The Huttig news., 1910-01-29

long time, and then I thought it would be a good secret to keep and that some day I would put it in the bank. But last week I-heard dear mother saying that her feet got so chilly in the early morning, and another time she said that my hat was really too shabby to go to the Red House, and that she must get me new one when she had the money to spend.
 Then, Billy, 1 remembered the half sovereign, and thought that granny would be pleased if her gift were spent so usefully. So l bought the shoes and the hat on Monday, which was my evening out. But how am to tell this story now, Billy?-for never told anyone about the half soy. ereign till this very moment"
 The boy did not answer for some time. Then he said slowly:
 It will come right, Mildred"
 Yes, l know" Mildred agreed, but how?'
 T want you to come with me to the Red House"
 ITO the Red House, Billy?" gasped Mildred But why?,
 Trust me" said Billy.
 They set off together for the Red House, Mildreds heart full of wonder, Billy with a happy snile on his face as he hobbled along al her side. You would have said that a happier look ing face could not be seen in a days march. and this although Billy was a cripple with one leg much shorter than the other and a hump on his back nearly as big as the burden on Chris tian's shoulders as he left the City of Destruction. But evidently Billy had forgotten the hump this afternoon.
 You can't see Mrs. Wallace" said Ellen. pertly; .'she is engaged.
 We must see her. please said Billy firmly; it is very important
 Important indeed, Billy" said FL len. with a sconful smile; and, pray. what may your important business be about, and what is Mildred doing with you?"
 There was an undercurrent of dis comfort as we'll as anger in her voice.
 We must see Mrs. Wallace said the boy, If we've got to stay here all the evening. We cant go without see. ing her"
 "0h, indeed" said Ellen. Well, Mrs. Wallace happens to be out and won't be back till late tonight, so you'd just better march, both of you; and don't be too ready to go about with dishonest girl like Mildred Lis ter.' and Ellen raised her voice angrily.
 What is that you are saying?" asked Mrs. Wallace, who just then came into the hall where the three were standing.
 Ellen had no word in reply, but Billy's pleading voice said:
 "Oh, Mrs. Wallace, will you please let me and Mildred talk to you for just few minutes?" And there was no resisting the appeal in the crip- ple's voice.
 When they reached the dining-room. Mrs. Wallace said kindly: Well, Billy. what is it? Why have you and Mil dred come to see me?'
 Tell Mrs Wallace just what you told me this morning." said the boy.
 After Mildred had told her story, Billy said Now may I finish the story, please?"
 Certainly" said Mrs. Wallace, wondering what was to follow.
 The boy drew from his pocket lit- tie leather purse, and, taking from it half sovereign, put it on the table.
 Yours was a new half sovereign, was it not?" he asked.
 Certainly, Billy" she replied. q re- was looking at the kings head on it last week and noticed a little dent near the edge, and I recollect that the coin bore the date of 1907. I should recognize the coin again immediately"
 "Ah," said Billy, with a confident smile, that makes it quite clear"
 A ray of hope came into Mildreds s face. She began to see daylight.
 Now this," said Billy, "is the half sovereign Mildred gave to mother for the shoes and hat Please look at it.. It has Queen Victoria's face on it. Now yours had King Edwards head, so you see Mildred couldn't have taken it, don't you?'
 Why, certainly" said Mrs. Wal. lace, look of relief and pleasure com ing into her face. 'Ahl how forum ate, for it clears Mildred entirely. How thoughtful you are, my little man. And you know that the coin you have shown me was Mildred's 8 half sovereign"
 It was quite a big party in the din ing-room at the Red House that even ing-Mr. and Mrs. Wallace, Mildred and Billy, Mildred's father and moth CT, and the servants-when Mrs. Wal lace told the story of the missing half sovereign.
 At the finish she said: '1 have often noticed that the innocent are in the end justified and the guilty found out Mildred. am glad to say, is entirely exonprated and has been