El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1912-04-26
The HeraId's Daily
Short Stsry

thing heavy struck him in the face. He
had duczed and started hack, or the
blow would have fallen upon his IN
protected head.
The next moment he had sprung
down from his stool, launching Il
swift, strai ght-frOm- the-shOulder blow
at his assailant It got home squarely
upon the jaw, the stick went IIylnS
from the mans hand, and he col
Iapsed to the floor striking his head
upon the corner Of a desk in his ran
The tussle was so sudden, so utterly
unexpected. that for some long mo-
ments Harrington could do nothing put
stand there breathing heavily.
1t was easy to guess what had nap
pened. BY some oversight the door
had been left open, and this man,
knowing the bank would be almost
deserted at<such late hour. had en-
tered in search Of plumber. He now lay
upon the floor. his head thrown back,
his arms sprawling, the light shining
fun upon his bearded face
Harrington was about to rush to the
door to call the police when sudden
yellow CLINT caught his eye some IN
stinct drew him towards it. and, drop
ping on his knees, he Jerked back the
mans coat to find himself staring at
the squat, grOtesque figure Of gold
Billiken-the Billikel that had been
MabeTs first gift to MN Harrington
would have known II among tnOu-
sand images Of the ugly little en-
blem of luck
Good heavensr' the blood in his
veins went ice cold. 1T is Mabefs
brother drunk He found the thing
lying about at home and hung II on
his watch chain. And L was almost
calling the police"
He rose up thinking fast and furi-
Ously. Then with quick method, he
began to clear up so that nothing I'M
usual should be noticed at the bank
the next morning. BY the time every
thing was in order, Arthur Craymer
had opened his eyes.
Get up! said Harrington, sternly.
The other made an effort to rise, but
it was not till Harrington came to his
assistance that he staggered 10 his feet
He had been drinking heavily; he was
still suffering from the effects Of the
blow.
Harrington, half supporting. half
dragging him, led him into the street.
carefully securing the door of the bank
behind him. As luck would have it an
empty cab was passing, and he hailed
the driver.
Mr. Craymer's," directed Harring-
ton CURLY. stop at the gate. Don't
go up the drive"
In ten minutes they had drawn up
outside the gate. Harrington paid the
Cabman, assisted Craymer to alight,
and led him a few PAGES up the drive
And now get indoors" he said, try
ing to withdraw his arm from the 9TH
er's grasp. Il can't assist you any
further. Quick! There is some one
coming"
But Arthur Craymer, whose wits
were still befuddled chung to him tena-
ciOusly; and II was while struggling to
break away from him that Mabel came
round a bend in the drive.
She came TO a dead halt few PAGES
away. her face looking chally white in
the moonlight Then, recognizing the
two men, she ran forward
What is the natter" she cried.
At the sound OF her voice Arthur re-
leased his hold and went staggering
towards her brother her eyes were
turned. Her frightened gaze was fixed
upon Harrington.
Tell me. jim" she painted. what
does it mean? There is blood upon
your face"
He did not answer. but drawing out
his handkerchief passed 1t mechanical
" over his face.
Tell me. jim" he repeated. II
shall go mad II you don't What has
taken placer"
I would rather not say answered
Harrington slowly.
But why2"
1T is better you should not know"
She looked at him with a peculiar
light in her eyes.
That is where you make mistake,
jim she said You think women
ought not to be told things But il
YOU had only trusted me a little more,
II you had only told me about"
About my visit to London, you
mean2"
Yes, but We won't speak. Of that
now. Tell me why my brother-why
YOU are both here like this?"
There was nothing to do but com
ply. AS he spoke she put her hands
10 her eyes as If to shut out the hOr-
ror Of IT all; but presently, drawing
tlem away. she said;
Father had just decided to give
Arthur another chance. He is going
to set him up on fruit farm in CALI
Iornia- II you had called the pO-
I should never have forgiven my
self for bringing such shame upon
you-' he broke in vehemently. But
l. was all through the Billiken that 7
didn't"
He must have found it at home and
taken it; but YOU shall have it back,
Jim VIII you take it,"
On one condition" said Harring-
bargain"
And under the trees Of the drive they
sealed their contract in a way all low
ers do.