The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1903-07-03
CHAPTER XVII.
THE FACE IN THE HEDGE.

James Ellison stood before an open
safe built in the wall Of the study in
his city house. He was examining it's
contents. and occasionally comparing
what he found with a list written down
in a little book he held in one hand.
Now n then he sighed, while a wor-
ried look came over his ace Suddenly
at the sound Of a door being opened he
closed the safe hurriedly and turned
the knob.
ooh. it's you. Is it?" with q weary
air, as his brother entered the room
looking light-hearted and debonair.
He went back to his seat by the desk,
one hand in an attitude OF deep dejec-
ton.
Yes. It's only me-" replied the
brother. why, you started, Jimmy,
when I came In, as If you had been a
burglar surprised in the act Of rifing
that safe"
You have an unpleasant way of
plunging in or people when you are not
expected
"Or wanted" continued the other,
with a malicious smile. as he flung
himself down into q chair and lit a
cigaret.
Il thought I had locked the door;
I was busy with accounts"
Preparing to give an account Of your
stewardship, I suppose and Frank,
watching his brothers. face, saw a
faint flush gather at the words.
That is my own concern" he said.
testify. IT hope o did not come here
to be quarrelsorne. You know we new
er could get along well together"
THAT "a not my fault, for I am
naturally Of a mild disposition" replied
the other, with mock earnestness.
You happened to marry a fortune.
and then became so airy that it was
no longer possible for US to pull to-
gether in harness. Now, as I said be-
fore, I am glad to see that you r
preparing to give IN account Of your
stewardship" James looked at his
brother IN surprise.
IT don't know what you are driving
at, nor do I see what possible business
1t Is of yours"
"a great deal of my business. Your
daughter, when she marries, will, nat
urally, want the bulk of the fortune.
Well. as I intend to marry her, I am
interested that my wife should receive
her fortune intact"
James Ellison laughed, but there was
little heartiness in 1t.
You still cling to that absurd idea
I thought the other day that you were
merely joking"
IT never joke on such a serious sub
ject. Apart from the fortune, I find
lllG yCulr WOllld1l CildIlllluS tdllu L dIu
not too old to appreciate the charms.
mental and physical, Of 80 attractive
a parsonage I know you will find it
hard to surrender the fortune, or the
biggest part of 1t, to me, but you will
have 1t in the family, and that should
be a satisfaction" with q grin.
"Oh. a great satisfaction" replied
James. grimly, as he looked at his
brother keenly. to make sure that he
was really in earnest. And Grace,
does she consider your attentions in
any light but that Of r%idicule?"
oh have not been precipitate. I
mean to win her by kindness.
Sir that-er-er - unfortunate
tragedy she Is In a sympathetic mood,
and I can do much to comfort and con-
sole her" Frank Ellison reeled Off this
speech with apparent satisfaction. as
4. ne was quite sure OF his ground.
And the school teacher. what of
i,:rn?"
Il don't thirk I need fear him any
he is as god as done for"
you evidently are not ware OF what
iias taken place." said James Ellison,
a'l:h a pleasure that he could not dis
sN.se.
What do you mean?''
why, the police have made an ar
rest. 1t Is in this mornings paper"
frank Ellison allowed the cigaret
10 fall from his fingers. and the air
of smiling ~compiacercy disappeared
from his face.
THE police lsage eaaaa an earring.
y OF these my. i@taaasss IeSWas robbed