The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-04-03
THE EVENING STORY
suspicion and Sentiment
[By Carter Coverly.1

10y Id ter NOKCI4tsl
7 do not want to be guilty OF a
explained Thomas Linden, but these
losses are becoming Of too frequent
occurrence. I ask that all submit to
a search"
That should scarcely be necessary,
protested Award. Il am sure that
there has been some mistake some
Where. II IS scarcely right that we
snouid be treated as felons.'
He flushed under their curious stares.
He was not altogether unacouainted
with the gossip which had connected
MS name with those mysterious dis
appearances of jewelry and othe-
small portables since he had Joined
the circle. More than once there had
been talk of an investigation.
He had come amongst them as the
bearer of letters from the Garfields
who merely explained that they had
met him abroad and understood that
he was coming to America, and that
he might come to Cosgrove.
I think" said Mr.. Linden, mildly,
that none of us can well afford to
rest under suspicion. There has been
considerable talk of late that there
is a Raf1es among US. It is time that
a stop was put to such suggestions. I
am sure that no one else viii object
to being searched
''On the contrary" exclaimed Billy
searched myself"
Even Award looked at him in amaze
ment. They two were keen rivals for
Betty Linden's affections. It was odd
to see Sattler supporting his rival in
this protest.
4 think, father" said Betty re-
proachfully, that it would be unfair
to insist upon a search when two of
our guests object
"All the more reason" said Linden
hfnnfIU ffTf "a
had good reasons for not wishing to
be searched
Surely you cannot suppose that both
Mr.. Sattler and myself have the PIN"
argued Award. yet we both object to
a search
Perhaps there was more than a PIN"
suggested Linden, his temper, reused by
opposition, getting the better of his
courtesy.
Betty's clean voice broke the silence.
Nonsense she said sharply, you owe
Mr.. Award and Billy an apology,
father. I happen to know the reason
for Bil1y's refusing to be searched, and
it has no bearing at all on the loss Of
the pin
Her cheeks were a bright pink now.
but she stood her ground bravely while
a murmur ran about the room; a sub
dued hum of gossip. Award went white
for a moment, but he pulled himself to-
gether.
u am unable to advance so fair an
advocate he said quietly. But I can
assure you, Mr.. Linden, that my rea-
sons for not wishing to be submitted to
the indignity of a search are very DIFF
ferent from those you attribute to me-.
Il don't care what you say, father
declared Betty II shall not permit my
guests to be submitted to such an IN
dignity. It is enough for you to say
such things about Mr.
She was interrupted by a scream
from Mrs. Morley After ali this fuss
she cried, ito think that the pin never
was lost at all. Here it is-dropped in
to my flowers Did you ever hear of
such a thlng?"
Mr. Linden said something under his.
breath uncomplimentary to all women,
and stumped off to the library The
rest. deprived of their anticipated SEN
sation, broke up into couples and drift
ed to other rooms. leaving only Betty
and the two men,
It think said Sattler, coming for
ward, that now the pin has been found
it would be better that should CO. AS
I am leaving. town by an early train
will wish you goodbye now
He bent low over her hand and dis
appeared Betty looked up to en-
counter Awards grave eyes
do you care so nuch?' he asked
gently. as he noted the tears in her
Il don't know she answered
frankly when he is here like him
ever so much. You see we were chill
dren together. He was always the
black sheep, but the incest of all the
Sattler boys. He ran away when he
was fourteen and no one heard any
thing more of him until he turned up
here last ummer-just before you
came-with a lot of money The rest
of the family were scattered all over
the country but he has been staying
on because he likes the old home
and
And you" completed Award.
''I suppose 50" she confessed. HE
has proposed a half dozen times but
somehow I could not say yes Some
times I am almost afraid Of him.
ssWhen he is not with you?" sug-
gested Award. Betty nodded her
head. Don't you think it may be
sort of hypnotisn p he asked. There
are men who have that peculiar trick
of gaining sympathy"
tsIt might be- she admitted. ct
know that I never felt certain
do you really know what it was
that he had - he asked curiously.
MY picture" she said, blushins.
He had been begging me for it for
long time. This evening just as Mrs.
Morley complained Of her loss, he said
he hoped that there would be no
search as he had my photograph in
his pocket"
THAT was why you came to our
aid p he asked. because you did not
want it known that he had your pic
ture ?"
they-people might suppose
that had given it to him.
What of that? Were you afraid to
let them think that?"
IT thought that you"-she paused
lamely.
You cared what thought?" he
asked wonderingly.
81 did not want you to think thing
like that" she stammered.
rs this the ricture?'' he asked draw
ing one from his pocket. She gave a
wondering cry.
How did you get it?" she demanded.
From the frame in the library" he
explained. You see had begun to
believe that there was no hope for me
and 1 wanted at least a photograph to
remind ne of the girl whose face had