Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-01-14


itors perhaps the sheriff.
Jim had been absent on a hunting
trip. When he returned he was sur
prised at the gloomy streets and worn,
haggard faces. He went directly to
the Jacksons.
What's the matter with every
body?" he asked.
Edna told him in a few words, and
then added, anxiously:
II am afraid papa has lost something
he is SO nervous and downcast. He
did not eat any breakfast this morn
Ing. What more specimens?'
Jim nodded and placed a small pack
age on the table. AS he did so he no.
ticed a photograph which he had not
seen before. Taking it up he ex-
amined 1t critically.
"a good fcce," he said, approvingly,
II reckon he's man worth knowing"
HE is indeed" warmly. II wish
you could meet him, Jim. l am sure
that you and he would like each
other"
Some OF your folks?"
"N-no, not exactly" delicate flush
coming into her face. 81 expect he will
be my husband sometime. He is in
Europe now, finishing his studies"
The photograph fell to the floor. She
sprang toward it with a quick cry, but
as she looked into his face the impa-
tient words died on her lips.
why, Jim! II didn't know.
never thought" she began. Then she
stopped. Words were so inadequate.
Jim turned and walked to a window.
When he came back his face was calm.
81 reckon you'll like the specimens"
he said, simply. They are the most
interesting have found No, not
| now" as she was about to open the
package. 81 must be going"
$50 soon?"
"Yes-and I'll say goodbye. Likely
| We shall not see each ether again.
| must go off somewhere long way,
reckon. / hope everybody will be
| right good to you"
She did not speak She could only
give him her hand and look at him
through gathering tears. When he left
she went to the window and watched
| him go down the street And she no.
| ticed that he never turned to look back
He went directly to the Office Mr..
Jackson was out, the boy said.
Jim waited ten minutes, and then
| walked slowly down the street. When
he reached the railroad crossing he
turned up the track He wished to
| ask the agent some questions.
As he approached the station he saw
familiar figure slipping hurriedly
around corner of the building. Think
ing that he had not been seen, Jim
went around the other way and met
| him face to face.
Il was looking for you, Mr.. Jackson"
he said. "I won't bother you to keep
the money any longer"
Jackson coughed nervously.
Hover much do you want?" he
! asked
I'm going off and will take it ALL"
Jackson whitened perceptibly. Then
he drew a small roll of bills from his
pocket and handed it to Jim.
Here are $780, he said. with short
laugh IT'S every cent say'c n .hs
world" He hesitated little, and then
added harshly: II was going away
| myself, never TO return"
Jim looked at him graveiy.
How about Miss Jackson?" he
asked.
The man threw up his arms despair
ingly.
What could do?" he groaned "If
l remained il would be criminal prose-
cution. l thought that by going away
/ could save her part of the disgrace"
Jim took him by the arm and led him
TO one of the benches.
Nov tell me all about it." he COM
manded.
There is little to tell" irritably.
when the bank closed all had left
| was in real estate. My creditors grew
| impatient, and | tried to pay them.
Some pieces of land | sold for half
| what they cost me. others could not
sell at all. Then / took your money
stole it, if you like" bitterly. At
thought l could recover myself before
| you called for it."
| The cloud left Jim's face
Am / the only creditor you have?"
| Eyes, but you are enough. Fifty
thousand dollars! Why, all my land
would not sell for one-fifth that
| amount"
| Jim did not answer. He was look
ing across the mountains; and as he
looked all the cleanliness and indeci-
| sion went out Of his eyes, never more
| to return.
| Selecting one bill from the small
roll. he put it in his pocket, the rest
he handed back. You've got Miss
jackson to look after and will need it
more than !. Time It's gone your
business will likely come round all
right again"
"And.do you not intend to prose-
cute me?" wonderingly.
'No, only you're never to tell Miss
Jackson about it. Just say you saw
me and told me good-by''
| Jackson rose TREMENDOUSLY to his feet.