The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1903-07-31

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.
Why are you SO much Interested"
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 blessing, 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 a 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 con-
sent. Here Ia a piece of paper, and
here is the pen," and, picking the arti
cles up from the desk before him, he
held them out.
why shouldn't agree?' was the
Ellison's mind. II can have this fell
low arrested before he has a chance to
leave the house-and he looks danger
GUS" So he picked up the pen and
wrote as directed.
Job looked the slip over, suggested
some changes, and then, as If salts
fed, placed 1t 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 have
a few parting words to James Eli
son."
IT am listening"
You We're interested in keeping the
young man in prison."
Il assure you that you are entirely
wrong" with an air Of deep tndigna-
ton.
ooh, there We're few things that you
have done Of late that I was not ac-
quainted WITH" pursued the other,
slowly and calmly. You refused to
help him out of his trouble, and but
for this confession, which l own
helped to secure, he might be anguish
ing in prison yet. At first you showed
no disposition to help him, butcher in
terests interviewed"
IT don't know where you got such
absurd ideas as these" twisting UNI
easily on his feet.
Never mind where got them; it is
enough that they are true"
Have your own way" said Ellison.
struggling his shoulders; and now
hope you will let me go. I can have a
chance to tend to some more impoR-
tant business"
He was moving toward the door,
when Job stepped forward and barred
his way.
Zone moment, please"
What is it now?" angrily.
Where is the young lady-Grace?"
How dare you address her by that
name, fellow and, if a look could kill,
the little man would have been ami
hilated then and there.
Perhaps I nave more right to adj
dress her by her first name than you, >
muttered Job, while a look Of unutter-
able sadness came over his worn old
face.
There was something in the express
sion Of his companion that caused Eli
son to eye him curiously. There was
some strange mystery about the man
before him that often set him thing
ing.
Il dare say you will find the young
lady in the garden he said. at length.
What can you possibly have to say to
herr
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 he
hurriedly left the room, shaking his
head as over problem ne was hope
less Of solving.
Job watched him go with a faint
smile.
How he would have liked to show
his claws, and yet he was afraid A
coward at heart. he hesitated now to
act, even when it was only a broken
down ex-convict against him."
He approached the window and
looked down into the sunny garden. 1t
was the sight Of a young girl, seated
under tree, that suddenly changed
the expression of his face completely.
He seemed to be more deeply moved
than at any time since he had been
fencing with James Ellison for an an :
tagonist. He returned to the center of
the room in deep thought, and then:
yes, must see her 1t will be
such great good news that her lover
is free, and that l have smoothed the
way to their happiness. It will COM
fort the poor child. God bless herr"
And, leaving the room, he went down
the stairs into the garden, with a smile
of anticipation on his face.