Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1921-03-25

men. land you couldn't have finer
girl in the world. amt goin' to say
| for you to forgive me, sir but you've
had 'er over two years! Now, gimme
! Urah. and we'll go.'
| Tony threw her arms around Ediths
neck. What change two minutes
and few words had made! She
seemed to have taken on a new dig
nifty as, with shining eyes, she said to
Paul Pendlehaven:
Father, darling, whatever it was
that separated us, I want, oh, how
want to do something for the only
mother I've ever known"
OF course, Doctor Paul consented:
he even did more. He got promise
from the confused Uriah that he'd
turn his back on the old days and
old ways, and begin again with such
aid as the Pendlehavens would give
him.
| While Doctor Paul was settling the
fate Of the Devons, John Pendlehaven
had been sizing up the Curtis family.
They were grouped together, clinging
to each other.
Reggie" he calculated, 4 reckon
you did a good job when you stopped
Devon with q bullet last night AS
Doctor John arose and stood be-
tween Uriah and Mrs. Curtis, holding
the roll of bills in his hand. Amidst
the closest attention Of the rest of the
group, he looked from one to the
iother, while the claimants INDUCED
in dispute.
you give it to me, didn't you,
ma'am?" asked Uriah, roughly.
l"Didnt' you?"
Eyes, suppose did," she acknowl-
lodged, but you haven't done what
you said you would"
"Twasn't my fault" Uriah grum.
|bled. III that fool of son OF yours
hadn't butted in and shot me. I'd TAX
en- Tony like I bargained to-"
Then Doctor Paul interpOsed, and
a few questions, sternly put and cate
gorically answered. discovered the
whole conspiracy between Mrs. Curtis,
her children. and Uriah Devon.
John Pendlehaven. whose anger had
been steadily rising, suddenly stepped
forward and brushed his brother aside.
"rll take charge Of this now. Paul."
he stated. you're too id easy.
Here's where you treacherous snakes
70 to JAIL" he included Uriah and the
Curtises in a sweep Of his hand. ''Ev-
cry one of you!" He turned savagely
upon Reginald. you little pup" he
charged swiftly, "you tried to poison
Paul. didn't your" He crossed to his
side and lowered over him with up
raised fist. "Own up. d-n you. Didn't
your"
Reginald covered. slipped out Of BIZ.
chair and attempted to shield himself
In Mrs. Curtis arms, who leaned pro
tectingly over him.
Philip got out Of his chair, but Doc.
tor John put him back into 1t again.
"Wait." he whispered into the boys
ear.
II want to tell you, everyone" wenS
on Tony, fiercely, that I'll swear til
I die my mother"
by the shoulders and forced her face
up to his.
"This woman, here. your mother"
and he waved his arm toward Mrs.
Devon. "says you didn't have that gun
In your hand and it's loaded to the
trim now. She didn't use it. either"
Reggie's jaw dropped He made a
dash for the door, as Mrs. Curtis
screamed. Doctor John caught the
aeeing boy and wheeled him around
to face his horror stricken mother.
"It's lie! l didn't" he mumbled.
SWhere'd get a gun to shoot any.
one? This woman did 1t herself.
saw her."
"Then you were here" cried Philip.
Mrs. Curtis acted as II she were go
Ing to faint, but, as no one paid any
attention to her, she slumped back be.
side her daughter, who turned away
Iontemptuously.
THAT settles one question:" COM
mented Doctor Paul, grimly. "You
shot Devon, Reggie" and the boy sank
into chair beside his mother. "Now."
continued the doctor. ''who robbed the
sNfe?"
TO know that her mother hadn't
done the shooting relieved but one Of
Tonnibel's worries. Uriah wasn't hurt
much anyway, but the doctors ques-
ton brought wildly to her mind an.
other danger, not whit less serious.
Edith was certainly involved In footing
the safe!
II told you once" Tony began
weakly.
"Child," interposed Doctor Paul.
you'll shield no one else. shudder
70 think what might have happened II
yonr mother hadn't come here for her
husband"
His tones were low and stern.
though much moved.
His eye caught sight Of the black
bag at the same time his brothers did.
Doctor John opened 1t and, amid an
appalling silence, took box after box