The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-11-21

on Harry. whose hack was toward him and
who did not turn.
Raymond Owens fears to-day were a.
deep az his exultations yesterday had been
high. How much had Pauline told Mar.
vim? That was the question that racked and
rent his grim but timid mind.
He chose to risk the test. Good morn
ing, Mr.. Harry" he said evenly.
Coed morning. Owen" replied Harry in
the same tone. but rising as he spoke.
Are You going to the city?" asked Paul
ine. 7ss
Il think not until afternoon" he an
swered. He walked to the end OF the veranda
and motioned to Farrell who drove the car
back to the garage. Harry sent I'M the
house. Pauline went back to the newspaper.
Owen seemingly was not deeply interested
in the magazine. Carrying 1t under his arm.
he walked down into the garden. But he did
not stop in the arbor nor even seek shady
sconce under the trees. In fact, he did not
seem ut all Hike man bent upon leisure
hour. His step was swift, nervous. He
glanced from side to side. At times he
pressed his handkerchief to his forehead
feverishly, although the morning was bltss-
fully cool He did not stop until he had
reached the road wall
He was so nervous that rustic In tho
hedge lining the wall caused him to start
turn hack to the house when whisper. In
the piping voice of a child with we1rdly
soft foreign accent, came to his ears. It
seemed to come from the hedge.
"Meesta Owing" said the voice.
Owen drew back several PAGES more.
Yes, yes; what Is wanted?" he asked
shortly
Out from under the hedge appeared the
husky face, the halfnaked body OF Gypsy
boy, SO tiny that he had Wedged himself.
safe from sight, between the roots OF two
OF the close growing hedge trees He stood
up and ran to Owen fearlessly. In fact. as
he handed to the Secretary a grimy bit Of
paper, he stood with rather an air OF regal
defiance. his little head proudly erect his
bright eyes naughty.
Owen unfolded the paper. His face flushed
with anger as he read:
mfr. Owen: let the lions loose on
McCallans' wedding party. lost my
job. I need more money. The boy he
show you where ! am You better
come. PIETRO GARCIA"
Get out of these grounds. How did you
come here?" growled Owen at the boy.
The little fellow merely shrugged his should
ers and pointed to the hedge
Get out" ordered Owen.
The boys eyes blazed an instant. Then
he laughed and, turning. walked slowly and
gate.
Perhaps It was the boys manner. per.
haps II was the conspicuous route he took
in fun view OF anyone on the Marvin
veranda-that caused Owen to reconsider
rapidly.
He called to the boy, who came back.
where 10 Pietro!" asked Owen
The lad pointed to the toot-path gate deep
behind the shrubbery. Owen nodded and
followed him through the gate. across the
road and into the farther forest
They had gone perhaps half mile along
family marked wood-rath. when the boy
brought up abruptly beside q huge fallen
tree that had fashioned . sort Of clearing
BY its crash.
~Pierto say Meester Owing wait here,
he announced with his air of command.
Owen seated himself ON the fallen tree and
the child elided on through the forest
II was but few minutes before he re-
turned. leading Pietro Garcia. the lion tanner.
The boy pointed to Owen and departed.
DO yeu need help. old friends" asked
0wen. checking the threat and the demand
On the Gypsy's lips
Pietro nodded sullenly.
Il am glad to help yoa- You did your
best to help me. Here, take this"
The yellow bills that the Gypsy found 20
Unexpectedly thrust into his hand. disaEned
him S0nnu1afa1v