Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-03-02
he laid tho book on the table beside

ucIc ID AV OASPIoy, AV VAuduAeuiuliOu
in this; 1t is simplicity. those things
serving which are first at hand as it
seems to me 1t should be; those who
give record their names and gifts in
this book; the little chest to hold the
gifts Is open, free to the inspection Of
ALL"
But is that wise?" demurred Thorn
ton. $50 large q sum Of money as
must accumulate to be left openly
about? Would 1t not be temptation
to some to steal? Might it not even
endanger Miss Vail and the Patriarch
himself-subject them, indeed, to at
tackY>~
II get your idea," said Madison to
himself, while he gazed at Thornton
in panied surprise, "but there ii never
be more than the days catch in the
box at time, though, Of course. you
don't know that. You see. we'll empty
1t every night and start 1t of fresh
every morning with trinket or two
put back for bait. I'm glad you men
toned it, though; it's a little detail
mustn't forget to speak to the Hopper
about"
Aloud he said, and there was sort
Of shocked awe in his voice: "Steal-
here in this sacred place! No man
would dare-the most hardened GRIM
inal would draw back. Why do even
we who sit here speak as we have
been speaking. with hushed and low
cred voices? That very sense of a
presence unseen around US. that how
ers over us. is mightier safeguard
than the strongest bolts and locks.
than the steel barred vaults Of any
bank. It would seem, indeed, to pro-
fame our own faith even to entertain
such an idea To me this place is a
solemn shrine. and there are only pur-
fly and faith and stiffness here, the
dwelling place Of power as compass
siouate as it is mighty"
Madison stopped abruptly, and 81
lence fell Each seemed busy with
his or her own thoughts. About them
were quiet, stiffness, peace. Twilight
was falling, and q soft, mellow light
filed the room.
mo one would dare The words
cams from Mrs. Thornton breathlessly.
Madison's hand went to his pocket.
Slowly he drew out his check book and
laid 1t upon the table.
II am not q rich man"-his voice
was very low. very earnest-"but l
feel that this is something deeper,
srander, bigger than anything the
world has perhaps ever known before
something higher and above ones
own self. 1t seems as though hero
were the chrysalis that, once devel-
oped to its perfect state. would sweep
pain and sorrow from suffering hu-
manity. It is as though a new, glad
err had dawned for. all mankind. I
am glad to give and humbly proud
to have part in this"
He took out his fountain pen, open
ed the check book and began to write.
Thornton leaned forward, watching
him.
Silence fell again. There was no
sound save the almost inaudible
scratching of Madison's pen. Upon
Mrs. Thornton's face was'a happy. ra-
diant smile. Helena's was impressive.
but in the dark eyes lurked puzzled
light. The two Holmses sat awkward.
ly. still upon the edges of their chairs.
gazing st their :on across the room
incredulously, as though they still
could not believe. and occasionally Mrs
Holmes wiped her eyes.
Madison's pen moved on, PAY to
the order Of Miss Helena Vail the SUM
Of $4,000" He carefully inscribed
the amount in numerals In the lower
left hand corner.
Honest" he confided to himself as
he signed the check, II feel SO philan.
thropfc could almost make myself be-
lieve I had this money in the bank"
He tore the check from its stub and.
standing up. handed it to Helena
II am not rich man. Miss Vail, Is
mentioned" he said, with grave
smile. but can give this, and give
1t with great Joy in my heart"
Helena took the check, glanced at It,
gasped a little, lifted her eyes, an in
stant's hooking CLINT in them, and
yelled them quickly with her long
lashes.
.No"-Madison's hand, palm up.
went out protestingly-'no, do not
thank me; It Is little enough"
\ He sat down again, drew the Patri-
arch's blank book toward him and, on
the line beneath the one where the Pa.
triarch had ended bis essay with the
words. "such is the power Of faith"
wrote his name and set down the
amount Of his contribution.
''Ten thousand dollarsp' It was Mrs.
Thornton speaking as she took the
check from Helena. She turned quick
" to her husband. Robert, have you
your. check book here?"
Thornton shook bis head.
Y mo, DEAR" he said. "I'm afraid I
haven't"
well. It doesn't matter" said Mrs
Thornton brightly. 'tYou can use one
of Mr.. Madison's checks and write the
name of your own bank on it--you've
often done that. you know"
"A suggestion" Madison murmured
to himself. "for which thank you.
Mrs Thornton. 1t sounds SO much less
crude coming from.y you than from me-"
But aloud he said courteously. "Take
my pen. Mr.. Thornton
'sThank you," from the other MS Mad.
ison placed It in his hand
Mrs. Thornton and her husband had
their heads together now and were
swhispsring. Thornton with his eyes on
He1as who at with lowered head