Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-12-26

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this tremendous strain" said the I'M
happy Mr.. Riggs, land besides that, II
you did give way 1t would be serious
business for me, that's what want
you to look at. / am afraid that tiff
unhappily you did fall / couldn't pre-
| vent YOU"
"rm sure you couldn't" said the
other cordially. That's the beauty Of
It, that's when the evil ones whispers
get louder and louder. Why. could
choke you between my finger and
thumb II unfortunately my fallen
nature should be too strong for me,
don't interfere whatever you do. I
| mighm't be myself"
Mr.. Higgs rose and faced him gasp
ing. Not even call for the police, I
suppose" he jerked out.
That would be interfering" said
Brother Burge coldly.
| The jeweler tried to think. 1t was
past II. The housekeeper had gone to
spend the night with an ailing sister
and furtive glance at Brother Burgess
small shifty eyes and fat unwholesome
| face was sufficient to deter him from
leaving him alone with his property,
while he went to ask the police to give
an eye to his house for the night. Be
/ sides it was more than probable that
Mr.. Burge would decline to allow such
| a proceeding With growing sense
( Of his peril he resolved to try flattery.
"It was a great thing for the breth-
! rem to secure man like you" he said.
! II never thought they'd ha' done 1t"
said Mr.. Burge frankly. 1--WE 'ad all
sorts trying to convert me, crying
over me and praying over me. I re-
/ member the first dear good man that
called me horst lamb. he didn't say
anything else for month"
$50 upset." hazarded the jeweler.
81 broke his jor. pore feiler," said
Brother Burge, sad but withal indul-
gent smile lighting up his face at the
yagaries of his former career. What
time do you go to bed, brother?"
ANY time" said the other reluctant
". II suppose you are tired with your
+ JourneyT
| Mr.. Burge assented and, rising from
his chair. yawned loudly and stretched
himself. In the small room with his
huge arms raised he looked colossal.
Il suppose" said the jeweler, still
seeking to reassure himself: II sup
pose dear Brother Clark felt pretty
certain Of you. else he wouldn't have
sent you hereY
Brother Clark said. What is a jew
eler's shop compared with 'uman
soul, priceless 'uman soulY" replied
Mr.. Burge. What is few gewgaws
to decorate them that perish and make
them vain when you come to consider
the opportunity Of such trial and the
good it'll do and the draw it'll beif
do win-and testify to the cong ega-
ton to that efect1 Why, there's ser
mons for lifetime in It"
! $50 there isl said the jeweler, try
ing to look cheerful. you've got a
good face, Brother Burge, and you'll
do lot Of coed by your preaching.
There is honesty written in every fea
ture"
Mr.. Burge turned and surveyed him
self in the small pier glass. Eyes" he
said, somewhat discontentediy, Il don't
look enough like burglar to suit some
of en-"
''Some people are hard to please"
said the other warmly.
Mr.. Burge started and eyed him
.thoughtfully, and then as Mr.. Riggs,
after some hesitation, walked into the
shop to turn the gas out stood in the
doorway watching him. A gmothered
sigh as he glanced round the shop bore
witness to the state Of his feelings.
The jeweler hesitated again In the
parlor and then handing Brother Burge
his candle turned out the gas and led
the way slowly upstairs to the room
which had been prepared for the honor
ed visitor. He shook hands at the door
and babe him an ELUSIVE good night
his voice trembling despite himself az
he expressed hope that Mr.. Burge
would sleep well. He added casually
that he himself was q very light
sleeper.
Tonight sleep Of any kind was Inn
possible. He had given up the front
room to his guest, and his own window
looked out on IN overgrown garden.
He sat trying to read, with his ears
alert for the slightest sound. Brother
Burge seemed to be long time un-
dressing. For half an hour after he
had retired he could hear him moving
restlessly about his room.
/ Twelve o'clock struck from the tower
of the parish church and was followed
almost directly by the tall clock stand
ling in the hall downstairs. Scarcely
had the sounds died away than q low
moaning from the next room caused
the affrighted Jeweler to start from his
chair and place his ear against the
wall. Two or three hollow groans
came through the plaster, followed by
calculations which showed clearly that
Brother Burge was at that moment en-
gagged In a terrified combat With the
powers Of darkness to decide whether
he should or should not rifle his hosts
shop. his hands clinched and his ear
pressed close to the wall, the jeweser
listened to monologue which increas-
ed in interest with every word.
II tell you won't" said the voice in
the next room with groan. Il won't.
Get thee behind me- Get thee No,
and don't shove me over to the door.
If you can't get behind me without
doing that, stay where you are. YES,