Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1902-07-10

little clearer. But the temptation was
great-so great, in fact, that he was
afraid of himself. She would accept
$500 on his advice. 1t was small for
tune to her and the children. All, the
children! What difference might it not
make in their lives! Fate offered him
large bride for his honor-personal
and professionalism the future Of
these children. who would never know
what they had lost and he had gained.
what will be your fee?" she asked
doubtfully. "1'll have to pay that out
of the $500, won't L? And l know law
yers charge lot"
There will be no fee for me- he re-
piled, with sudden decision, and then
he returned to his desk and wrote a
name and address on the back of one
of his cards, which he handed to her.
Take your papers to that man." he
said, speaking RAPIDLY, as if afraid he
would reconsider what he wished to
say. "He is an honest and successful
lawyer and will tell you what to do"
Aren't you an honest lawyer?' she
asked, bewildered
IF I.were not" he answered bitterly.
Il would not be sending you to any one
else
If you are" she said, with Ler first
display of spirit during the interview,
for the sharpness of his tone reused
her, Il cont want to go to any one
else''
Il tell you to go to him. he said, al
most angrily. You asked for my ad.
vice. and am giving it to you. don't
want those papers lett here
She rose, took the papers and moved
slowly toward the door.
Il don't see why everybody sends me
away" she said, with touch of pathos
In her voice. won't you please look
after it for me? don't want to see
more lawyers" For moment he SEEM
ed undecided, and she hesitatingly put
the papers back on the desk. s'Please
do It, she urged, 'sand I'll accept what
ever you say is right How long will
1t take to get the money?' she added
as she saw him wavering.
Il don't know" he replied. 81 will
write you later"
After she had gone he sat for some
time looking at the papers.
What fools' he said at last. 81
can still buy her out for any sum that
suits me, and Mabel and p He
stopped and picked up the unfinished
letter. He read as far as he had writ.
ten, put it down and buried his face in
his hands. Presently he got I'D and
walked nervously up and down the lit
tie office, occasionally making move
ment toward his desk and then resum-
Ing his walk. Once he went to the
desk and picked up the papers the wo-
man had left as if to tear them, but
his eyes rested on a portrait that stood
just behind his inkwell and he stop
ped. He picked up the portrait and
gently, almost reverently, put it to his
lips. $
Dear little woman" he muttered,
its for you that would do it, and it's
because of you that l can't
A little later he dropped two letters
into the mail shoot in the hail. One Of
them read as follows:
Dearest One-I have lost the land claim
on which we built such hopes but have
won that which Is worth more. 1 have
Just written to woman who left certain
papers with me. that she has a valid
prior claim to that twenty thousand dol
lar tract and that will perfect the title
for her. But be of good cheer, sweetheart
When l come to claim you, will bring
you that which you will prize more highly
than money-a self respecting man.
1T is enough" was the comment of
the girl when she reached this part of
11%l
alone are concerned.