The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-04-26
Sc RED MOUSE
A Mystery
Romance
astsA
Copyright. 1909. by Dodd,
Mead T. Co.
Continued from Yesterday

went on, laughing good natufeOly. put
he compromised on his wife. who had
been holding the bit OF fancy work
on which she sewed. Suddenly she
glanced down at IT,
Our she said. conscience stricken,
and hurriedly thrust 1t into closet.
ChaIloner watched her in surprise. and
when she returned he put his arm
about her and kissed her once again.
Shirley drew up her chair and, set
Ting herself back comfortably into It,
turned to Challoner and went on ex-
citedly, Now tell me about yourself"'
We've saved $500" began Miriam.
answering for him. and
give hundred dollars" interrupted
Shirley. entering completely into the
spirit of things. How did you ever
do it,"
Miriam turned 10 Challoner. smiling:
Laurie do you remember the day
when we had saved our first $l0y"
'tShaii ] ever forget it?' returned
her husband degoutiy. and. turning 10
er I've made good. and done 1t In five
years too, But you don't know what
1t means 10 me--to us"
TEL her about your invention" sug
gested his young wife with pride.
Chalioner Immediately launched
forth. Shirley listening with great in
ferest. But toward the close ne said
something about concrete and frauds
which caused her to interrupt him.
Frauds? What fraudsf"
'sv'hy. haven't you seen the papersT'
he inquired THE papers. world over
almost. have commented on this 20
liticai expose. was at work on the
hospital job at the time and itfwas
who discovered that everybody In the
Job was stealing cement <-bosses. su-
perintendents. inspectors. politicians
why, even was invited into the ring.
There was money in It," he contln-
ued. 'moncy for INC thousands" lie
paused. ''Byt what good would that
do me wbea the hospital fell DOWN."
Think what would have happened"
lnterposed Miriam. If IT had been full
OF patients, 1t was good they found
1t out in time, Ii has to be rebuilt"
but ! wouldn't stand for the steal"
Ehalloner went on in his legitimate
pride. Maybe you know the restT"
He looked up questioningiy. Il went
to Murgauoyd. He did the rest.
helped him. OF course. by testifyipg
and all that sort Of thing. | had to
make good my accusations. But per
haps Murgatroyd didn't smite those
chaps hip aud thigh. 1t crippled the
ring. and Murga troyd did it"'
Good for Mnrgatroyd" calculated
Shirley and then added quickly. with
u blush, Good for pour
"Laurie's In business for himself"
Miriam presently informed her.
Yes" answered Challoner euthusi-
asticaHy, 1--WE got a bit of reputa-
ton for honesty now. People that
want an honest Job done come to me.
You'll begin to think I'm suffering from
exaggerated ego he finished. with
smile.
We'll" said Miriam in justification,
s.any man who saves $500 In so short
q time has a right TO blow his own
horn"
Il believe in giving praise where 1t
~ due" protested her husband. 1T
was you. my dear. who saved it."
'IT' returned Miriam deprecatingly-
Yes. through privation." said Chai
loner
Miriam sighed with JOY. 1t was good
% have some one appreciate the strug-
gle.
II won't deny" presently she said
with "A smile, that II was rather try
ting at times. but IT was work OF love
and we've succeeded"
Shirley Sprane TO her feet.
Lawrence Chailoucr I'm going TO
kiss you. You're the kind Of a man
I'm looking fort And trnpuisireiy she
made good tier word I'm proud OF
you" she went on. You're the real
thing; you're success
Laurie drew his wife closer TO him,
'.Tbey are like pair Of doves" said
Shirley 10 herself; then aloud. starting
to The door Miriam. I'm going 10 fl
up for dinner, ! hope were going &c
have dozen courses I'm starved"
when tiIe door closed Miriam rose
and started for The kitchen.
miriam, girl said Chs.loner gen
tiy. what have you been hiding froin
NE for the past few weeks"
-Hiding"~
He pointed toward the closet.
what have yon been putting awar
there every night for the last few
weeks: What Is In that cioset now"
Miriam hesitated She asked tren,
hlingiy;
do you really want TO known"
.yes." he answered In the same tone.
Miriam stepped TO the closet. fun
bled there among some things and. re-
turning. thrust something into his
hands
.srhere." she said, blushing.
chalioner held it up. looked at it q
moment and duality said. with just
tinge Of suspicion In his voice:
III This tfns dress what sae' He looked
u bis wife stupidity. and after time
he added: WHY. Miriam. you never
lola me- A little child for you and
uvs'.
:. Yes. Laurie. she whispered softly.
Acting rssA Impulse be euddled the
ISL 4s sS B5 Sc