Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1913-10-17
CHAPTER XIl.-Contlnued.

The boss further opinion concern
ing settlement work was not voiced
because, while Kerr was talking, Judge
Gilbert had te~lephoned Williams &c
usher Mrs. Hayes and Miss Kerr into
the library.
Followed by the other men, Gilbert
advanced to meet them, and after the
usual greetings had been exchanged,
offered them chairs,
you must pardon u.s." began Mrs.
Hayes. Eve did not expect to find
you so busy. To tell the truth, we
didn't expect to find two persons
here whom we have already visited
She looked at Kerr and her husband.
I'm the Cheerful Giver,' said Kerr
with a humorous grimace which pre-.
eended to show that the donation was
not so cheerfully parted with.
I'm not SO cheerful, but | vas a
giver,' added Or Hayes,
81 told Judge Gilbert to lock the
safe, that knew you would be after
money, Kerr continued.
Highway robbers, ! call them was
Or. Hayes testimony this time.
"A bad reputation they've given us,
Judge Gilbert laughed Gloria, "and
We don't deserve It, indeed wa don't
Kerr walked into the private Office
and Gilbert, catching his eye, followed
him. The boss said something, Gil.
bert looked. at the women and then
nodded his head in assent. DR.. Hayes,
also catching the boss eye, strolled
away from the group casually as the
eudge rejoined 1t. A word with him
was all that Kerr required The mas
ter OF Locust Lawn was setting the
stage with an eye that overlooked no
detail. There was too much at stake
for him to neglect to interpolate any
ching effective which chance might
brow in his way.
AS the two men walked back into
40 library, Mrs. Hayes was saying;
Or. Hayes and | have had quite an
rgument, and here are the lawyers,
s~iioria, who can settle the question for
us, Can a woman steal from her hus,
band. Mr.. Kendall!"
Kendall knitted his brows In per
plexity. Really. Mrs. Hayes, that is
q question | shall have to take un.
der advisement.'
But q man can steal from his wife,
Gloria put In. There was a general
laugh at this which she did not relish
I'm talking seriously. II 1t weren't
30, we mightn't be here begging
money"
so you are after money" sale
Judge Gilbert lightly "Then you mus
tell me why ! should contribute t
keep men from stealing from thei'
wives, you who have no one to stea
from you"
Gloria was not to be diverted from
what she had to say. These men t,
whom she WAS talking represented Il
her what was best in Belmont, wha
was best in manhood, She wishe,
chem TO see the truth as she saw II
at isn't that kind OF stealing" sh
went on; ITS worse than that. Till
went with Mrs. Hayes to visit tn
mission | had no idea Of the degrade
ton and misery in a town even Xix
Belmont. When | say men steal fror
their wives | mea they take none
they should spend on their fanilie
and spend It for whisky and gambling
"I think It's a shame that such me
rs you, Judge Gilbert. and you, d.
Hayes. and you, Father, Of all persons
permit such things to happen here 4
Belmont. | wish | were a mani"
You can't keep people from spent
eng their money" said Kerr, as h
looked at his watch.
Or. Hayes caught the slight nod tn
boss gave, and said something to hi
wife. Then, interrupting the discus
sion, he said to Gloria
I'm already on the list OF cheerful
xivers. Miss Kerr. and I'm going /
ask if you'll let me carry OF Mr.
Hayes for half an hour or 30"