The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-09-27

Hay stumbled on a piece Of orange
peel and jostled against me. L was
taken by surprise and fell into the
middle Of the road just as the motor
came along Mr. Hay was more than
sorry and has come to see me every
day with books and fruit and all
manner Of things"
Sylvia" said Paul softly, II want
you to send your father to me-"
Yes, Paul Why do you wish to see
him."
Because he must be told Of our love.
I don't think he will be so hard as you
think, and l am ashamed OF not hav-
ing told him before l like to act hon
Orably. and fear. Sylvia, darling, we
have not been quite fair to your ia
Their"
Il think so. too, Paul, and intended
to speak when we went home But
give me your address, so that if we go
away Unexpectedly I'll be able to write
to you"
Beecot gave her his Bloomsbury adj
dress and also that of his old home at
Wargrove, in Essex. Write care of my
mother" he said. land then my father
won't get the letter"
would he be angry if he knew"
asked the girl timidly.
Paul laughed to himself at the
thought of the turkeycock's rage. Il
think he would. dearest" said he, "but
that does not matter Be true to me,
and I'll be true to you"
Here the nurse came to turn the Wis
itors away on the plea that Paul had
talked quite enough. Debby Jared up,
but became meek when Sylvia lifted
reproving finger Then Paul asked
Debby to seek his Bloomsbury lodg-
ings and bring TO him any letters that
might be waiting for him.
On arriving in the room over the shop
they found themselves confronted by
Aaron, who looked less timid than usu-
al and glowered at the pair angrily.
where have you been, Sylvan he
asked.
Father, have been to see Mr.. Bee
cot at the Charing Cross hospital"
''Why is Mr.. Beecot in the hospital?"
"He was knocked down." said Sylvia
quietly, land his arm is broken. A mo-
tor car ran over him in Gwynne-street.
He wants to see you to tell you that he
lost something"
Norman turned even whittier than he
was by nature, and the perspiration
suddenly beaded his bald forehead.
'"The opal serpent" he cried.
Eyes, the brooch he showed me-"
Gle showed your cried Aaron, with
a groan. And what did he tell you
about it? What-what-wh truth
or He became passionate.
Debby grasped Aaron's arm and
whirled him into the middle of the
room like a feather Then she planted
herself before Sylvia, with her arms
akimbo, and glared like lioness. You
can pinch me, sir, or give me black
eyes and red noses If you like, but no
finger on my precious, if die for il"
Aaron was staggered by this def
ance and looked fierce for the moment.
Then he became timid again and cast
the odd, anxious look over his shoulder.
Leave the room, Deborah" he said in
mild voice.
The faithful maid replied by sitting
down and folding her arms. Get your
wild horses. sir" she said, breathing
heavily, "for only by them will 1 be
tugged away" And she snorted so
loudly that the room shook.
"Pshaw" said Norman GROSSLY. "Syl-
via, don't be afraid of me-" He wiped
his face neryously II only want TO
know of the brooch. 1 like the opals
l wanted to buy it from Mr.. Beecot
lie is poor-he wants money. l can
give it to him for he-the brooch"
He brought out the last word with q
gasp and again glanced over his shout
der Sylvia, not at all afraid, ap-
preached and took the old mans hand
The watchful Deborah moved her chair
an inch nearer. so as to be ready for
any emergency. Dear father" said
the girl. Mr.. Beecot doesn't know
where the brooch is. 1t was stolen
from him when the accident happened
If you will see him he can tell you
Not where the brooch is interrupt
ed Aaron, trying to appear calm
"WeH. we'll 1t doesn't matter" He
glanced anxiously at Sylvia. You be
lieve me, child, when l say it doesn't
matter"
A snort from Deborah plainly said
that she had her doubts. Sylvia cast
q reproving glance in her direction
whereupon she rose and committed per
jury. "Of course it don't matter. sir.
she said in a loud. hearty voice which
made Aaron vince. MY precious be
lieves you, though lie 1t might be. But
folk so good as you, sir, who go Il
church when there amt any one tC
see. wouldn't tell lies without then
a-choking Of them IN their blessed
threats"
How do you know go to church? 2
asked Norman, with the snarl of {
trapped animal
Bless you, sir l don't need glarse'
at my age. though not so young a:
I might be. Church you emily. SAL