Warren sheaf., 1903-06-11

such q 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 great deal
| about this case" stammered, Ellison.
much more, perhaps, than you.
would care that should. know. The
person who calls himself your
brother is also involved.'' .
MY brother-absrrd!"
Not SO ludicrous as you imagine.
shall deal with him later
"You seem to have arranged
things to suit yourself sneeringly.
Il am astonished at your impudence,
considering that you are prescribed
man."
:. ''That may be true" receiving the
statement coolly, "but have a 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 a standstill near where the
little man was seated. s,;; %-c, sc, =: &
"Why are you so much 1nterested?''
''That matters not; what want is
your agreement in writing. They
love each other, and so should be
allowed to marry. While they might
be able to dispense with your 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 line giving your
consent. Here is 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 I agree?" was the
thought that was running through
Ellison's mind. "I can have this fell
low arrested before he has 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
lstied, placed it away in his coat
pocket.
II hope it suits you," said Ellison,
mockingly.
*"Quite so. quite So" And then, as
he rose to his feet: "And now I
have few parting words to James
Ellison" a
+ "T am istening."
"You were interested keeping
the young man. in prison." -
Il assure you that you are en-
tjrely wrong" with an air of deep
indignation.
"Oh, there were few things that
you have done of late that was
not acquainted with" pursued the
other, slowly and calmly. "You re-
fused to help him out of his trouble.
and but for this confession, which T
own helped to secure, he might be
languishing in prison yet. At first
you showed disposition to help him.
but other interests intervened."
Il don't know where you got such
absurd ideas. as these;'' twisting un-
easily on his feet. e
"Never mind where got them; it
is enough that they are true"
"Have your own way" said Eli
son, Struggling his shoulders; "and
now I hope you, will let me go. I
can have chance to tend to some
more important business
He was moving toward the door.
when Job stepped forward and
barred his way. t.:.y..>.@S.:
"One moment, please?"
What is it now?" angrily.
where is the young ladv-Grace ?"
'How dare you address her by that
name, fellow" and, if a look could
kill, the little man would have. been
annihilated then and there.
perhaps have more right to ad-
dress her by her first name than
you,' mattered Job, while a look Of
unutterable sadness came over his
worn old face.
There was something in the express
sion of his companion that caused
Ellison to eye him curiously. There
was some strange mystery about the
man before him that often set him
thinking.
Il dare say you will find the young
lady in the garden" he said, at
length. What can you possibly
have to say to her?"
much more than I dare say" and
the shadow again passed over the
rough features. "Be sure that it
will not be word about her birth.
I shall not speak of that
''You are a queer mana queer
man." muttered Ellison, and then