The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1916-06-26

ney nom Jabe Ewing's cash drawer.
/ hope the governor VIII come 70 see
II as I do, but his decision may seem
slow to you. Come with me, though.
and we will see what has been dona.
And lot me go, too, wgn't you dade
asked Abigail, who surprised her faith.
er by Joining them and greeting Ma
mie cordially.
Why, certainly, daughter, but I
thought-you know, we're going down
to the governors office.
Yes, ! know, but | want, to 60 and
perhaps / can be OF some comfort %
Mamie while she is waiting. Her faith.
er knew better than to question Abb.
gals whims.
When they reached the governors
suite Of offices, Senator Thomas gave
his card to a smiling secretary, who
took It at once into the governors pri.
yate office and returned a moment Ia
ter bidding the senator enter the gu.
bernatorial presence. AS they sa.
waiting. Mamie told Abigail how ey-
erything pointed to Henry's innocence,
including an affidavit voluntarily sent
her the week before by Dave Gibson,
now living out west, but at the time
Of the Ewing ROBBERY a citizen OF Thorn.
asyille. In his statement he told that
owing To his dislike, of Henry Morton,
who had been his rival for Mamie's
hand, he had kept quiet when he had
evidence that the money from Jabe
Ewing's cash drawer had been taken
by two tramps who buried part OF It
in Henry Morton's garden merely to
throw suspicion from themselves and
point 1t toward Henry, who was en-
ployed in Ewing's store.
As the door of the inner office Cd.
ened. Mamie stopped talking and start.
ed from her seat as Senator Thomas
entered, followed by the governor. Her
eyes searched pitifully for some sign
that the pardon was forthcoming. As
the governor recognized Abigail, who
had quickly risen and was standing
looking out Of the window so that her
face could not be seen, he stopped
short for an instant, but quickly recov.
cred his composure and brought his
right hand from behind him and hand.
ed Mamie Morton a long folded paper
bearing the State seal,
l am happy to give you this paper,
Mrs. Merton, he said kindly. When
you present 1t to the warden OF the
prison he will give freedom to your
husband.
Senator Thomas quickly guided Ma.
mic to the door and u through the
long corridors 10 the entrance OF the
building, talking quietly to her all the
way, as II to stem the fearful current
of her gratitude. :.
In the governors Office, Abigail turn.
ed and walked up to Stanley Worth
in a way that made him wonder wheth.
er his good fortune was a dream. The
smiling secretary had discreetly with,
drawn to another room.
Stanley, / came here partly to help
that poor woman by being with her In
her distress and partly to be present
when you have to recognize that the
name OF one woman, at least, was not
fraility. But do you know why l have
remained? Her face changed from
pink to white and from white to pink
o6aiu pelole otuHiey WOElu
to murEur q response.
No, l do not, he said, and his voice
sounded queer and unnatural.
I've remained to say that the fidelity
shown by that woman has made me
ashamed OF what you called my frail.
ty. and to say Abigail paused, and
her lovely head went higher and her
clear blue eyes looked fearlessly into
Stanley Worth's gray ones, that II
you're determined not to propose to
me again, then I'll take advantage of
leap year and propose to you.
The blissful expression brought to
the governors face by this startling
confession was partially dimmed the
next instant by the shadow Of Senator
Thomas re.entering the doorway, but
he managed to whisper a reply, and
the senator wondered what on earth
1t could be that Abigail had been ask.
ing of the governor which brought
from him an impassioned assurance
that an official confirmation of his de.
cision would be given her at the earl.
lest possible opportunity. But Abb.
gals wilkins were always more or less
Of a puzzle to her father.