Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-10-01

Wv mats all this meanV he asked.
II came here for protection" whined
Craig, ito my own church and people.
This mob wants to kill me--tear me
limb from limb"
but what's wrong?" asked the
preacher
"Winship.' painted Craig, his white
head hanging down as he stood touch
ing the altar railing-"Winship s alb.
seconded with all the money in my
vault. These people want me to give
up what haven't got. Oh. God knows
| would refund every cent If I had it,"
You shall have our protection" said
the minister calmly. They won't yio-
late the sacredness of the house of God
by raising n row You arc safe here,
Brother Craig. I'm sure all reasonable
people will not blame you for the fault
If another"
Il believe he's got my money" cried
out Barnett in coarse, sullen voice,
and the money of some o my women
folks that's helpless. and he's got to
turn it overt Oh, he's got money hid
some'r's. I'll bet on that"
THE law is your only recourse, Mr..
Barnett" said the preacher calmly.
Even now you are laying yourself liza
bic to serious prosecution for threaten
ing a man with bodily injury when
you can't prove he's wilfully harmed
YOU"
The words told on the mob. many of
thnn nr1t
Barnett found himself without open
support He was silent Rayburn Mil
Ter, who had come up behind the mob
and was now in the church, went to
Craigs side. Many thought he was
proffering his legal services.
"One word, Mr. Craig" he said.
touching the quivering arm of the
banker.
ooh, you're no loser" said Craig,
turning on him. There was nothing to
your credit"
Il know that" whispered Miller, "but
as attorney for the Bishops | have a
right to ask if their money is safe"
The eyes of the banker went to the
ground.
ITS gone-every cent of it," he said.
1T was their money that tempted Win
ship. He'd never seen such large pile
Mt once
You don't mean But Miller felt
the utter futility of the question on his
tongue and turned away Outside he
met Jeff Dukes, one Of the town mar
shals, who had been running and was
very red in the face and out of breath.
rs that mob in thar" he asked.
eyes, and quiet now" said Miller.
Let them alone. The important thing
is to put the police on Winship's track.
Come back downtown"
III have to git the particulars from
Craig fust,' said Dukes. Are you
loscr?'
"No, but some Of my clients are, and
I'm ready to stand any expense to
catch the thief"
well, I'll see you in a minute and
we'll heat all the wires out of town.
III see YOU in minute"
Farther down the street Mille- met
Dolly Barclay. She had come straigh:
from her home, in an opposite direc-
ton from the bank, and had evidently
not heard the news.
I'm on my way to prayer meeting"
she smiled. I'm getting good to please
the old folks, but She noticed his
pale face. What is the matter? Has
anything
"Craigs bank has failed" Rayburn
told her briefly. lie says Winship has
absconded with all the cash in the
vaults"
Dolly stared aghast And you
you
II had no money there" brok. in
Miller Il was fortunate enough to cs-
cape"
But Alan-Mr. Bishop" She was
studying his face and pondering his
unwonted excitement. "Iad they
money there"
Miller did not answer, but she would
not be put aside.
Tell me-" she urged; tell me that"
III / do it's in absolute confidence"
he said, with professional firmness.
mo one must know-not a soul-that
they were depostors, for much de-
ponds on it. If Wilson knew they were
hard up, he might drive them to the
wall They were not only depositors,
but they lose every cent they have
$500 in a lump"
He saw her catch her breath, and her
lips moved mutely, as if repeating the
words he had just spoken. Poor
Alan" he heard her say. This Is too,
too much after all he has gone
through
Miller touched his hat and started
on, but she Joined him, keeping by his
side like patient pleading child. He
marveled over her strength and Won
derful poise. 81 am taking you out of
your way. Miss Dolly" he said gently,
more gently than he had ever spoken
to her before.
Il only want to know If Alan has
heard. Do-do tell me that"
mo; he's at home. | shall ride out
as soon as | get the matter in the
hands of the police"
She put out her slender, shapely hand
and touched his arm
Tell him." she said in a low, uncer-
tain voice, that it has broken my
heart. Tell him ! love him more than
| ever did and that | shall stick to him
always"
Miller turned and took off his hat,
giving her his hand.
"And | believe you will do It," he