Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1915-10-28

HoAh q biOhci udu tuduicU MN u rear
lie five thousand on it. He had the
money safe in the bank. Would she
marry him now?
And the girls eager JOY vas damp
ened by the sudden fearful suspicion
that came to her. She thrust it aside
but 1t returned. John a thief? John.
whom she adored with all her mind
constantly? She waited with q crush
ing burden at her heart.
And day by day they felt the sus-
picion rise and hang over them like
a dark cloud.
ODay, the mail sorter. had been dis
charged the week before, The new
man, Fallon. a surly, vindictive-look-
ing fellow, had his post opposite the
window facing Nancy's desk. When
ever she looked up she would see Fall
Ions eyes fixed on hers. He seemed
to be watching her. And it was not
long before she began to see Fallon
lurking behind her when she went out
to lunch. when she went home, The
man was a spy. She was under sus-
picion. then. Those wretched days in
the office, when John, absorbed, hardly
spoke to her, were breaking down the
girls nerves.
John vas guilty! The impression
had grown into certainty. The story
of the legacy was preposterous. In
Nancy's brain an idea was born. Quiet
ly and unostentatiously she went from
her lunch one day into the office build
ing of the Neatfoot company, emery
ing through the other door.
CHANGING back as she passed out,
she saw Fallon waiting for her. There
was a look of satisfaction on his dark
face. He followed her to the office
almost openly.
Twice more Nancy performed this
feat. Each time she saw Fallon be-
hind her. And somehow, in the mys-
FERROUS way of offices, that story got
known too. Nancy read it in the faces
Of all the girls. in Johns. He knew!
And by now their intimacy had
dwindled to a shadow of friendship,
John no longer called for her, alleg
ing the pressure of work in the office
He stayed there nightly, after Nancy
had gone home.
"Mr. Bramwell wishes to see you,
Miss Graham!"
With beating heart Nancy followed
the boy into the general magnates
room. Lewis was there with Bran
well.
sit down, Miss Graham" said
Bramwell. You know Mr.. Feggis will
be back today and before he comes
his voice was soft as honey--"1 think
you had better confess that you stole
that plan of the engine"
They waited, watching her face like
hawks.
We've got the goods on you" shout
ed Lewis Electrically. You'd better
confess. You have been tracked t.
the Neatfoot Offices
Yes, | confess" said Nancy calmly
Il was bribed to steal that engine
plan"
Before the triumph on their faces
had risen to the full the door opened
and John came hurrying in.
You can cut that out!" he shout
ed. Il -tole the engine plans, and
warn you that all the Office is talking
about Miss Graham being implicated
Well, it's a lie. I'm responsible"
The look Of triumph turned tt
amazement. Then Lewis leaped for
ward.
You both stole them!" he shouted
Il have suspected you from the be
ginning. This will be a jail sen
tence-"
Dear me, what will be a Jail sen
tence? What is this trouble about?'
demanded a pleasant-voiced old gentle
man, entering the Office, umbrella IL
hand.
NH. Feggis!" exclaimed Bramwell
Sir, the engine plans have beer
stolen, sold to the Neatfoot company
and these persons are the guilty ones
They took the plans from the safe
What are you talking about 2" de
manded Feggis. Didn't the messen
ger deliver that note | sent you from
on board the Aquitaine? Why, M,
dear fellow, l took the plans. Had al
emergency order from the French gov
eminent, and couldn't wait 70 explain
Just got home with the contract"
But Miss Graham has confessed
cried the bewildered Bramwell.
And Mr.. Peters ilso," said Lewis.
Mr.. Feggis turned and looked int
tho faces of the lovers.
Il think" he said with quiet empha
sis, that if you will intrust the matter
to me | can obtain a very quick re
cantation from them"
But instead of obtaining the recanta
tion he quietly left the room will
his tides.
"Oh, Johnl' sobbed Nancy, +"
thought you-you- Can you ever for
give me?"
But | thought you" s%tutteret
John. Why, Nancy, what on eartl
didn't you believe in that legacy
/ tell you what, dear, we've both beer
overworked and got a little nerve
worn. What do you say to starting
that honeymoon tomorrow"
Tomorrow" Nancy gasped. why
can't possibly--that is, not till thu
day after, John"