Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-09-22

StdS 49,. tIST iullidiS were euSTdNeu
on one side. Now Monsieur Detec-
tive. what are you going to do about
it:' She smiled mischievously down at
him. her dainty cap poised like a
white moth on her sunny brown hair.
Bob Pendleton'S brown eyes flashed
in rare smile.
I'm going to find it and restore it
to the owner" he said briSkly. After
that you will give me news of what
happens?"
She blushed and nodded.
They are sure to come TO you at
once" said Bob.
oh, you think 500" she asked. with
a quick catch of the breath.
How could they help it," he asked
and turned away his head so that she
could not see the pain in his eyes.
She went away very softly, and Bob
threw his we'll arm across his eyes
and lay very still for a long time.
1t was two weeks after that CON
versation that Bob Pendleton was dis
charged from the hospital. During tho
I period of his confinement his beard
had grown, and now, after having it
trimmed to a careful and most becom-
ing vandyke fashion, he made his way
TO the residence of Mrs. Henry Win
ton on Oakleigh avenue.
| You wish to see me?" inquired Mrs.
/ Winton.
! Yes, Mrs. Winton. I was walking
| along the Merrivale road a few weeks
| ago, and found this" Bob held out
| the gold dollar one side of which was
smoothly polished and bore three in
tials. "F. NJ. w"
My charm!" she cried with pleasure
| as she snatched the coin from his
| fingers. II rather thought 1t had been
stolen" she said.
Il hope that if you suspected any
one my returning it TO you will estab-
fish their innocence" he said, with a
keen glance at her harsh countenance.
She shrugged her shoulders.
1.-The person is no longer in my en-
ploy. 1t doesn't matter. No harm has
been done. l am extremely obliged to
you, Mr-er"-
Smith," supplied Bob, rising to de-
part.
''AIr. Smith," she finished. with a
smile. Perhaps you will excuse me
now, hut my son is TO be married this
evening. and l have a long motor drive
before me-"
"Ah, good morning, Mrs Winton,"
said Bob dazedly. and he went away
from the house with n stunned look
in his face.
Married, Married. What of herr"
he muttered over and over again as
he went back to his rooms. The cur.
And the woman, of course-they will
never apologize to my poor darling"
He paced the floor restlessly until
the evening papers were in his hands.
There was an account of the wedding
of Peyton Winton and some well
known society girl at a magnificent
country place. Bob Pendleton read
every word, and then he put on his
! hat and went to the hospital.
1t was Miss Furniss' evening off, and
! the attendant told him that he would
undoubtedly find her at the Nurses
club near by Presently he was seat
ed in the empty reception room of the
, little club waiting with beating heart
; for the advent of Stella Furniss.
She came, looking strangely I'M
familiar without her uniform.
: Il have come to report he said,
| smiling graveiv at her look of inquiry.
You haven't found it," she asked.
waves of rose color rising in her
cheeks.
Yes, found 1t three weeks ago."
and Bob told her all about finding the
"lucky" dollar which in the beginning
| bod nrovad en- unltoL-r FOR. him
! $50 / restored ii to Mrs. Winton to-
day." he ended; but Miss Furniss.
she impresses me as being a lady who
would not trouble to apologize Cor an
/ unjust accusation"
The color in her cheeks recedef but
J her eyes met his bravely. "Nr Pendle-
ton, you will think it strange. but
: since had that conversation with you
= one day somehow I have not cared
l whether she-they apologize or not"
Then you don't care a hang" &C.
manded Bob excitedly.
She smiled family, and her eyes
dropped.
/, mot hang" she said demurely.
: "Then-then I'll have a chance. Stel-
la, I'm rushing in where angels fear
to tread but l don't suppose you could
like me little bit? l love you dar.
: ling, I do, and If you only could care.
why. Stellar Something in the swift.
t shy glance she sent at him brought
] him to her side.
s "When:" he asked.
: "Oh. ever since-ever since you ar.
: rived" she whispered softly. 49,
: "Dearestr' This time their lips met
e And then later he told her of the
wedding of Peyton Winton. She smil
q ed scornfully. Suppose had married
him" she shuddered. This all hap
d pened through that blessed dollar
d Bob. and never thought my road Of
l, bitter trouble would bring me to th,
= broad highway of happiness"
d 81 shall always call it my lucky dol
e lar" smiled Bob. You see. it found ,
e wife for me. and | never knew neea
e ed one until saw you
Il. 90 A