The Washington times., 1909-03-30
CHAPTER XVII.
FRANK BARRINGTON'S PROPOSE


, ILBUR LESLIE stood starring
M stupidity, first at Frank Bar
" " ington and then at the girl
Laura Hamilton the girl
of the photograph, a thief, Could 1t be
possible? 1t seemed incredible that
girl with face like that could have
stolen those diamonds.
And yet with his own eyes Wilbur
had seen the senior partner take the
package from the handbag. There was
no disputing the fact.
The girl had stopped crying and had
jumped to her feet, facing her accuser
boldly and with an air of dignity which
seemed 10 proclaim her innocence.
Mr.. harrington" she said, 4 do not
know how those diamonds happen to be
in my handbag; but / swear that 1 did
not put them there. l am not thief.
Come. young woman replied Mr..
harrington sternly. 1T Will do you
no good to talk that way. You might
as well confess and throw yourself
upon our mercy. IL is the best way.
The evidence is too strong against you
10 make It possible for you to escape
the consequences of your act by deny
ing your guilt Why did you steal these
diamonds? Did you yield to a sudden
temptation? Tell me the whole truth
and nothing but the truth, and 1 Will
promise TO be lenient with you
IT am telling you the truth declared
the girl earnestly. Il did not steal
those diamonds. did not put them in
my handbag. 1 did not know that
they were there, and cannot under
stand how they got there. I have
never stolen in my life
Dear me-" exclaimed Frank Rar-
~, 1910 s-frr
foolish to maintain this attitude. Miss
Hamilton-really you are. II will do
you no good. II you will not confess to
me. I have no doubt that the police
will be able 10 wiring a confession from
you"
He turned TO Wilbur. why don't
you do as you are told, and go for the
police, Leslie?" he said. sharply
Must / tell you twice? Hurry to
police headquarters and tell them to
send a detective here right away Tell
them that I have caught a thief and
desire to turn her over 10 the law"
Wilbur glanced cOmmiseratingly at
the unfortunate girl and swallowed
hard.
"Oh, please don't do that he be-
sought his employer. Don't have her
arrested, Mr.. Darlington. Il isn't as
II you had lost anything You have
got the diamonds back Count them
and see If they are all there. and If
they are, let her go. Take into con-
sideration the fact that she is only a
girl and be merciful."
Il don't ask for any mercy" broke
out Laura Hamilton. tears Of indigna-
ton In her eyes. IF he believes that
am guilty. let him call the police and
have me arrested. 1 don't care"
1T is painful for me to have to do
IT," went on Mr.. Darlington, but II
is my duty, Leslie. and ] must not
shrink from II. This unfortunate young
woman seems 10 be quite hardened. For
All we know, she may be professional
thief She may have taken a position
here with the express purpose Of seiz-
ing the first opportunity 10 rob us. She
brought good references. to be sure but
they may have been forged. She seems
10 be a desperate character. For see
what else I have found in her hand
bag"
He held up a little peari-handIed re
voiver-the revolver which her father
had given to her Tor birthday pres
ent.
as this the sort OF thing a respect
able. law-abiding Young woman carries
around with her? - exclaimed the senior
partner excitedly. 4 think this LOOKS
pretty bad. Leslie. II is no use your
arguing or trying TO intercede for her
Go and get the police 7 am deter
mined 70 have her arrested Run around
20 headquarters and deliver the mes
sage have given TO you"
Wilbur glanced at the telephone. II
occurred TO him that il would have
been much easier and quicker for his
employer 10 telephone for the police
instead o. sending him personally. for
headquarters was quite some distance
away.
lie WAS glad. however. that Franz,
harrington apparently had not thought
Of this. Leslie wanted 10 save the girl
from being arrested if he could possibly
manage IL. and. therefore. the longer II
took Ia notify the police the better His
hard-hesrted employer might change
his mind in the meantime
With another comniseratinZ glance
AZ the girl Wilbur walked slowly ont
OF the office
When he reached the street he did
not turn in the direction Of police head
quarters. An idea had occurred to him.
He would first call on Steve CLAYTON
al the latters office
Clayton was a lawyer. and a very in
genious young man besides He might
be able 20 suggest way Of saving the
girl and. at any rate. his legal services
would come I'm useful.
After Wilbur had gone Frank Bar
rington turned 10 Miss Hamilton.
Come into my private Office he
said: u want Ia have talk with Won p"
The girl 0bediently followed her en-
ploler VINO closed and bottled the door
OF the private ofrice bohfnd tb,.,,,
re only person left IN the outer
room was Danny. the errand hoy.
During the progress OF this ORA matte
scene the youngster had stood white