The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1921-09-30
THE FISHERMAN


/ Halo. young man y said Alr. Went
worth heartily. you've come just in
time. This Is n ripper of thunder
shower. isn't 1t? 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 hef
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 TO
Stevens brook this afternoon. Uncle
to share his enthusiasm over trout
fishing"
Ralph's eyes narrowed.
II do wish they'd come They should
have been here long ago." she added
what terrible shower this Is -
There came a binding flash of light
ming. followed by terrific crash OF
thunder. Then the front door was
flung open and Marcia rushed into the
hall.
Dick :" she cried. But where's Uncle
JOef"
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.
"Oh, halo, Ralph! Say. it's a
mighty good thing you're here. Get
into some toys quick and come back
with me TO hunt"
Involuntarlly Marcia remembered
Uncle JOe's will, which was TO leave
two-thlrds of his property to her In
case of her marriage. If 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 as unworthy. She loved her
uncle. and she and Dick did not want
to profit by his untimely death.
Ten O'cloc.; struck then eleven. then
twelve. Ii was of no use TO think of
going 10 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.
I'VE found decided trace" said
Ralph. quickly. looking hard at Dick.
Look az these :" and he held out To
the startled girl her uncles handker-
chief. covered with blood. and an open
iack-knife.
we found these lying together be-
tow the bridge. That's Dicks knife"
Marcia uttered an involuntary ex-
clamation. Then her head went IN.
well. what of it," she said. defiant
ly. Dick loaned him the knife. and
he accidentally cut himself with IT,"
"Oh, very likely" said Ralph. with
biting sarcasm. Dick knew about your
uncles will, and he just thought he
saw good chance to benefit by il.
that's what Wen just turn this young
man over 10 the sheriff"
Marcia looked imploringly at her
father, who shook his head sadly and
looked away
Dick" she cried. Its not true.
know itw
"Of course 1t isn't, Marcia. Things
will clear up before long. If we could
only find your uncle -
You never will. unless you choose
20 find--his body" said Ralph signifi-
cantly.
Dicks face famed. He balled his
fists and made quick step toward
Ralph when the door flew open and in
walked Uncle Joe!
Don't stare at me as IL | were Il
ghost" he cried. Did you think | was
lost for good?"
Uncle Joe :" gaSped Marcia. Where
have you been:"
cover mt 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 a shelter in sight.
but Johnson happened along just then
and offered 10 take me To his house. |
tried TO telephone you. but the wires
were out of commission. When the
storm kept up, they offered me a
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 chance TO thank
you"
Il think Ralph would like to go I'M
mediately" said Marcia Jelly. THE
strain must be wearing on him -
Uncle Joe stared ut Marcia In aston
ishment as Ralph slammed the door
behind him. Sparing no details Mar
cia told him the whole story. Uncle
Joe chucElpd