Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1914-08-19

FTER his visit to the organs and
~ his meeting with Molly. Nelson
struggled heroically to put aside
thoughts of love.
He sought to divert his mind by char
table work among the poor and igno-
rant Of the mill hands. Nelson began
to give part of each day to helping
those who were in dire need, in seeing
that the sick We're healed and that the
hungry were fed
1t was while on one of these little
Journeys, which he made secretly. that
he again came in contact with Molly
Bryan. He found her struggling to
straighten out the affairs of family
in one Of the bleak little cottages pro-
vided for the workers. The father of
the family had gone off with another
woman. The mother had just added
another baby to her already large
brood, and there was only the meager
pay Of the two oldest children to keep
the wolf from the door.
He found Molly playing the part of
ministering angel in this misery en-
numbered home. She made him under
stand that she appreciated his work
for the poor and that she was inter-
ested in him. But he avoided accept
ance of invitations TO visit the Bryan
home
Although Nelson devoted every hour
Of the day for the next succeeding four
months to perfecting a second inven-
ton, the winter proved period Of
mental agony to him. His second in
vention was tested in due time and
brought him an even larger financial
reward than the first, but. try as he
might, he could not throw from him
the great love that absorbed his soul.
His thoughts dwelt upon Molly Bryan
as he worked, and his nights were
filled with dreams of her.
At times be was perilously near cast
ing the dice with fate and declaring
his love for her and asking her to be
his wife. But when it seemed that
the soul within him would parch and
perish if be did not take that step his
brave nature asserted itself, and he
passed through the fire of affection
safely.
With part Of the money that began
to flow into his possession from royal
ties, as his machines were put on the
market. he bought stock in the mills
where he was employed. He was
chosen director Of the company at
its January meeting. and Mr.. Bryan
took him into active cooperation in
the direction of the management of the
plant.
Neither the mill president nor his
daughter could understand Nelson's
avoidance of their home. That Nelson
loved her Molly knew. with all the in
tuition of sensible and sweet girl
That she had given him no reason to
believe that he was otherwise than
welcome she was equally certain.
1t was perhaps the failure Of John
Nelson to press his suit that made the
first feeling Of tenderness and admira-
ton she had for him turn quickly
into genuine love. 1t is only that which
Is hard to grasp. that is denied for a
long time, that makes hunger of soul
or body.
Toward the end of winter a thing
occurred that drove despair into Mel
sons heart and made him decide i'm
mediately as to bis future course.
Mr.. Bryan entered his office in the
mill and handed him a letter that had
been opened. In the left hand corner
of the envelope was the seal Of the
city of New York and the printed
words, department Of Police. New
York City"
"You might read this for your own
guidance. Nelson said Mr.. Bryan.
"and then pass it along to the :oremen
Of the various departments"
Nelson drew forth the letter. a mime
ographed sheet. asking that lookout
be kept for James Montgomery. escap-
ed convict and murderer, sentenced
for life to Sing Sing. The man the po.
lice wanted was an expert machinist,
was likely to apply for work anywhere
in the industrial sections of the coun.
try, and then followed a minute de-
scription Of feature and build of body.
The hound was still after the quarry.
I'LL look after it, Mr.. Bryan" he
managed to say.
whats the matter today" asked
the president. You look pale and
worried"
"Nothing-nothing serious, at any
rate" replied Nelson.
You are working too hard; better
take 1t easy for awhile" advised Mr..
Bryan. He paced the floor of his right
hand mans Office for moment, strok-