Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-28
The Daily
Short Story
A DESPERATE SACRIFICE.
BY Walter Ray Duncomhe-

the cashiers window, his eyes Ared
upon the great heaps Of money piled
UP systematically. They particularly
fingered upon one bundle, the paper
band upon which bore the notation
Give Thousand Dollars" He was
pale faced, attenuated OF form, and the
glow In his eyes was intense to the
point OF feverishness.
| His tense pose. his nervously work
ing fingers, the eager expression Of
his features indicated a covetous de-
sire and determination. A bold man
surely, for, while he might thrust his
hand through the migrated window
and seize the bundle, he could never
hope to leave the building undeterrsd.
for as many as six police officers were
scattered about the place.
Quick as lightning the lurking
stranger shot ont his arm. His I'm.
gers clutched the bundle. He drew
from his pocket piece Of wire with
a heavy leaden weight at either end,
Deity he inserted the bundle within
It. At that moment the teller turned
and recognized the package In the
hands of the thief. His hand rsaeAed
out to touch an electric button.
| Buzz-Zz-z!
In an instant everyone Of the uni
formed guardians Of the bank sprang
into action. Precipitately they made
a dash towards the source OF the alarm
call. The teller seized revolver
the thief laughed in his face. disdain-
fully, selfishly. Then he lifted the
hand with the weighted bundle, d.
rected 1t at the street window and let
60.
Crash!
Through the great pane went the
package A strange smile upon his
face, the thief stood mute and uncon-
cerned. Half . dozen pairs OF ofllcial
hands seized him.
One of the officers who had run out
side returned, painting and exasper-
ated.
| Had a pal out there" he clustered.
anyhow, someone planted grabbed the
money as 1t hit the sidewalk and van
ished."
Nov you," began one Of the oficers.
giving his captive . Jerk, whats this
new wrinkle?"
I'm tired" observed the prisoner.
II won't talk"
The officers led the unresisting cap
tive towards the street. A bank Off
cial, notified of the robbery, inter-
rupted them with the words. Take
fhim into the presidents room and see
If he can't get something out of him.
Calmly the thief sank to one Of the
! sumptuous arm chairs in the apart
ment in question. He met the glance
. of the stern faced head Of the bank
without f1inching.
"My man." spoke the prince Of f.
nance imposingly, cit will make things
!, easier for you to explain"
Nothing to say" voiced tho thief
simply. i've done q deserving deed
and counted the chances. The doctor
gave me 10 days to live q week ago.
I've discounted three days OF freedom
to benefit deserving ones, and I'm glad
of it."
1t was just as the bank was closing
the next day. that poorly dressed
woman leading a little girl entered
. the place and asked to see its presi-
dent The mother advanced, drawing
.. from under the faded cloak she wore
package.
Il read of the loss Of money by your
, bank" she said in a timOrous tone.
land I-I-found it, and have brought
it back to YOU
"Why, where did you find it,"
II must not tell" and she started
. to depart
A keen student Of humanity, the
banker discerned that his visitor was
hiding something from him. He spoke
in a more kindly and reassuring tone
"Will you not explain matters a lit
tie more definitely" he urged. his
hand resting gently upon the head OF
the little child.
IF will do that" she said, after
moment Of hesitation, will you
pledge me your word that what say
will not in any way make 1t harded
; for the noble friend now in the power
Of the police? Gerald Wolfe-oh. sir,
pity him! save him! He has suffered
SC much, he is not responsible. 1t was
lAll done because his heart was torn
with sorrow for my crippled husband,
my dear little one here and myself.
Perhaps it was because little Cor
. inne Weston reminded him OF child
of his own, long since dead, perhaps
, the apparent poverty and distress OF
Mrs. Weston softened him, but tears
stood in his eyes as she related a
strange story.
, Her husband, temporarily crippled.
had taken in an old friOnA. Gerald
, Wolfe. confirmed invalid. To their
last morsel of food they Aad divided
; with this welcome helpless guest
: realization OF their terrible SITUATION
must have driven Wolfe, with the as
sistance OF trusted accomplish. 70
, rob the bank. At all events, Mrs. Wes-
ton had read the account Of the crime
,, in the newspaper and at once sur
missed that a package mysteriousy
; placed and found by her In her Kitchen
: was the stolen money.
You will retain this money" SPOKE
. the bank president IN an unsteady
tone "As to this Gerald Wolfe, VIII
! see that he is cared for"
4 And he kept his promise. and IN :
|. sunny. health giving climate In the
new home Of plenty Of the Westons'
the man who had been willing to sac
rifice himself for others knew peace
. and comfort. and love.
----------zz------------- --==----------
! hearing. Bond was flxed at $l,Voo'
! | which ha vas unahlo 10 furnish