Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1910-01-29

messed quarrel between them.
And oh. yes" she added a moment
later. the nan that Killed Hargraves
robbed him OF $4,000. and. OF course.
Lawrence Challoner wouldn't rob a
man. much less kill one. so. don't yot
see. there's nothing I'm the story at all"
81 don't know" answered Miriam
slowly. whether he would or not"
~WhatF' Easped the girl
~Don't misunderstood me-" pleaded
the woman. There are two Lawrence
Chaliopers One Is the man 7 love
that loves me: the other is the Law
renee Chaiioner whO-well. don't
care" she added fercely. what he's
done. want him back" She sobbed
for an instant You didn't know,
Shirley. that we had a quarrel. I
treated him badly. shamefuIly He
hasn't come back since"
You quarreled-you, Miriam"
About money" admitted the con-
science stricken woman-"money. He
wanted me TO give him some. Men
have got to have money" she went on.
repeating his words. "and wouldn't
give him any. II was brutal in me. I
can never forgive myself"
A look OF astonishment crossed Shir-
ley's face
You wouldn't give him any mon
eyf And be didn't have any when be
went uway?"
Miriam wept After a moment she
answered:
mo. My poor Lauriel Think OF
him starving. freezing. perhaps dy-
ingr'
Shirley Bloodgood drew long
breath.
And Colonel Hargraves was rob
bed. she murmured TO herself.
Il don't think you understand" Mi
RAM went on. breaking In upon her
thoughts. "Of course I don't believe
that Laurie Is guilty Of the things they
charge him with. But he must come
back aud stand trial aud be acquitted
and ] must stand by his side through
Il all" She broke down completely.
whats that?' inquired Mrs Chal-
Toner. starting up nervously. In alarm.
Its that horrible bell ringing again"
she went ON breathlessly
Shirley stole 60 the door and listen
cd. Suddenly the door was pushed
stealthily open
stevens came I'm and stood az atren-
uou. He drew "A long intake of breath
thcn he spoke the name:
Mr. Challonerr'
And hardly were the words out OF
his mouth than he was thrust aside
and there stuod In his place a spare
gaunt lettering tigure--a man DISNEY.
eled. soucd. cxhaustcd-James Law
renee ChaIlouer had come homel
The young wife's face turned pale
aud for momen, words failed her
Then all OF sudden she sprang TO her
feet. crying in an ecstasy OF Joy:
Laurie. Laurel You've come home
20 me Rt last," And throwing her
arms around his neck. she kissed him
many times laughing hysterically and
crying the while. You've come back
20 me-"
But Challoner cast her OF with a
frantic sweep or the arm.
Keep away-" he cried Pm dog
tired. I've got 90 sleep. sleepr'
Shirley was keenly alive 10 what his
presence there might mean.
stevens she called. pointing 70 a
window. pull that curtain down.
pulled Il up after they went: pull it
down"
Chauoner now turned upon her.
Leave the curtain alone, / tell YOU"
he said. Il don't care II Il is up.
don't care about you either. nor you"
looking nj his wife. Il don't know
you ! must have sleep. sleep. sleep"
Deep down In her soul Shirley knew
that she should not hear all this. and
she would have fed IL she had not
promised Miriam not to leave her.
Miriam now went over to the girl.
You're not going TO leave meY" she
exclaimed. clinging to her. You and
Laurie are the only friends I have
You must stay here with Laurie and
me-"
Shirley patted her affectionately.
There. there. Miriam. dear, OF
course l shall stay" Miriam. reassur-
ed. darted back to her husband and
cried:
Laurie. dear" kissing him and push
ing the hair back from his forehead.
so tired. so tired"
But Challoner. a wolf now and not a
man. jerked away from her and an
swered:
Il came home. didn't 1? Wen, then.
l must have sleep. sleep; ! tell you,
sleep" And. lettering over to dainty
silken covered sofa. he threw himself
upon It, with a deep sigh
Miriam went down on her knees and
drew him 20 her In a close embrace.
"Everything's all right now that
you've come back" she told him In
soothing tones. And. dear. you'll for
give me for quarreling with you. I'm
so sorry: yes, I am. Laurie" kissing
bin on the lips. the face. the forehead.
Say you'll forgive me. Laurie, dearY'
Ills answer was snore
Miriam" whispered Shirley. I'VE
must not forget that Murgatroyd and
his men have only just left We must
not let him lie here. II was lucky they
searched the house when they did"
mo" objected Miriam. HE must
sleep"
"No. no. Miriam" persisted Shirley,