Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1915-04-15

opposite for Molly. knowing her inter
est In the mill people who would bt
chosen as operatives. There were
many little gifts OF gold and silver Of
fee utensils hidden under flowers for
the bride and bridegroom.
Nelson had already instructed Molly
in the handling of the machines he
had built. and the two worked with
the girls patiently and taught them
their simple duties.
The first payrolls were drawn, the
first days work was under way.
Through the wide. open windows of
the building came the heavy fragrance
Of early summer In the country. The
grounds about the plant were bright
with geraniums and beds OF pansies.
nasturtiums and peonies.
The pretty mountain girls. all In
their freshest ginghams and muslins.
all happy in the possession OF well
paid tasks. stood by the knitting ma
chimes watching the flashing needles
and the steady fow Of the raw ma
terial that fed them. Molly Nelson
paced the aisles. glad In her task as
forewoman for a day.
Nelson's secretary brought MIN his
first batch Of mail In his new business.
He trimmed the edges Of the envelopes
as he unused over his happiness and
the rosiness Of the future. He had
nothing to fear. Molly knew his Sc
cret, and there was no skeleton In their
closet
Nothing could cheat them Of the
taste OF heaven that they had had.
Whatever Disaster
A shadow fell athwart the room. A
stranger was on the threshold.
Nelson's secretary went to the wis.,
tor and inquired his business. He said
that he would like to talk to Mr.. Mel
san and was offered seat
Nelson glanced at the man and
opened letter.
Fate was not playing any petty
game with him. At the moment that
the man hunter seated himself In his
presence he received word from bis
old pSobationer friend.
The letter mherably scrawled and
botted. read:
Dear Kid-I Amt lofing that's why you
didn'. here from me. / got chance to
do things. Don't count on IL to much
but IL the guy is living I'm going TO take
him to the D. A. Office or die trying.
BILL.
The I'd. A." Office meant the Office
OF the district attorney Of the county
and city OF New York.
CHAPTER XIV.
The Sacrifice.
n YELSON did not know the face Of
IN the man who sat waiting to ad.
1 dress him. His visitor had re-
sorted TO the old trick of sitting
with his back to the light.
well, sir?" asked Nelson.
The visitor half rose In his chair.
I'D like to talk with you In private"
be said.
There is nothing that my secretary
should not hear" Nelson informed him,
surprised.
''Mebbe there is. Mr. Nelson" the
visitor said. with suggestion Of warn
ing in his voice.
What is your business, please?-
The visitor approached the desk and
moved the right lapel of his coat as be
did so.
Nelson saw on the mans breast a
gold badge. After the first curious
glance be studied IL and from the In.
scription in blue enamel learned that
his caller was a captain of detectives
OF New York city.
For the fraction Of a second Nelson
felt as though his blood had turned to
ice water.
Molly entered the office, and her
bright face brought him in fuller real
ization Of the tragedy that was az
hand. But his years of self denial. his
whole life of splendid control Of him.
self. were to stand him in good stead
What is il now. DEAR he asked
calmly. smiling as she came TO him.
II just came in to tell you that the
girls are doing splendidly." she said.
sitting on the edge Of his desk.
He forced laugh to his lips.
Il am busy. Molly" he said in feign-
I'd reproof There is gentleman
here who desires to see me on some
business" She turned and gave
glance to the detective.
Well" she said. with sigh. II
shall be back in twenty minutes
She left the room, waving a kiss to
her husband.
"Mr. Adams be said TO his secre-
tcry. you are excused for half an
hour. This gentleman desires to see
me alone"
Adams put aside the correspondence
be had started to go through and left
the room.
'Mr. Montgomery" began Kearney.
II am Mr.. Nelson"
Cautiously Kearney abandoned this
line of attack
BEG your pardon, Mr.. Nelson" be
said. but | am looking for James
Montgomery. who came here about six
years ago, got job In one OF the mills
as mechanic and rapidly made
name and fortune for himself"
IL never heard Of him." replied Mel