The Wrangell sentinel., 1909-12-30
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That's what you get for being bachelor" laughed Williams.
 He moved toward the door, and the others rose.
 I'm glad to see you so happy, Mrs. Brooks" he observed. pausing and looking about him again.
 Thank you," said she.
 "I never did know before what a little money meant to woman" 'Perhaps that's because you don't know women"
 "Oh. l know vomen-one kind, any way. But Brooks Is lucky in having a girl like you for wife,
 Emma, hes giving you little south Pacific blarney." put in Jimsy.
 "Maybe 1 am and maybe I'm not said the captain. But" he continued emphatically. tits sure thing that if ! had n girl like you I'd knuckle down and earn enough money to make you happy-eh, Brooks:'
 Il suppose that's what you'd do," as- scented that individual.
 "Yes, I'd work pretty hard without kicking to please you. Mrs. Brooks. ii you looked to me to make good for you"
 Emma" declared Smith, with his quiet smile. If you were single I'd suspect captain of getting little soft"
 But I'd earH the money" went on the captain. pursuing his train of thought That's the only way to get along Well, I'll say good night, Mrs Brooks"
 Good night, captain. Thank you again."
 Good night. Smith,"
 "1 may drop over later" remarked the superintendent by way of reply.
 Wish you would," the captain assur- ed him with some eagerness.
 'Id like to smoke a pipe and talk awhile. Good night, Brooks"
 Good night, sir
 Brooks went forward and opened the door.
 "Try to get down to the office by s in the morning" recommended the captain, gazing at him with sinister contempt.
 "Yes, sir"
 "There'll be some gentlemen there who may be anxious to meet you"
 "I'll be there"
 Didn't know but what you might oyersleep now that you're so prosper ous.. Good niglt.''
 Brooks shut the door and stood lean- ing against it. cutching the handle for support The muscles of his face were twitching. and he saZed with fright ened, haunted eyes from his wife to Smith.
 Have you told her, Jimsy?" he de- handed
 Smith raised his hand in protest.
 No, Joe; it ain't the right time yet, and
 why isn't it the right time? I'm trapped. and Williams
 Joe, see here," he expostulated; you can't talk"
 What is it? What do you mean?" demanded Mrs. Brooks, very pale.
 Smith still sought to spare her. to keep the dreadful truth from her
 There's just been little trouble. Emma" he said evasively. Joe here is all worked up--fxcitei."
 "I'll tell you what happened!" cried her husbapd in a choking voice, stag. gering to the table. You think l got raise. l didn't. You think that man Williams gave me six months back pay. He didn't. All this money you've been living on-al of it-I stole. took ii from the company! Williams trap ped me. He wanted me to steal. Now be knows-now he knows. and I'm done forr'
 He fall into a chair and doubled for ward, burying his face in his hands.
 For once Smith was at loss what to say.
 Mrs. Brooks, paler than ever, stood rigid. as though turned to stone, star ing at her husband.
 "Yon mean." she articulated in low, slow tones. you mean that you''-
 I'm a thief" he moaned brokenly without raising lis bead They know 1t. Detectives are downstairs watch watching Tomorrow I'll be in. jail.' Another long. awkward silence en- sued. Smith ended it.
 You see. Emma. Joe here ain't so much to blame. He"- And you didn't let me know:" There was cold reproach iD her voice and in her gaze.
 "It wasn't time." explained Jimsy l