Las Vegas optic., 1913-07-25

II. A4dySS anu nave 0du quite an
argument, and here are the lawyers,
Gloria, who can settle the question for
us. Can woman steal from her hus-
band, Mr.. Kendall?"
Kendall knitted his brows in per-
plexity. Really, Mrs. Hayes, that is
a question shall have to take un-
der adyisement"
But 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. If it weren't
50. we mightnt be here begging
money"
so you are after money" said
Judge Gilbert lightly. "Then you must
tell me why I should contribute to
keep men from stealing from their
wives, you who have no one to steal
from you"
Gloria was not to be diverted from
what she had to say. These men to
whom she was talking represented to
her what was best in Belmont, what
was best in manhood. She wished
them to see the truth as she saw it.
1T isn't that kind of stealing" she
went on; its worse than that. Till
went with Mrs. Hayes to visit the
mission | had no idea of the degrada-
ton and misery in town even like
Belmont. When / say men steal from
their wives mean they take money
they should spend on their families
and spend it for whisky and gambling.
Il think it's shame that such men
as you, Judge Gilbert, and you, DR..
Hayes and you, Father, of all persons,
permit such things to happen here in
Belmont. wish / were mani"
you can't keep people from spend
ing their money" said Kerr, as he
looked at his watch
Or. Hayes caught the slight nod the
boss gave, and said something to his
wife Then, interrupting the discus
sion, he said to Gloria:
I'm already on the list Of cheerful
givers, Miss Kerr, and I'm going to
ask If you'll let me carry off Mrs.
Hayes for half an hour or So"
But I'm only assisting her." she re-
piled in surprise.
"You can tell Judge Gilbert about 1t
even better than she can. know how
it is when married ladies come to my
Office and when unmarried ladies'
come"
EYES," laughed his wife, ''he keeps
me poor, contributing to things that
are none Of our business just because
pretty girls come in and he can't re-
fuse them. DIR. Hayes says we won't
be long, Gloria. You don't mind, do
your"
"of course not. Where shall meet
your"
Well come back here"
Gloria turned from saying goodby to
Mrs. Hayes to find only her father in
the room with her. Kendall and Judge
Gilbert had withdrawn to the latter's
private office.
Where's Joe Wright been keepin'
himself?" asked Kerr suddenly.
The girl did not betray the slightest
interest in the question. She took her
time about answering, and when she
spoke it was in the most nonchalant
manner.
"Mr. Wright? Oh, he's in Belmont" I"
'You don't go with him like you
used to. He amt been to Locust Lawn
once"
"He says he's busy when l see him.
meet him occasionally"
81 thought you and him was good
friends"
ooh, we are"
Although she answered his questions
in an off-hand manner, her father was
not deceived. From what he had been
told and also from what he had OBJ
served, he felt that his daughter had
genuine regard for the owner of the
Belmont News. OF its depth he could
not decide.
"He amt been near you for long
time"
I'm not bothering about him. I'm
not bothering particularly about any
QUE"
The girl was glad that at this mo-
ment Judge Gilbert came from his pri-
vate office. Her father was question
ing her about matters she preferred to
keep to herself.
IF Miss Gloria can spare you, Mr..
Kerr" said the Judge, "Mr Kendall
would like to see you in my Office. I've
come back to be persuaded that /
ought to join the cheerful givers."
I'll tell Kendall, Gloria, that he's
got to join the lodge" were KeTr's
parting words as he went into the in
ner Office.
Remembering that Miss Kerr had
not been given the chance to explain
her visit fully, Judge Gilbert took a
cnair beside her and said:
Now, I'm at your service, prepared
to believe the most terrible things
about our fair Belmont"
When you talk Hike that Judge
Gilbert. I'm afraid you're laughing at
me-"
OF late Gloria's seriousness had far
outWeighed her old mood Of iOyOus-