The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1912-10-24


ed Braddock. Go and do
what l told you," to the waverlng at
tendant
Mrs. Braddock and Christine were
standing beside the detected boy. the
former looking steadily at the face Of
her husband, whose blocdshot eyes
would not meet her gaze. Christiue's
eyes were wide with the bewildered
stare Of an intelligence that has sud
denly been aroused to new aspects.
She was having a glimpse Of side
70 her fathers character that had lev
sr been revealed to her before.
She put forth hand and drew Ruby
Noakes close beside her. pressing her
hand tightly in actual alarm. The
Noakes girls arm went around the
slender figure. but she continued to
stranger in their midst She was half
a head taller than Christine and at
least three years her senior.
I'VE ought to have a new clown to
help out dad, Mr.. Braddock.' ventured
Miss Noakes cooliy.
Braddock stared at her.
What's thnt?" he barked.
Keep still. Ruby" cautioned her
father. Ruby's lips parted quickly,
aud then. thinking better OF it. she
= closed them.
Davtd's face took on a queer, uncer
tain expression while Braddock was
advancing lis dire need Of money as
t,,,. }ro !, Thn
proprietor resumed his bitter harafgue
against the weather. The boys face
began to clear. An eager. excited
zleam came into his eyes He looked
about him as II searching for some
sign Of corroboration in the faces Of
the performers.
IF he's innocent. he can prove It."
argued Brnddock stubbornly. "The
county pays the Ave hundred. It's
nothing out Of his pocket. Why the
devil shouldn't l get it:''
David had opened his lips two or
three times to utter the words that
surged up from his anxious. despairns
heart A sense o. guilt and shame had
checked them on each occasion. What
ever It was that he felt impelled to
say, his honest pride retellcd against
the impulse
Now he lifted his head resolutely,
and addressed the proprietor. whose
stand appeared to be immovable.
Il will pay you the $780," said David
clearly.
Every eye was turned upon him.
every tongue was sti!led.
The proprietor blinked unbelieving-
u Then he gdv~ vent to short,
derisive laugh.
You will. will youE'
Il thought thai If it was only the
money. could let you have it. I
didn't meai. to try to buy you or"
the boy explained hastily.
"Are son III earnest:" demanded
B:addock. a curious glitter swimming
across his eyes. Where are you go
ing to get it:''
1--WE got it with me- said David
feeling at his side. A look of ds,nay
spread over his face. 1t was quickly
dispcllcd by the recollection that his
own clothes wer' lying in the mems
dressing room. "lts In my vest He
was back in moment. carrying his
rainsoaked waistcoat. With nervous
fingers he drew heavy pin from the
mouth of the inside pocket and ex-
tracted Il long leather purse tied with
4 heavy piece of string.
David felt without seeing tile look
that went through the crowd. He
knew by some strange mental process
that they were conuemn;ng him. that
they were drawing away from him
He was bew;!dcrcd. Then suddenly lie
understood. It came like blow
Something rushed up into his throat
and cho!cd him. They took this mon
ey to be the profits of mu:der-thc
spells Of n dreadful sin. Speechiess.
he turned to Mrs. Hraddock. There
was no installing the look OF pain and
distress III her darl. eyes. There We're
doubt and wonder t..cre too.
ut is my. moncy-cvery cent OF 1t. l
II know what yon are thinking You
thin!; | stole it." His eyes were dash
Ing, and his chin was held hiSh now,
AL, III, o,,- opo who SAWS I steal. Ia