The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1915-06-24

emulation passed In q flash; his tur-
bulent thoughts crowded into a narrow
channel that led him back to safety.
For the first time since the vents of the
afternoon, he found himself in full pos
session Of his wits. A wonderful cum
ming took Judgment where despair and
remorse had been. God had punished.
IL was God, after all. Adam had said
SO, Mary had hoped It would be so.
God had punished, through him-the
one best qualified to be His agent. 1t
was as II should be.
His brain worked quickly. I'm glad
we know just the XII of a scoundrel
he Is. There won't be any row between
us, Mary, but I'm going to tell him
In the morning that he's got to let you
alone. That's all. / can settle his case
by telling what I know about the girl
he's keeping in New York"
Then, to ease his own mind, he brief
ly told her OF that single phase in the
unsavory life of their cousin, carefully
retraining from any mention of his
peculations. leaving that to the devel-
opments OF another day. Mary was APP
palled by the disclosure.
What would Aunt Rena say II sh.
knew" h whispered, in awe.
He piled her with questions, eager to
obtain further justification for himself,
and succeeded in getting a rather tear
u statement Of facts. Chetwynd had
made vile proposals to this 16 year old
girl, and had threatened her in nc
vague terms. The hateful encounter
took place at the noon hour, just before
n started out for her drive with Joan,
won't 1t be fine IL they will let me
go TO Miss Sinnox's with JOAN" she
cried In the end. IF only TO get away
from Chetwynd. IL don't believe ]
could stay here next winter, Eric, with
you away at college. I am so afraid
or MIN, Why-why, / placed a chair
against my door tonight. 1 was afraid
ne might try to come In before you got
home"
He started. Before I got homer"
Il looked into your room at 10 O'Clock
and you were not there"
He turned very cold. 1T was so hot
In there that I went outside for a little
WHILE" he explained duly.
II listened nearly all night for him.
He was out, too. Go and listen at his
door, Eric. See II he is in there"
Nonsense. I can't go shopping
around like that. He's in. of course,
He won't dare come in here. You're
foolish, dear. Go to sleep"
Leave your door wide open, please
she begged.
He was silent for a moment. "Pn
tell you what I'll do. You're nervous
and I don't blame you. I'll get a blan.
ket and a pillow and lie here on the
floor by your window"
She was satisfied. In 10 minutes she
was sound asleep, ecure In his pres.
ence. He lay very still and tense under
the window ledge, staring wide eyed
Up into the darkness, the soft night
wind blowing across his face.
At last his hands unclenched them.
selves and his whole body relaxed In
surrender to the new despair as he lay
there thinking IL all out. =
He could not go on being the sweet
heart Of Joan Bright!
At 10 o'clock Adam Carr presented
himself at the bank and inquired for
that Mr.. Blagden had not yet come
down. He had not been late before in
the memory of the oldest employee.
"Overslep, l dare say" remarked AID.
am laconicallv.
HE never does that, sir" replied the
ancient person who served as Janitor
and day Waterman.
"Pn wait" said Adam. BY the way
Is his son here?"
mo, sir. That's what makes me think
there's something wrong up at the
house"
Have You te%lephoned"
Mr.. Gray did, a moment ago. No
one Is ever late here, sir. That IS
among the employees. It's Mr.. Blagden's
rule. Sickness is the only excuse. Or
"a death in the family"
"Umph!" said Mr.. Carr.
Horace came in at 10: 80. His first
glance was in the direction of the
~teller's Gag occupied by his son. Adam
noticed a slight contraction of his eye
brows. and a no uncertain pursuing Of
the lower Lip.
He intercepted Mr.. Blagden before he
reached the door leading to his private
office.
Just a word. Mr.. Blagden-" he be-
gan.
Not at present, If you please" in
terrupted Horace, so irritably that n
listening clerks forgot themselves and
looked up. Mr.. Blagden was never any
thing but LAY
II can't wait" announced Adam
shortly.
Horace paused. His austerity seemed
to crumble before the very eyes Of the
permitted to witness an amazing met
amorphosis. He had turned sharply at
Adams curt remark. For a second or
two his naughty stare held. Then his
lips parted and his hand went up with
a spasmodic jerk as If to reclaim ply
steal control Of his features, but nc
power Of his own could conquer the
sudden feeling Of dread and appre-
hension that rushed up from within t.
reveal itself in his eyes. Intuitively he
knew that calamity was upon him. A
blow was about to be struck.
Come into my ROOM" he sale harsh
Ily. 1t would never do for those fell
lows behind the counters to see the
blow fall, and to go forth with the
story OF how he shrivelled beneath 1t.
Adam followed him into the private
office.
Well" said Horace, turning upon
him as soon as the dor vas closed.
Il have discovered the thief" said
adam quietly.
For a full minute the two men
faced each other.
How much do you ask? What is
your price, Adam" asked Horace, A
deathly pallor in his cheek. He put our
his hand to steady himself against the
table.
"Price?" demanded Adam. with 4
frown. What do you mean? l ask for
nothing but the private reward you Of
fered in the name Of the bank"
TIT isn't young Payson?"
mo, 1t isn't. If l were you, Horace,
I'd put that fellow back in his job here,
He's honest"
Speak out. man. Tell me the truth,
Have done with it." cried Horace, sud
denly losing control Of his nerves. He
was shaking like a leaf.
You were bent on Furnishing the
thief, Horace. You said you'd give $1,000
to see him put where all thieves ought
- an - I