The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1910-01-30
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! The +
| RED MOUSE ]
! A Mystery Romance !
>~~--~-~>~->~--~----->~~> ;
! By WILLIAM HAMILTON ;
5 OSBORNE !
Copyright 1909. BY Dodd. Mead q Co. !
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(Continusd.)

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?'
be inquired. The papers, world over
almost. have commented on this po-
litical expose. l was at work on the
hospital job at the time. and it was
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."' Ht
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. Ii has to be rebuilt
/ But l wouldn't stand for the STEAL"
Challoner went Oh i'll his legitimate
pride. Maybe you know the rest?"
lie looked up auestioningly. Il went
to Murgatroyd. He did the rest /
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 Murgatroyd. calculated
al, Ax,l xr,s<h
blush, Good for yoH."'
"Laurie's in business for himself"
Miriam presently informed her.
Yes" answered Challoner enthusi-
astically i've got a bit of reputa-
ton for honesty now. People that
want an honest job done come to me-.
You'll begin TO think I'm suffering from
exaggerated ego he finished. with a
smile.
We'll" said Miriam In justification.
ANY man who saves 5000 In so short
time has right to blow his own
/ horn"
81 believe in giving praise where it
is DUE" protested her husband. 1T
was you, my dear who saved it."
~" returned Miriam deprecatingly.
yes, through privation," said Chal-
loner.
i Miriam sighed with Joy, 1t was good
to have some one appreciate the strug-
gle.
II won't deny" presently she said,
with smile. that it was rather try
ing at times, but it was work Of love,
and we've succeeded"
Shirley sprang 10 her feet
4 Ia wrence ChaIloner. I'm going to
kiss you. You're the kind of a man
I'm looking for" And impulsively she
made good her word. I'm proud OF
YOU she went on. You're the real
thing; you're Il 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
up for dinner. hope we're going &c
have dozen courses I'm starved"
When the door closed Miriam rose
and started for the Kitchen.
Miriam. girl" said Challoner gen
tly. what have you been hiding from
me for the past few weeks
Hiding
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:
. do you really want to knowv'
Eyes" he answered in the same tone
! Miriam stepped to the closet. fun
: bled there among some things and, re
turning. thrust something into hi.
hands.
There" she said. blnshing.
Challoner held 1t up. looked at 1t
moment and finally said. with just
tinge of suspicion in his voice:
This tiny dress wliat?" He looked
] at his wife stupidiy. and after tim
he added: why. Miriam. you neve
told me- A little child for you ant
9 me-"
y Eyes, Laurie" she whispered softly.
! Acting upon impulse he cuddled th
/ garment down into the crook of hi
arm and held II there.
g "a cbild-for me-" he unused. Afte
9 moment he looked up and exclaimed
a 81 wonder IL IT is given to man to ap
a preciate thoroughly the anticipation Q
q motherhood hours given to fash
Joining little garments like this. Ye
t 1t seems to me now that ! could worl
0 forever for He broke off abruptly
r quite overcome.
a Miriam was deeply touched.
{. "Never fear. dear. there will be pier
! ty of responsibility for you later on
il Then Shirley pokrd her head
through the door and called:
Miriam. the potatoes are burning
Miriam left the room hastily. leayin
II Laurie stroking the small garment
: "a father Of child" he unused
: IFS good to he n father--a good II
: Their He dropped mt the table an
!. buried his face In his arms. But whe
!, he raised his head again there wer
!. tears in his eyes.
"A little child for me--and she
dargraves. he moaned.