The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1909-08-27
THE OPPORTUNE BURGLARY
BY JOHN RICHELSEN
Copyright, by w. G. Chapman.)

II don't care!"
Its mighty fortunate that no one
is in the house to report this incident
You've disgraced yourself, but 1 want
to act like your brother. Swear to
me that this is the last piece Of
crooked work that you'll ever attempt
and I'll say nothing about it."
His brother made no reply. Di-
rectly, however, he looked toward
Elizabeth. George, for the moment,
had forgotten her presence, but now
understood the silence, and so added:
81 will use my influence with this
lady, for my sake, not to prosecute
YOU"
His brother WINGED under this fire
and shifted his eyes uneasily. AL
right" he finally mumbled.
Following him to the parlor door,
George was astounded to see him
reach toward the hat rack.
Your hat and gloves!" he cried.
catching the movement, even though
his brother had quickly withdrawn his
arm. He intercepted a quick glance
that passed between the burglar and
Elizabeth. The blush that rose to
her cheeks was unmistakable. well,
I'll be hanged!" he gasped, the real
situation flashing on him. Quickly 1t
all came to a clear focus. Il see! l
see!"
Trembling, Elizabeth approached
him. "You are right, George; John
isn't a thief" Her eyes glistened
and every motion of her body dis
played proud defiance.
81 was not expected to-night?" he
asked, caustically.
I've deceived you for year!"
What a spirit she has!" he NUT
tered to himself. 81 never thought ii
was in her." He knew her eyes had
never burned like this for him. Con.
Tossing her deception! That demon.
strated love-the real article-for the
other man.
Seeing his brother standing irreso.
lutte at the door, he laughed: Leave
your hat and gloves here; | want to
apologize for calling you names. 1t
must have hurt your feelings to hear
me telling Elizabeth that | loved her.
No wonder you played bull in the
china closet!' Anything to break ii
up, eh?"
You don't notice me being afraid
of you, do your"
George stretched out his hand.
Look here, l don't blame either OF
you!" He turned to Elizabeth. 81
don't wonder you let that youngster
supplant me. didn't treat you right,
anyway"
After an awkward silence George
commanded them: Take hands. both
of you; I'm going to bless you
and go!"
When they protested that it had
not yet gone this far with them he
seized each by an arm and drew them
together before him. Now, If you
want To please me before l go. do as
| tell yon!'
George, I'm deucedly ashamed that
| didn't come aboveboard about my
love for Elizabeth" John softened.
Il was a sneak. and your big-hearted.
ness makes me feel"
"That'1 do, Kid. Take hands!" he
insisted, nervously
ION her account, George, l must
assure you that she never has prem.
Used me anything. She wouldn't
while you held her to her engage
ment. OF course she couldn't iust
throw ME out of the house. and So"
Elizabeth, take his hand and prom.
Use him everything right now!'
AS they stood before him he re,
joiced to see their happiness. "Is
there anything else can do for you
two happy ones?" he questioned.
John fervently grasped his hands.
you're the most generous man on
earth!" His voice was thick with
emotion.
Elizabeth raised her arms and
threw them wildly about her neck, ex.
pressing her gratitude with a fervent
kiss.
Then George departed. He walked
to the corner and turned into another
street. From there he ran the re.
naming three squares to the tele.
graph Office. Hastily picking up a
pencil, he wrote:
Miss Beatrice Craig: Will be back to-
morrow. Don't make any engagements
GEORGE.
"PleaSe rush this" he renuested tha