The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1914-01-16

iieT. MY Htte DOy Is hungry, SURVIVING.
Do you understand me?" he ended
| fiercely Don't interfere with me-
please; I'm going to take something
Almost anything will keep the wolf
from the door. and it will be mine
by rights"
wait moment said Orilla. sit
ting up among the cushions and grow
ing very animated. "Oh. please pick
up the rug ana put it over my sprained
ankle. 1t has slipped or. Thank you.
Now about the little boy. Have you
ever stolen beforeT'
"Of course not" came Indignantly
from under the white handkerchief.
Orilla smiled wisely. Pm very glad
of that. and I'm very sorry you are 30
skeptical. because there really II such
a woman as you describe. only she's a
girl yet. She's right here. I'm Orilla
Payne, and live in Roselea, on the
loveliest farm, and l am visiting my
cousins, the Maynards. I'm going
home tomorrow. and I'll take Don
with me il you will trust me. and it
can ali come out as ! have planned.
have the dearest mother In the
world. and she will just love little
Don, and there's Lydia. our old nurse.
who doesn't have half enough to do
and who grumbles all the time because
there are no children in the family to
cuddle. and there's everything to make
a little boy happy.
Now. will you give me trial and
give little Don a chance to start life
fair? You don't want him to be
ashamed of his own father" pleaded
Orilla.
The man lifted his head and tore the
handkerchief from his face and the
hat from his head. He stuffed them
in his coat pocket and stood looking
down at her from shining eyes.
"Ah, yon are kind" he breathed bro
kenly. IF there were more like you
to lend helping hand If can only
bridge over this difficulty
Orilla smiled understandingly.
II know life is made up Of crossing
bridges" she said quantity, then she
listened.
Uncle Peter is coming" she said
quietly. IL hear his latchkey. He will
come in here. You are my friend. You
are paying me a visit. although you
are staying rather late. What is your
name-quick?"
Donald Findlay," he gasped. sink
ing into big chair.
The door opened. and the kindly
face of Peter Maynard appeared. "ln
here Orilla 2" he asked pleasantly.
Eyes, Uncle Peter Come i'm and
meet my friend Mr.. Findlay," said
Orilla quickly.
"Findlay?" repeated Mr.. Maynard
as he came forward with outstretched
hand THE name is familiar. sir, and
your face-your face is familiar too"
perhaps you knew his father. I'm
Gle Peter?' dared Orilla.
Peter .Maynard's eyes narrowed as
he scanned the young mans pale coun
tenance
Il knew DR.. Findlay," he said
reminiscently.
my father was DR.. Findlay. He is
dead" said Donald abruptly.
Pardon the question. Mr.. Findlay,
but did your father suffer hardship?'
HE died poor" was the crisp reply.
IF there was anything l could do"
muttered Maynard helplessly.
Donald's handsome face was proudly
aloof. Orilla caught her breath, and
she once more plunged her little finger
in the pie Of another's business.
81 think If you could give my friend
some work to do" suggested Orilla
practically. lit would be worth more
than anything else. He really is very
expert-expert In Office work-and he's
been Ill long time. and he has a lit
tie motherIess boy TO take care of.
Somebody has to give him start. you
know"
Just the thing cried Maynard.
turning about with cleaning eyes.
How about it. Mr.. Findlay? l need
a private secretary. and I'm sure you'll
do. Does It appeal to you?"
Thank you, Mr.. Maynard" he said
gravely. IF yon will permit me, will
call at your office tomorrow and ! will
present my credentials. After that. II
you care to employ me. shall be very
grateful"
Peter Maynard sighed with relief.
Whatever prickings of conscience he
may have had concerning his sharp
dealings with Dr. Findlay now. thought
he, could be appeased by this kind
ness to Findlay's son. So the elastic
conscience Of the financier relaxed a
little and he glowed with all the
warmth of good deed done. Of Il
wrong righted.
After a little general conversation
Maynard left the room for few mo-
ments. and Donald Findlay arose to
take leave Of the girl who had changed
the whole course Of his life.
What can l say to your" he whis-
pered brokenly. what can | do for
you in return for your great goodness
to me this night?"
Orilla opened dainty satin work
bag and took out little fat beaded
purse and slipped it into his reluctant
hand.
"That Is for little Don," she said
soberly. please take it for his sake.