Mrs. Grundy. (Tracy City, Tenn.) 1903-1930, 1921-06-09

brim now. She didn't use 1t, either"
Reggie's jaw dropped. He made a
dash for the door, as Mrs. Curtis
screamed. Doctor John caught the
fleeing boy and wheeled him around
to face his horror-strlcken mother.
TITS lie! didn't" he mumbled.
"Where'd get gun to shoot any
one? This woman did 1t 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-
side her daughter. who turned away
contemptuously
THAT settles one question:" COM
mented Doctor Paul. grimly. "You
shot Devon, Reggie and the hoy 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 whit less serious.
Edith was certainly involved In looting
the safe!
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 at the same time his brothers did.
Doctor John opened 1t and, amid an
appalling silence. took box after box
\ out Of It
"Plain stealing" he growled. and
then he stared ait Mrs. Devon In open
mouthed amazement. "What'd You
bring 'em back for7" he questioned.
Edith paid no attention to Doctor
Johns query but addressed her hus-
band
4 OIldIit uOW yOu NOht uiu uVhS -
again." 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 u.s. 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. "Whered this come from
before 1t was in your pocket? While
we're at 1t, we might as well clear up
everything"
The center of interest. Uriah Devon
J shifted uneasily In his chair. He had
discovered the loss Of the money hut
had not dared to make any inquiry
about 1t. Hastily he ran over the sit
uation, and 1t appeared to him as hope
less as possible, but five thousand dol
lars was good thing for 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 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.
''Dont let him have it, john" she
screamed. ITS mine. Give 1t 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 INDUCED in dis
pute.
-"You give 1t to me, didn't you.
ma'amT" asked Uriah. roughly
"Didnt your
"Yes, 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