The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1909-06-10

I othy nssl the key. but Aa could ssns
swim across the canal and reach the tow
ing path unseen.
Alison's agony was rising to pitch
that almost Justified rashness. She was
becoming desperate Ia spite Of her terror.
A sudden thought came 10 her. thrilling
her with horror-could she do ii? Yes,
for Rogers sake she would try. Another
second she was gliding round the little
building and passed the curtained window
with a CLEAN Of light shining through the
crevice. AS she passed it there was sud-
den darkness: he had extinguished the
candle In another instant Alison had
shut the door. almost knocking Fergus
son back, II she had known ii, and had
turned the key in the lock- Alison had
felt qui k, hysteric sob rise in her throat
rs she heard the key turning under her
hand Had she really done it1 Had
soRse unseen presence beside her given her
the needful Strength Was the dishonest
servant prisoner, and she his eaptor2
But Alison had no time to do more than
ask herself these questions. for Timothy
came our Of his shed. and was hobbling
toward her, and the next moment the key
was in Alison's pocket, and she was stand
ing at bay,
What does this mean. miss? How
came you heres' exclaimed the old man,
suspiciously.
Il have locked Mr. Ferguson in he Is
stealing papa's money our Of the SAFE.
returned Alison. turning her white face to
Timothy, and the sob rising in her throat
again. II viii not give up the key Until
papa comes"
A fierce kick at the door behind her
drove her from tia few PAGES.
Let me out. Timothy ;" Numbered Fer
gusson. ''Ihe girl is mad she must be 4
out Of her mind % say such things Mr..
Merle desired me 10 look over some papers
for him; they are most important. and 4
there must be no delay
You hear what he says. miss" return
ed Timothy, rather roughly: eve must
not keep the masters manager locked IN.
warrant son Il Is all right: they keep
them papers In the safe. Give me the
key and will open the door for the gen
tleman.''
Not until papa comes" was AIlson'a
reply; and. in spite OF Tim0thy's sarIy re-
T+-'NAt~+tel' anu It SI-%1u lLuDERCHs /
tons, she remained firm. Timothy was
driven 70 his Wits end. when suddenly
footsteps were heard. and Alison darted
forward to meet them
Papa, | saw him az the safe: he was
putting the gold and notes into his bag.
saw him do tw she cried excitedly.
He blew out the candle. and then lock.
ed him in. Here IS the key"
Timothy. go at once to the police sta
rion~ exclaimed Mr. Merle ii a voice
they had never heard before: 1t was so
hoarse with indignation. Roger. take
your sister into the house. There IS
ire in my study / win wait herew
mo, no can 60 alone returned Ali.
son. Roger must not leave you. papa"
But he repeated in the same curt way:
Take your sister away. Roger. and be
back as soon as you can And Roger,
who understood his father. hurried her
ACROSS the yard and the garden. and did
not leave her until she was in the warm,
brightly lighted study
Take OF your wet jacket. Allie he
,harsed her, as he left her; bit there was
10 time to say more.
Alison obeyed him She took OH her
AAADptAs bAt ALSO dAH tHeH sue sat NOMu
"a the rug and laid her head against her
ather's chair. and n food Of tears re- :
ieyed her ovsrwrought nerves. Roger
ound her still In the same position when ,
Ie came in half an hour later: but the
ears were flowing more quietly. In his Z
oyish exuberance he lifted her up as Z
hough she wers child
Here she is. father. crying her pretty q
yes out And no wonder. when she IS so 4
old and tired Allie. DO you know you 3
re a perfect roine. You have done a 4
lucky thing. an 4 no mistake = \
Come and IS me. Alison. my dear - z
hid Mr.. Merle you are a brave girl. Il
nd have saved POUR poor fathers credit. :,
.oger and you rave done nobly tonight
have let myself be duped BY a dishon- 4
1t rogue Give me your hand, boy il Z
pes not become man to ask bis own "
IN to forgive him. but I think We shall a.
Understand each other better from this n
ay." n
ITO he continued