Omaha daily bee., 1902-10-19

seemed tightening on the coin. That was
one happening.
John Porter had gained more than $40, 900.
This made him quite independent OF Cranes
financial bolstering. The bankers diplo-
macy Of love had been weakened. That was
the other happening.
Crane was closeted with the cashier not
more than ten minutes when Mortimer was
asked to join the two men who had so sud
denly become deeply interested in his az
fairs.
The cashiers hand had been strength
ened in Cranes contribution Of evidence.
Mortimer had told the same falsehood about
his mother being Ill to him at the race
course. From Alan the cashier had learned
that Mortimer had been betting heavily. He
had admitted to the boy that he had Just
won enough to replace the thousand dollars
he had stolen. Mortimer's words had as
sumed that reading in their journey through
two personalities. He had even begged
young Porter not to speak OF his betting
transactions. He had denied taking the
money, that was but natural. He had been
forced to admit replacing it-that was con-
elusive. Indeed, 1t seemed a waste Of time
to investigate further; II was utterly inn
1880 ~ SNb AAo 6hlAbH hth Wy hSEut
like an enthralllng net, all the different
threads Of convicting circumstances were
drawn about the accused man.
Let us question him." said Crane; and
in his heart was not sorrow, nor haste, nor
compassion, nor anything but Just Joy.
Greater than the influence Of money in his
love ambition would be this degradation,
this reducing to a felon a man he felt stood
between him and Allis Porter.
Yesterday they had won; today victory
almost had come to him. Yes, bring the
deliverer in; he would feast his eyes, the
narrow-lidded eyes, upon the man whose
young love might have conquered over all
his diplomacy and who would go forth from
his hands branded as a telon.
The probing of the already condemned
man ELECTED nothing beyond a repeated
denial Of theft. With the precision OF
Mamselle Guillotine, Cashier Lane lopped
of everything that could possibly stand
in Mortimer's defense, grating into the
cleaved places individual facts which con-
Armed his guilt.
Mortimer commended nothing, threw sus-
picion upon no one. Was it Alan Porter?
Was it Cass? But that was impossible.
Was 1t the cashier himself? Still more
impossible. Mortimer answered nothing.
II nhu uul ldhtu the money. res, ne mad
replaced it-because he was responsible for
its custody.
Cant you see,'' cried Crane, impatiently,
that this simple denial Of yours is OF no
value as against so much that points to
your"-he hesitated-"your Implication ?"
While Mortimer was still in the cashiers
improvised inquisitioh room Allis Porter
came into the bank to arrange the pay
ment OF her fathers note.
The sunshine seemed to come with her
into the counting house that was all gloom.
Her glorious success, the consequent i'm
provement in her father. the power to pay
on the Indebtedness, all these had turned
that day into a day Of thankfulness. The
happiness that was in her rippled her face
into smiles. When the door creaked on its
hinges as it swung open she laughed. II
was a thriftless old door, such as bachelors
kept, she murmured. Her brothers face,
gloomy behind the iron screen, tickled her
fancy. You're like a Gagged bear, Alan"
she cried, with a smile OF impertinence.
Il should hate to be shut up a day like
this-no wonder you're cross, brother"
I'm busy" he answered, CURLY. "IIl
see you after bank hours, sis; l want TO
see you"
"Tve come to pay fathers note, busy
man-of-importance," she flung back, with
the swagger of a capitalist.
IT'S paid, Allis."
Paid l thought"
wait, I'll come out" and. opening the
door In the rail, he passed around to the
girl.
Fathers note is paid" he resumed, but
there's fierce trouble over il. Crane left
the money. $4,000, with Mortimer. and he
stole"-the boys voice was lowered to a
hoarse whisPer-"S1.OO 900 of IL to bet a.
Grayesend."
That's not true, Alan; God knows it's
not true. Mortimer wouldn't steal"
Yes. he did" persisted the brother, and