The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1918-02-13
The
Vndica6on
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81 By Saidee Estelle Balloon I#
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1Copyright. 1917. Western Newspaper Union.l
The shades Of the house were low
cred and the place bore general at
mOsphere of gloom. In one room, alone,
and her tears falling as she mechanic
ally counted the stitches in some en-
broldery she was working at, Myra
Lane bent her head like crushed be-
ing, consumed with a woeful misery
for which there seemed to be no sur
cease.
A mile away, confined in a prison
cell her father paced up and down the
narrow confined space, comprehending
that IL within week some evidence in
his favor was not produced, he was at
the mercy Of jury composed Of men
likely to follow the influence of 'igtor-
ance and prejudice.
A square away, man who had just
left the forlorn prisoner, his hands
Clasped behind him, his walk slow and
measured, his eyes bent to the ground,
was revolving over and over in his
mind plan to assist the client he had
just left. Lawyer John Bird fancied
he saw a single CLEAN of light in the
vague dimness Of the environment of
the unfortunate man accused Of MUIR
der.
His steps led him to the lobby Of a
hotel, where he sat down in one of the
armchairs at rest. to continue his cogi-
tations. Grouped together a few feet
away, engaged in casual conversation
and at times joking and reciting droll
stories, were four young men. Lawyer
Bird knew them, and had nodded as he
passed them. He raised his head as he
seated himself, and his wise, critical
eyes took them in as though their pres
ence suggested some idea in relation to
his present train Of thought.
He was keen observer of humanity
and IN expert analyst. While each of
the young men was of different tenn
permanent, they were on an average of
respectable, well-behayed class. The
infection Of their tones caught his
hearing.
Ned Wing, the fat, jolly fellow of
the group, uttered bluff, hearty "Ha
Hal" at the relation of a funny story,
indicating little depth Of character out
side Of taking things as they came,
with a trend of mind difficult to i'm
press with any sense of responsibility
or serious attention to the practical
hings Of life.
Frank Carter, with his Indifferent
*Ho! Ho!" betrayed a cynical, half
hearted regard for passing events, and
to the mental view Of the lawyer could
not be relied on to stir far from
routine Of selfshness in his compre-
hension Of the duty of man to man.
The "Hel Hell" Of diminutive, fop-
pish Gwyn Lavelle was suggestion of
his petty grasp Of life. The fourth of
the coterie smiled only. He spoke al
ways in low, unobtrusive tone, like
q man who knew the art Of listening
and was thinker.
"He Is my man." murmured the law
yCA uuu 0IOSC anu RRAOuSACA tA0
Quartette. 'Can I speak with you for
q moment?" he spoke aloud.
? Certainly, Mr.. Bird" responded
Alwyn Prescott promptly. Excuse
me-" he directed at his friends, and
courteously followed Mr.. Bird to some
seats at distance.
II am in need of some assistance, or
rather cooperation" spoke the lawyer
gravely, and the clear, earnest eyes of
the young man evidenced close atten-
tion. II must find some one to exc
cute difficult mission for me, and !
hope you are SO situated that you can
give me your services for week.
am authorized to pay the person who
will undertake the task the sum OF one
thousand dollars"
The announcement naturally startled
Prescott, but the lawyer, as he knew,
had appeared In some very important
cases where wealthy clients did not
stint the fees. II am fixed so can
leave my regular work for the period
Of time you name," he said at once
"Are you sure I am the man for the
taSkY
II know you. and 1 have selected you
as just the man." replied the lawyer
"You and your three friends know Miss
Lane and admire her, well know. YOU
are aware Of the terrible trouble ant
peril that has come to her father. Il
may the more interest you, If I tell yor
that the whole future happiness Of ia
Their and daughter depends upon wha
you may do through my instructions IL
their behalf"
Immediately quick fash came int
the eyes of the young man. Sigh
flush transfused his face, his lips Quiv
cred. The astute old barrister had no
missed his mark. Alwyn Prescott lOve'
Myra Lane, although she had neve
shown any more preference for nj