The Somerset reporter., 1908-01-23

turn TO withdraw their money. Pay
ing tellers worked with deliberation
that was maddening. Some days only
half dozen people would be paid Off,
but still tie line increased, hoping
against hope. For two days and nights
the figure of a young girl had been
noticed She was slowly working her
way to the front. At 2:45 p. IN. on
the third day she was admitted to the
bank and withdrew her entire account.
To avoid confusion depositors were
admitted at one door and passed out
through side entrance. and as she
emerged from the latter she cast hur
ried glance about her. She gave a
sigh of relief when she saw that she
was quite alone and apparently un-
noticed Then suddenly tal man
appeared in the doorway behind her.
Lillian Burkhart trembled as she
clutched the roll of bills. her teeth
chsttered, the color faded from her
cheeks, and she was conscious that her
hands trembled visibly. The man look
ed at her sharply, stepped forward
and asked IL he could be of service to
her.
"You seem to be In trouble Can
do anything for you?" he asked, with
some concern.
you can go away" she managed to
answer.
The man calmly proceeded to button
his heavy ulster, slipped his hand in
the pocket thereof and pulled out a
heavy pair of gloves, which he drew
on slowly. His tall, broad shoulders
were surmounted by handsome clear
cut face: his whole appearance was
faultless. He glanced concernedly at
Lillian. whose color had not yet re-
turned and who seemed to tremble
from head to foot.
Really, | feel that must call for
assistance. VIII you have cab or a
doctor? 1t would be nothing short of
brutal to leave you here shivering like
that Are you III or simply cold?
insist upon knowing"
Lillian was forced to look at him
again, and 1t seemed to give her cour
age to speak.
"Were you ever hungry?" she muir
INJURED as she took a flrmer hold on
the bills.
Yes, indeed" said her companion.
"But never with that amount of mon
ey In my grasp"
Lillian started with sudden jerk at
the mention Of her money and drop
ped the entire roll Of bills. He stoop-
ed TO pick 1t up, and after one wild
shrek she called distractedly:
"Stop thief! Stop. | say"
The crowd was massed in front of
the bank. and the cry seemed to have
passed unnoticed. The man picked up
the bills despite her exclamatio and
handed them to her. Lillian laughed
siekly little gurgle, saying:
Perhaps you're not thief after all
are your
mo, I'm not Are you?' suggested
the man. 81 am merely one of the
many depositors trying to get few
dollars But you were more fortunate
than l. When | reached the window
the cashier pulled 1t down, saying 1t
was o'clock and too late to draw.
Better put that wad out OF sight and
not tempt the hystercal mob outside"
he added
That's what | wanted to do, but
you won't go away and let me. A wo-
man doesn't have pockets all over her
clothes like man And. oh. | wish
you would go. for I'm so hungry and
want to get home! I've stood in that
line for nearly three days to get mon
ey for the landlord. My. but hate
that man. she expostulated, with
shrug of her pretty shoulders.
well, I'll be on my way, and be
sure you tuck 1t safely away in its hid
ing place I'll promise not TO look
back" He laughed and turned on
down the street.
Lillian hurriedy slipped the bills In
the bosom of her gown and nervously
started In, the opposite direction to-
ward her little home. Her mother met
her at the door, and after some hot
luncheon the girl was equal to relating
her troubles
But, mother. we have the money.
and that old Shylock can he paid III
take ii around TO him myself in the
morning and Just tell him what
think of him." said Lillian. with sOme
satisfaction and Il threatening intona.
tion of her voice.
The next morning about 10 O'Clock
she started for the landlords o1ice,
and as she passed the long line wait
i ing al the bank she thought how toriu-
/ nate she had been. Extras" were out
saying that no more depositors would
he paid
Arriving at the offices OF Payne d
/ Payne on Main street. she entered the
snug little reception room and asked
for Mr. Payne.
(which one, ma'am?" asked the of
/ fee boy at the door.
+ "Why, the one who owns our house,
me cross one" she added by way OF
further explanation.
The boy seemed to know which man
she wanted and disappeared In the In
ner office. He returned In few min
utes, saying that she might go risht in.
ushered her to the door and closed 1t
after her
/ Once inside, Lillian blushing to the
roots of her red brown hair. found her.
self confronted by the man who had
offered his assistance the day before.
81 am looking for Mr. Payne" she
managed to humble.
~ am Mr.. Payne" said he as he
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