The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1908-01-03

AAAJ 3@A& %OA4EAb
When did Floy Irving ever refuse
to do q favor? The Jolly old night
Waterman would admit her readily
enough, she knew, even if the book
keepers had finished and goneand
often one or another Of the clerks was
detained.
So In a few moments later she re-
entered the store by the rear door
How ghostly and empty 1t looked in
the dim light! There was no sign of
life save the watchman's whistle away
up In one Of the galleries. She hur-
ried toward Annie's counter, and turn
ing corner, came sharply upon Rob
ert Murdockl
How often she had wished for a
chance to question him! Here it was
II she only knew how to use 1t.
did brighten your" he asked, civ
lily, for she had given a startled cry.
4 merely stepped out to see who was
coming in. Mr.. Hale asked me to stay
and help unpack some new good to-
night"
Floy briefly explained her own pres
ence IN turn. No one at Vane &
Hunts wanted any suspicion attaching
to their movements just now. Then
for she dared not let this golden oppor-
tunity pass she added hurriedly, Ct
want to ask you one question" In
voluntarily she caught his arm and
turned his face toward the light.
"Well?'
rs Robert Murdoch your true
Manner
MY true name. 1t was my fathers
before me. Jameson was only my
stepfather. Is that ALP For she had
dropped her hand and turned away
with gesture Of hopelessness.
"Yes-no! That is, what's the use?
know what you would say either
way! There's no use wasting time
And you wouldn't believe anything
! said-either wayl No, it's not much
use talking" she said bitterly.
I'll don't understand" gasped
FIoy, startled.
you think, Once thief, always a
thief. Well, you won't believe me,
suppose. | don't know why you have
kept my secret so long, unless you
liked to play with me as cat does
with mouse. Nevertheless, / will
say this-as heaven hears me, / know
nothing whatever about the thefts
in this store. am as innocent of
them as you are"
Il believe you'll" Floy exclaimed, ex-
tending her hand eagerly. "And
don't believe that horrible old saying.
Don't be angry with me, please. |
didn't mean to be hard or cruel
never thought you cared to have me
speak to you. wasn't playing with
you. Kept still because / thought it
was right-and now know it was.
You may trust me"
He controlled his voice by an effort.
Forgive me, ! should not have spok-
en- SO. You have a right to choose
your acquaintance"
"The Waterman is coming; | must
go at Armies laces But know what
to believe now" and she hurried. on
hreathlessly. A moment later she was
hastily bringing order out Of chaos,
even while explaining her return to
her friend, the Waterman.
She's a careless onet" the old man
growled I'D let her do her own
Strengthening 'Tisn't your business"
She was sick, you know" Floy
said, excusingly. Il don't mind help
ing her little" She glanced uncon-
sciously over where Murdoch was now
arranging the new goods on the
shelves.
IF twas any of the other girls,
now, I'd just wonder if she hadn't an
idea that Bob Murdoch might offer to
see her home" chuclxled the watch
man. but never saw you show any
weakness in that line.
"Oh, you don't see everything!" Floy
laughed, although her cheeks famed.
but I'll be done and at home long
before he can get away"
"Oh, If you spoke to him tonight, I'll
warrant it was the first time"
At which suggestion Floy's nervous
fingers only few the faster. She did
not care to talk more with him to-
night. Yet she was very glad she had
come Her doubts were settled now.
only-she wished she had been a lit
tie less cautious and little kinder
little more just, perhaps. But at
least she was thankful that she had
not spoken out her doubts.
But when she entered the store the
next morning, the air was heavier
than ever with doubt and dread More
losses had been discovered The girls
huddled together, exchanging wild
a. - - a