The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-05-22

ately steal. He must have needed
money badly and intended to pay 1t
back"
The girl slept little that night, and
in the morning was UP early. She
could scarcely wait until evening for
Clifford was to call at o'clock. She
was fearful he might leave town or be
arrested in the meantime, SO she called
him on the phone and received assur-
ance he would be on hand.
Eight O'Clock came, and Clifford
was punctual, altho appearing as wor-
ried as ever, or more SO. They started
cribbage game in the library, while
Mr.. and Mrs. Clemmons shut them
selves in the living room
Its got to come tonight Media
decided, shuffling the cards.
Before either had rounded the
board once they tossed their hands on
the table.
Il don't feel like playing" said
Media.
Neither do l." he agreed, and they
was unable to get thru the first selec-
ton. She had developed a case of
nerves as intense as the one that
gripped Clifford.
Suddenly she left the piano, stood
up and confronted him.
"Clif,'' she said placing her hands
on his shoulders, and loking him in
tently in the eyes. you've got to make
that confession tonight. What is it
that's bothering you? Don't you be-
lieve you can trust me-with any Sc
cret, no matter what?''
Clifford smiled, something after his
old manner.
Certainly, Media, I can trust you;
and I'm going to make the confession,
too. I've got to get it off my mind.
Medal" said her mothers voice
from
here a moment?"
She excused herself, and left him
standing by the piano.
The blows going to fall" she muir
Probably they're going to take him
to Jail right now"
Her father was seated in his easy
chair. with her mother close by.
MEDIA" her father began, without
any preliminary remarks, something
serious has occurred at the bank. 1
fell that you ought to know what it
is, especially since the thing has been
settled.
1.-The fact is ten thousand dollars
was taken by a trusted employe; but
he has confessed and resigned, and
there will be nothing done about it,
altho he is leaving town"
Media breathed easier. 1t was some
relief to know Cliff would not be sent
to prison.
Il rely on you not to mention this
to Clifford" Mr.. Clemmons went on.
IT just received a phone call that made
matters clear, and the directors told
me their plan. which 1 approved"
Media was trembling. She gulped
two or three times, and managed to
stammer:
who is the guilty one?''
Swanson, the receiving teller. He
had been playing stocks, and simply
borrowed the money to make good on
a deal. On account of his faithful
service he will not be imprisoned.
Gilbert, one of the directors, has Of
fered to make good for him, and
Swanson has promised to work hard
in some other city and pay him back"
Medals heart felt lighter as she hur-
ried back to Clifford. who remained
standing near the piano, hopping his
brow with a handkerchief.
Media" he said, firm resolution in
his tones, placing his hands on her
shoulders: I'm going to confess at
once. It's just this-I love you. It's
worried me for some time. because 1
was afraid the affection was not re-
turned. 1t took a lot of nerve to tell
you. but-there it's OUT
She laughed joyously.
BE treasured Cliff dear" she told
him softly. and her arms found their
way about his shoulders. Il love you,
too. you see"
Copyright, 1920. by the Mcclure News.
paper Syndicate)