The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1921-06-03
THE FISHERMAN
t@ 1871 BY Mcclur. Newspaper syndiests

Halo. young mani" said Mr.. Went
worth heartily. You've come just in
time. This is a ripper of a thunder
shower. isn't it7 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 he?
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 10
Stevens brook this afternoon. Uncle
Joe's delighted to- have someone
to share his enthusiasm over trout
fishing"
Ralphs eyes narrowed.
IL do wish they'd come. They should
have been here long ago" she added.
What a 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.
Dick!" she cried. But where's Uncle
Joe?"
Heavens Isn't he here? We got
separated at the brook Each playing
trout, you know"
Dick looked up quickly at the sound Of
the voice.
ooh, halo, Ralph Say. it's a
mighty good thing you're here Get
into some toys quick and come back
with me TO hunt"
Involuntarily Marcia remembered
Uncle Joe's will, which was to leave
two-thirds of his property to her In
case of her marriage. IL 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 rs 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 10 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 him?"
cried Marcia.
1--WE found q 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.
1--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
Iy. 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 1t,
that's what! Well just turn this young
man over TO the sheriff"
Marcia looked imploringly at her
father, who shook his head sadly and
looked away.
"Dick," she cried Its not true. l
know it"
"Of course 1t isn't, Marcia. Things
will clear up before long. II we could
only find your uncle!
You never will, unless you choose
to find-his body" said Ralph signifi-
cantly.
Dicks face famed. He balled his
fists and made a quick step toward
Ralph, when the door flew open and in
walked Uncle Joe!
Don't stare at me as II l were q
ghost" he cried. did you think was
lost for gOOd?"
Uncle Joe." gasped Marcia. "Where
have you been?"
"Over at Ezekiel Johnson's. sound
asleep Sorry to have worried you
so"
But how?" began Dick. Its ten
miles ever there"
why, you see, / went farther than
| thought after that trout. When the
shower struck. found myself near the
road. There wasn't q shelter In sight.
but Johnson happened along just then
and offered to take me TO his house. l
tried to telephone you. but the wires
were out of commission. When the
storm kept up, they offered me
nights lodging and said they'd bring
me home bright and early this morn
ing.
Il should say you people had been
beating the brush all night. by the
looks. Hold on. Ralph! Don't run off
before I've had a chance TO thank
your
Il think Ralph would like TO go i'm
mediately." said Marcia Jelly. 1.-The
strain must be wearing on him"
Uncle Joe stared at Marcia In aston
ishment as Ralph slammed the door
behind him. Sparing no details, Mar
ella told him the whole story. Uncle