Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1919-12-25

IJund an apartment suited TO his thin
purse and then cast about for work
His brisk, CHEEKY ways and frank, open
personality caught the fancy of the
bookkeeper of large factory and Abel
Morse, as he gave his name, was en-
pioyed.
He became a favorlte all around.
There was one popularity about him
he took long jaunts, and 1t might have
been remarked that he never left
Straight street. Beyond were the dance
balls, drinking places, tawdry side
shows and rolIlcking crowds, but, in
town or leaving 1t, Straight street be-
came his beaten path. One moOnlit
night he was pacing its middle pave
ment for the sides were blocked where
new cement was being laid. Abruptly
q spirited horse attached to a high
trap turned into the street. The anil
NAL became frightened at the pres
ence Of road roller and made a Wild
dash across the rubble stone and I'LL
ing-in debris. A handsome girl held
steadily to the tense, straining reins,
but the horse was frantic. AS the We
hicle was all but upsetting, the young
man sprang at the head of the speed
ing animal. He clung to the bride,
was dragged, swung, almost trampled,
but halted the affrlghted steed at last.
ooh, don't let him get hurt, tram
ping among the cinders and glass"
Ltro hfC Hrfunr
and Morse led the horse to the center
smooth roadway. "You had better let
me drive him home" he said, and that
was how 1t came about that he first
saw at the sumptuous Powers man.
sion modest. petite Mary Lane. seam
stress.
Thereafter when he called to see
Mary at home or to chat with her in
the garden, Miss Powers smiled indul-
gently and Mary was flattered and
pleased at the attentions Of the man
ly, good-looking young fellow. There
came about a rapidly occurring series
of events. The war came on, Mary
was proud about her lover when he
was the first to enter the service, |
Miss Powers gave him quite a pub
lie reception when he came from en-
q first lieutenant. Some |
where Abel Morse had learned disci
pllne, self-control and the power to
lead men. He and Mary had become
engaged. He was popular with his
a model to the young men
Of the town and in direct line for fur
Iher advancement.
He had Just left Mary one afternoon
and was crossing the garden to the
street when a hurrying, flushed and
man almost ran into
him. Then the latter halted, stared
md regarded Morse with certain in
;olent triumphant look.
Double luck Well, well, Ned Du-
and and blooming lieutenant I've
heard of you. I saw you before. And
transformed into Abel Morse, q. 8. A.
Some rise In the world, eh, from con-
rict 2244? What is 1t worth to shut
ny MOUTH
"Hold that man !" burst forth sharp
Y, and Miss Powers came rushing into
lew. Her direction was to Morse.
He has just entered the house, and
las stolen a case Of Jewels. There
hey are, in his pocket. Bring him to
ny father, and we shall see how far
is unmanly threat will carry him" ,
Todd Brewster, eX-convict, thief, ;
eft Grovedale that evening a cowed
with evidence sufficient be-
ind him to send him back where he
If he dared even to menace
bel Morse again. Within a week :
he assumed name of the latter was
sgalized. G
To heartbeat and to drumbeat, a /
cal soldier led his comrades through {
ne little town in farewell From the c
overs automobile Mary Lane kissed n
er hand to this beloved fiance, and l.
va Powers, who alone with her IA
Ter knew of his buried past, waved :
or hand in fervent recognition and >
Encouragement that told him that '
hatever came. honor and glory were c
s. portion. b