The Washington times., 1909-03-18
CHAPTER xxx.

THE MAN WITH IdE BAIL
IN ANOTHER instant the door
swung to behind Betty and her
Il husband.
The captain and Nelson were
once more left alone Matters had de-
veIoped to such point that IL was
no longer a question OF Nelson's limo
cence. The captain had his own opin-
ions concerning that matter.
Nelson sat in his chair in deep
thought His face gave no intimation
Of what was taking place within his
brain. but the shrewd captain surmised
the subject which proved Of such alb
sorbing interest.
Nelson was thinking OF Betty. He
could remember every move she made.
How womaniy she wasl And what a
poor specimen was Wharton!
Nelson's heart ached for the little
wife He easily imagined the scene
which would take place when the
Wnartons reached home. His indigna-
tior rose when he pictured the con-
tinued insults which would no doubt
be heaped upon Betty.
The private office of the captain be-
came the bare, unattractive place if
had been before Betty entered. II was
wonderful what an atmosphere of joy
BUSINESS she brought with her, even
under such trying circumstances! Hers
was such a bouyant nature that moth
ing seemed quite powerful enough com
pletely to submerge it in sorrow.
Nelson thought OF her bright gray
eyes and her tautalizing reddish hair.
and he became quite lost to what was
happening in the immediate vicinity
Il don't blame you at all, Mr.. Nell
SON. remarked the captain, sympathet-
ically.
Nelson started and flushed TO the
roots of his hair.
II don't understand" ne responded.
That's all right, Mr. Nelson. You
needn't say anything more. I under
stand. and that's enough. The world is
of them coming in here every day. Of
course women like Mrs. Wharton don [
happen along often. She's a rare one.
But there are Others who have picked
lemons and have TO spend the rest of
their lives in paying for bad Judgment -
Poor things. Most OF them marry so
young that they can't be blamed for
not knowing the difference between an
honest man and dishonest one. Oh,
II you were one Of US at this station
you would learn a great deal more
about the troubles of life than you ever
dreamed of before"
'I know enough as it is" remarked
Nelson. as he stared gloomily at the
wall. Its a shame
II agree with you" continued the cap
tain. 1T certainly is a shame Such
a plucky little woman as she isl And
so innocent with it all. She's won
der"
Isn't she. thought exclaimed Mel
son, his face assuming an expression of
interest which made it wonderfully
handsome.
II Betty could have seen him then
she would have read many things in
that Gibson face.
'She has the grit and determination
Of" the captain hesitated. "of the
nerviest man on our force he finished
with a conscious feeling that he had at
tribute1 TO Mrs. Wharton unusual quail
ties.
Thank you, captain" said Nelson,
hardly conscious OF the feeling Of pro-
prietorahfp he had assumed in regard
to Betty.
How long have you known the little
woman asked the captain. You'll
pardon my being inQuisitive. but I must
own up that am more than interested
IN the case"
I've known her all my life respond
cd Nelson, without a seconds hesita-
lion
IAN your Hfe"' exclaimed the cap
tain. II thought she said you first went
to her apartment in search of a room
end board only two days ago"
That's true" answered Nelson. Sc
I did"
wen, then, I don't understand said
the captain in a tone which intimated
that he was thinking hard as he spoke
You've known her all your life. and
you only met her two days ago
1T is a bit strange agreed Nelson
but the fact remains. 1 can't explain
further. Mrs. Wharton is the wife OF
MI. Wharton"
OH" exclaimed the captain. with a
long, low, significant whistle. Too bad
But such Is fate We have 70 make
the best OF things"
Nelson didn't answer. once more nc
became lost in thought.
What about your bail?" asked the
captain, interrupting the other in his
brown study. Have you forgotten thai
your friend. Mr.. Brown, is waiting"
OH exclaimed Nelson. Il had for
gotten. What do you think CT that?''
Il think" answered the captain with
a laugh, that you seem 10 have founC
a police station a more attractive pIac-
than most people. The majority Of per
sons want 10 get out before they come
in
Nelson SMILED.
This is my first offense," he re
marked.
and it won't go down on the rec
Ords II I have anything TO say abou
it, remarked the captain as he slapped
Nelson cordially on the shoulder
You have been more than kind, cap
tain, continued Nelson, with look o
gratitude. Some day ! hope to have
the pleasure Of demonstrating in a NOR,
tangible. form just how deep my appre
citation is
Nonsense. You want to forget al
about that
But you believed in me when tn,