Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1910-01-28
Novelized From
Eugene Walter s
Great Play ~
CHAPTER XII.


very morrow the name she bore would
be held up to disgrace and derision
He would be cast into prison. The
misery of their struggles with poverty
was as nothing compared with that of
their sudden downfall
Numbed though her heart was with
the shock. shrunk by the terror of
their CHASTITY position, 1t was yet not
tmpervious to pity. and the hopeless
wretchedness of her husband inspired
It. She thought of how he had lavish.
I'd his stealings upon her. how he ap-
peared to be moved by the one desire
to make her comfortable and happy.
She went to him and put her hand
on his head, smoothing his hair.
"Oh. Joe! oh. my boy!" she said
brokenly. How could you do it?'
Didn't you know sooner or later you'd
be found out? Now know why you've
been interested in the races-you've
been betting on the horses"
I'll wanted to get the money back"
he sobbed
But didn't you know you couldn'ti
oh. why didn't you leave things as
they were-the fat the struggle and
all that? Why did you bring me here
and show me all this-this happiness
with money that you stoie?"
His sobbing ceased. and he pushed
her away and rose.
That's right. You call me thief!
If there was one person in the world
thought | could turn to it's you. and
YOU turn on me-"
Joe. you mustn't say that. l haven't
turned on you. Only can't help bull
think
What? That man Williams drove
ne to taking money"
Drove you?'
Yes. he did. He went away so
could take It, expected you to stand
ny me. Do you know the hole I'm In Z
There are three central office men
downstairs watching If l make a
move I'll be nabbed. It's all very we'll
for you to stop and preach-you always
were so ID saintly-but what Of
me? That's the question what Of
me?'
He thumped his breast violently.
She drew back. hurt by his re-
breaches.
IF thought you were yourself I'd
never forgive you for saying that to
me-" she declared.
I'm not asking your forgiveness,
nor your mothers. nor your sisters.
me out. don't want to go to Jail. 1t
would kill me-"
"Do you think want you to go to
Jail! Do you think l want the dis
grace
THE disgrace-that's it! l knew
that would come sooner or later. but l
didn't think 1t would come from you.
There's always somebody to hammer
that into a fellow when he's down"
I'm not trying to hammer anything
into you. What | want to know is
to dog"
II don't know-unless"-
"Cnless we can get the money to
pay back. There's Jimsy"
THAT won't do. It's too much. He
hasn't got 1t. Besides. it's too late
Williams means business. He wouldn't
take the money. He's not that kind"
"Oh. II only knew way-if
could only help!"
She wrung her hands and sank hope
lessly into chair by the table.
Brooks paced the room restlessly,
like wild animal in cage. Now and
then he shot peculiar, furtive glance
in the direction Of his wife. Finally
he sat opposite to her, leaned toward
her on the table and said in low, in.
tense voice:
If anything is to be done It's got to
be done tonight, Emma. Williams is
the only man. You can square it with
him"
Il can?''
Yes. and no one but you"
what can dor
He looked at her meaningly.
He likes you"
Startled, she returned his gaze in
qulringly.
'Yes. he does" he went on He al
ways did. Women are his weak point
He's liked you for years. That's VIII.
he hangs around. I've seen it ant
heard what he said tonight about wha
he'd do for girl like you. He mean
that. Emma. He'll do anything yol
ask him if-if you so to him right"
Beginning to understand what HI
wanted of her. she rose slowly, in
credulous horror in her eyes, He ros,
also and went toward her.
Hes home now" he urged eagerly
you can go. No one will know bu
just Williams. you and me. And 70,
can do more than that-you can max
him give US money. more money. t
keep on living like this. and there won
be any risk"
She recoiled from him, consumed wit
rage and shame. her eyes blazing.
II hope don't understand Alright!
The words came in quvering gasps
"You mean me to go to his apartment
tonight to see him-and and
mo one will know the difference,
he coaxed softly. You can handl
him all right Besides, you know ho,
far you can let a man go-all wome
know that"
''Oh. can't believe I'm listening t
you! A husband to ask wife,
She stopped. pressing her cheek
between her clinched hands, appalle
at his infamy.
Then you won't do itT" he erie
angrily. "You won't come to the front
suppose you don't think ought