The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-03-16
BOARDER=

tank with the prisoner before we go any
further in the matter"
wen, here's your chance" said the
captain In quick, decisive tones. This is
CHARLES Nelson. You can say all you
want to-"
wharton hadn't bothered to wonder
VINO the handsome man with the Glib
son race was. He had merely glanced
at MN. But when the captain spoke
ms name he studied the bearer of il
| closely Then he recognized the man
"hom he had seen in the park that
AFTERNOON in the big automobile. The
picture or Nelson drying Betty's tears
was sun fresh in his mind
Nhlle Wharton examined the prisoner
feature by feature the Gibson man did
not appear at all embarrassed He
Oook the scrutiny as matter of course.
Betty and the captain watched the
two as they eyed each other. There
was no comparison Wharton was thin,
wiry. and he never seemed easy for
any length Of time. He !, as not strong
in physique and made sorry figure be-
she the splendidly built frame OF
Charles Nelson.
The gentleman thief could, TO ,ioubt,
have thrown Wharton down the steps
with one arm, had he wished. Nelson
gazed with an unwavering glance into
the eyes which the other bent upon
him.
Well, Mr. Wharton, I am Charles
Nelson. What have you to say to me?"
he remarked finally.
For moment Wharton lost his com
posture The sight of the Gibson mar
seemed to infuriate him He realized
his own inferiority. 1t irritated him TO
recall Nelson's manner toward Betty
a respectful manner, no doubt. but one
undeniably punctuated with admiration.
Everyone waited TO hear what Whar-
ton would say. At last he spoke.
I only wanted to say he replied,
that I have no wish to continue this
charge. You have been very decent
about returning the money. and 1t is
only fair TO be decent sa return"
Thank you" said 9,eIson, with the
greatest politeness. THAT is most kind
and considerate Of you. But what about
your wife? If 1 understand correctly,
she possesses different views on that
subject from your own
My wife has nothing at all to do with
the matter" quickly retoTted Wharton.
But she arrested me" answered Mel
son with a pronounced smile of amuse-
ment at the recollection, and she has
some right to her opinion"
Not at ALL replied Wharton. turn
ing TO the captain.
The latter stood directly IN front of
Wharton. He mad been watching him
intently from the moment he entered
the room.
Wharton's face had turned red when
Nelson insisted that Betty should have
something TO say as TO whether he
should go 70 jail or not.
1t was my money he STOLE con
tiEued Wharton. 1T wasn't hers. ST.,
had nothing to do with it. and L guess
1 will decide what's TO be DONE
The cal tain had seated himself He
stil watcned Wharton, but said nothing.
Wharton began TO believe that he had
impressed him fayCrably.
II was was my money he repeated, with
emphasis on the my"
I'm on said the captain, giving Mel
son a signt cant glance
instantly the prisoner was on his feet
in his body seemed taut. With evident
emotion. but without a trernOr in his
voice, he declared:
y am the guilt man, captain
words.
''You hear. captain? He acknowledges
his guilt?' he said
That's nothing" replied the captain
acknowledge it since he arrived here
And l want you 10 witness that I
am just generous enough to want 10
let him orr continued Wharton, with
a wide sweep Of his hand and an inn
preSSiYe squaring OF his shoulders
But we won't take advantage OF your
generosity" answered the captain. who
had been looking from Betty 70 Nelson
and then back again at Wharton
You WOn't2 What do YOU mean2'
cried Wharton completely taken off his
guard.
His face was a study. He had never
expected such a reply TO his offer
I mean just this" continued the. can
tain I agree with Mrs. Wharton in
the matter. Since yoU have taken at
fairs into your own hands, SUPPOSE I
talk 10 YOU instead of to her"
The captain looked straight into
Wharton's eyes and added IN 4 hard.
gruf voice about which there co Id be
no misunderstanding:
Wharton, ] will give you Just one
minute TO make up your mind as to
what YOU will do. You can choose be
tween twO alternatives Either YOU must
press this charge againss Nelson or you
must go TO jaili''
The Continuation OF This story VIII
tsc Found I'm Tomorrow
issue of This Paper.