The Elk Mountain pilot., 1921-09-22

Tony Received the Call to the Library
listIessly.
one could say now would make her
lot any easier. Nothingl Nothing!
Philip, her new father, kind Uncle
John, all had vanished in the waters
of bitterness that had overwhelmed
her.
The room seemed full of people
when she crept timidly in. Uriah De-
Won, with white cloth tied around
his head, lounged in a large chair
Mrs. Curtis and Katherine were seat
ed, rigidly erect side by side. The
girls gaze passed over their glaring
eyes and settled on Philip MacCauley.
Was that a smile she saw lurking
around his lips? OF course not! He
couldn't smile when she was in such
trouble! She shivered as she met
Reginald Browns eager eyes, and
thrusting back a sob. she went to Paul
Pendlehaven because he had held his
hand out to her. Then she saw her
mother, and a bewildered expression
spread over her face. Doctor Paul.
his eyes soft and cleaning, his lips
twitching nervously, drew her down
beside him.
Mummy doesn't know anything
about it," gasped the girl, extending
her arms to Edith. II won't hear any
one say-oh, Uriah," she turned to
Devon, :'you know. Oh, say did it"
won't say any such thing" NUT
tered Uriah.
"Of course he won't, Tony" exclaim-
ed Doctor John. 1--WE know the truth
now"
Tonnibel got to her feet, pulling her
self away from Paul Pendlehaven.
"Oh, you can't arrest my poor little
mother" she cried. Her whole life
has been so miserable. 1 must help
her. You must you, Philip"
Philip got out of his chair. hut Doc
tor John put him back into I; again.
wait" he whispered into the boys
ear.
Il want to tell you. everyone" went
on Tony, fiercely, that Pll swear til
l die my mother"
Paul Pendlehaven took the speaker
by the shoulders and forced her face
up to his.
This woman, here, your mother"
and he waved his arm toward Mrs.
Devon, says you didn't have that gun
in your hand. and it's loaded to the
brim now. She didn't use it, 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-stricken mother.
Its a lie! didn't" he mumbled.
"Where'd 1 get gun to shoot any
one? This woman did it herself.
saw her,"
Then you were here" cried Philip.
Mrs. Curtis acted as If she were 60
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 boy 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 vividly 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. 1 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 eve 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 1t.
"Plain stealing" he growled, and
then he stared at Mrs. Devon in open
mouthed amazement. "What'd you
bring em back forY' he questioned.
Edith paid no attention to Doctor
Johns query but addressed her hus-
band.
"Uriah, now you went and done it
againp She turned to Doctor Paul.
You got everythin' back. give me my