The Southern herald., 1921-05-06

THAT settles one question" com
mented Doctor Paul, grimly. you
shot Devon, Reggie" and the boy sank
into a chair beside his mother. NOW"
continued the doctor, "who robbed the
safeW
To know that her mother hadn't
done the shooting relieved but one Of
Tonnibels worries. Uriah wasn't hurt
much anyway, but the doctors ques-
tion brought viyldly 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 1t.
"Plaln stealing" he growled, and
then he stared at Mrs. Devon In open
mouthed amazement. "What'd you
bring 'em back for?" he questioned.
Edith paid no attention to Doctor
Johns query but addressed her hus-
band.
"Uriah, now you went and done 1t
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 a 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 pear him and produced
the roll Of bills that Philip had found
on Devon the night before.
"How about this you" he inquired
Of Devon. "Whered this come from
before 1t was in your pocket? While
we're at 1t, we might as we'll clear up
everything"
The center of interest, Criah Devon
shifted uneasily in his chair. He 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 1t appeared to him as hope
less as possible, but five thousand dol
lars was good thing for a 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 I didn't steal it, neither. Give it
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. TITS 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 a dis
pute.
"You give 1t to me, didn't you
ma'am?" asked Uriah, roughly.
"Dldn't you?"
yes I suppose l 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 l bargained to-"
Then Doctor Paul interpOsed, and
feE questions, sternly put and cate
gorleAlly answered, discovered the
whole conspiracy between Mrs, Curtis,
her children, and Uriah Devon.
John Pendlehaven, whose anger had
been steadily rising, suddenly stepped
forward and brushed his brother aside
"Tll take charge of this now, Paul"
he stated. You're too id easy
Here's where you treacherous snakes
90 to jail" he included Uriah and the
Curtises In a sweep of his hand. "Ev.
cry one of your He turned savagely
upon Reginald. "YOu little pup" he
charged swiftly, you tried to poison
Paul, didn't your He crossed to his
side and lowered over him with up.
raised fist. "Own up, d-n you. Didn't
you"
Reginald covered, slipped out of his
chair and attempted to shield himself
in Mrs. Curtis arms, who leaned pro-
tectlngly over him.
IL was drunk" he excused him.
self, "and thought" he whimpered
to his mother, II thought you wanted
me to-"
Then Edith projected herself into
the excitement again. She glanced al