Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1911-04-19

QuQueStlOnaDly IN no sort OF humOr
at all beyond an evil one. II come
here to have word with you"
'Well, sir?" Mats tone and attitude
were perfectly pacific
"Ah, there amt no use beatin' round
the bush. You've behaved yourself
ever since you come to Radville and
tnstnooated yourself into our conf
dence, spite of the fact that nobody
in town knows who you were before
you came. But now Rolands laid q
charge agin you, and want to know
the rights to it,
WELL" Roland interposed cockily,
II accused him Of it tonight and be
didn't deny it,
whats MORE" Lockwood continued,
with rising color. "Roland says he can
prove it."
"Prove what?' Nat insisted. "Get
down to facts. can't you?'
'That you're thief. with a reward
out for you" said Roland you're
that Mortimer Henry what absconded
from the Longacre National bank In
Moo York"
There fell brief pause Nat bowed
his head and tugged at his mustache,
bis shoulders shaking with emotion va
riously construed by those who watch
ed him. Presently he looked up again.
his features gravely composed
"Roly." said be. "Balaam must miss
you terribly o..
''That amt no answer" Lockwood
put himself solidly between Nat and
the object Of his obscure remark. who
was painfully digesting it. II want to
know about this. You got my daugh.
ter to say she'd marry you this even
in, and you've got to explain to me
about this bank business before 1t
goes any further"
"Yes| commented Nat civilly.
Eyes" thundered Blinky. do you
deny it? Answer me.''
To /Kellogg's huge diversion Nat
struck an attitude. II refuse to an
swer," said he
"Aha! What'd I tell your" This
was Roland's triumphant crow.
"Natw Josie advanced, trembling
with excitement. Tell me, what does
this mean?"
Duncan perforce avoided her gaze
"Don't ask" he said sadly.
lis it true?' she insisted.
you heard what Roly said," he re-
piled. with chastened expression.
'"Then YOU admit it p
II admit nothing"
\ "Oh-h!'' The girl drew away from
him as from deflement. IL hate
your she cried in voice of loathing.
h; That's all right" he told her Sc.
renely. 1--WE despised myself all even
ing" . = ..
The girl showed him a scornful
back. "Papa"- she began. .er.-
Don't thank me. Josie. Roland
done it all. He got on to him." Lock.
wood continued to watch Duncan with
the air Of cat eying a mouse
1mpulsively Josie moved to Roland's
side and caught his arm. He drew
himself up proudly.
lido thank you. Roland. can new.
er be grateful enough. I've been 80
foolish
That's all right" Roland tucked
the girls hand beneath his arm and
patted it down .You wasn't to bla me
l never seen any one from Moo York
yet that wasn't a crook
won't you please take me away
from misplace, Roland?" she ap-
pealed
I'll be nightly glad to see you
home, J0sie,' he assured her generous.
", turning.
In the act Of leaving Josie caught
Mats eye. She hung back for an In
slant, whitening him with a glare.
sOh-h!' she cried. How did you dare
pretend to care for me p
He bowed politely. 1T was one Of
the rules, josie
There's no need to tell you, I guess,
that the engagement is broken
"None whatever, Miss Lockwood.
Good evening"
"Come. Rolandv'
Arm in arm they left, with the
naughty tread Of the elect. while Pete
Willing lurched to Duncan's side and
caught his arm.
Come long to Jail, Mish'r Duncan,
he said. with sympathy. ''Mush bes.
shsr."
= Z 80 : -