The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1905-04-21

for himself I'll do the same. Let him
do what lie will with the property. I've
brains and hands His blood ills my
veins, am I'll win out, as he did"
"You are all he has in the world. I'll
not come between you
Noah Sterling glanced into the dim
room. lie could see Bcss fightin.
against her love ana the stalwart son
of the mill owner as he held her hands
Nois 'essly he stepped from the porch
to tie cOolness of the little garden. 1t
was quite dark when he returned, but
no list greeted him from the open
door but low sob broke tie stiffness
and sGided him to the girls side She
sat by the table, her head buried in her
arms, her slight frame trembling with
emotion. Noah watched her silently.
oh, Daddy Noah, my heart is bro
ken The words were scarcely audi
BILE Sterling sat down heavily, resting
his work worn hand on her arm.
You sent him away bravely. Now
you cry for him"
Bess cleared her voice. There was Il
little laugh of self pity in her tone as
she spoke.
That's the woman of it. Yet it's
you who spoiled me, When did l ask
for aught-and you not give it to me?
oh, dad, If you could only help me
now"
You've set your heart on this. You
truly love young ThaddT
He's all the world Sterling with
drew his hand abruptly Impetuously
Bess flung her arms about his neck.
Not that love you less, dear, or ever
could but you loved my mother-you
understand-you must-you are all that
is left to me now"
Understand! Sure / understand"
Soothing her. he drew her to his knee
and held her in his arms. as he had
so often done as child. Comforted,
she prepared to retire.
Are you not going to bed?" she ques-
toned. her candle Illuminating her
heavy eyes.
presently. child"
Yet he had scarcely stirred when the
gray dawn showed in the east; then
he rose stiffly. determination in his
face. I've just got to do it. swore
never would. but | Will"
AT noon next day Noah Sterling Ell.
tered the office. Thaddeus Giles, the
boss, was writing when the foreman
appeared, but he nodded kindly.
"Sit down, Noah. I'll be through in
a minute" Sterling took the indicated
chair near the desk, absently twirling
his cap in his hand.
Glad to see you, old man. Any
thing special that You dropped in for?''
asked Giles, pushing his papers from
him and swinging around in his chair
81 wanted particular to see YOU" be,
gan Sterling uncertainty. IT'S about
the young folks-your boy Thadd and
Bess Hardy
stop, Noah" broke in the mill own
er sharply. Some things l allow nc
interference in. It's none of your bust
ness anyhow"
j 11Oid l. LII OiO VI gOui
have been for years-yet we were kids
together, you, Tim, and me. Was there
ever a scrape that we didn't share?
I'VE were sure enough pals" Thu
boss eyes twinkled at sundry remem
brances.
when Tim died-you don't recollec
you were planning your own big deal
But knew. There was baby, Thadd
l amt never told you. But the nigh
Tim went sat with him. He worried
awful about that baby. Seemed as
he just couldn't die till set his minc
at rest. l swore the child should b.
first with me, at any sacrifice I'd max
her happy, and l WILL will" Ster
ling leaned forward. Giles returne'
his look questioningly.
Il don't understand what you ar
after" he said at last
''Bess is Tins daughter-Tim an
Bessie's. baby"
Bessie Fields that WASP"
1.-The same. You begin to see now"
Come, Noah, this Is ridlculous b