Bryan daily eagle and pilot. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1909-1918, 1913-07-08

THIS the emo OF their Davlu anu JOud-
than affection? And through what
CHASTITY freak OF torture had Tessie
not told himi Six hundred dollars!
Somewhat blindly he put out his
hand. Don't let US quarrel, Billie"
he said little thickly. Il will fix 1t
some way. | only put 1t In as little
Joke on Tess. | thought every one
would know.
Rathbone took his hand and tried
to hide the scorn in his voice: "All
right, Bob; but If that is your notion
of fun am sorry for YOU"
I'm sorry for the little GIRL he
returned simply, as Rathbone left
him.
Alone, he sat, unable to fix his at
tention on business, ashamed even to
glance through the window.
Along in the afternoon his sister
Dora's husband, man several years
Bobson's senior. walked thoughtfully
into the inner Office. Though on the
best of terms, Bobson had profound
respect for Stewart
This is bad, Robert" said Stewart,
but it seems that for decencys sake
you might have taken some other
way"
Bobson, the chills playing sportively
down his spine, felt what was coming.
But you can't expect me to waive my
rights, continued Stewart.
Robson raised his head to speak but
at his visitors hand, lifted to enjoin
silence, he waited
TT is not right of you" resumed
Stewart. You always Dragged, you
know, even to Dora, that Tessie was
the best dressed woman in town. l
don't deny that she is; but | meant
10 get Dora one or two things to make
her work lighter-a new sewing ma
chine and a gas range. when you paid
me. and it is hardly fair that she
should go without these things in or
der to satisfy Tessie's love for dress.
1t was $500, you know"
Four hundred dollars! Indeed he
did not know. Bobson sprang from
his chair and paced the small office.
while Stewart grimly waited He
would not betray Tessie even to the
family. but why, why
Man alive" he exclaimed, I'll
make it right. Even II it ruins me-
he muttered. But see here, Stewart"
he continued, Il only put that ad in
for a joke"
We'll, hope you will enjoy It," re
turned Stewart unfeelingly.
Bobson was stunned Business can
go to thunder" said he between his
clenched teeth, as fiinging on his hat
and coat he went by the back way to
his home. Finding the house locked
he enterd by the way of the cellar-a
trick that he knew.
Tess. Tessie, girl" he called loud
ly, softly, pleadingly, as he searched
each nook of the tiny house Going
to the telephone he rang up his wife's
mother.
She's not here" was the curt re-
ply, and he heard the click Of the re.
| ceiver as it was hung up Dismayed
he stood motionless. Tess mother
was clearly vexed at him. She, who
had always taken his part-then he
was indeed forlorn.
For hours he walked the floor OF
flung himself groaning into chair to
wait and to plan how to pay debt OF
81. 900 when he had invested all that
his business would permit in their lit
tie paradise of a home.
When the midnight train from Chi
cago pulled into the little station, Bob
! son, who had hitherto been ashamed
to show himself, was madly pacing the
platform, questioning a party OF re
turned theater-goers, the only passen
gers to get off, whether his wife hae
, been on the train.
YES, she has left me, and richly
t deserve it." he muttered as he re
, | turned home and STAGGERED blindlI
into the house. Haggard and worn h'
reached his home and switched Oh
the light.
J, You're out late, Bobbie," said
1 voice, sleepily, and Bobson started ant
: almost cried out from sheer nervous
D exhaustion.
, Tess, girl!' he cried, dropping OF
his knees and clasping the sleepy bun
!, die of lacey whiteness and vainl!
1 seeking her face, which seemed hid
8 den by the abundant auburn hair, "caI
you ever forgive me? l didn't know
!. that you owed anything. On my soul
| didn't. 1t was one of my cursed.
o idiotic jokes. 1t is my last, you ma!
z, be sure"
h YES, dear, never mind"-the slim
J. hand passing lovingly through his hal
land, Bobbie, boy, she tried t
l. raised the bowed head, Il don't ow
3, a cent?"
"Tess!" The burden of year
r seemed lifted from his soul. "Oh, Blu
s shall make Rathbone and Stewar
d smart for this!"
why, Bobbie Bobson!" she e1
d claimed, naively aggrieved; chat wa
a practical joke!"
p copyright, by Daily Story Pub. Coz
!" Died From Eating Too Fast.