The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1908-04-23

Ing TO Celia's persuasions, Mr.. Gilman
had engaged him. But he was not
fayorably impressed with Thomas,
and later on reminded Celia that
from the first he had not liked the
boys looks.
Thomas was nearly twelve years
old, the Oldest of four children, and
his father was serving out sentence
In the State prison. The boys ap-
pearance was not wholly prepos-
sessing, although Celia declared that
when Thomas smiled he was the best
looking boy in the block, but no one
else seemed to take note of his claim
10 beauty. His shock of black hair,
which apparently never could be
brushed into smoothness, the small
plack eyes under the low forehead,
he large mouth and heavy chin did
sOt make Thomas an attractive lad.
Here are your corals, Celia" said
Mr. Gilman one morning laying a
small package on his daughters desk.
Il had the clasp mended; your moth
sr thought you would want them to
year at your class reunion tonight. 4"
-Oh, yes" responded Celia.
Thomas, just put my corals in the
safe, please" Thomas obeyed, won
ierlng what "corals" were, but asking
40 questions.
Il must go out of town this morn
ng." continued Mr.. Gilman, drawing
roll of bills from an inside pocket,
'and when you go out for lunch,
Celia, l want you to take this money
down to Browns bank and get their
receipt for 1t. / want 1t to be in
heir hands before 2 O'Clock to-day" {"
Celia looked up from her type
writer. "All right, father" she re-
Piled.
Il shall not come back to the
yffice to-day" concluded Mr.. Gilman;
you and Thomas will have to look
after things. I'll put the money with
FOUR corals, and then you won't for
get it."
How much is it, father?" asked
Celia, as Mr.. Gilman stopped a mo-
nent beside her on his way out.
1T is just $4,000, my dear. and
lust as soon as you get the banks re-
eeipt for it, 1t will mean that we are
entirely out of debt"
"Well, now you can raise Thomas
pay, can't you?" said the girl laugh
Ingly.
Mr., Gilman made no response, and
the office door closed behind him.
Every time that Thomas went near
the safe that morning he thought
about the money 1t contained. 1.-TWO
thousand dollars" he said to himself.
THAT would buy most everything.
would buy me mother a house, and
ioike as not 'twould buy shoes for all
OF us, and piano for Maggie"
II was nearly noon when a clang
of bells rang up from the street.
There's a fire!" exclaimed the boy
rushing to the window that looked
down on Washington street. Gee.
IL must be near here!" and he opened
the window and leaned out In search
OF further information. Celia did not
look up from her work. She wanted
10 hnish early that afternoon, and
had no interest in a fire alarm. She
was thinking, too. of her class re.
union and of the dainty gown earned
by her own work that she was tc
wear that evening.
Say, and Thomas brought him.
sell back into the room with a spring
hopeful light shining in his black
eyes. Say. Miss Celia, there's an
awful crowd on the street, and two
engines" A loud changing of the
Deiis sent the boy back to the win
dow.
Celia smiled at his excitement a.
sue Went on with her work. Say
MISS Celia, can / go to lunch now
and see where the fire is?" asked
THOMAS; Its past 49,"
Celia nodded, and grabbing hi,
cap the hoy disappeared. AS sh,
worked steadily on Celia became con
scious OF an unusual commotion II
'ue building. Doors slammed, ant
sue could hear people runnin,
through the corridors. She noticed
.ne burr of the fire engines, and jus
then her Office door was flung opeI
ana some one called:
anybody in this office? The plac,
is on fire!"
Celia sprang up and rushed int,
the corridor. AS she did so, a fire
man met her.
All out! Take the stairs!" h,
Talleu' Hurry up, young woman
Dont stop for your hat" as he saw
oena turn back toward the open doc
oi tne office. "Hat," Celia repeate,
scornfuiiy, remembering the econo
niies practiced to save the money tina
LAY IN the little safe, and resolve,
mat she would not leave the buildin,
m'tnout II. But she reckoned with
sue her fireman. Before she coul,
.eacn the Office he was beside her
a"a MS grasp was on her arm.
fou haven't time to 60 back
ow came you to linger up here.
w., 10y Is having fits about you down o.
the sidewalk"
AS he talked he hurried her towar,
the stairway.
!. cant go till get that money.
sue screamed, as on the next landin
Ssh OF smoke swept around then