The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-03-25

her name and address. Then it came
my turn to answer questions that came
thick and fast. but had to stay after
he finished asking them.
was glad, because wanted to hear
the rest. l tried to put in a word for
Miss Carberry, but only made matters
worse for her, perhaps. though she
looked at me gratefully out of her
white face.
When Mr.. Huston cross-examined
her, he was as kind as he had been to
me. though 1t was plain to be seen
that he was sure she was in the thing
somehow. Her not knowing anybody
in Chicago looked pretty bad for her.
and 1t was much worse that she had
no one in Peoria she was willing to
refer to.
Mr.. Huston kind of smiled crooked
when she said the man who had gone
surety for her running an account in
Meadows store had died the week be-
fore. Things we're beginning to be
pretty dark for her when thought Of
Mr.. Winter. was going to blurt his
name right out when l remembered
they had quarreled and she might
even deny she knew him at all
/ thought I knew him well enough,
however, to feel sure he wouldn't think
Of anything except that she was in
trouble and needed him. So asked
Mr.. Huston II might phone to our de.
partment. He looked surprised when
Mr.. Winter came in.
I'VE are conducting a private inves.
tigation, Mr.. Winter" he said coldly.
Gould your business wait . half
hour?"
Il beg pardon" Mr.. Winter said. II
understood you wished me to come up
here at once"
II phoned for Mr.. Winter" l said
eagerly, He can help Miss Carberry.
II you will let me tell him"
I was astonished at my own bold.
ness, but I knew Mr.. Huston liked
straightforward people. and anyhow
! had to. He smiled.
60 ahead" he said.
1t took a good many words to tell II
all straight, and Mr.. Winters face was
a study. He looked angry and hurt and
puzzled. and then he burst out before
! finished, as sudden as lightning.
"Mr. Huston. Miss Carberry Is az
honest and straight as you are!" he
cried sharply. III she says she met
this woman on the train, you may
know It's as true as Gospel. l will
stand responsible for her every act
and thought. It's an outrage. by Jove
1t is! She's as innocent as"
Mr.. Huston raised his hand and
turned to Miss Carberry
do you know Mr.. Winter?" he
asked severely.
Miss Carberry hesitated. When he
first came in she had looked very an.
cry to think he had dared; but when
she found how 1t was her face softened
a little, and there was funny little
light in her eyes when he became so
excited.
Eyes" she said softly. II used to
know Mr. Winter"
III all this is true, Mr.. Winter" Mr..
Huston said slowly, how can you ex.
plain her unwillingness to send for you
before?"
II didn't send for him this time"
Miss Carberry protested gently.
Please remember that"
Mr.. Winter grew red and glanced at
Miss Carberry. who leaned forward.
listening with. parted lips and very
pink cheeks. He hesitated q nome mt,
but her eyes seemed to sort of smile,
and he answered reluctantly:
well, you see," he stammered,
Miss Carberry and I've been friends
for long, long time. but while ago
we-well, we had falling out, and
she said she'd never speak to me again.
So, you see"
MIR. Huston smiled
Il understand" he said 1T would
take a hardened sinner not to believe
your faith in her justified. Miss Car.
berry, am sorry you have been incon.
venienced, but think you can see our
position. l am sure, with Mr.. Winter
as such an earnest champion, l cannot
hold you longer, even as an accom-.
plice Only remember. It is safer not
to make friends on the cars In the
neighborhood of Chicago"
Miss Carberry smiled. but couldn't
speak.
Now, Daily" Mr.. Huston went on
briskly. Il hand the real prisoner over
to you. Find out whether 1t 10 her FIRST
offense and act accordingly. Madam,
] would have been more inclined to let
you 60 had you said the least word to
help Miss Carberry out of the pickle
you put her In. Remember that next
time. You are excused. all Of YOU"
At the doorway I looked back and
caught a glimpse of Miss Carberry
crying on Mr. Winters serge coat, and
forgot how tired and nervous and
cross | had felt all the whole day
long
felt for once as though was living
In a novel or a play
Funny Tug Of War.
At logging camp in lower Missis.