Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1910-02-15
ed 1t to him.
He took it hesitatingly, almost fear.

He took it hesitatingly. almost fear.
fully.
For me?"
"For you"
AS he read 1t the blood rushed to
his face, and he gave sigh Of i'm.
mense relief. Joyfully he looked over
to her, but there was no responsive
exultation. She appeared crushed. It
might have been his death warrant.
Doubling whether he had read II
Alright, he perused the acquittal again,
with increasing exultation.
Emma. you've succeeded he cried
"This means he won't prosecute and
it's all right You made him do it
You have saved met
She nodded her acquiescence, and he
went to her. brimming over with relief
and qualification. to take her in his
arms.
you're the best little girl that ever
happened. the pluckiest''-
Gently she pushed him from her.
"Please don't, Joe"
"Why. what's the matter?"
"1'm tired-very tired
"Of course you are" he said In q
tone Of concern and tenderness. "You
sit down there. I'll bet you had
hard time. Know what Williams is.n
He would have led her to the sofa,
but again she repulsed him gently. He
went to the table and took up the ac-
quittal he had laid on 1t.
r{e !,
he muttered. THAT means he will
have the books fixed up and nothing
will show. Did he say much about
me?'
Not very much"
"But l bet he gave you an awful ar
gument. Williams is not an easy man
to get to give in. But here it is in
on this. Did you ask him to put it
in writingY'
"No."
Then he did it of his own accord
Wonder If he called the detectives off.
Did he say anything about them?"
NO"
But it's all clear sailing now" he
went on, ,selfshly jubilant, already
planning for the future. II can get
another position and better one.
There's enough money left to give me
time to find one. Do you think he'll
interfere any more, Emma?''
II don't know"
What do you think? You must have
some idea
81 haven't the slightest"
well. anyway, Emma, you did splen-
didly. You came right to the front"
AS he uttered the commentator he
tried again to caress her.
please don't, Joe!'
This time she rebuffed him. sharply
and moved away from him.
"Oh. all right. If that's the way you
1 feel about it!''
He turned from her with an injured
air and, lighting n cigarette, began to
pace the room. Although in his re-
morse during her absence he had re-
solved not to ask her what had passed
in the captains rooms, curiosity, now
that his confidence had been restored
by the proof of immunity, tormented
|
ready. but desired to know everything
that had occurred even to unavowable
details, if any such there were.
HE was there when you arrived? ~
he questioned, seeing that she showed
no disposition to talk.
Eyes"
Anybody elseY'
Gle was alone"
you must have caught him in a
good humor He'd never have done
this in one of his usual grouches.
didn't know you were such diplomat
What did you say to him?'
"a good many things
Didn't tell him sent you, did you?
"He knew
told him?"
81 don't know. He just knew"
Somebody must have told him. ant
you were tue only one who knew"
: "No; he knew too. didn't tell"
But how did you open the CONVEX
sation?" he demanded impatiently
|. what did you say? What's the mat
. ter? Can't you answer me?"
81 don't see why should
: 81 do. want to know, and I've
: right to know
, She vouchsafed no reply.
! He dropped his authoritative ton
and became persuasive.
You say he was alone when you al
rived. How did he receive your h
coaXed.
She remained silent.
What did lie say to you? What di
he do?"
Still she did not answer. but sat a
. though in stupor.
: Come. Emma, don't be contrary
Tell all that took place. You kno,
: that it is between US Did he ask 70
to kiss him?"
!. II wonder what time it u.s." she sale
with shiver. as though she had nc
y heard him.
Never mind the time. What did
: say when you asked him to let me off
He must have said lot. You wer
= gone long enough"
;, will you please tell me what tim
= it is?''
= ut is about 11:3O. What Of it? WI
don't you tell me what happened {
Williams'?'
She rose. still in her stupor of veal
), ness.
= "Goodby. joe" she said.
"Goodby 2" he echoed. amazed. "Whe
;, IRE you going?"
: ITO mothers. Jimsy's coming bat