Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-06-03
CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER XVIII.
Mrs. Carson lived In a tumbledown
sort of a house on one of the most IN
significant streets of the city. Inside,
however. it was as tidy as busy hands
could make II.
The bell rang, and Mrs. Carson went
to the door. There stood Brice Ruther-
ford. her nephew by marriage with Mar
gerry Benson, her niece. She surveyed
him in surprise, there was so much about
him th' was grave, manly and dignided.
Come in, sir" she said. do you
know, I've been thinking about you all
day? It's long while since | saw you,
/ Mr. Rutherford. You've been taking good
care of yourself of late. haven't your
Il must say that / have" replied be,
with a smile Pm sowing a better
crop"
'"rell me this" Mrs. Carson suddenly
said. with increased volume of voice.
Why wasn't word SEPT 70 me Of my
brothers death? Did sou folks think
that ! wouldn't want to see him put
under the sod 2"
Word was sent to you" Brice said. 81
directed and mailed the letter myself"
Il never got IT,"
II am sorry" Brice sad.
Are you going to abandon your
child?' she abruptly asked, her face turn
ed squareiy to his.
Il didn't know, until day or two ago,
that | had any," replied Brice.
Il believe you. but | think it's very
odd" rejoined Mrs. Carson. Have sou
that certificate yetf'
| Yes. You may some time be asked
| 10 swear 10 your signature"
/ Mrs. Carson looked at him keenly,
/ favorably impressed with his reply.
Then you intend to do what's right
| by the child?" she asked,
| You don't seem 20 care much what
YOU say" was his reply. Still. don't
o. iect 20 your bhntness. Yes--I intend
TO do what is right by her"
| THAT places my mind considerable
at ease" Mrs. Carson said who is
/ paying for the chld's keepY
/ 1T seems that your brother had
money" rejoined Brice. ''He saved up
his wages. Then, too, he had his life
insured for ten thousand dollars"
/ Are you going to take steps to re-
/ gain your child|' Mrs. Carson asked
MIR. Rutherford. she is remarkably
! bright and sweet-faced child. And yet
| you don't want to see herr"
| "See her. cried Brce. I'D give any
thing. almost, to see her. That is what
/ brought me 70 New York"
/ He wanted to see little Eflie, no doubt,
4 bat he wanted to see Barbara good
deal more.
u saw her in Central Park this week"
/ Mrs. Carson said.
what" cried Brce, with sudden in
terest "You are positive about thatT
"Why. TO be surel | spoke TO her and
she seemed very glad to see me. She
/ lived with me before sent her to Mrs.
/ North's which was only a few months
ago. She was IN charge of some one
whom she called mamma and who evil
IDENTITY was fond Of her" Mrs. Carson
said "A ladylike lung girl sensible
looking, yet with some secret sorrow"
You got her address," Brice quickly
asked
''she got mine. She promised to bring
the child here. She named no time.
doa't think she'll come"
ia give a hundred dollars to find
her. he cried
"Thcn You may begin TO count them
down now" Mrs Carson said with a
broad smile. Il can take you to the
very house. I followed her. | wanted
20 know, So that | could battle you ii
Won ware of a mind not to do the fair
thing by your child"
Tho child is heircss to Croylands, ="
Rrice said. as that the crochet which
buthers vou2 Here is the reward which
) promised Show me where the child
and the lady are"
Il djdp', half believe you meant it,
+ Mrs, Carson declared, staring at the
s money Don't You wish YOU had said
b but hva dollars? | didn't write down the
street OF number, but / can take you
= right 10 the house. Its only brisk
: Gt5le walk Wait till get my bonnet"
Bgts walked up and down the room.
When Mrs. Carson rc-entered with her
: huge suuhonnet Bricc could hardly re-
l press a smile. They star cd o8 70
Z Esther.
When We rc; near the house" Mrs
I. Carson said. I'm shoot ahead, stop q
secon, OF two. then hurry ou. The house
d. a. which stop is the one"
4 iirice was impatient. There was r
), clcsW of expectancy in his eyes. II,
hal net hoped 60 find Barbara for weeks
b, ami nov she was almost within hail X,
q would soon Ice standing IN her presence
Ia, paSSerSby glanced after Briee ans
Il his companion, her round. stumpy figure
?. odd diesS and sidelopg waddle being II
:. str7nS contrast with njs erect figure. nea
h at'igH and 3igntei styide
"AIr. Rutherford" Mrs Carson said
a stoppnS, lie, me have that marriage
. certificate, ] did wrong in giving it {,
!, you"
; "acJe it is" replied Bricc, Offering het
:. III. paper. 1T must be forthcoming whe,
!. needed"
J. Il don't want It. now that yoa ar,
wllhns 10 give il to me" she replied. viii
r a grin. You'll take 70 tbs little thiug a
. once she's so sweet. NJw. IL shoe
r. ahead Of you. stop, thea hu-y on. Mari
/. welt thu house"
T. Brls" was keenly on the alert. aud al
], as Instructed. They were in a fas&j0u