The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-07-29

Walter kept up . brave front. In.
nocence armed him against real fret
ting, and hope made him CHEEKY and
bright as usual.
Il have good news for you" an
nounced his lawyer, appearing at the
Davis home Just after dusk one eve
ming He was quite excited, and he
had a companion at whom Walter
glanced curiously and then recog-
nized.
why, I've seen you before" said
Walter.
Yes, you gave me some help about
a week ago." replied the blind man.
Il happened in tow today. / learn
ed of your trouble and l found your
lawyer. You called me 'friend'-do
you remember" asked the mendicant,
with a noticeable huskiness in his
throat.
well, aren't we friends?" smiled
Walter
I'm going to prove it. Go ahead.
Mr.. Lawyer. You've described that
fellow, Lowell. He tallies. Give me
a sight Of him."
whats that? A sight of him?"
cried Walter.
"You will understand later, Walter"
promised the lawyer. Just run US
against Lowell, some way"
Walter felt that there was some
thing mysterious in the proceedings.
He noted also that the blind man &C
companied them at quite brisk gait
and without guidance.
It was a moonless night. Suddenly.
a. they turned a corner, they came
face to face with Bruce Lowell.
strolling along by himself. The blind
man took a step forward, bent his
glance on the approaching figure. and
cried out sharply.
THAT is the mani"
You are positive?" estioned the
lawyer.
I'D swear to him anywhere"
avowed the mendicant. THAT man
was one Of two men whom saw en-
ter the bank at midnight on the night
Of the robbery. His companion un-
hinged one Of the iron gratings and
forced up window. The fellow with
him had a wooden leg"
Hello! hello! hello!" exclaimed
the lawyer in three different tones of
voice, evincing in turn wonder, sus-
picion and then triumph. You didn't
tell me that before. You have given
me final clew."
What is this NONSENSE" demanded
Lowell Indignantly, but pale and trem-
bling.
This man Identifies you as one of
, the bank robbers, he says" replied
the lawyer.
why! but he is blind" exclaime d
i Walter.
"vees, day times" said the mendi-
cant. Il am what Is called a nycta-
| lops-I can see at night"
The next morning the lawyer, Wal
! ter and the mendicant had an inter
view with the bank manager. Then
| the lawyer made a hurried visit to a
neighboring town.
He had remembered that Lowell
. bad a relative there, an ex-convict,
who had but one leg. The man con.
fessed to the crime when he learned
that otherwise both he and Lowell
Would ba arrested,
| Lowell was given his walking pa
pers and disappeared, Somehow the
story got out. When the banker and
his daughter returned to Millville. II
was to learn the whole story. Against
his wishes Walter had been put VI
as q candidate for = public Office. ant
was more popular than ever.
you seem always making people
happy" said Viola a few evenings
later, referring to the blind man
whom Walter had sent again on hi
way rejoicing. Il wish l was as for
tunate as YOU"
do you really?" asked Waite
earnestly. Then begin the goo'
work, by telling me that you will
make me the happiest Of men by re
turning my love-"
"Oh, Walter" confessed Viola i'm
pulsively, Il did that long ago!"
Copyright. 1912. by w. G. Chapman.)