Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-09-02

Thrusting the paper into his pocket, Tom strode hurriedly down the sloppy sidewalk, and in a few minutes stood before the large brick building which contained President Johnsor's office. A wave of indecision swept across his face as he scraped the mud and snow from his ye1l-worn shoes. It was a perilous tn- dertalzing, and none knev the danger of it better than he. Then the recollection of his wifes bitter words returned with full force, and he hesitated no longer. Maggie is a. good woman in most things, ,'r he, said to himself, and the blue eyes glistened, land maybe I haven't done by her what might. For her sake and the baby's I'll try it.
 ~Well, Tom, my man, you will under take to cut>the jam and save the mills?" said President Johnson a moment later, as Tom, hat in hand, stood before his desk DO you know that it Is 9 danger o1s piece of work? There is probably not another man in Alcopa county who would run the risk for twice the sum named. Indeed, it was not so much with the hope of saving the mills as it was formality to secure our insurance rights that the reward was offered. However, if youY mind is made up it is not my place to dissuade you. If you are suc- cessful the money is yours, and will add another hundred from my own private purse"
 And if anything happens to me, the money will be paid to Mag-my wife2'
 'EIf the jam Is broken, yes" #.- t:
 William Johnson was kind-hearyed man, and as he watched the big, childish lumberman move toward the door sus- picious film blurred bis vision for mo- ment, and there was just the least huski- ness in his tones as he bade him God speed.
 Poor fellow he murmured, as he turned to his work, life has not been all smooth with him lately, and he is in great measure responsible for his own nisfortunes, but should greatly regret if any evil were to befall him at this work" - .#,
 Tn the smaller of the two scantily fur nished apartments that constituted their home, Margaret Harding busied herself in the preparation of dinner. Glancing at the cracked porcelain clock on the mantel, she quit her work for the twelfth time, and going to the door, looked un- easily down the long, muddy street. It was deserted save for one solitary figure that came bounding along as fast as his short legs could carry him, regardless alike of the slush of mud and snow be- meath his feet and the gusts of wind and rain which came near upsetting him at intervals.
 Say, you hearn?" he gasped, as he dashed up to where Margaret stood.
 What do you mean, Robbie Carson? Have heard what?"
 About Tom. He's undertook to cut the jam above the mill, am mos ever'- body says he'll be killed. Sposed you knew about it." And swelling over the importance of his message, the thought less urchin galloped on his way.
 For a minute or more Margaret stood looking blankly across the street through the dashing rain. Every bitter word she had uttered that morning recurred to her mind in all it's cruel strength, and seemed to burn itself in on her very soul in great red letters of fire. The look, half of anger, half of sad re- proach-, with which he had turned from her and kissed the baby sleeping quietly .n it's crib--every incident Of their quar- rel returned with a significance magnt- fled a thousandfold by her fears.
 sI called him worthless and drunken" she said. with dry eyes and pale, tremb- ling lips, "and he is neither. Poor Tom! Though he does drink sometimes. 1t is through Encouragement and disappoint- ment at his hard lot, and he is always kind to me. Oh. God, if could recall my words! But is it too late? I may save him yet?,'
 The Curtis Lumber company-s mills