Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1921-06-02
a Now Romance Of the Storm Countru

side her daughter, who turned away
contemptuously.
"That settles one question" COM
mented Doctor Paul, grlmly. you
shot Devon, Reggie" and the boy sank
into a chair beside his mother. Nov"
continued the doctor, "who robbed the
safe"
To know that her mother hadn't
done the shooting relieved but one OF
TonnibePs 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 loodng
the safel
II told you once" Tony began
weakly.
Child" interposed Doctor Paul.
you'll shield no one else. shudder
to think what might have happened II
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 ut the same time his brothers did.
Doctor John opened 1t and, amid an
appalling silence, took box after box
out Of 1t.
"Plaln stealing" he grOwled, and
then he stared at Mrs. Devon in open
mouthed amazement. "What'd you
bring 'em back forT' he questioned.
Edith paid no attention to Doctor
Johns query but addressed her hus-
band.
"Uriah, now you went and done 1t
again I" She turned to Doctor Paul.
"You got everythin' back, give me my
man. He didn't know what he was
dom, SIR"
"Then he'll be taught 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 a 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.
SLOW about this, your" he inquired
Of Devon. "Where'd this come from
before it was in your pocket2 While
we're at 1t, we might as well clear uI
everything"
The center of interest, Uriah Devor
shifted uneasily in his chair. He had
discovered the loss Of the money but
had not dared to make any inquiry
about it. Hastily he ran over the sit
uation, and it appeared to him is hope
less as possible, but five thousand dol
lars was a good thing for man tt
have, whatever his position. If Mrs
Curtis claimed the money, her connec
ton with him would come out, anC
that might make things easier for him
If she didn't, he'd have the cash any
how.
"Tbat's mine, mister" he grunted
land didn't steal it, neither. Give Il
to me-"
The same considerations had beer
chasing through Mrs. Curtis mind
and, in the general cataclysm that sh'
saw before her, she concluded thu
money might be very necessary TO
her and her children.
'rDon't let him have 1t, John," sh
screamed. "It's mine. Give it to me.
Doctor John arose and stood be
tween Uriah and Mrs. Curtis, holding
the roll of bills in his hand. Amids
the closest attention of the rest Of tn
group, he looked from one to the Other
while the claimants INDUCED In a dis
pute.
"You give 1t to me, didn't you
ma'am?" asked Uriah, roughly
'Didnt your"
"Yes, suppose did," she acknowl
edged, "but you haven't done what 20
said you would"
"'Twasn't my fault" Uriah grun
bled. IF that fool Of son of your
hadn't butted in and shot me, I'd tax
en- Tony like 1 bargained to-"
Then Doctor Paul interposed, an
a few questions, sternly put and cate
gorieally answered, discovered tn
whole conspiracy between Mrs. Curtis
her children. and Uriah Devon.
John Pendlehaven, whose anger ha
been steadily rising, suddenly steppe
forward and brushed his brother asid
"Tn take charge Of this now, Paul,
he stated. you're too id cas-.
Here's where you treacherous snake
90 to JAIL" he included Uriah and th
Curtises in a sweep Of his hand. 'E'
cry one Of your He turned savagel
upon Reginald. "You little pup" /
! charged swiftly, ''you tried to poiso
. Paul, didn't you" he crossed to h
side and lowered over him with III
a raised fist. Gown up, d-n you. Didn
5 your
3 Reginald covered, slipped out Of b
/ chair and attempted to shield himse
in Mrs. Curtis arms, who leaned pr
|. tectingly over him.
: I'll was drunk" he excused hir
/ self, "and I thought" he whimpert