The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-07-06

way. And one shan't forget when Tve-Tvs
made these land-pirates brass up"
Ihe officer coughed dryly
can see for yourself" continued Mr.. Weekes, bor-
rowing his escorts knees for table and his he'll
to restate the whole case of Weekes VS.. the Royal
Hotel Company. Beachngton-on-Sea. from the be-
minutes and ten Struck by
an idea idea.
was the date you say you bought your plot OF
land? he inquired
Eight years ago last August" replied Mr..
Eight years ago." repeated the policeman, shak-
ing his head ominousy. Then I'm sorry to say
it. mister but am afraid you've lost" ~.
Mr.. Weekes stared him open-mouthed His
wife put her hand over his and pressed it tight
Something had warned her from the first that this
Lost" repeated Mr.. Weekes in pathetic whis-
per; GA. 49,.
time, you see" he continued in explanation, the
place, as place, didn't exist in manner OF
Mr.. Weekes nodded in dazed assent.
And there was no one to look after such
things as groynes and piers to keep the cliffs
from falling away every time there come an east
erly gale"
Mr.. Weekes jaw dropped so that he could hard
ly frame the fatal question
And my plot of land? he managed to ask at
last.
is about sixty yards out to sea now. as near
dS makes no HldItcl, answered inc POHCcinau
slowly.
Mr.. Weekes swayed on his seat made gallant
effort to recover himself, but finding his wife's
about him. collapsed shamelessly upon her
shoulder.
The policeman, after vainy trying to obliterats
himself behind large red handkerchief, sudden
ly craned his head out CT the window to exchange
word with the driver.
"Thomas-oh, Thomasp appealed Mrs. Weekes,
We've still the shop"
yes, but tomorrow" groaned Mr.. Weekess
Tor, think of it; the police-court!"
There's little use thinking of it," answered his
wife brave1y. We've made our mistake and we
must pay for it. Perhaps the magistrate"
But the fly was already coming to a halt. They
must be nearing the police-station Their hands
elasped to get ready.
:. Now then, missus. Here we are" said the pe-
Mrs Weekes put her head out and drew it back
with It'll gulek * gasp: But this IS
why the railway station" cried Mrs. Weekes
Quite right, missus," laughed their escort, help
Il didn't say what station I meant to take you
to, did /? Very we'll then NUNS the word. and
that's your train in now"
How long Mr.. Weekes would have stood cling
his throat, it is impossible to say. But the bell
was already ringing and there was the lyman to
be R Plid that ~. don. and +,.x ,oos.a round
again the friendly bobby had disappeared
The rest of the journey like waking
realized that his wife and he had returned in
arm, for the first time perhaps since honeymoon
days.
But the crackle of the freshly kindled fire SEEM
ed to rouse him last He rose then and with
determined step went out to the coat-rack in the
passage He returned with the ill-starred title
deeds in his hand. Opening the lid of the kitchen
range he was about to thrust them INTO the blaze
when touch on his arm stayed him. His wife
had entered the room silently.
mo. Thomas Don't-please DON'T" she plead
ed
He looked at her in wonderment. But she had
already taken the papers out of his hand and
on her way upstairs with them He heard her
footsteps in the bedroom overhead and the open
ing and shutting of a drawer.
Mr.. Weekes knew that drawer and promptly
choked 1t was the little grave of all dead hopes.
He mounted softly. There a smell of sweet
lavender in the room and faint soud of sobbing
came from the bed.
Emily" he said huskiy, cropping his way for
ward
Thomas" came whisper out of the darkness
Darling" breathed Mr.. Weekes, gathering her
into his arms.