The Benson signal., 1915-10-30

would be glad when the time came.
Nancy" he had once said to her,
''if | could get some money, several
thousand dollars, would you marry me
at once?"
How would you get it?" she par.
ried
Il have an investment" John had
laughed.
And his words came back to her as
she sat within the Office, near John.
Once she raised her eyes and looked
at him steadfastly. His own eyes had
been fixed scrutinizingly on hers. He
dropped them.
Later that day he told her some
thing that amazed her. His invest
ment had been of a little legacy-a
few hundred dollars only, but tip
from a broker had enabled him to real
ize five thousand on it. He had the
money safe in the bank. Would she
marry him now?
And the girls eager joy was damp
| ened by the sudden fearful suspicion
that came to her. She thrust it aside
but it returned. John thief? John,
whom she adored with all her mind
constantly? She waited with crush
ing burden at her heart.
And day by day they felt the sus-
picion rise and hang over them like
| 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 F'al-
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 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 was guilty! The impression
had grown into certainty. The story
of the legacy was preposterols. 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 look of satisfaction on his dark
face. He followed her to the office
almost openly. 4
/ 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 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-'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 Electrically. You'd better
confess. You have been tracked to
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 stole the engine plans, and I
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 to
amazement. Then Lewis leaped for
J ward.
You both stole them!" he shouted.
Il have suspected you from the be-
ginning. This will be Jail SEN
tence-'
Dear me, what will be a Jail SEN
tence? What is this trouble about %
demanded pleasant-voiced old gentle
man, entering the Office, umbrella in
hand.
MIR. 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 sent you from
on board the Aquitaine? Why, my
dear fellow, / took the plans. Had an
emergency order from the French gov
erIment, and couldn't wait to explain.
Just got home with the contract"