The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-25

am nowl It isn't often I do. but when do"
 How did it happenY' Mrs. Neisan asked in the gentlest of gentle tones.
 How did 1t happen? The same old story of a man handling money with sticky fingers. First a little and then more-and, besides, I thought was smart enough to cover it up. After that the arrest and trial--well, it happened all rightl And that's why I am what I am today Oh, well, I'm down now, and I suppose I'll stay there. Whats the use, anyway? I've had a breath of fresh air tonight with you here, though, and let ne tell you I'm thankful for it"
 The burglar rose. He showed his gun in his pocket, turned the collar of his coat up bit closer around his neck and Ioos- ened the muf1er.
 The Nelsons accompanied him to the door-in fact to th@ elevator, where Nell son pushed the bell for him.
 ''Goodnight" said the burglar, turning to Nelson. My God! You don't know how l envy youp'
 His voice choked and his eyes filled with tears
 Those kidsl Those kids of yours!.' he half sobbed. Bless their heartsi Here. here, old pal. I've got a twenty dollar bill l want to give them a Christmas present-hve dollars each. Take this and give me the change" Nelson protested.
 Please, please do," the burglar pleaded. ''It's the only decent thing I've done since I had my own little"
 Just then the elevator arrived and the door was opened hastily
 The burglar waited resoluteIy.
 Nelson hesitated.
 "Going downr yelled the knight of the lever.
 Here, take itl'' the burglar insisted, half in the door.
 All right, thank you-thank you-oId- old man." Nelson decided. And he gave the burglar a ten-dollar bill.
 The door changed shut and the elevator shot downward, but not too rapidly for them to hear his cheerful
 Goodnight and a merry Christmas to youi''
 Poor fellow" sighed Mrs. Nelson, as they walked back into their apartment, poor fellow. How lonely he must be. Oh, Frank, I'm so grateful that you are not like that, So grateful. Our home is so happy. And this is such a nice Christ mas, isn't 1t, dear old boy7 We've so much to be happy over"
 Indeed we have, little woman" Nell son replied, with a caress, as he closed the door, land I more than you, for I have you-the best dearest. the finest
 
 "Oh, Frank, I feel positively like traitor. Just think of it, dearest, that poor burglar was So much in earnest and honest in his remorse, and IT Why l almost despise myself. We listened to him, you know just to save our money and play upon his feelings"
 Yes" Nelson comforted, ''but we were really touched by his pitiable story, weren't wei And besides, did you no- tice that he talked most willingly-in fact, we didn't have to urge him at all7 There, dear, don't feel badly about it. He wanted sympathy more than money"
 That's nice of you to say"
 '"Thunderationp' Nelson suddenly cried, rushing to the table and picking up tha roll of bills. 'The rascal The-the-r' Why-what-Frank, what's the mat- ter?'
 Whats the matterl' Nelson bawied. his face livid with rage Whats tha matter? Look at thisl Look at this ten- dollar billi And look at this roll he left on the tablet They're counterfeit-coun- terfeit-do you understand-all of them counterfeit!'