The Adair County news., 1921-01-26

mummy Q0eSH KNOW anything
about it," gasped the girl, extending
her arms to Edith. 81 won't hear any
one say-Oh, Uriah," she turned to
Devon, you know. Oh, say did it."
won't say any such thing" NUT
tered Uriah.
"Of course he won't. Tony" exclaim-
ed Doctor John. "We know the truth
now"
Tonnibel got to her feet, pulling her
self away from Paul Pendlehaven.
"Oh, you can't arrest my poor little
mother" she cried. "Her whole life
has been so miserable. must help
her. You must. you, Philip"
Philip got out OF MS chair, out DOC
tor John put him back into it again.
"Wait," he whispered into the boys
ear.
II want to tell you, everyone" went
on Tony, fiercely, shat I'll swear til
l die my mother"
Paul Pendlehaven took the speaker
by the shoulders and forced her face
up to his.
ACAC SNOA AhOS~AS
and he waved his arm toward Mrs.
Devon, says you didn't have that gun
in your hand, and it's loaded to the
brim now. She didn't use it, either"
Reggie's jaw dropped. He made
dash for the door, as Mrs. Curtis
screamed. Doctor John caught the
fleeing boy and wheeled him around
to face his horror-stricken mother.
ITS liel didn't" he mumbled.
"Where'd 1 get a gun to shoot any
one2 This woman did it herself.
saw her."
"Then you were here" cried Philip.
Mrs. Curtis acted as if she were go
ing to faint, but, as no one paid any
attention to her, she slumped back be-
I'side daughter, who turned away
CONTEMPORARY.
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
safer"
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 a whit less serious.
Edith was certainly involved in lootlng
the safel
81 told you once." Tony began
weakly.
Child" interposed Doctor Paul,
you'll shield no one else. l shudder
to think what might have happened if
your 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 it and. amid an
appalling silence, took box after box
out of it.
"Plain stealing" he growIed, and
then he stared at Mrs. Devon in open
mouthed amazement. "What'd you
bring 'em back forf" he questioned.
Edith paid no attention to Doctor
Johns query but addressed her hus-
band.
"Uriah, now you went and done it
again !" She turned to Doctor Paul.
'You got everythin' back, give me my
man. He didn't know what he was
doin', sir"
"Then he'll be taught a lesson, the
same, as Reginald will, madam" re-
joined the. doctor. Ever since your
daughter came to us, she's been in
dread Of your husband, her father
Once he was sent away, and she had
peace. This time he won't come back
in hurry"
Doctor John reached into the drawer
of the table near him and produced
the roll of bills that Philip had found
on Devon the night before.
"Hew about this, your" he inquired
of Devon. "Where'd this come from
before it was in your pocket? While
we're at 1t, we might as well clear up
everything"
The center of interest, Uriah Devon
shifted uneasily in his chair. He had
discovered the loss of the money but
had not dared to make any inquiry
about 1t. Hastily he ran over the sit
uation, and it appeared to him as hope
less as possible, but five thousand dol.
lars was good thing for a man to
have, whatever his position. If Mrs.
Curtis claimed the money, her connec,
ton with him would come out, and
that might make things easier for him.
If she didn't, he'd have the cash any
how.
That's mine, mister" he grunted,
"and I didn't steal it, neither. Give it
to me-"
The same considerations had been
chasing through Mrs. Curtis mind.
and, in the general catacIysm that she
saw before her, she concluded the
money might be very necessary for
her and her children.
"Don't let him have it, john" she
screamed. tits mine. Give it to me-"
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