Iron County register., 1921-09-22
THE FISHERMAN
BY DOROTHY A. BALDWIN.

WI ~~-~a - ~~N@~~A~ ~ ~ -
Halo, young man! !" said Mr.. Went
worth heartily. you've come just in
time. This is ripper of thunder
shower, isn't it? Here's your cousin
Ralph, Marcia" he added, turning to
his daughter. "Do come away from |
that window, child. Dick will come
just as soon If you don't watch for
him."
Ralph's face darkened.
"Oh, Dick Winthrop here, is heG
Still think he's worth marrying Mar
cia?"
"Dick came two or three days ago."
said Marcia, ignoring Ralph's thrust.
"He and Uncle Joe went down to
Stevens brook this afternoon. Uncle
Joe's delighted to have someone
to share his enthusiasm over trout
fishing"
Ralphs eyes narrowed.
81 do wish they'd come. They should
have been here long ago." she added.
"What terrible shower this is !"
There came a binding flash of light
ming, followed by a terrific crash of
thunder. Then the front door was
flung open and Marcia rushed into the
hall.
"Thank goodness, you've come,
Dickw she cried. "But where's Uncle
Joe?"
"Heavensl Isn't he here? We got
separated at the brook! Each playing
a trout you know"
Dick looked up quickly at the sound OF
the voice.
"Oh. halo, Ralph! Say. it's a
mighty good thing you're here. Get
into some togs quick and come back
with me to hunt"
Involuntarlly Marcia remembered
Uncle Joe's will, which was to leave
two-thirds of his property to her in
case Of her marriage If he should be
dead, it would mean that she and Dick
could be married without waiting the
few years Dick would need to earn
enough in his profession to support
them.
Marcia instantly dismissed the
thought as unworthy. She loved her
uncle, and she and Dick did not want
to profit by his untimely death.
Ten o'clock struck; then eleven, then
twelve. 1t was of no use to think Of
going to bed. Sleep would be impos-
sible. Dawn came. Then, just as the
clock struck five, the three men re-
turned alone.
Couldn't you find any trace Of himT'
cried Marcia.
1--WE found a decided trace" said
Ralph, quickly, looking hard at Dick.
"Look at these!" and he held out to
the startled girl her uncle's handker-
chief. covered with blood, and an open
jack-knife.
"We found these lying together be-
low the bridge. That's Dicks knife" "
Marcia uttered an involuntary ex-
clamation. Then her head went up.
"Well, what of it?" she said, defiant
ly. "Dick loaned him the knife, and
he accidentally cut himself with it"
"Oh, very likely" said Ralph, with
biting sarcasm. 'Dick knew about your
uncle's will, and he just thought he
saw good chance to benefit by It,
that's what! Wen just turn this young
man over to the sheriff"
Marcia looked imploringly at hel
father, who shook his head sadly and
looked away.
'Dick," she cried. TITS not true.
know It'll"
"Of course it isn't Marcia. Things
will clear up before long. If we coult
only find your uncle!"
'You never will, unless you choose
to find--his body" said Ralph signifi
cantly.
Dicks face famed. He balled hi
fists and made quick step towarC
Ralph, when the door flew open and il
walked Uncle Joel
"Don't stare at me as if I were
ghost" he cried. did you think wa
lost for good?"
"Uncle joe" gasped Marcia. ''Wher
have you been?"
"Over at Ezekiel Johnson's SCUM
asleep! Sorry to have worried yo1
So"
"But how?" began Dick. TITS tel
miles ever therew
"Why, you see, went farther tha
/ thought after that trout. When tn
shower struck, found myself near tn
road. There wasn't shelter in sigh
but Johnson happened along just the
and offered to take me to his house.
tried to telephone you, but the wire
were out Of commission. When tn
storm kept up, they offered me
nights lodging and said they'd brin
me home bright and early this morr
ing.
81 should say you people had bee
beating the brush all night, by tn
looks. Hold on, Ralph! Don't run 0
before I've had chance to than
you"
Il think Ralph would like to go in
mediately," said Marcia icily. I'll
strain must be wearing on himl'
Uncle Joe stared at Marcia in astol
ishment as Ralph slammed the doc