The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-12-14

non had gradually drifted together until
 the old. old story whispered in meaning. less platitudes since the days when Col onsl and Mrs. Adam were evicted from their flat in the Garden, had softly echoed through the drawing room of the Fifth Avenue house. When Jack with all his soul in those big brown eyes and his heart in the voice that, trembling in spite of himself, told of his love, Nina tenderly placed her arms on the broad shoulders and replied honestly, "I love you, Jack"
 Together the two went to the Majors study and told him.
 My daughters happiness is very pre- clous to me. You, sir. are a true, honest man and gentleman, and if my little girl loves you and you love her, why. you must have her That's all."
 The tears stood in the eyes of the old man az Mina, with smothered cry, rushed into his arms.
 Remember, trust you," said the Ma Jor, as he gripped Jacks hand until tears came to the younger eyes.
 TWO years had rolled around since the meeting of Major Hawkins and Jack Shannon. and it was now in the early part of April. Nina was to go abroad with party of friends in June and the wedding was to be on Christmas Day
 The Fifth Avenue house was closed. Major and Mrs. Hawkins were in the South. Nina had sailed on the Etruria a week before and Tom was living at A hotel. Tom had been frequenting the hank more than was his custom, but nothing was thought of 1t by the employees. The boy was lonesome. they thought. Jacks vacation was to come in July. He was going to hallowed grave in a little country churehyard.
 One morning, a month later, as Major Hawkins was smoking an after break fast cigar on the piazza of a Carolina hotel a telegram was handed him.
 Come at once, urgent" was the mes sage from Handle. the Majors represent ative in New York
 On arriving at his office he found the bank in fermsnt. Three thousand dol lars In currency was missing and the only books where shortage could be iraced were those of the cashier.
 A conference between the Major and Handle was held and Jack was sent for. Very differ snt was the occasion of his opening the glass door of that private cf1ce this time from the first occasion. As Jack entered the room, closing the door behind hlm and looking expectantly at the Major, that gentleman, in strange, embarrassed voice asked him to be seated.
 Before we begin. Jack" said Major Hawkins T want to maKe clear the object of my sending for you. want you to understand that I have the same implicit confidence in your integrity that l nave always had. Three thousand dol lars is missing from the vault and the only discrepancy that can be found in any of the books is in yours. That this Is some unfortunate mistake I am as firmly convinced as if had seen it all, and l only want to hear it from your lips for the bensit of Mir. Handle"
 At the conclusion of the Majors words a ghastly pallOr spread over Jack face an ashy, drawn look that would seem to give tho lie to any thought of inno- cence. There was a 1eath-like stiffness in the room and the expression on the faces of both the Major and Jack were pitiful. Several times Jack opened his mouth, but his tongue refused absolutely to fulfill It's function. In curious muffled voice Jack finally said:
 While appearances are so much against me, Major Hawkins. the statement com ing from me that I know nothing of this affair looks more than useless, but l do make that statement. and it is a fact that I know absolutely nothing"
 The pained expression on the face of the Major deepened, and like q man in a dream he spoke:
 "It is not the loss of the money that hurts me go" he faltered but the blow that has been dealt my confidence in you