Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-08-02
The Argus Daily Short Story
A Mistaken Girl-By Estelle Marsh.
Copyrighted. 1870 by Associated Literary PresA

SO much money in such place ne
me because | was 'firting." as he
called it. with Oscar and he didn't like
to intrude upon us.
l asked him who he suspected, and
he said that since the front door stood
Unattached and any one might have
| come in while we were at dinner or
| during the evening when we were all
upstairs. doubtless some person enter
ed. possibly for an ordinary purpose.
and, seeing the money, appropriated it
and skipped
l have had stroke-an awful vista
ton! Donald Chase turns out to be the
thief who took the bills left on the
mantel to pay for aunty's jewel. This
morning when he was at business a
constable called Mt his room with n
| search warrant and found the bills in
his bureau drawer. To think that Don
aid. whom we have all known so long
and considered the very soul Of honor
should have done such a thing.
How could he have taken the money
without our knowing IT? What Girard
Roberts told me is the only thing tina
fits the case. Doubtless Donald called.
eame right in was waiting for some Of
us, when he noticed the bills. He must
have taken them and gone out without
making himself known.
I am broken hearted by this discovery
that Donald Chase is a common thief.
Singular. isn't ir. that girl doesn't
know she loves man till he turns out
to be a thief? That's the way with us
women; we are always acting by con-
traries. Not long ago l was uncertain
about Oscar and thought Donald a
splendid man. But | was fascinated
with Oscar, and Donald seemed devoid
Of romance. Now that Donald is in
trouble, through his own fault, l am
giving him my heart.
Girard Roberts has just come in. he
says that Donald has given bail for his
appearance when his trial comes off
and is now free. Girard says that. not
withstanding appearances are against
Donald. he doesn't believe him guilty.
Then 1 said, 81 don't believe him
guilty either" But the next minute /
reproved myself for being Influenced
by this easy going man. Did be not
say when l asked him his opinion of
Donald before this matter occurred.
Hes good fellow too?" What's the
use of considering the views of one
who talks like that? I told Girard TO
tell Donald TO come and see me, but he
said he did not think Donald would I'M
til his innocence has been proved. |
really believe there has been some mis-
take, but it is very hard to feel sure
about it. 1t all happened SO naturally
-Donald's coming in just when the
money was where he would see it-at
least. who else could have come in?-
and the bills being found in his bureau
dra wer oh. dear. l must stop think
ing of the horrid thing or I shall goc
crazy.
One thing more l will say: After all.
there is something just too lovely for
anything in Girard Roberts saying that
he doesn't believe Donald guilty IL
any one should take anything of mine
and 1t were found in his bureau draw
er l couldn't be so generous as to at
tribute the theft to an error.
Donald has been TO see me. He did
not act or talk like a guilty man.
What's more. he didn't seem to realize
us d"1Ul DOSllIOu. SupttOScu Nudl
he was more sensitive. Though charg-
ed with stealing money tina: was in
tended for aunty, with whom he has
been on friendly terms for years, to
say nothing of his devotion TO me. he
seemed very unconcerned. When
learned he was downstairs I nerved
myself for a very painful interview.
For fear 1 should say the wrong thing
thought over what I should say.
When 1 entered the room / dreaded to
look at him. Indeed. kept my eyes
on the floor,
Donald" said. "you know how in
terested we all are that you should
clear yourself of this horrible charge.
We will all do anything In the world
to help you-Aunty. l. Oscar
l looked up, and what was my sur
prise TO see an amused look on Don
aids face. Indeed. he was smiling.
Then he advanced. took my hand and