Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1908-07-26
HIS CONFIDENCE CAME LATE.
iOriSillal.l ]

Lester ShplGOn ana mat lie WoH!u nSc 4 it to run across the big pond" and see Paris in June. As he was rinsng his fingers in q cut glass bowl. prepar atory to leaving the table, a waiter stepped up to him and announced that a lady wished to see him i'll the rcccp- ton room
 "A lady! To see ne! In the reccp- tion rocm Great Scott. Isn't d man safe even in his club!'
 "1t isn't usual. sir, but it's an hour when few members are present, and she begged so hard that the steward told the doorkeeper to admit her.
 The admiral had just enough curios- ity to go to the reception room and learn the reason for the call. He found q very pretty young woman i'll widows cap. whose eyes were dimmed with tears.
 "Oh. admiral" she gasped. tell me. have you parted with the no:cs:' :''
 What notes?'
 That you won from my brother las: night
 Your brother!'
 JeS, Lester - LHS plothei - Lester Sheldon
 What's that to you, madam.
 "Oh. admiral, I've heard of yonr honorable nature and kind heart" "Bosh. Speak out
 My brother is in great distress. have just prevented him taking his life. He is cashier at his place of bus- }o1y bo l.,- I The notes you won he took from his cash at the office. After leaving you he had one note left and this morning noticed that it was marked
 "For heavens sake. this is a pretty mess for me to be mixed up in.''
 "Oh, it's all right if you stfll have the notes
 'I have them
 How fortunate.' And relieved smile came over the sad face like q flood of sunlight from behind cloud T will take them and give you my check for tbem."
 But my dear lady, l didn't win the money from you. cant take your check. But 1 will give you the notes" Now, don't spoil everything can only handle Lester by assuring him that the notes have been taken up with my check and only you and and he know of the transaction. It's nothing to me 1 assure you. l have an income of $20,0OO year I've helped Lester out of many scrape. l only hope I'll live to keep something dread frl from happening to him.
 Meanwhile she had gone to q table covered with writing materials filled a blank check she took from her card case and at the last words handed it to the admiral
 But, my dear madam. consider my position. l. an admiral in the nted States navy, to take money from a woman. Suppose it should get out,''
 My dear admiral, how is il 10 get out: Will Lester tell: Will tell? Only you remain
 And you think it best for me to-
 of course. Now. do let me have the bills. Lester is suspected and may have to turn over his accounts as soon as he appears at the office. Ue is wait Ing for me. Do let me go.'
 
 This was too much for the admiral He took the notes from his pocketbook and handed them to the lady. She dropped the check into the same re ceptacle, rubbing her soft hand against hls as she did so and looking up with an exuberance of gratitude out of her soft eyes Then she ran away hur- riedly.
 Well. now" remarked the admiral fo himself. If l could find a woman like that wouldn't be q woman hHtcr. 10 think what shes doing for that seaPcsrace brother, Most womcn ab- sorb money instead of spending it in that way"
 lie was in no hurry to deposit the check. Indeed. he was thinking of a pH ot self sacrifice he might make that possibly would effect a romance In hls old age-a romance that would free him from depending on a club for home. He fancied himself tearing up the check or burning it. as the lead ang gentleman in a play would do. and q certain lady falling into his own arms lbe same evening he was sitting iu hls club looking over paper when Whc should sumter in but Lester Sheldon.
 Hello, admiral,' he said cheerly. m going for you tonight I'll take Ill you won from me last night and more too." The admiral looked at him, aston ished. Whats the matter:" asked Sheldon, not understanding the surprise Don't 1 you want to give me my revenge:"
 Whats the matter? Didn't your i s1s'ef this morning take up the notes | won from you with her check"
 My sister.''
 Yes, your sister,
 T haven't any sister, The admiral glared for a moment. ,heh made a dive for his pocketbook. u" out the check, unfolded it and ! handed if fo S,l.II..