Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-10
The Third Offence

ley collapsed on OHe OA LAo lou6"
stone seats scattered here and there
along the Alcada. Two days unsuc'
cessful search for employment in the
hot, reeking streets of San Marcedo
had put to rout the long-entertained
belief that men for general work were
at a premium in the busting South
American city.
Credentials were required-recom'
mendations from men or firms OF un'
questionable integrity - and these
Chesley had not. They were in the
pocket of his coat, together with all
the money he had possessed, and the
coat was somewhere in the mud at the
bottom of San Marcedo harbor. Think
ing of his loss led to thinking OF the
girl in whose service he had suffered
the financial calamity.
When the steamer was nearing the
docks in San Marcelo harbor MISS
Dearborn and Chesley were in group
standing near the rail. A mislnter'
probation Of orders had caused con-
fusion among the deck hands, and a
massive haWser had come sweeping
over the deck toward the group. IN
the scramble to evade 1t Miss Dear
born had been forced overheard. Ches-
ley had followed instantly, shedding
his coat as he sprang. He reached
her easily and swan with her to a
rope that. hung over the side to await
the lowering of boat. The girl hung,
a dead weight, on his arm. Her face
was colorless, her eyes closed. A
great wave of loving compassion
swept over Chesley. The bullying
bows hid them from the view OF those
on deck. He pressed his lips to hers.
She opened her eyes and looked at
him. wonderingly, reproachfully. Then
the boat had appeared and taken them
to the ladders. Miss Dearborn had
been whisked away by her friends
and Chesley had not seen her again.
But some time he would meet her, and
when he did he must beg forgiveness.
But what was the matter with his
head? He put his hand to it; 1t was
burning hot and seemingly not part
of him at all, but something detached
and far away.
A carriage stopped at the curb op-
posite Chesley's seat, but he did not
heed. A young lady leaned forward
and spoke his name, but he did not
hear. He was far from Alcada now
He was a boy again; about him were
green, Uninterrupted fields, and ne
Law face downward and drank from
gurgling crystal spring. And now he
was saving Miss Dearborn again from
the waters of the harbor. But instead
of being placid, as before. they were
now tossing frightfully and it was a
struggle to reach her. He could see
her, as she rose to the crest OF a huge
sea, smile encouragement to him.
All! the brave eyes of her. One more
great effort, one last mighty stroke
and he reached her and clasped her
tightly. Then came darkness and a
noise as OF the ringing of many bells.
1t was several days before Chesley
was able to be about again. His host,
Rodney Dearborn, came to him when
his delirium had passed, and thanked
him for saving his daughters life.
1T was a fine thing, my boy, fine
thing" he said in his bluff, genial
way, "and don't think for a minute
that we're not grateful. l sent my
son down to the boat to look you up,
but you had gone and the officers
could not say where. And-er-l
gather from some Of your fever talk
that you're up against 1t because Of
the loss Of your money and creden-
tials. If you will tell me the amount
you lost. will reimburse you. AS for
your credentials-don't worry about
them. I'll back you, here, to any ex-
tent you ask. knew your father, my
boy, and"-softly-"your mother. So
don't worry; take it easy for while.
When you're able to get up. Jose will
attend to your personal wants"
Chesley was lounging in shaded
corner of the veranda when next he
saw Evelyn Dearborn. After few
commonplace remarks she touched
upon the SUBJECT Ol HeT dCClueHt'
thanking him earnestly for what he
had done.
You made it easy for me- compli-
mented Chesley in reply; you were
very brave"
But my bravery was short-lived,"
she laughed. II think I must have
tainted after you reached me and
felt that l was safe. I can't remem-
Der what happened after that, until
until"
She stopped, embarrassed and
flushing rosily, and Chesley remem.
bered the kiss.
ooh, say, Miss Dearborn" he
1lurted, 81 was a cad to do that. II
You'll forgive me, Miss Dearborn"
he entreated.
st was an offence not easily con-
doned," decreed Miss Dearborn, with
mock severity. And besides, you
seemed inclined to make the practice
habitual"
Chesley looked at her blankly
moment. Then out from the chaos Of