Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1906-12-29

Certainly. You have been most
kind
1t was the last day of December
when Mary received a note from Sher-
wood He wanted to call that evening.
1t was to have been her wedding night,
she recalled. and her heart was inef-
fably sad. Perhaps Sherwood could
tell her something that would be Of
comfort-something about Arthur. She
babe him come.
The assistant chief of detectives ar
rived late, explaining that important
business had detained him. He talked
about his voyage. He had been to
Australia on an official mission. He
had visited the great gold fields, where
some men make fortunes in day and
others toll for lifetime without strik-
ing 1t rich.
Now. Miss Norton" he said, his
voice shaking with emotion, Il had
hoped to come here upon my return
and ask you to be my wife. You know.
surely. that | love you. | cannot help
that. But l know you are true to-him,
ana nave C0dOcu W AOPC Ava my oNiA'
If it were in my power l should gladly
do something to prove my great love
for you IT,
IF what. Mr.. Sherwood" the girl
asked eagerly.
"If we could prove that Wainwright
lost that money" he said.
Sherwood sat upon the old sofa, the
al n chair nv He
leaned heavily against the back of the
old fashioned piece of furniture. and it
creaked loudly. A gap opened between
the seat and the back. Sherwood put
his hand down into the opening to as
certain if he had broken the sofa.
well, somebody's pocketbook!'' he
calculated. drawing fo:th long, fiat
wallet. "Whew! Arthur Wainwright
his name is on it,
"Open it. quick!'' the girl cried, lean
ing forward tensely.
One by one the detective counted out
twenty-five bills of the denomination
of $1,000.
Miss Norton" he said, rising, "yOu
win: no. we both VIM
But Arthur-can we find himY
Il have found him. I arrested him
in Australia at the gold fields. He sold
his claim for $4,000. He. said that
was not enough, and he was eager TO
stay a little longer, but of course L
had to do my duty. He is now at the
Vandeventer. hotel. | let him stay
there overnight for your sake on his
own recognizance. Let us go and meet
him"
Together they went out into the
night Ii was another glorious night
for Mary Morton. AS they passed by
the Little Church Around the Cor
ner," where so many romantic mar
riages have taken place, they observed
that watch meeting was in progress
1t was within half an hour of mid
night In the doorway stood a tall
bearded man. looking within upon the
impressive scene.
"Why, there is Mr.. Wainwright!'
cried Sherwood.
81 don't see him. Where?" excitedly
cried the girl.
THE man with the beard. Hey,
VIC ,dsonw
The man turned suddenly at hearing
his Australian name. A moment later
the lovers were embracing. The flip
pant, unknowing people who stood
| about the door snckered.
The little party entered an unoccu-
| pied vestibule. where Sherwood told
Wainwright about the finding of the
money Then fhp detective excused
himself. went forward and consulted
with the pastor of the church. Just
after the solemn bells pealed the mid
night hour and the new year was ush-
cred in the pastor requested the con-
| sregatiOn to remain seated.
And Sherwood, who had earned the
place of honor, was best man.