The Elk Mountain pilot., 1921-09-22
man. He didn't know what he was


doin', 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.
How about this, your" he inquired
Of Devon. "Where'd this come from
before 1t was in your pocket? While
we're at it, 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 it. Hastily he ran over the sit
uation, and 1t appeared to him as hope
less as possible, but FIVE thousand dol
lars was a good thing for a man to
au'Ss POSltlOu. IL A1TS.
Curtis claimed the money, her connec-
tion with him would come out, and
that might make things easier for him.
II she didn't, he'd have the cash any,
how.
"That's mine, mister" he grunted,
"and 1 didn't steal 1t, neither. Give 1t
to me-"
The same considerations had been
chasing through Mrs. Curtis mind,
and, in the general cataclysm that she
saw before her, she concluded the
money might be very necessary for
her and her children.
Don't let him have 1t, JOHN" she
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. Amidst
the closest attention of the rest of the
group, he looked from one to the other,
while the claimants indulged in a dis
pute.
you give it to me, didn't you.
ma'am? asked Uriah, roughly.
Didn't you?"
Yes, I suppose did," she acknowl-
edged, "but you haven't done what you
said you would"
"'Twasn't my fault" Uriah grum-
bled. "If that fool of son of yours
hadn't butted in and shot me, I'd tax.
en- Tony like I bargained to-"
Then Doctor Paul interposed, and
| Co nd 60
gorically answered, discovered the
whole conspiracy between Mrs. Curtis
her children. and Uriah Devon.
John Pendlehaven. whose anger hat
been steadily rising, suddenly stepped
forward and brushed his brother aside
"rll take charge of this now, Paul.
he stated. you're too id easy
Here's where you treacherous snake.
go to JAIL" he included Uriah and the
Curtises in a sweep Of his hand "Bv
cry one of your He turned savagely
upon Reginald. you little pup" ht
charged swiftly, you tried to poisor
Paul, didn't your" He crossed to hi.
side and lowered over him with up
raised fist. "Own up, d-n you. Didn't
your"
Reginald covered, slipped out of his
chair and attempted to shield himself
In Mrs. Curtis arms, who leaned pro
etingly over him.
II was drunk" he excused him.
self. aud thought" he whimpered
to his mother, II thought you wanted
me to-"
Then Edith projected herself into
the excitement again. She glanced at
Uriah, her eyes melting with tender
ness, arose and stood looking at the
Pendlehaven brothers.
Mr.. Paul." she said In low voice,
don't you remember me?"
Paul looked her over with no sign
Of recognition, and his brother turned
away from Reginald to observe this
new development.
NO" said Paul. and he shook his
head.
"Never mind! That don't matter r.
was the reply, "but I'll make dicker
with YOU. You give me my man for
keeps, and I'll give you your girl,
Caroline. Pm Edith MindilI" |"
You could have heard a pin drop. SO
deep was the silence. All were look
ing at the haggard woman, facing Paul
Pendlehaven, who was rising instead
lily.
"Give me my man." she repeated.
Don't send i'm to jail, and I'll give
you your girl"
Doctor Paul had become so white
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