Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1921-06-24

attention to her, she slumped back be- ,
side her daughter, who turned away
contemptuously.
THAT settles one question:" COM
mented Doctor Paul, grlmly. you
shot Devon, Reggie" and the boy sank
into a 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
Tonnibeps 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 footing
the safel
II told you once" Tony began
weakly.
Child" interposed Doctor Paul,
you'll shield no one else. | shudder
to think what might have happened If
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 it and, amid an
appalling silence, took box after box
out Of it.
"Plain stealing he growled, and
then be stared at Mrs. Devon in open
mouthcd amazement "Whatd you
bring EN- back forY he questioned.
Edith paid no attention to Doctor
j, |QhR5 query but. addressed her hus-
band ''
"qnah, now YOU went and, done it
againH" 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. SEVER 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 it waslln 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. Hei had
} discovered the loss Of the money but
had not dared to make any inquiry
about 1t, Hastily he ran over the sit
uation, and It appeared to him As hope
less as possible, but five thousand dol
| lars was a 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
: land didn't steal it, neither. Give It
to- me-"
8 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
r her and her children.
e Don't let him have 1t, John" she
screamed. ITS mine. Give 1t to me,
Doctor John arose and stood be
J. 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 a dis
pute.
"You give 1t to me, didn't you
\ ma'am?" asked Uriah, roughly
! "Dldnt your"
Eyes, suppose I 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 a son of yours
hadn't butted in and shot me, I'd tax
en- Tony like l bargalned to-"
Then Doctor Paul interposed, anC
few questions, sternly put and cate
gorieally answered, discovered tn,
whole conspiracy between Mrs. Curtis
her children. and Urlah Devon.
John Pendlehaven, whose anger haC
been steadily rising, suddenly stepped
forward and brushed his brother aside
an 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 tn,
Curtises In a sweep of his hand. 'Ey
J cry one of you'll" He turned savagel.
upon Reginald. "You little pup" h
n charged swiftly, "you tried to polsol
e Paul, didn't your He crossed to hi
j" side and lowered over him with up
a raised fist Gown up, d-n you. Dldn'
IS your"
e Reginald covered, slipped out Of hi
d chair and attempted to shield hlmsel
In Mrs. Curtis arms, who leanSd pro
L. tectingly over him.
p Ell was drunk" he excused him
l self, "and l thought" he whimpere
to his mother, 'I thought you wante