The Monticellonian., 1915-10-28

ment had been of a little legacy; few hundred dollars only. but til from broker had enabled him to real ize five thousand on it. He had thu money safe in the bank. Would sh' marry him now? And the girls eager joy WAS damp ened by the sudden fearful suspicion that came to her. She thrust 1t aside but it returned. John thief? John whom she adored with all her mine constantly? She waited with crush ing burden at her heart.
 And day by day they felt the sus pieion rise and hang over them like a dark cloud.
 O'Day, the mail sorter. had been dis charged the week before. The new man, Fallon. surly. vindictiye-look ing fellow. had his post opposite the window facing Nancy's desk. When ever she looked up she would see Fal' 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
  man was a spy She was under sus- | pieion, then Those wretched days in the office, when John. absorbed, hardly | spoke to her. were breaking down the girls nerves.
 John was 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. emerg- ing through the other door.
 Glancing 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- terious 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 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.
 Mir Bramwell wishes to see you, Miss Graham"
 With beating heart Nancy followed the boy into the general magnate s room. Lewis was there with Bram- we'll
 Sit down, Miss Graham said Bramwell You know MT. Feggis will be back today and before he comes" his voice was soft as honey-"I 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 theatrically. You'd better confess. You have been tracked to the Neatfoot offices.
 Yes, confess" said Nancy calmly T was bribed to steal that engine plan"
 Before the triumph on their faces
  and John came hurrying in.
 You can cut that out" he shout ed T -tole the engine plans, and 1 warn you that all the office is talking about Miss Graham being implicated. We'll. it's a lie. I'm responsible.
 The look of triumph turned to amazement. Then Lewis leaped for ward
 You both stole themi" he shouted. T have suspected you from the be- ginning This will be jail sen tenee-"
 Dear me, what will be Jail sen tenee? What is this trouble about ?" demanded a pleasant-voiced old gentle man, entering the office, umbrella in hand.
 MT. Feggis," exclaimed Bramwell. Sir, the engine plans have been 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?" de- manded Feggis. Didn't the messen- ger deliver that note 1 sent you from on board the Aquitaine? Why. my dear fellow, took the plans. Had an emergency order from the French gov ernment, and couldn't wait to explain. Just got home with the contract"
 But Miss Graham has confessed! ," cried the bewildered Bramwell.
 And Mr Peters lsc." said Lewis.
 MT. Feggis turned and looked int the faces of the lovers.
 '.I think he said with quiet empha- sis. that if you will int-ust the matter to me I can obtain a very quick re- cantation from them "
 But instead of obtaining the recanta- tion he quietly left the room with his ides.
 "Oh, John," sobbed Nancy, T thought you-you- Can you ever for give me-"
 But l thought you" stuttered John. Why, Nancy. what on earth didn't you believe in that legacy? tell you what, dear. we've both been overw orked and got a little nerve worn. What do you say to starting that honeymoon tomorrow"
 Tomorrow Nancy gasped. Why, cant possibly-that is, not till the day after, John"
 Cool Canadian.