The Press., 1919-07-31
He tossed the copy he had picked up

Re tossed the copy he had picked up in the park upon the bed. When the door closed behind him, Jones collapsed. He was all in. Not SO, however, with Jones' spirit. It took him, willy-nilly, to the druggists, the grocer's, the dairy. and the gas office; and it forced Jones to make the four l greatest talks" of his life
 "The grand smash for mine tomor- row night !" said Jones to himself, on his way back to the house. l Half famished as he was, Jones man. aged to control himself and to cook his supper before he ate it. By the | time he had devoured it his whole be- ing was shouting for relaxation and rest. So, after rapid preparations for the night, he sought his cot, which had been set up in the little dining room, stretched himself upon 1t, and immedi- ately fell into deep sleep.
 From a phantasmagoria of doctors, sick persons. hospitals, babies, sour faced men who refused him work, house agents, tradesmen, children on | roller-skates little girls who had lost | things, restaurants where he had eat en but could not pay, the police, jails, and the like, he was released by a | cry from his wife. He awoke, and With a bound was on his feet. It was early morning. "What is 1t, Helen, darling? he cried, as he rushed into the next room, l
 fear gripping him. She was propped up by pillow and was excitedly reading the copy 1 of the newspaper he had given her the l night before.
 My beads, Cyrus! My beads" she exclaimed. "Where did you get 1 them?
 He sat weakly down upon the foot of the bed.
 "Down-town," he faltered.
 Did you buy them or did you find them?" she questioned eagerly. q found them near Merry's on Fifth avenue" he replied shamefaced- | ly, certain that all his perfidy was now | discovered.
 "Oh, splendid! I just knew itl I was certain of it. Here, read that" He took the paper and saw: N,OOO.OO reward and no questions asked upon the return of plain necklace of six | ty-nine (69) rose-tinted pearls recently | lost on Fifth avenue, Forty-second to Fifty-ninth streets. | H. T. LEFFINGWOLD. Hotel Shropshire.
 Helen, 1t can't be true!" he gasped
  eyed. "Let me see them. quick!" She withdrew the necklace from its hiding place under her pillow. His sleep-laden eyes frightened as he beheld it. He examined the beads carefully and counted them. "Pearls !"
 No doubt of it whatever in the light of his present information. Jones' homecoming on this day of all days was a triumphal progress. He and his spirits were making holiday.
 When his latch-key again admitted him he had receipts in full from the doctor and from his creditors of the previous night.
 There was also slip which record ed the fact that he had paid two months rent in advance, properly signed by the astonished agent.
 In the inner pocket Of his vest there was also, reposing snugly, a bank book,
 "Was 1t true?" she called anxiously as he entered. "Was 1t really and truly true?"
 frr1n hno pf D he answered chuckling, as he came into her presence. And here is an- | other present" What! A bank-booky y Nothing less, my dear. And it re- cords the wealth of Helen Jones'" Not all of it," she answered, flu3hed with joy. "It Is the very least of my possessions"
 She cuddled her baby closer and gave Jones a long, fond look through wet eyes.
 But that isn't all, dearest" said Jones. i've secured another position, a much better one."
 You have? How is that?"
 "The man who owned the fifteen thousand dollars worth of pearls paid the reward and refused to ask any questions; but l insisted in making full explanation. We finally had a long conversation and he incidentally mentioned that he had long needed a capable manager. He said. however, that he had searched in vain for a man of spirit and was about to give up the task in despair"
 And what did you say to that. Cy, dear?"
 "I said I am the man." answered Jones truthfully. And, what is more, succeeded in proving it to him. But that Is another story"