The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1903-12-04
CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.
Now this error would mean more
in Bertha's future promotion. 1t was a
rule that the examiner who overlooked
a counterfeit or missing bill should
make good the value of it. To make
good a thousand dollars would pretty
we'll ruin the Hacketts and old father
Caleb into the bargain. But it was his
duty to make his report instantly to
the Secretary, and with painful reluct-
ance he filled up the prescribed but
seldom requisitioned form. With slow,
dragging steps. he proceeded with it to
the Secretarys private room, but halt
ed with his hand on the door. Sud-
denly that frivolous gossip on the YER
anda rushed into his memory. Had
Wilton Loring-had Bertha herself
stole the missing bill? What then?
Should he turn conspirator and cover
the fraud? No, no, his duty was clear
He would not allow himself to hesitate.
but knocked at the door and entered
But there was no respite for him and
for his wife. The Treasurer himself
was closeted with the Secretary
Cone moment, Mr.. Hackett. I'm en-
gagged" was the sharp peremptory dis
missal and he perforce withdrew post
poning the declaration. AS he return
ed stupefled to his desk clock struck
the hour of his luncheon interval IT
was the custom of the family to meet
at home for their midday meal. He
locked UP the report and rushed out
of the Treasury. Flying home on a
cable car, he found his wife there be-
fore him. Bertha sat at the table like
one in a dream. She did not raise her
eyes from the food that stood untouch-
ed before her. Edmond himself could
not swallow morsel, but furtively
watched his wife while the negress
who waited on them tarried in the
room. The moment they We're alone he
lcant across the table and whispered
hoarsely:
"You passed packet today-a pack
ct of Thousands"
The young wife locked up with a
start of surprise. The fear that was
written in her troubled face gave way
to fash of desperate hope.
1T came to you?"
Zone bill is missing"
THANK God you can pass it,
No word of denial. She caught his
recoiling hand across the table.
''For my sake-for your Bertha S
sake-you will, you Will"
Edmond Hackett raised his other
hand to his damp forehead.
Impossible, child-impossible, You
must be saved another way-if it be
not too late. Find the missing bill
among some papers, as if an accident
had placed it there. But, whatever you
do. put it forward instantly, in
stantly!"
81 cannot, Edmond. 1 haven't the
bill"
you. did not steal it? Oh, forgive
me! Heaven be thanked for that! It's
an oversight then? Bad enough, but
not beyond repair. Make out your re-
port at once, and send it in. You are q
novice, the delay may be overlooked
II cannot do that, Edmond. 1t would
be to east suspicion upon the cashier
who forwarded the bills to the Treas.
ury"
'That is his affair. II the packet was
short when you counted it" -.
Edmond, J, why. will, you not ignore
the shortage? BY miracle it is II
your power to prevent the discovery.
ut Is not in my power"
"How not in your power? The pack
ct will co. from your hands to the com
mittee, whpssdo not count it again; an,
by them 1 will be deposited in tn
macerator. to be ground into pulp. 1
would never be known that forty-nin
instead Of fifty bills had been destroy
ed e.1
Bertha, you forget the other half.
have only5a portion of the bills. TIL
upper section Of your packet went t
the 4, Register; 81 ONCE to, be counte
there
Bertha Haekett grew white as dealt
III and, fnt tisAAirs fsrfang III her eyes. +,
4; we area fuiied! she cried; t:.unless
unless Il Her glance from the win
dow perceived Caleb Loring enterin
the house. Here 81 father. He vi
ind out who had the count at the Rea
ister's. !" =