The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1919-05-23


poor vet" he countered. "Poor? Well.
! should say not Can anyone call me
poor. with you and the baby. and a
job. and a roof over II all? Poor?
With me managing things? Not /!
Cheer up, grille. and see. what I've got
for you. It's just little something
for you to wear the next Sunday you're
able togo out"
She took the necklace and admired
II. Then she held out her arms to him.
"You thoughtful. noble boy" she
whispered.
"Oh, 'Cy, dear! forgot to tell you.
The man was here today and turned
off the gas. He said the bill hadn't
been paid"
swell, what stupid oversight on
my part! I'll stop In there and make
them have II turned on again tonight"
"How have things gone with you to-
day. sweetheart? Dear me! You look
completely worn out"
"Fine!" he lied, and turned away his
face. "Now ! must go, and l won't
leave you alone a minute longer than
/ can help. Here is today's paper.
You can read 1t tomorrow"
He 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. 1t took
him, willy-nilly, to the druggists, the
grocer's, the dairy, and the gas Office;
and it forced Jones to make the four
greatest talks" of his life.
"The grand smash for mine tomor-
row night" said Jones to himself, on
his way back to the house.
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 it, and immedi-
ately fell into deep sleep.
From q phantasmagoria of doctors,
sick persons, hospitals, babies, sour
faced men who refused him work.
house agents, tradesmen, children on
roller-srates, 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
q bound was on his feet.
It was early morning.
"What Is It, Helen, darlingw he
cried, as he rushed into the next room,
fear gripping him.
She was propped up by pillow
and was excitedly reading the copy
of the newspaper he had given her the
night before.
my beads, Cyrus! My beads!"
she exclaimed, "Where did you get
them?"
He sat weakly down upon the foot
of the bed.
downtown" he faltered.
"Dd you buy them or did you find
them?" she questioned eagerly.
81 found them near Merry's on
Fifth avenue" he replied shamefaced-
ly,. certain that all his perfidy was now
discovered.
ooh. splendid! just knew it! l
was certain of 1t. Here, read that"
He took the paper and saw:
100000 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, il can't be true!" he gasped
as the two gazed at each other, wide
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.
'Pearlsr'
No doubt of 1t whatever In the light
Of his present information.
Jones' homecoming on this day Of
all days was 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. reposng snugly. bank
book.
"Was II true?" she called anxiously
as he entered. "Was II really and
truly true?"
"As true as ever was. sweetheart"
he answered chuckling. as he came
into her presence. "And here Is an
other present"
what! A handbook I"
Nothing less, my dear. And II re-
cords the wealth Of Helen JONES'"
mot all of It," she answered, flulhed
with JOY. 1T Is the very least of my
possessions"
She euddled her baby closer and
gave Jones long, fond look through
wet eyes,