Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-08-17
The Red Mouse
A Story of Love, Jealousy and Politics
BY WILLIAM HAMILTON OSBORNE

IihiOAN opboNNE
how you are, Laurie, for you're tho picture
Of health"
And you. Shirley-why. you never looked
better" and he looked at his wife for n
confirmation Of his words, what have YOU
been doing with yourself all these years
The tide Of his words rcceded
there, leaving his eyes stranded upon hers.
Tho same thought came simultaneously to
them both.
Mirams happiness at their spontaneous
greeting was good to see
III dared, I'd kiss you" Laurie went on,
laughing good-naturcdly; but he compro-
missed on his wife, who had been holding. all
this time the bit Of fancy work on which
she scwed Suddenly she glanced down
at It,
ON" she said. conscience stricken. and
running across the room. hurriedy thrust
It into a closet Challoncr watched her In
surprise and when she returned, he put his
arm about her and kissed her once again
so much happiness" commented Shirley
with a pretty little pout, "and poor
me
| Challoner laughed
"Oh. we'll have to look after you. Shirley
| I'vc got a dozen likely chaps down at the
! works--Americans too. Real men, every
| one OF thcm-men who work with their
| hands"
The works." Shirley looked In astonlsh-
| ment, first at one. and then the other. oh.
| the selfish jades we've been-Miriam and |
| have talked about every man in creation
but you Aren't you ashamed, Miriam? |
| am, :" She drew up her chair and settling
| herself back comfortably into II, turned to
! Challoner and went on excitedly: Now tell
me about yourself"
"rcl her about your invention, Laurie"
suggested his young wife with pride.
Not waiting for second invitation.
| Challoner Immediately launched forth on
| his favorto topic Shirley listening with
| great interest But toward the close. he
said something about concrete and frauds
| which instantly caused her to interrupt
| him
| Frauds? What frauds?"
! "Why. where have you been that you
| haven't seen the papers?" he inquired THE
papers the world over, almost, have had
| something tn say about this political expose
| | was at work on tho hospital job at the
| time and it was | who made tho discovery
| that everybody connected with tho job was
| stealing cement: bosses superintendents,
| inspectors, politicians, why, even ] was
invited into the ring There was money
| in it," he continued. money for me-hun-
| dreds, thousands ." He paused
| then wound up with: But. what good
would that do me when the hospital fell
| down."
Think what would have happened" in
terposed Miriam. III it had been full Of
patients. 1t was good they found 1t out In
| timc II has to be rebuilt"
But | wouldn't stand for the steal"
Challoner went on, In his legitimate pride
| Maybe you know the rest?" He looked
up questioningly; and convinced that she
did not. he proceeded Il went to Murga-
troyd; he did the rest | helped him, OF
| course, by testifying. and all that sort OF
| thing in other words, had "a make good
my accusations. But perhaps Murgatroyd
didn't smite those chaps hip and thigh !,
| You know what 1t meant, don't you? 1t
well nigh smashed the ring! Anyhow it
| has crippled tho organization, and Murga-
, troyd did it -"
Good for NIurgatroyd - calculated
Shirley; and then added quickly with a
| blush: Good for you.'
"Laurie's in business for himself" Mir
| lam presently Informed her.
mo-" exclaimed Shirley "Concrete?"
YES" answered Challoner enthuslastlc-
ally. "I've got bit Of n reputation for
| honesty, now. People that want an honest
job done come to me, OF course, for a
time the hospital scandal killed concrete
to some extent round here but there 8
going to be a quick recovery. The trouble
is not with concrete, but with men ."
Challoner sighed longngly. II could swing
| that hospital job" he said wistfully, Ill
only ! could get the bonds and the cash
with which to start me. But l suppose
I have got to stick to the small work for
a while However, I'm getting there, Shir-
lev, and I'm proud OF II, too. You'll begin
to think I'm suffering from exaggerated
ego" he finished with a smile.
""rhey are like pair OF doves" said
Shirley to herself; and then aloud, as she
started for the door: Miriam, I'm going tC
fix up a bit for dinner. hope we're going
| TO have a dozen courses, for I'm starved"
| When the door had closed behind her
Miriam rose and started for the kitchen.
"Miriam. girl" said Challoner, gently
"never mind about the dinner now--tha
II haven't much to do anyway" an
swered his wife. -
for the last few weeks, Miriam? present.,
She looked quickly up at him and re
peated
He pointed toward the closet.
what have you been putting away Their
! every night for the last rev weeks! Wha
] is In that closet now ~
Miriam Challoner hesltated. When sh'
] found her voice. she asked tremblingly:
1 "Do Won really want to known
"yes > he answered in the same tone.
I Miriam stepped to the closet, fumblet
3 there among some things and, returning
thrust something into his hands.
: There" she said. blushng.
cballdner held It up, looked at II a mo
ment. finally he said with Just a tinge o
| suspicion In his voice:
: This tiny dress-whatf" He looked a
/ his wife stupidly ana after time
aaded. why. Miriam. you never told ms
sss A little child fos you and ms7"
9 y S,tSS~ y Z ~ i3 M ri - 4, -