River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1913-05-01

whelming emotion, and his arm pressed
a little closer. And then the tension
suddenly broke.
The doctor sank into chair and
looked up with helpless stare.
Eyes. Jim. will. I'll-tell-you."
And he related his experiences in the
Bivens mansion. ending with:
I-stole-a-case-of
Stuart sprang to his feet, with an ex-
clamation of horror.
''You-did-w hat!'
EYES," the doctor went on hoarsely.
81 stole a case of his jewels and sent
my girl abroad. I'm going to plead
guilty now and go to prison. shall
never again lift my head in the haunts
of men,"
Stuart sobbed in anguish.
You see, boy, 1 failed when put to
the test. 1t doesn't make any differ
ence about my reputation. Character
only counts, and I'm thief"
shut up!" Stuart cried fiercely, seiz-
ing his arm. Don't say that again
and don't talk so loudly. Whatever
you did you were insane when you did
it,"
Maybe it was a mistake | don't
know. / couldn't think then. l only
know now that life is impossible any
more. and I'm ready to go. You can
send me to prison at once, Jim. I'm
glad you are the district attorney"
But I'm not. resigned my Office
this RI fr0 into h11CinocS for
myself l had only another month to
serve. You're not going to prison if l
can help it."
"But | don't want you to help 1t.
It's the only place to go now-you see,
boy. / can't live with myself any more!
Besides I'm old and played out; the
world don't need me any longer"
'Well, l need you." Stuart broke in,
land you're not going to give up this
fight as long as I'm here"
I'm a failure; it's no use"
But you've forgotten some things"
the younger man said tenderly.
you've helped to make my life what
1t is-you haven't failed in that You
gave your blood to your country when
You have forgotten the thousands you
have helped, the hope and cheer and
inspiration that passed into their lives
through yours. Well go to Bivens'
house tonight Wen tell him the truth.
Well return the value of his jewels.
I'll get the money to make good what
you owe him His voice broke. "Oh.
,hu bu hu q mo
know? I've influence with Bivens. He
will drop the matter and no one on
earth will know save we three"
But you don't understand, JIM" the
broken man protested. feebly. Il tell
you I've given up. / can't take your
money. can't pay. ] tell you I've
given up. can't take your money. |
can't pay it back"
You can pay it back. too, If you like.
Harriet will be earning thousands of
dollars in few years. Her success is
sure"
A faint smile lighted the fathers
face.
Her success is sure. isn't it?" he
asked with the eagerness of a child.
And then the smile slowly faded.
But | shall not be here to see it
Yes, you win. I'm running your at
fairs now. and you've got to do what
say. Get ready. We are going to see
RivenS."
Bivens refused point blank at first
10 see Woodman and ordered his serv-
ant to put him out of the house and
ask Stuart TO remain for a conference.
Stuart drew from his case card
and wrote a message to Nan:
imperative that / see Cal at once in the
presence OF my friend on a matter OF
grave Importance. Please send him down.
He is stubborn.
Bivens came in a few minutes. shook
hands cordially with Stuart and ig-
nored Woodman.
ST want to see you alone with the
DOCTOR" the young lawyer began,
where we cannot possibly be over
heard"
81 have nothing to say to this man.
but for your sake all right Come up
to the library"
Once in the room and the door clos