The Lynden tribune. [volume] (Lynden, Wash.) 1908-current, 1911-03-23
CHAPTER x.

~, the DiuSn IN Oer IreSO
young cheeks equaling the
a pink of the roses in her hat
She thanked him for awaiting her re-
turn. and she and her father seated
themselves on the sofa, the ex.convict
standing before them.
1t was Mr. Lane who began to lead
the conversation to a serious point.
Mr.. Randall-my daughter tells me
that is the name you gave her"
THAT is my name, sir"
"Well, Mr.. Randall. ! am not going
10 ask questions. l presume no one
wishes to forget the past more than
you. am going to explain a situa.
ton to you and offer you employ
ment."
while l thank you I could not &C.
cept any position at your hands or
your daughters" answered Valentine
1t is better that started without es
distance and procured employment
with total strangers
But. Mr.. Randall" began the girl.
The father continued:
II think you are wrong. Mr.. RAN
dali | understand perfectly the spirit
which prompts you to take this stand
Still. think you are wrong. Won't
you let me explain fullyy
with pleasure. sir"
First we know or think we know
the one thing against you. We be-
lieve. while knowing this. that you
are trustworthy. | am the president
of the Fourth National bank of Spring
feld.''
"Springfeld Massachusetts ex.
claimed Valentine excitedly and turn
ing away his face to hide the signs OF
the shock the name gave him.
NO: Illinois," responded the banker.
A relieved expression came over Val
entine's face.
II own 30 per cent Of the stock. my
daughter 49," resumed the banker. 1t
is her wish. to which l assent. that
take you into the bank as an en-
ployee."
Valentine could hardly believe that
he was hearing Alright That a bank
err should offer newly released con-
vict a position In his establishment
was astounding.
But. Mr.. Lane he began protest
ingly. But Mr.. Lane again spoke.
"One moment, please. You will get
rather small salary to begin with.
but as you learn the business-l I'm.
derstand you are an accountants"
Il was for a time-yes, SIR"
THAT will make your advancement
rapid. presuming. of course The
banker raised his eyes significantly.
II understand. SIR"
Rose leaned forward eagerly.
And. don't you see. in a year or
two she began. but her father in
terrupted
And this also l wish you to con-
slider, Mr.. Randall: In this position
your past cannot affect you. ! mean
by that. since we know all. only your
future concerns u.s."
You are very generous, but
Rose again addressed Valentine.
Wont you in some way allow US
the chance to repay the kindness you
once did me? l want you to come.
You accept?"
The other considered for a moment.
Finally he made up his mind.
with the deepest thanks" he re-
piled feelingly.
I'VE are leaving now. l shall ex-
pect you to report whenw asked the
father.
within week."
.'That Is entirely satisfactory"
Rose arose with her father and
stepped close to Valentine. extending
a dainty gloved hand.
~ shall look forward to seeing you"
she said In a low voice.
The ex-prisoner gazed steadily into
her eyes.
II can only thank you," he muir
INJURED.
"Goodby. sir. until next week."
spoke the banker.
II shall try my best to make you
glad Of this" responded Valentine. his
manner evidencing the gratefulness
that welled within him as well as the
earnestness of his desire to build anew
the life that he had so nearly wrecked.
Father and daughter stepped to the
entrance. leaving Jimmy Valentine
standing in the middle Of the hotel
parlor. Half dazed by his good for
tune he gazed after them.
The banker hesitated moment.
~ believe you. SIR" turning toward
Valentine. Il believe we shall never