him." said Mrs. Gale.
"On his good behavior for a purpose,
growIed Papa Gale. who evidently didn't
like him.
or. -. 1t ;;,:s >, sz .rs.-
Marjory, rather spiriteGly. but as no.
tcdy gainsaid her opinion. she left the
room and joined Bruce and Billy in the
tennis court.
His visit lasted but a fortnight then.
but when he said goodbye and drove
away in the pony cart with Marjory',
who was going TO town, anyway" ev-
erybody, including Mr.. Gale, felt trifie
lonesome.
Hes poor. isn't hep the rich man
asked his son.
Yes. but he doesn't known it and
wouldn't care if he did replied the
son.
How does he manage to hold up his
end as you call it, at coliege?'' Mr..
Gale looked very foxy now.
'Oh, he doesn't spend money" snlirked
Bruce, che doesn't have to
mot while there are spendthrifts like
you TO spend it for him, I SUPPOSED"
grunted the old man. whose ideas of
economy were forever getting him into Ill
humor. He marched off with warning
about the necessity for economy during
the coming year. but Bruce lighted a CT
garette and went whistiing TO the stables
MarjOry came back in an hour looking
quite forlorn.
You ike him. don't you. Martyr" her
brother said, tossing crab apple at 4
peacock.
Indeed I do she answered frankly.
He isn't a bit like what you-like what
1 expected. If l were you. though, To
quit telling papa about those pranks at
college. He's so prejudiced already that
he just can't see any good in Bil-in Mr.
Hereford. AS for me, l don't mind tell
ing you 1 don't believe he could do a
mean thing if he tried"
And Bruce was grateful to his sister for
these praises of Billy, for. selfish as he
was and necessary as Hereford's superior
talents were ii his success at college, he
came nearer to loving Marjory than any
one. except, perhaps. himself.
The winter after Bruce graduated, after
many objections from the pleasure low
ing youth, he went into business with
Ills father on condition that Billy Here
ford also be given place in the office.
Mr. Gale didn't like the idea, but as he
happened to need a cashier, and as
Cruces heart seemed set on having his
friend with him. and as he couldn't think
If any serious count" against Billy. the
hing was settled, and the two friends
entered simultaneously as cashier and
,redit man Of the Gale factory. Then it
vas Mr.. Gales turn to be astonished, not
II Bruce's quick progress-that was TO be
expected of the son of so famous a bust
ness nan-but at the almost supernatural
.ptness for all manner of commercial.
which Billy at once dis
-layed. In elk months he was easily the
pest informed man about the place lie
coached Bruce now as he had coached
nm at college. taught him the mysteries
u double entry and the science Of jour
'alizlns. worked him on the books az
er office hours and divided the work
Sith such effect that the two young men
between them were soon equal TO and ia
riliar with every department of the busi-f
loss.
Meanwhile Billy was a frequent visitor
II the Gale home. Mr.. Gale continued
G dislike his cashier. but he could find no
ault with him. Mrs. Gale was begin
vas her secret.
1t was in November that Billy's visits
q the Gale house suddenly ceased.
How is Mr.. Hereford2" asked Mar /
ory's mother, noticing the silent. sullen {
aces Of her husband and Bruce.
Hes gone. absconded. robbed usr' 4
cared Mr.. Gale, with an oath. Got .
way with $500 before
How dare youi" said Narjory, turning
cry pale. but her father paid no atten-
ion Billy, ne said. had made away with
he money; an overdraft at the bank had
Betrayed the theft. There was no doubt
bout it, Hereford either could not or
gould not explain. That was enough for f
hem TO know. Mr.. Gale would let him
70 his ways, not because he had any
ouSts Of his guilt, but, well, because he +
,as Bruces friend. or had hee1-
1t was early IN June the following year E
hat the Gales went East for Marjory's
IKE She had been falling for quite
ghile and the doctor urged q change %
Genes, sea and air and what not When
hey we're installed IN their cottage at
'helsea. Mrs. Gale teiephcnec for phae-
On with driver 10 take MarjoTy along
he shore drive. Her mother cautioned
he man. who was bearded and bronzed.
c be very cautious He seemed very
ervous, almost I'll. ard his hand shook.
ut the girl climbed In and the phaeton
iarted. When 1t was IN the thickst at
be foot OF Rogers Hi. Mariory. tears in
ct EYES and her lips Guivering. put her
lasted hand on his arm. on the drivers
I'm. and said;
Il know you. Billy
7 wish you did. Miss Gale" he an
wered very quietly. looking out across
he sea
7 know you didn't do Il. Billy" she
INSPIRED. you incident prove It j n
ute sasishsd-''
lie looked round quickly, his aue eyes
lating. his brunei face flushing beneath
he tan
.'what-who-aid Bruce tel YOU He