The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-01-12

in the saloon for two hours while the
locksmith drilled away silently. The
street door was closed: the crepe stiil
hung from the handle that had never
gone Unattached so long at time before,
the curtains were drawn, and outside the
, crowds forever shufied by on the side
walk. all oblivious TO the little drama
of hopes and fears that was unfolding
its cross-purposes within. The saloon
was dark, and an electric bulb glowed
to shed light for the locksmith- The
two aldermen pulled their cigars In ST.
lence, save for an occasional whisper.
one with another. Father ,Daugherty's
gaunt form leaned against the dusty
bar. strangely out Of keeping with such
a scene. though the saloons In his par
fish knew him. especially on Saturday
nights. when he conducted little raids of
his own. and turned his prisoners over
to their wives. Now his weary visage
was relaxed In patient waiting. At last
the locksmith dropped his tools. and
said:
"Therer
The thick steel doors swung out on
their noiseless hinges. The two alder
men sprang to the side OF the safe. The
priest drew near slowly. but his little
eyes were turned on the aldermen. and
they fell back a pace. Then the priest
long figure sank to a kneeling posture.
and he peered into the safe. There was
nothing In view. II was strangely empty.
for a safe OF its monstrous size and
mystery, and the tenacity Of its combi-
nation. He thrust in his hand and FUN
bled through all its hollow interior. and
| then he drew forth-a soiled linen collar
1t was ludicrous. and for once he laugh
ed. a little laugh. There was not q
ledger. not a book.
MT mn
said McQuirk.
a.. 1T was just like him." said Father
Daugherty. But he kept on with his
search. And. when he opened the little
drawer of maplewood he found a parcel,
done. snugiy up in thick brown paper.
He tore Il open. and there swelled into
his sight packages Of banknotes almost
bursting In their yellow straps. The bills
were new. and as freshly green as the
spring itself; more tempting thus, some
way, to the reluctant conscience. The
two aldermen bent over the black, stoop-
ing figure OF the priest. their eyes fixed
on the money. There twas at last. the
bundle itself. the price of. or a part OF
the price of the new gas franchise. The
priest Strengthened painfully, and got to
his feet. He held the bundle IN his thin
fingers. and glanced at his witnesses with
keen and curious eye. They met his
gaze. expectant. eager. drawing dry. hot
breaths Involuntary they extended
their hands Father Daugherty looked
at them. and a little twinkle Of amuse-
ment showed in the eyes that were won't
eddy so mild and sad.
Would you?" he said.
The two aldermen hastily raised their
hands, and toGCt in strange unison.
wiped their brows. The room had sud
denly grown hot for them. and their
brows were wet. though Father Daugh-
erty was cool and composed, as he ever
was. Yet they remembered; they could
not so easily give up: II was theirs by
every right. They could have cursed
Jimmy Just then for his excessive eau
ton II was McQuirk's quick mind that
thought FIRST.
Maybe there's writing" he said.
Father Daugherty looked long and
thoroughly. running his thin hand deep
into pigeon holes and back into the par
titions. until the sleeves OF his shabby
coat were pushed far up his lean wrist.
Not a scrap" he said.
Then. maybe" But McQuirk drew
Bretzenger away. and they went into
the darkness that lay thick as dust in
the back OF the long room. Meanwhile.
Father Daugherty searched the safe
through and through. He found nothing
more The strong box had had but one
purpose, and II had served II we'll Then
slowly. painfully. with the clumsy, I'M
accustomed fingers that had had small
chance to count money. he turned the
packages over. counting them carefully.
wetting his trembling fingers now and
then. The man who had drilled the safe
stood looking on with eyes that widened
more and more.
How much is there. Father he said
at length. He extended a grtmy fore