Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-01-25
CHAPTER XVI.
Copyright. 1909. by Dodd.
Mead 3 Co.

NT RESSED in rough, clean, bust
4 ness clothes, he was far diff
ferent from the Challoner of
/ - five years before. This man
was strong. a ruddy flush upon his
\ face. In fact, he looked SO good that it
\ was willing hand that went out to
him in greeting.
well, this is pleasure" said Shir-
ley, smiling. Laurie, you're the pic
l(Nre of health"
n And you, Shirley-why, you never
looked better. What have you been
doing with yourself all these yearsy
Miriam's happiness at their spon-
taneous greeting was good to see.
IF dared I'D kiss you," Laurie
went on, laughing good naturally. but
he compromised on his wife, who had
been holding the bit Of fancy work
on which she sewed. Suddenly she
glanced down at II.
"Ohp' she said, conscience stricken,
and hurriedly thrust it into closet.
Challoner watched her in surprise. and
4 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 1t,
turned to Challoner and went on ex-
citedly, rNow tell me about yourselfv'
We've saved $780," began Miriam,
answering for him. "and"-
Give hundred dollars!" interrupted
Shirley. entering completely into the
spirit of things. "How did you ever
10 it?'
Miriam turned to Challoner.' smiling:
Laurie. do you remember the day
when we had saved our first STOP"
shall | ever forget ity' returned
her husband devoutly. and, turning to
Shirley, THE fact is somehow or 9TH
er I've made good. and done it in five
years too. But you don't know what
1t means to me-to u.s."
Tell her about your invention" sug-
gested his young wife with pride.
Challoner Immediately launched
forth. Shirley listening with great in
terest. But toward the close he said
something about concrete and frauds
which caused her to interrupt him.
frauds? What frauds?'
@Why, haven't you seen the papers?'
he inquired The papers, world over
almost, have commented this po-
1itical expose. I was at work on the
hospital job at the time, and it was 1
who discovered that everybody in the
Job was stealing cement-bosses, SUI
perintendents, inspectors, politicians
why, even was invited into the ring.
There was money in it." he contin-
ued. "money for me-thousands." He
paused. But what good would that
do me when the hospital fell down?"
"Think what would have happened"
interposed Miriam, ''if It had been full
Of patients. 1t was good they found
1t out in time! 1t has to be rebuilt"
But I wouldn't stand for the STEAL"
Challoner went on in his legitimate
pride. Maybe you know the rest?"
He looked up questioningly. 81 went
to Murgatroyd. He did the rest. l
helped him. Of course, by testifying
and all that sort of thing. had to
make good my accusations. But per-
haps Murgatroyd didn't smite those
chaps hip and thigh, 1t crippled the
ring, and Murgatroyd did it!'
Good for Murgatroydv' calculated
Shirley and then added quickly. with
a blush, Good for youv
''Laurie's in business for himself"
! Miriam presently informed her.
yes" answered Challoner enthusi-
astically. 1--we got bit of reputa-
ton for honesty now. People that
want an honest job done come to me.
You'll begin to think Pm suffering from
exaggerated ego," he finished, with a
smile.
"Well," said Miriam in justification,
"any man who saves $500 in SO short
a time has right to blow his own
horn"
II believe in giving praise where 1t
lis due" protested her husband. "It
4 was you, my dear. who saved it,
\ T?" returned Miriam deprecatingly.
Eyes, through privation," said Chal-
loner.
Miriam sighed with joy. 1t was good
to have some one appreciate the strug-
gle.
II won't deny" presently she said,
with a smile. ''that it was rather try
ing at times. but it was a work of love,
and we've succeeded"
Shirley sprang to her feet.
Lawrence Challoner, I'm going to
kiss you. You're the kind Of man
TN looking for!' And impulsiyely she
made good her word. "I'm proud Of
JS S;: she she vent you're the real
thing; you're a success!'
Laurie drew his wife closer to him.
'They are like pair of doves" said
Shirley to herself; then aloud, starting
to the door: Miriam, I'm going to fix
mp for dinner. hope we're going to
have q dozen courses. I'm starved"
When the door closed Miriam rose
and started for the kitchen.
Miriam, girl" said Challoner gem
uy, "what have you been hiding from
me for the past few weeks?"
ssHiding"-
He pointed toward the closet.
"What have you been putting away
there every night for the last few
weeks? What is In that closet now?
Miriam hesitated. She asked trem-
blingly:
EDO You really want to know"
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.