The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-10-28


picion 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, vindictive-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
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 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.
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. N:.ncy 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.
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
we'll
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 theatrically. You'd better
confess. You have been tracked to
| the Neatfoot Offices
Yes, | confess" said Nancy calmly.
81 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 Quit" he shout
ed. Il stole 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 to
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 Jail SEN
tence? What is this trouble about?'
demanded a pleasant-voiced old gentle
man, entering the office, umbrella In
hand.
Mr.. 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-
handed 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
eminent. and couldn't wait to explain.
Just got home with the contract
But Miss Graham has confessed!
cried the bewildered Bramwell.
And Mr.. Peters ilso," said Lewis.
MIR. Feggis turned and looked int
the faces of the lovers.
Il think" he said with quiet empha-
sis, that if you will intrust the matter
to me | can obtain very quick re-
cantation from them
| But instead of obtaining the recanta'
ton he quietly left the room with
his aides.
oh. joint sobbed Nancy, y
thought you-you- Can you ever for
give me'"
But / thought you" suffered
John. Why. Nancy rh?. on earth
didn't you believe in that legacy
| tell you what. dear, we've both been
overworked and got a little nerve
worn. What do you say to starting
that honeymoon tomorrow"
Tomorrow? Nancy gasped. why
1 cant possibly-that is, not till the
DAY after, John :