Emmons County record. [volume] (Williamsport, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1884-current, 1921-03-03

and slipped up the steps Of the
house.
A little while before, Reggie Brown,
well filled up on brandy, had descend
ed to the library to wait for Devon.
If he hadn't had this thing on, and the
Importance of 1t hadn't weighed on
him all the long day. he'd have gone
to he'd, his head ached so, but his de-
sire to capture Tony Devon kept the
fumes Of alcohol from completely be-
futldling his brains. Inside the library,
he stood swaying near the door. tap
ping his pocket from time to time to
make sure he was armed. Then he
stumbled across the room. threw him
self on the divan and in another mo-
ment had forgotten in drunken
sleep that there was any such-person
In the world as Tonnibel Devon.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Curtis was walking
the floor upstairs. half mad with anx-
iety, and Katherine. in state of
nerves. was smoking one cigarette af-
ter another.
God! When she's gone" broke
forth the girl, "I'll know what happi-
ness means!"
$50 will l." echoed Mrs. Curtis.
ITS almost time for me to go down,
isn't It? I hope that man won't dis
appoint us"
Don't fear about that" sneered
Katherine. Hes even more anxious
than we are. Sos Reggie, but don't
envy you telling Tony her mothers
alive"
II think you might do IT. COM
planned Mrs. Curtis with sniffle.. "All
the anxiety and worry of this thing
has fallen on me-"
"That's because you're SO clever,
my sweet" retortcd Katherine, sarcas-
tically. "Oh. go on down and don't
act lis ifsyon were afraid of your own
shadow. Say, Rege was drunk as
anything, at dinner"
"Disgustingly So" sighed the moth
err as she went out. IT hope to the
high heavens he'll straighten up some
day."
First Mrs. Curtis stole down to the
library. There she found Uriah De
Won, standing with his hat in his hand.
and. as he Saw her, he made a grin
ming bow.
''Where's Rege?" he asked eagerly.
upstairs. think" replied Mrs.
Curtis in low voice. He's had too
much to drink. Did you bring your
wife?"
"Yep; she's outside" was the mans
answer "And the kid? Does she
know Ede's still In the land of the
livin'?"
mo, hut III tell her now" returned
Mrs. Curtis desperately. Here's the
FIVE thousand dollars She thrust a
roll of bank notes into his hand. "Ill
send Tony right down." ended the
woman and she went swiftly out.
Urah glanced about the room in
anticipation. He intended not only
10 take Tony with him. but every
thing else of value he could lay his
hands on. Edith had often described
the v,luables kept in wall-snfe in
this very room. Mrs. Curtis had no
more than closed the door before, re-
volver in hand, he began his search
An exclamation of delight almost es-
capped his lips when he discovered the
safe-dOOr was unlocked He grinned
at the carelessness of the rich as he
flung into the black bag the boxes of
jewelry. completely stripping tile safe
of its contents. He didn't take time
to look over his haul! That would
come later.
All through the day Tonnibel Devon
had told her Joy over and over to her
self. Now, almost ready to retire. she
was sitting reading the Bible. 1t
seemed most appropriate that on this
night she should sing with the Poet
the Psalms Of Thanksgiving.
A knock at tbs. door caused her -
close the book and put it on the ta-
BILE before she called: "Come ill.,"
At the sight of Mrs. Curtis she rose
to her feet, startled.
"I've good news for you. child"
choked the woman, and Tony went
forward eagerly.
"What?" she demanded. lis Phil
Up"
"Now, don't get nervous. my dear"
came in quivering interruption. But
but you were not correctly inform
ed about your mother. She's-she's
downstairs"
A violent emotion overlook the girl.
She knew then she had. never really
believed what Uriah told her.
my mother!'' she breathed, her
eyes deepening in color. my dear
little mother! Oh. let me go to her ~
"She's in the library. This is s.
happy day for you, my. dear-for-all
of us. You'd. better dress, hadn't
you?'
Tonnibel hadn't even heard the last
words. She fled down the stairs and
into the library, painting for breath.
Her cup of happiness was full to the
brim, now that Edith had come back
to her. She halted, closed the door
and ran into the room.
"Edie, mummy dear!" she called
softly, so overcome she could not