The Mena weekly star., 1913-08-14

others into the hall and ironically bade them God-speed as he opened the door for them. They went out stupidly; the wine had dulled them. George immediately returned to the library
 Neither Fortune nor her mother had stirred in all this time. A quality of hypnotism held them in bondage. The mother could not lower her glance ana the daughter would not. If there was a light of triumph in Fortunes eyes, 1t was unconsciously there. And no one will know the full bitterness that shone from the mothers. She could have screamed with fury; she could have rent her clothes, torn her skin, pulled her hair; and yet she sat there without physical sign of the tempest.
 On her side, Fortune knew, that, had there been single gesture inviting pity, she must have flown to her moth CTS side. But there was no sign. Finally, Fortune stepped back, chilled. It was all too late
 Fortune" said George, terribly em. barrassed, "do you wish to speak to your mother, alone?"
 No" It was little word, spoken in little, hushed tone.
 Mrs. Chedsoye rose and proceeded to put on her furs, which she had flung across the back of her chair.
 "Mother!" This came in a gasp from the elder Wadsworth. An under standing of this strange proceeding began to filter through his mind. The young girls mother!
 Mrs. Chedsoye drew on her gloves slowly. She offered them to the Ma. jor to button. He flung the hands aside. He was not nice under the ve- neer' But Ryanne was instantly at her service. And curiously she watched his agile fingers at work over the buttons; they were perfectly steady. Then, followed by the Major and Ryanne, she walked easily toward the hall. Ryanne paused.
 Good night, Arthur. I'm sure you will not sleep we'll. That handsome safe is irreparably damaged. l dare say you will find way to cover the loss without any injury to your own pocket. Old top, farewell! Who was it, Brutus or Caesar, who said I go but to return'?" The banter left his face and voice swiftly. You sneak ing blackguard, you cheater of wid- 0ws; yes. I shall come again; and then look to your sleek, sanctimonious neck! You chucked me down the road to hell, and the pity of it is, some day must meet you there! Fortune. child,' his voice becoming sad, you might remember a poor begsar in your prayers tonight Percival, a farewell to you. We shall never mee as1.n ra' when you stand upon that bal o'd ios there, you'll always ,ee 7-o .p fire. tho 'nrtS. the camels and the desert, and the moon in the date-palms. By-by."
 And presently they were gone. A moment later those remaining could hear the chug-chug of the motors as they sped away. The banker was first to recover from the spell He rushed for the hall, but George stopped him rudely.
 1.-Two hours, if you please. I never break my word. Your money is all there. If you do not act reasonably, I'll throw you down and sit on you till the time is up. Sit down. l do not propose that my future wife shall appear in court as a witness against her mother. Do you understand me now?"
 The banker signified that he did. He sat down, rather subdued. Then he got up nervously and inventoried the steal. He counted roughly a mil lion. A million! He felt sick and weak. It would have wrecked the bank. wiped it out of existence. And saved by the merest, the most tritling chance! A bottle of wine! He re- sumed his chair and sat there won deringly till the time-limit expired.
 The public never heard how nearly the Merchant-Mechanic had gone to the wall; nor how six policemen had worked till dawn carrying back the gold; nor that the banker had not even thanked them for their labor.