Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1909-04-08

ment on foot 20 secure pardon for
father Father hasn't asked any one
to intercede. 1t is known that he will
go to England as soon as he is released.
That's an inducement, you see" he
said bitterly
Drooms face turned frozen white.
His steely eyes took Oh peculiar
glaze, and his hand grasped his leg as
II il were a wise intended to hold him
in his chair
81 haven't tolG you aboCt it, Jane"
went on Graydon Mr. Clegg has seen
father, and he says he is Indifferent
about It, He intends to leave the coun-
try in any event. am going to write
to him tonight. asking him to let them
apply for a pardon. 1t may save him
from three years more of servitude
Mr.. Clegg is sure he can get his re-
lease. What's the matter, Elias?"
The old clerks body had stiffened.
and the look on his face was something
horrible to behold. Terror was visible
In every lineament His companions
started from their chairs In alarm.
With a mighty effort the old man sue
ceeded in regaining semblance of sell
control His body relaxed, and his JAN
dropped. His voice was trembling aIS
weak as he responded, an apologize
grin on his face.
"Nothing-nothing at all. A momen
tary pain. Don't mind me. Don't mirA
me-" he mumbled II have them often.
I think it's my heart What were ycr
saying. Graydon7 Oh, yes, the pardon
IL hope you'lf mention me In writing
to your father Tell him / hope toto
see him If he comes to New York"
"I don't believe he likes you, Elias"
said Graydon, half jestingly.
"wha-w what has he said to your" de
manded broom sharply.
"He rather resented your takiI
Jane and me to Joliet that day" The
old mans grin was malicious. "Ht
won't forgive you that"
81 shall never forget how he looked
at you, Mr.. Droom," said Jane, with 6
shudder. broom trembled with a new
spasm Of fear.
Attention was diverted by the arriva.
Of the party OF six. The men were dis
tinguished in appearance, the women
aristocratic, but spirited. That they
were well known to many of the diners
In those days at Sherry's was at once
apparent. They were bowling right and
left to nearby acquaintance. After
much ado they finally relapsed into the
chairs obsequiously drawn back for
them, and the buzz Of conversation
throughout the place was resumed.
Graydon, lowering his voice, named
the newcomers to Jane, who looked at
them with fresh interest. The names
were well known to New York and Eu-
ropean society. For the moment Elias
broom was unnoticed. He took the op-
portunity to collect his nerves and to
subdue his too apparent emotion. Jane
was recalled from her polite scrutiny
of the women at the next table by
hearing her name mentioned in Droom's
hoarsest voice. modified into something
like whisper.
Miss Gable, I not only asked you to
come here in order to tell you the name
you"
There was an instant of breathless
silence at the table. So startling was
his announcement that every other
sound in the room escaped the ears of
his two listeners.
There was a new hundred dollar
bill found in the basket with you.
Your grandfather's signature was on
that bill. He was the president of the
bank which issued it. Your mother
was Here he leaned forward and
whispered a name that fairly stunned
his hearers. Graydon caught his
breath, and a new light appeared in his
eyes. He was beginning to believe
that the old mans brain was affected
Jane leaned forward In her chair, an
incredulous smile on her lips.
Don't jest, Elias" began Graydon,
somewhat roughly.
II am not jesting. 1t is the truth;
swear It," snapped Elias.
But, great heaven. man, consider
what you've said! It's one of the best
families in this country. It's prepos.
ferrous to say
"Of course her family is one of the
best. She was bluestocking. That's
where Miss Cable gets most of her
good blood"
ELIAS, can't believe itr cried Gray
don.
Jane was staring blankly at the old
mans face.
Your father will tell you the same.
For more than twenty years l have
known the secret. There Is no docu-
mentary proof, but this much ! do
know-James Bansemer received $5O.-
600 for keeping his mouth closed. He
found out the truth. and he profited by
Ii, as usual Oh, he knew that hun
dred dollar bills are not left with pau
per babies. don't know how he I'M
earthed the truth about Miss
Ssh! Don't mention the name aloud"
"But he did unearth it, beyond all
possible chance Of mistake Your IA
ther, Miss Cable. Is sitting at that ia
bic. Don't look up just yet He is
staring at you. He doesn't know YOU
but he does know you are a pretty
woman. The gentleman with the gray
hair, Graydon. See? That man is her
father"
Graydon half started up in his chair,
his lips apart, his eyes riveted on the
man designated. Every drop of blood
seemed TO have frozen I'm his veins.
Good God. Eliasr' he whispered.
why. that Isl The name stuck In
his throat.