The Democratic advocate., 1909-03-05

tc be dismayed Dy tine nearEessness
she evinced
'Yet 1t seems to me-" Miss Morley
suddenly announced, facing the bur
glar squarely and with little color.
''that you and | are pair OF weak
kneed cry-babies. We have experienc-
ed few of the worlds bitterly disap-
pointed experiences. and we both
whine. Don't you suppose that-that
we could help each other to stand and
stick 1t out-pool our courage, so TO
speak7"
Wonderingly the burglar looked at
her for moment as though be were
fearful of some unfathomed and cruel
humoT. He had let himself drop down
in huddled heap beside the safe.
Now he lifted himself upright and
was about to advance a step when she
stayed him with upllfted hand.
Helen" he impiored, "wfIi you.
after all have been 4hrough-wfll you
literally cast your fortunes with me?
] promise that you shall never have
occasion again TO be ashamed OF me-
mo, nor the girl besought with
haste almost hysterical. wen draw
up compact to go into partnership Of
friends We have saved each other
from crime, and we win stand By
each other. and wen strike this of the
minutes before we adjourn. How say
you7'
"And II the eight be good onef'
Gorham asked softly. ''wfil you have
confidence then in mel oh, heavent'
With resolute movement he step
ped forward to touch her Hitherto
her manner had been half playful, hair
konicai. but II was altogether 10 hide
her deeper feelings. With an effort
shat brought her figure splendidil
erect she wardcd him of.
"No. no, nor she commanded. ''Noi
here and now. No: but promise me
oohn. promise me here and now, that
you and part tonight members Of u
compact TO fight the fight OF righteous.
ness, no matter how hard II may he
h-if-if you care TO see me-" she fal
sered. "you VIII know how TO find me
But now nothing but your promise
and then-gor'
He looked at her steadily while he
breathed once or twice. II seemed as
II he would defy her and take her TO
himself In spite OF what she might do.
but finally he turned to the open libra
fy door. AT the moment Of passing
out he turned and looked at her once
again. Neither spoke, and she hardly
seemed TO know the exact instant Of
his leaving. She thought he was sure
ly gone. however, when be stepped
back into the room.
Helen" he began. and she knew
that he would have his question an
swered. when I can come back 10 you
able honestly to take care Of you, may
ll-comeT'
He heard her softly speak her m
swer, and with a gesture OF gladucss
he was gone certainly this time.
The safe was stiii open, and some of
the papers lay as the burglar hadNarui,
ped them. Helen turned TO these and
began restoring them 20 their formrf
order.
'T pray be viii come back ARain g.
me- she breathed. "It may b. q long
while to wait until he can. but poy.
ferty and disgrace e-nothing matters Il
ionly we may have some happiness NJ
last. even the happiness that n uesriy
all hardship"
Bhe had the with In her hands, and
In spite of herself abe opened and reac
IT, Before she finished she stood ereci
In her excitement Folding the paper
she placed II In the safe and cioaet
the iron door Then she turned bacl
toward her room
''He Is coming back wlsen he cat
honestly take care Of me" abe toit
herself joyfuliy, ''nnd NIL Of Uncl'
Growers money II willed 10 him Il
compensation for all he hns suffered
He win soon be back for me-"
She could not sleep any better ever
now, but the restiessness had Rivci
place to peace of mind and perfcr
happiness that were very good
I