Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1903-05-21
Job sighed, as If he had really ex-

JOB sighed, as II he had really ex-
pected a different greeting.
Don't be alarmed, young lady" he
of being of service to YOU"
Who are you?" moved in spite of
herself by the deep feeling he put in
his simple speech.
IA friend-that is all. bring you u
message"
From Dick?" eagerly.
The same"
Let me have it," holding out her
hand.
Job, fumbling in his coat for the note,
she stamped her foot like u spoiled
child, and eXclaimed:
'Hou clumsy YOU are; can't you see,
stupid man, that am burning with i'm
patience?"
He finally drew forth the letter and
handed it TO her with trembling fingers.
Having seized 1t, she paid no further
attention to him, but ran over to the
porch of the house. where q lantern,
burning dimly, hung from one of the
pillars.
Job watched her while she read the
lines, her pale face TRANSPORTED.
How she does seem to love the poor
fellow" he murmured. with certain
longing In his voice, as IL speaking of
one of whom he was envious. 1T must
1t did not take her long to read the
message, and then, thrusting 1t in the
bosom of her DRESS she returned to the
man who stood waiting, cycling her with
an air Of uneasy interest.
Il don't know who you are" she be-
gan.
1T don't matter" he added, humbly.
But you are n friend of Dicks, and,
| therefore, a friend of mine," said she,
holding out her hand. He took 1T in his
great, rough paw, and held it SO long
| that finally, with quick gesture. she
drew 1T away, regarding him curiously.
why, my poor man, you are weep
ing" she said.
/ Job dashed his hand across his eyes
and laughed nervously.
Me, maam; we'll that would be
curious, wouldn't it?" Then, after y
pause, as il trying to collect himself:
You see, l had daughter once. Had
she lived She would have been just
about your age. That's why it makes
me feel kind of upset"
| Was 1t long ago you lost herr" she
asked, with genuine sympathy I'm her
voice.
Many years, my child, many
years" Then, as if Wishing to change
the subject which had become painful
to him: Il hope that note brought you
| Is the means of cheering you up. You
have troubles of your own"
| "rhe deepest trouble that can fall on
u daughter" with Il catch in her voice,
ito lose my mother-und then that Dick
should be accused. But they can't
they wont do anything to harm him
will they?" Selling Jobs arm eagerly.
"No-no, of course not" he said
slowly.
How doubtfully you say that" pet
tishly. But when he is innocent"
I'VE shall get him off no doubt, but it
will take time. You see they pretend to
have a great deal of evidence against
4 the lad, and that counts for a great deal
| in a court of law. But there"-as he saw
| that her face so smiling u moment be-
fore had changed, and was now fearful
and anxious-.we'll clear the boy
somehow or another. | may be able
to lend q little help myself"
You are very kind. and l thank
you in advance. We have need of ev-
cry friend we can muster in this hour
of trial." and she held out her hand
again, frankly, while job raised it to
his lips.
"Now you will see Dick again?"
"If 1t Is possible-and perhaps shall
! have as much luck as l had today
and he told her of his experience.
CONTINUED Next Week.)