The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1908-02-07


turn TO withdraw their money. Pay
ing tellers worked with deliberation
that was maddening. Some days only
half a dozen people would be paid of,
but still the line Increased. hoping
against hope. For two days and nights
the figure OF 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 q 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 a tall man
appeared In the doorway behind her.
Lillian Burkhart trembled as she
clutched the roll OF bills, her teeth
chattered, 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 If he could be Of service to
her.
"You seem to be in trouble. Can
do anything for your" 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
heavy pair OF gloves, which he drew
on slowly. His tall, broad shoulders
were surmounted by a 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
doctor7 II would be nothing short of
brutal to leave you here shivering like
that Are you Ill or simply cold?
insist upon knowing"
Lillian was forced to look at him
again, and It seemed to give her cour-
age TO speak.
"Were you ever hungry" she muir
INJURED as she took n firmer hold on
the bills.
"Yes, indeed" said her companion.
"But never with that amount OF mon
ey I'm 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 IT up, and after one wild
shrek she called distractedly:
stop thief! Stop, / say"
The crowd was massed I'm front OF
the bank, and the cry seemed to have
passed unnoticed. The man picked up
the bills despite her exclamation and
handed them to her. Lillian laughed
a sickly little gurgle, saying:
Perhaps you're not thief after all
are your
"No, I'm not! Are your" suggested
the man. IL am merely one of the
many depositors trying to get a few
dollars. But you were more fortunate
than l. When l reached the window
was o'clock and too late to draw.
Better put that wad out of sight and
not tempt the hysterical 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 a 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 l hate
that many' she expostulated, with n
shrug OF her pretty shoulders.
"Well, I'll he on my way, and be
sure you tuck II safely away in its hid
ing place. I'll promise not TO look
back" He laughed and turned on
down the street.
Lillian hurriedly 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 be paid. I'll
take II around to him myself in the
morning and just tell him what |
think OF him." said Lillian, with some
satisfaction and a threatening intona-
ton OF her voice.
The next morning about 10 o'clock
she started for the landlords office,
and as she passed the long line walt
ing at the bank she thought how fortu-
nate she had been. Extras" were out
saying that no more depositors would
be paid.
Arriving at the offices OF Payne &
Payne on Main street, she entered the
snug little reception room and asked
for Mr.. Payne.
(which one, ma'am7" asked the Of
Zee boy at the door.
"why, the one who owns our house.
the cross one" she added by way Of