The Washington times., 1909-03-17

wither the prisoner.
Nelson returned the look with one in
which all the contempt he could muster
was plainly evident,
Much thanks have received for my
kindness to you. 1t doesn't pay to be
considerate Of thieves like yourself, ="
Wharton went on.
Nelson rose from his chair and was
on the verge Of striking Wharton, but
he CHANGED TO catch Betty's eve.
mo Mr.. Nelson, please" she began
Mr. Nelson repeated Wharton.
That's good. Leave off the Mr.. why
don't you ask me to please stop I'm
the injured party. The idea OF ap-
pealing to q fellow like that. You seem
TO think that the question OF fight
rests with him. I may be smaller in
physique. but 1 can take care Of my
self -
WIFI exclaimed Betty. taking hold
of his arm and trying TO pull him
away.
''Oh. mean every word say" con-
tinued Wharton, whose face was now
red with rage.
The very sight of Nelson seemed to
anger him. He stood there in front Of
the accused. glaring at him.
This fact, however. did not appear TO
have much effect on Nelson. The cap
tain held up a warning hand and that
together with Betty's protest. was suf-
fieient for him. He restrained his tenn
per and regained his self-controI
The next instant the sergeant ap-
peared at the door
Sorry TO disturb you. captain he
reported, but there's some trouble
out here that nobody but you can settle. -
The captain hastily left the room.
saying he would return in a few mo-
ments.
The door closed behind him. and
Betty was left with her husband and
Nelson at a crucial point. So long as
the officer was present she felt conf
dent that there would be 60 trouble,
but since he had gone she was afraid
of " hat might happen
One glance at the two men told her
a storm was brewing. Nelson's face
wore an imperturbable expression, but
although Betty had only known him
such a short time she understood that
he was capable OF feeling a great deal
more than he allowed himself TO ex-
press 1t was evident that he was
merely assuming a nOnchalent air in
order TO please her
The fact that the prisoner was think
ing Of the effect a serious quarrel
would have on her caused Betty to re-
gard him in a still more favorable light.
''You-you-' Wharton spuetered and
paused for lack of words.
VIII, Think what you are doing, and
where you are." interposed Betty, nerv-
ousIy. She realized that the fight was
on Why didn't the captain come back
I'm well aware or where am and
what I am doing" retorted Wharton,
as he pushed her from him
At that Nelson sprang toward him
with a look which meant business. but
Betty sprang between them.
Please, Mr.. Ne;sUn, Please. Don't
let us have any trouble in such
place. she begged-'1n a police sta
ton"
Nelson dropped the arm which he had
raised.
Wharton sneered as he noticed this.
Then Ae turned 10 Betty
You stay out OF this thing, will you?"
ne snarled. I've had enough Of your
interference You've made trouble
enough as it is. The idea or a woman
TRYING TO do a mans work. Do you
know what you should do?"
He paused as IL he expected an an
swer.
Betty was at a loss what to say. Her
face was crimson with righteous indig-
nation, but she called TO her command
the zame sort of moral courage that
Nelson had used
No. she said in a tone meant to
pacify wharton. What should / do?
/ am willing 20 do all 1 cam
Il don't mean that" retorted Whar-
ton. You've done enough. In the fu-
ture leave me and my affairs alone.
Will you2 What I want YOU to under
stand Is that you should mind your
own business. What right had you to
start out 10 kick up all this trouble?
Trust a woman 20 do all the damage
she can. If you hadn't taken it into
your foolish brain to go in search OF
the money, none OF this would have
happened. You did it. You've put me
IN tight place. / have TO thank you
for IT ALL"
Nelson was boiling over with resent
ment at Wharton's manner Of address
ing his wife. He determined to punish
nim fo- mis- insolence toward her. no
matter how she might plead
Betty. however, had not taken her
eyes off the two men. She seemed 10
read Nelson's thoughts.
"Don't," she begged again. 1T
wouldn't do any good. He doesn't know
v hat he is saying or how he says it,
"Oh. don't l." sHeered Wharton, shak-
ing his first ia her direction. I know
more than Won think"
Hes not responsible. Mr.. Nelson"
whispered Betty
That's right" shouted Wharton
Appeal 10 this thief. Refer to him.
Take sides against your husband. Go
ahead. You're like all the rest Of the
women
Nelson fixed his glance on the in
furiated man.
THAT will DO, Wharton, ne said.
Remember you are in the presence of
a lady It's only that which keeps me
from giving you what you deserve. The
trouble is she's too good for you
As for my being a theft may be all
that, but ] still have the power to
recognize a coward when / meet one"