The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1911-06-12

Oh, but, Mr.. Tank-have him know
that I'm an embezzler-oh, T." ant
she broke into uncomfortable sobbing
so that Tank looked around anxiously
lest some one might hear. He waited
the recovery of her self-control with
impotence.
Why, yes" he urged, as soon as
she could listen. !" he helped to blow
the money. Where'd he think you got
itS By links, fellow that'd let q
girl spend money on him and
then"
Oh. but, Mr.. Tank! You see, he's
he's some years younger than I. and
we love each other 80. And IL
guess we're both rather given to burn
Ing money. His allowance was only
Eve hundred dollars month. and
when in the latter part Of the month
1t would be gone and we couldn't go
out. why, got in the habit Of just
putting In the funds, as sort Of loan,
you know; only We kind of got to for
getting to pay 1t back, and l thought
I'd make turn in stocks. but things
went the wrong way and my margins
faded, and. and. that hateful old thing
came shopping round, and found me
out, that's all, and hate him!
What'd he want to be so stingy with
Percy for? And he's threatening me
with exposure! And If he does, why.
papa'll break his heart, and mamma,
too. and my reputation will be ruined
and Percy and can never be married,
and think It's a horrid shame
and"
Look here. little GIRL" broke in
Tank in his biggest, hoarsest voice,
!" nothin' to it! Nothin' to It! You're
all worked up about nothin'. But I'll
tell you what old Winnings game is.
He's been and told your pa about It
Oh" the girl moaned, "he could
not b so cruel! 1t was papa, almost
more than Percy, that cared about.
That's what he has, though" az
frmed Tank. He's holdin' your en-
bezzlement over your pas head to
make him vote certain way In the
committee meetin' tonight. Soon as
that's over, he'll let up on you. He
wouldn't expose you for fear Of hurtin'
his old trust company. It's your pa
he's after"
Oh, poor papa" chanted the sym
girl half Historically. How
can I relieve him."
Easiest thing IN the world" replied
Tank with bland smile. Leave him
to me. You go right along back to the
office, Miss Mile. and get right on the
job. Tomorrow your pail come and
offer you money to square with. You
take 1t, too, and square 1t, and don't
worry now nor no more. But let this
be your little lesson: Don't take Percy
Winning nor nobody else on Joy rides
with money that amt yours. And as
for Percy. don't you bank on his sig.
too much, little girl. | amt no au-
thority. but got an idea one throb
Of your good little hearts worth
more'n a whole jailful of Percy's."
"Oh, Mr.. Tank, what an unkind
speech! and the young lady drew
herself up haughtily, and held the
pose for just about second. till her
curiosity got the better of her.
But do not understand" she ques-
toned. about"
You don't have to understand"
said Tank with coarse good humor.
: You stand pat, that's all. Some
body else'll play the hand"
Somehow, Mr. Tank" Mile said,
. believe in you"
A mantling blush Of pleasure rose
to the auburn roots of the Boss's hair.
Most people do" he stammered,
confused.
She extended her little white hand.
Tank looked at it embarrassed, then
allowed 1t to lie for a moment in the
center Of his own great palm.
In the sweetest way possible, 1t
seemed to the heavy-faced men, she
smiled at them. and turned and went
out.
Now, Murphy. you get Harper here
pretty blamed quick" was Tanks first
order.
Harper?" asked Murphy, sur
orised. You want Vining, don't
you?"
Nary Vining. | want Harper"
Then Tank went out to breakfast,
and from there down to the dingy Of
Ice over the cigar store.
Murphy was waiting with Harper.
Harper was not stubborn, not even
'esentful, but still displayed that pa
lent, unsuitable, martyr look that
Murphy had noted.
Tank spoke to him kindly.
Harper" he said, how'd you en-
oy playfn' out all by your lonely,
,layin' out and safe on this little mat
er II somebody'd put the winning
,ards in your hands?"
A Perfect Shampoo.
May be obtained by using Meritol
hamnoo Paste This DrescriDtiOn