El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1911-10-19
The Scapegoat

e.
frock," Mrs. Frensham per-
sisted
my dear, haven't already told you
haven't I explained thoroughly-how
bad business is?'
zone little cheque couldn't possibly
make any difference Herbert
But what do you want new clothes
at all for? Why, absolutely forget
when 1 visited my tailor last Besides,
that dress you have On-nothing the
matter with it."
oh, no! It's only oId-fashioned and
a bit fadedr'
Mrs. Frensham suddenly interrupted
with little Shrek.
These drops Of water don't improve
it. anyhow. Why don't you speak to
that man. HERBERT"
Her husband swung around. His
face was rather flushed.
Hi Take your animal away and
clear off yourselfl DO you hear meg"
The bench by the roadside had
seemed an idylic spot for rest and
conversation, after a dusty walk that
summer evening. but Mrs. Frensham S
choice Of subject and the shabby
mans arrival had quite spoilt the
beauty Of the scene. When the lat
ter's goat, having been bathed in the
pool opposite, pranced and frisked joy
fully around Mrs. Frensham's costume
her husband lost his temper.
Take your animal away" he called
again.
"Eh2"
Hes spIashing us. Stop playing
with him at once"
The shabby man. William Cory by
usme, stared resentfully-
100 are you taIkin' to? z likes
wash, same as you do-more, most
See that he shakes himself some
W here else, not this side of the pond.
And you're encouraging the brute
Es OF and tired, pore little chap.
Why shouldn't e ave is bath2'
Hes a nuisance He-hes annoy
ing other people
"Tll tell EN- So returned Mr.. Cory
coldly. "PrinCie didn't know Es
got to dry ITSELF some Ow, though
unless YOU got a towel about you NO2
I thought as much.
Never mind him, Herbert After all
nothing can hardly hurt this costume
We were talking about a new one. Iru
be quite inexpensive, dear.
ooh, yes; I've no doubt. What you
might call --
For $50 I could get -
Mr.. Frensham started.
quite out of the question: Must
repeat that I'm pressed for money 2
Well, then. he groaned. $50
Herbert, dear.'
That's final Twenty dollars or
7 think you're most fnconsiderate.
Give it to me now, then. in case you
forget"
Reluctantly her husband produced
his pocketboCk, and, screening its con-
tents. pulled out a bauknote- Ungfa-
ciously he tossed IT into her lap.
You'll lose it expect before we get
home There! What did I say, Bless
my soulr'
A gust of wind lifted the note. Mrs
Frensham made a grab at it, but too
late. Both sprang to their feet. 1t
fluttered off on the breeze round the
neighbOring corner. passing Mr.. Cory
in its flight He tore in pursuit with
the goat at his heels.
They disappeared from view before
Mr.. Frensham, who was somewhat
Portly. began to follow. They were 10
yards off when he came in sight OF
them again. The goat was cropping
some scanty grass. Mr.. Cory. hat In
hand, stared round him in all direc-
fright down funny. that is" he re-
marked. scratching his head. II saw
it arr a minute ago"
Mr.. Frensham stamped impotently.
"Well, where is IT nOwY
Amt 7 LOOKING was it a very i'm
Letter, It was a $50 note.
"Phew.'
He turned an innocent surprised
face. Mr.. Frensham sought the hedge,
the ditch, and the roadway in vain;
then paused suspiciously
Things don't vanish altogether on
their own account
Mean anything particlar by that?'
"If you hadn't meddled, I should GER
tainIy have found it."
You aware" demanded Mr.. Cory
thlckly that there's sich thing as
law o. lebel2"
IF you've hidden IT. and don't give
it up at once
"Ahl Now we understand each 9th
er. So you think I've stole IT. do ye2'
I'm pretty certain of that"
Mr.. Cory. replaced his battered hat
with a defiant gesture.
Come on, then. Come an give me
fin charge to the station
The stout gentleman hesitated.
"Tchahi You wouldn't dare. AS a
matter o. fact I've no call to tell We
this. but I will as a matter o. fact
my goat 'ad is foot on ii, an I'm not
sure e didn't git old Of ii too. That's
no fault o. mine"
NONSENSE A cock and bull story"
"Jest as We like"
What has he done with it, them
Eaten it, shouldn't wonder. When
'e's 'ungry ell swaller anythink. You