The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1910-05-12


where there. we say. III one of the
smaller tenement buildings some
months later Miriam Challoner. one
time woman of society. took refuge.
In a far corner of one of her two
little rooms was stove ON which a
frugal meal was coUking-a meal that
in former days she would not nave
thought possible even for her serv-
ants At the window of this room.
which was bedroom and living room
combined, upon a small table was a
typewriter. before which sat Miriam
ChallOnpr. clad IN sOmber dress She
was pale, aud her face was griet strick.
en-the look of woman acquainted
with grief.
Suddenly she halted and fingered the
copy lying on the table at her right.
Twenty more pages. can't do
them now," she muttered and. cross
ing the room. threw herself upon the
bed, a cheap bed that groaned as II it
felt her weight upon ii.
'Tired; I'm so tired" she moaned.
Suddenly she sat bolt upright. for
the sound of a timid knock on the door
had reached her ears A moment
more, and she was at the door For
second Miriam could not believe her
own eyes Then she cried, half joy
fully, half regretfully:
why. it's Shirley Bloodgood! Oh,
why did you Gomez"
why did you hide from meg" quick
ly returned Shirley. IL have searched
for you for months, and 1t was only
yesterday that learned from Stevens
where you were, who. by the way, had
orders not to reveal your wherea bouts"
But why did you Gomez" Miriam
protested.
Shirley stretched forth her arms, say
ing:
"And you didn't want to see meT
"Yes, yes!" cried Miriam. clinging to
Shirley affectionately. But hoped
you never would see thisr' And she
spread out her arms as though to ex-
hibit the room.
What a poor opinion sou have OF
me! Why, Miriam. value your
friendship too highly to desert you on
account of this"
And Laurie-how is heT" asked
Shirley.
MirIam's eyes kindled for an instant
Poor boy" she answer \ hes un-
der such a strain. It's a wonder he
doesn't break down. He's so good and
kind through 1t all too. He's a fine
fellow now," she went on. with great
enthusiasm.
Let me see," said Shirley reminis-
Gently. His conviction was reversed
on appeal wasn't it,"
why, no. Don't you remember that
It was affirmed-affirmed?
IL do remember now. And 1t was
the next day that you ran away from
me, and I've never seen you since. Az
firmed-affirmed." she mused and then
inquired eagerly. Then how did he
get offT
Nobody knows" replied Miriam,
mot even Laurie. One day after the
affirmance the jail doors were opened.
and he was free-that's ALL"
. Surely Murgatroyd knows" said
Shirley.
"Oh. yes. he knows. but we never
ask questions. Why should we?
shall never forget him. remember
him in my prayers. He was honest;
he kept his word"
Shirley smiled grim smile.
"Murgatroyd, the man with pricer'
II can't forgive myself" sighed Mir.
lam
"YouH What for, prayY asked Shir-
ley.
For hurting out in the courtroom
what did when the jury found Lau-
rie guilty 1t was treachery! had
promised, don't you seeY'
"Murgatroyd would have been fool
TO acquit Laurie on that trial" added
Shirley sneeringly "Oh yes. he's
clever"
Fortunately nobody believed me.
exclaimed Miriam.
Except myself observed Shirley,
land Murgatroyd."
even Laurie didn't believe me-"
went on Miriam. I'VE never discuss
the subject. anyway. It's barely pos
sible." she said, flushing. that he
thinks we spent the money long ago.
There was pause that was trihe
embarrassing to both women. Miriam
was the first to speak.
"Murgatroyd Is making a name for
himself, isn't he?"
"Who wouldn't with stolen money
TO back himp Shirley exclaimed.
Miriam shook her head.
Hes doing good work with II. He's
breaking up the organization-the in
side ring. I'm sure that his worE is
felt even over here in-the-slums."
And then she added vehemently. "But
his best work will he over when ne
breaks up Cradlebaugh's. II he"-
"After he downs Cradlebaugh's." In
terrupted Shirley, 81 hope he'll down
himself. That's my wish for Billy
Murgatroyd."
"Murgatroyd is honest" protested
Miriam.
you mistake his motive. Miriam"