The Morgan County press. (Wartburg, Tenn.) 1916-1926, 1918-03-08

money. Prescott learned casually that
Wetmore had broken with his relative
and had become dissipated and worth
less.
His thoughts wandering over all
these phases of hts experience and his
tory, Prescott sprang to his feet, fully
startled, as the door opened with
quick swing. A man slammed 1t shut,
placed his back against it and, pale
and trembling, grated out hoarsely:
"Save me-hide mel"
page Wetmore!" cried Trescott, in
CONSERVATION and amazement. "Save
you from what? Hide you-why"
"From the police. came to the city
because I learned that Mr.. Bartelme
was to be here, and have been seen
and am wanted! The officers are close
on my track. For the sake Of our past
friendship help me-"
"Here-quick and Trescott lifted
curtain in front of an open cupboard,
thrust the fugitive in, dropped the cur
tain, swung open the hall door and, as
two officers accompanied by the land
lord came up the stairs, was seated at
his writing desk, apparently deeply en-
crossed in his work.
'Don't disturb him. Mr.. Trescott Is
not likely to be connected with crimi-
nals," Prescott heard his landlord say,
and the officers simply peered into the
room and passed on, shortly after leav-
ing the house, unsuccessful in their
quest. Prescott drew the shades, Sc
cured the door and Wetmore came out
from covert.
"You will help me, won't you. Tres
cott?" he pleaded. "I'm in terrible
mess! They can send me to Jail and
disgrace the family. I must leave at
once for South America or some other
distant country"
"What do you want me to dor In
uuired Prescott, with genuine pity,
viewing this wreck of promising
young Shan.
go to Mr.. Bartelme. He Is at the
Belleview hotel"
Eyes, know"
appeal to him strongly in my In
terest. He utterly discarded me months
ago, but surely he will help me escape
the lasting ignominy Of convicted
"Put out the lights and keep the
door locked" directed Trescott. Il
will see Mr.. Bartelme and try to have
him help you.'
Mr.. Bartelme regarded Trescott with
surprise and then with cordial grasp
of the hand. His brow grew dark as
Prescott simply and clearly told him OF
the object of his visit.
"Help that scoundrel!" he almost
shouted. "Never!"
"But, sir, at least see him. Give him
one more chance" and, while Mr.. Bar
telme's face still retained it's stern
ness, he agreed to grant Wetmore ore
last interview. He called taxicab
and they were soon back at Trescott's
boarding house. Trescott led his COM
panion up the stairs, paused at the
door of his room and knocked. In q
low voice he announced, Gall right"
There was no response. Trescost
turned the knob. The door opened
freely. He turned on the electric light,
glanced all about the room, examined
a closet and the curtained cupboard.
"Why, he is not here!'' exclaimed
Prescott, and then he stared fixedly at
a small tin box lying open and empty
on the floor. Near to it were some
small coins.
"Aha! bristled up his enlightened
visitor. HE has robbed you as he did
mel"
II fear it is so," acquiesced Trescott
gravely.
"How much was there in the box2"
"Oh, let 1t co." responded Trescott,
striving to appear Indifferent.
81 insist"
"There was over a hundred dollars.
have been saving it for special pur-
pose."
II will not see you lose II" declared
Mr.. Bartelme. "The villain! A fine
return for your kindly hospitality"
perhaps"
"Don't try to mitigate the wicked
ness of a thoroughly constituencies
scoundrel. / am through with him. I