Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1913-12-25


policeman"
AS Watson turned away for mo.
ment Fleischner put out his hand and
grabbed the piece OF vuIcanite, which
the manager had not observed Il was
his intention to show Il to him glee-
FULLY. but at Watsons last words a
new thought came to him, and, with
shrug OF the shoulders, he put IL in
his pocket instead. He let himself be
led away by the police officer.
Mr. Gilbert came to him when he
was in his cell.
"FIeischner," he said, i've had
nasty letter from Mr. Watson. You
know | am organizing a rival com
pany. and he thinks I sent you to
spy on his secrets. What were you
doing in the laboratory"
F1eischner told him. He had trusted
men ell his life, and the habit was too
strong TO be broken.
mr.. Gilbert" he said, II have dis
covered my process. But my daugh-
ter is dying. Send her to Florida for
three months and it shall be yours,
my great discovery.
Gilbert was incredulous. He knew
the old fellows enthusiasm, his I'M
practically. Only for a moment did
he hesitate, however.
"Fleischner," he said, II believe in
you. Ill do 1t, and II your discover.
doesn't prove practical I'll never re-
gret it. I'm going to send your daugh-
ter to Palm Beach for the winter, and
I'm going to deposit two hundred and
fifty dollars to your account"
The old German was crazy with joy.
Il shall see TO your Defense" con-
tinued Mr.. Gilbert, "and when our
company starts up, next month, your
old position will be waiting for you
at an increased salary"
The old German was half crazy with
Joy
Mr.. Gilbert found him a bondsman,
and he spent the period intervening
between his committal for trial and
the trial itself in the laboratory of the
new company. Day after day he
worked alone, and each days work
convinced him still more deeply that
the process was a success. But he
did not say anything of this to Gilbert
Meanwhile Lotta had started for
Florida. In spite of the trial impend-
ing those we're happy days for the girl
and her father. Mr.. Gilbert saw her
off at the station.
And then the trial came on. 1t was
| for burglary, and, in spite OF the
| pleadings of the lawyer whom Mr..
Gilbert had hired, the case against
| Fleischner seemed unshakable. Wat
son, who was mad with rage against
his former partner for starting the
rival concern, used every influence In
his power against Fleischner. The
jury found the old man guilty, and he
was sentenced to serve three months
in the House Of Correction.
There were tears in Mr.. Gilbert'f
eyes when he shook hands with
F1eischner in the court room.
Its a shame, Fleischner," he said
But it's only for three months, and
when you come out your old position
will be ready for you. And-and-
I'll take care of your daughter"
God bless you, my friend" an
swered Fleischner, wringing the other
mans hand.
The time at the House of Correction
slipped quickly away. The authors
ties were easy on the old German. He
was made librarian, and so absorbed
was he in his duties that he hardly
realized he was in prison. And at last
the day of his freedom arrived.
He had heard from Lolita while he
was serving his sentence. She wrote
that she was regaining strength and
health rapidly in Florida. She wrote
through Gilbert; F1eischner thought
this a little strange, but he assumed
what was actually the case-that Gil
bert did not wish to distress her by
letting her know that her father had
been convicted. So he wrote back
through Mr.. Gilbert also.
And, at the railroad terminal, they
we're both waiting for him. Lolita
looked radiant. There was no trace
| of the illness that had afflicted her.
Fleischner wrung Mr.. Gilbert's hands.
| You've given me back my daugh-
ter, my FRIEND" he said. Il shall
never forget"
Hold on!" said Mr.. Gilbert, laugh
ing. 1--WE taken her away from you"
What? What?" exclaimed Fleisch-
ner. not understanding.
I've married her." shouted Gilbert.
shaping Fleischner on the back. You
see, fell in love with her and took
a little trip south myself to find If
could make her feel the same way.
And she did, and so we've stolen a
march on you. Ha, ha! And you're
going to live with US for the rest of
your days." he continued. You
won't have to work any more"
Fleischner looked at them speech
lessly. Then he slowly drew a shape
less mass from his coat pocket
MY wedding present" he said.