The Leader, enterprise and press. (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1915-1921, 1920-05-14

'4Oh' "Oilh w III u, NOulIdClUi, anu 10
all appearances he answered to this
name
Feeling better?" he inquired, scan
ming Reed critically. 1--WE found you
outside there. What was itT'
Hunger, I guess" replied Reed
b!untly.
able to get to the restaurant
downstairs?"
with the prospect of a square
meal? and Reed smiled wanly. 81
think So"
John Ward extended a bank note
with the direction: Get what you
need and come back. l want to talk
with you"
When Reed returned he found his al
moner seated at his desk, a PARKWAY
expression upon his face My FRIEND"
he said, trying to learn your identity
| found letter written by the chap
lain of a prison."
Il should have shown it to you" de-
clared Reed spontaneously.
Tell me all of it," suggested Ward,
y.
you are headed on the right path"
spoke Ward. ITO prove to you that
believe so offer to employ you"
Reed held his benefactor in species
of alteration. John Wards generosity,
Integrity and helpfulness to all human
ity had become a household word in
Weston. Pride, gratitude love had
been generated in the soul of Reed
through the rare confidence this good
Samaritan reposed in him.
Ward had come to Weston ten years
previous with his little orphaned child,
Evaline, and had steadily won his way
in popular esteem. She was q young
lady now and, as time went on, Reed
beca-1e an occasional guest at the
home of his benefactor.
He loved Evaline Ward, but never
did he betray his emotions. He felt
that she was far from his humble, dis
.upted life. Like some faithful watch
dog, however, he was ever alert to
guard her, to protect and further the
interests Of her father.
Ward. There appeared at Weston a
man who recognized Reed as an ex-
convict. He terrorized Reed by threat
ening to betray his past unless the lat
ter lent himself to his unholy scheme.
Reed was appalled, when the soulless
blackmailer proved to him that Ward
himself had been convict.
"You are to find out certain identifi-
catien Marks" instructed the creature,
Dalton. 1--WE will divide the price Of
our Silence"
1t was then that the old Evan Reed
RwOke. One evening he went to an ap-
pointment with Dalton, armed with a
revolver. II will shoot him down as !
would dog-this infamous scoundrel
who would bring exposure and misery
upon those I love-" he firmly resolved;
but heaven saved him from the guilt
for that day Dalton was crushed to
death In street accident.
The menace wasFemoved, but year
later John Ward died. He left his af,
fairs In charge Of Reed as admiAistra-
tor and the latter accepted It as holy
trust, the daughter, Evaline, avinQlng
a confidence In Reed that was almost
pathetic. =
1t was then that Reed secretly gaNe
himself over to what was to be his
tribute to the man who had dotte 80
much for him. 1t was a piece Of sctlp-
ture showing an angel guarding q
tomb-~an angHl with single finger
pressed to the Lip as i enjoiuing 81
lence.
It was a lovely fsummef afternoon
when Reed stool beside the grave Of
his henefactos. gazing upon the piece
Of sculpture. he fancied thAk he
alone Of all the world held the secset
meaning Of that mute invocation to
those who would cast a stone, to rev.
erence the great destiny this noble
man had attained. butt there was 4
footstep ard Evaliue stood at his side.
Her eyes met his, her hand clasped
his. Her iiEis framed two significant
words:
II understands"
Yes, the past Of her father-for she
had protected that secret all the years;
the past, as well, Of this man whose
loyalty of soul and devotion had ex-
pressed itself In a tribute that found
their two souls in unison.
~Do not leave mey she said, low and
earnestly. "Father would not have Il
80" and. mingled with their mutual
tears, was q mutual love that tune
would never dim.