Willmar tribune., 1916-08-02

moved to one of the front windows
and looked out.
II see the sheriff and Jim Tibbs. his
deputy in front of the livery stable.
They are looking this way and talking
to a group. They will be here in
few minutes. There is no use trying
10 hope otherwise. I've been fighting
It of all day. l am sure that the grand
jury has already ordered my arrest"
Howard suddenly faced the old man.
II see" Howard muttered in what
was almost groan. '"They are not
even going to give me personally
chance to work up proof of my inno-
cence. I'll be wholly dependeet on
my friends, and that hurts-that cuts
to the quick. But. above all-let me
say 1t now, Uncle Abner-I shall think
more Of your pain and my mothers
than all the rest put together
"You won't suffer long," Abner gulp-
ed. me an Billy an Pole Baker will
turn the earth upside down or find the
guilty man. All we want you to do is
to be patient an trust us. Keep yore
soul pure an sweet under this calam-
ity."
There was step on the stair beloW.
'They are coming" Howard said
"Yes, that's them" Abner agreed.
The next minute jeff Dill. the sheriff.
a tall. thin man of middle age and Jim
Tibbs, his deputy, young man. came
in, their faces set grimly. Dill let his
| oh {rly o1o on 1sc
steady eyes.
II reckon you know why we've come,
Howard" he began awkwardly.
Howard nodded. Yes. l know"
THE Lord knows hate my part OF
it." Dill went on. with averted eyes
Nobody knows better n me an jim
here what tough customer Fred Craig
was. Eff you hadn't done it somebody
else would have been sure sooner OF
later to-
"Stop!" Abner fared up. "That's 9
purity way fer an officer to talk. How
ard amt been found guilty yit, thanh
God''
I'm sorry" Dill said, in no little con
fusion. 1T is reported out in tow1
that Howard has admitted Is to sew
eral, an naturally l thought
"Well, he hain't admitted it to no
body" Abner fumed. Hes as limo
cent of it as l am. You kin hear blacl
is white in town full O tattlers lik'
this un. Folks want to believe th'
worst they kin agin anybody that's try
in to do right an rise above the com
mon level"
"Never mind, Dill" Howard put il
bravely 1T is natural for you to be
lieve did it, and no harm has bee1
done. I'm ready to go with you"
, Dill fumbled a parcel wrapped Il
brown paper and tied with piece o
| twine. AS he unrolled it the links Of
steel chain clinked and a pair of nev
handouts came into view.
will that be necessary" Howar
asked, forcing smile. II don't inten
to try toto get away"
I'm afraid it is, Howard" the she1
if returned.
"Oh. it's all right" Howard sal
quickly. II am no better than an
other prisoner" And as he spoke b
extended his arms. He was wearing
thin office coat. and Dill glanced fro1
it to another hanging from nail o
the wall.
IF you want to put on yore othe
coat" he said. you'd better do it b'
fore the cuffs are on. You can't &
yore arms through the sleeves unles
you do"
: Il see." Howard's eyes met Abner'
l The old mans held a stare that W.
too fulhof pain to be described.
;, do you happen to know if my mott
=! er is in town." Howard asked the she
e iff.
r mo. she amt yet" was the repl.
t but somebody passed yore pa an ht
: on the road just now mile or so bac
r an that's why me an Tibbs decided
: hurry. didn't think you'd like to Il
her see you go through town like this
r You are right" Howard answered
:, Abner remained in the office. AS tt
8 clatter Of steps died away from tt
l. stairs. and the fainter ones from II
sidewalk below. he sat down at his
d BILE and raised his hands to his dea
IS white face.
e Lord God Almighty" be praye