The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1910-09-23

what makes you do this kind Of
work p she asked. paying no attention
to what he was saying.
Gentleman Jim suddenly leaned for
ward. staring intently at the ring. His
deep voice became strangely soft.
Little girl" he said, you don't un-
derstand."
But can't you tell me-can't you ex-
plain?" pleaded the young woman. fol-
lowing the methods she had used In
the courts.
The burglar sat with his head in his
hands for a long time, then suddenly
sat up straight and held out the ruby
ring.
Only one other place on this broad
earth have i seen a ring that can be
compared with that" he said slowly.
And where was that?" asked Mrs.
Sanderson.
1T was hers" said Gentleman Jim
shortly.
"And won't you tell me about herr"
she asked. trying to make him unbur-
den himself.
The burglar lighted another cigarette.
Three years ago." he began, II be-
longed to the best society in San Fran
cisco. fell in love with one Of the
bellies of the town. and when we were
engaged l hunted all over the world for
ring beautiful enough to express my
feelings toward her. At last l found
it-one nearly like this" He paused
and stared moodily at the lamp
'Then." he went on, lone day I re-
ceived a note from her sending back
the ring and breaking the engagement.
She said she had found that she did
not love me. and within a month she
was married to one of my best friends.
was heartbroken and crushed. for l
loved her with all my soul. l dropped
from society and went to Africa. There
fought in the British ranks. and. al
though my comrades fell around me.
passed through every battle I'M
touched"
Poor boyr' murmured Mrs. Sander
son softly.
when the war was over" he con-
tinued. II came back and began this.
L
have gone crazy. And now l couldn't
stop If l wanted to. The police are
always on my trail" He stopped and
looked sorrowfully at his auditor.
There" he said; 'you have my
story.
MAN." she cried. Don't you under
stand that you're like piece Of drift
wood floating about near shore? When
the tide comes in you have your
chance to gain a foothold; If you wait
until the tide goes out you may never
have another"
Little woman" he said solemnly, 81
have tried to gain foothold."
Mrs. Sanderson. ignoring his familiar
manner of speech. quietly arose and
walked to the grand piano. In few
seconds the solemn tones of Home.
Sweet Home" rang through the great
house. When she had finished she
turned around.
Cad" he exclaimed. THAT was
superb-beautiful. That music did me
more good than anything l have seen
or heard or felt for years."
Look" said his captor. You said
you were thrown back when you tried
to change. But do you know why? 1t
was your own fault You've gone
along in the world with the same feel
ing with which you enter this house
to get what you can and If you are
detected to shoot. II you meet the
word with kindness in your heart and
a Me on your face the world will
smile back at you. But If you go
on with the intention of fighting-of
robbing-it will fight like wounded
tiger and give you as good as 1t re-
ceives. And it will rob you of the
best in you-your manhood. So why
don't you take new start and forget
yourself in doing good to othersT
She stopped and looked at the bur-
glar. He picked up book and turned
the leaves in a familiar fashion. Sud-
denly he smiled and marked a quo
tation with pencil.
IL never thought of doing that" he
suddenly cried. but I'll try it." He
stood up straight as an arrow.
IL ny IL. ne repeated SLOWLY,
Twill you let me shake your hand, and
may l go then?"
Mrs. Sanderson. her heart aglow,
went with him to the door,
Don't forget your resolution" she |
cried out cheerily
II won't" he called back and disap- |
peared into the dark night. And some |
how she knew that he would keep his |
promise.
Mrs. Sanderson sat in the chair late |
ly occupied by the reformed burglar
when she saw the book which he had |
marked. She carelessly picked 1t up |
and turned to the bookmark. There |
her eyes were attracted by a cross.
and beside 1t she read. They serve |
God well who serve his creatures
She sat there thinking until Jack
came I'm.
"Were you elected tonightT' he ask
ed cheerily.
mo. DEAR" she replied; 1T withdrew
my name. And. Jack" she continued.
.I've decided IN rive nm the card