The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1903-08-14
Stairs Of
Sand
BY ERNEST DE LANCY PERSON.
Copyright, 1901. by Street & Smith.
CHAPTER XXIII.-CoNr1NuEp

Ellison twisted uneasily in his
chair:
g ''Of course, I said that, but since
the young schoolteacher is under
such a shadow-why, of course"
"Well, the shadow has been re-
moved, if that is the only thing that
worries YOU"
"What do you mean by that?"
asked Ellison in amazement.
- Exactly what I say. Let me tell
you that he may be released at any
moment" said Job, "since the man
who is guilty has confessed"
You seem to know a great deal
about this case" stammered Ellison.
"Much more, perhaps, than you
would care that 1 should know. The
person who calls himself your
brother is also involved"
"My brother-absurdi"
"Not so ludicrous as you imagine.
/ shall deal with him later
you seem to have arranged
things to suit yourself" sneeringly.
II am astonished at your impudence,
considering that you are prescribed
man."
THAT may be true" receiving the
statement coolly, "but I have little
business to transact on my own ac-
count. Now young Barnett is free,
or soon will be, will you agree that
he is to marry your-well, the young
lady who is called Grace Ellison"
Job watched the other as he paced
up and down the room. He finally
came to standstill near where the
little man was seated.
'Why are you SO much interested?"
e'"That matters not; what / want is
your agreement in writing. They
love each other, and so should be
allowed to marry. While they ight
be able TO dispense with yonr bless
ing, as the ostensible father, your
consent would not be out of place."
Ellison looked at his companion
doubtfully, as if wondering what he
could do in case of refusal.
You know I never had anything
but friendly feeling for the young
man." he said savagely.
'Such being the case, all you have
to do is to write a line giving your
consent. Here is a piece of paper,
and here is the pen," and, picking the
articles up from the desk before him,
he held them out.
Why shouldn't 1 agree?" was the
thought that was running through
Ellison's mind. 81 can have this fell
low arrested before he has a chance
to leave the house-and he looks
dangerous" So he picked up the pen
and wrote 'as directed.
Job looked the slip over, suggested
some changes, and then, as if sat
lsfied, placed it away in his coat
pocket.
Il hope it salts you," said Ellison
mockingly.
quite so. quite So" And then, as
he rose to his feet: "And now ]
have few parting words to James
Ellison"
ct am listening"
you were interested in keeping
the young man in prison"
81 assure you that you are en-
tirely wrong" with. an air of deep
Indignation.
"Oh, there were few things that
gou have done of late that I was
not acquainted with" pursued the
other, slowly and calmly. you re
fused to help him out of his trouble
md but for this confession, which
ewn helped to secure, he might be
anguishing in prison yet. At first
you showed disposition to help him
but other interests interviewed"
81 don't know where you got such
absurd ideas as these" twisting un
EASILY on his feet.
Never mind where got them; il
enough that they are true"
Have your own way. said Eli
son, struggling his shoulders; .'ant