Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1921-04-22

Mrs. Curtis and Katherine were seat
ed. rigidly erect side by side. The
girls gaze passed over their glaring
ewes and settled on Philip MacCauley.
Was that smile she saw lurking
around his lips? OF course not He
couldn't smile when she was in such
troublp She Shvered as she met
Reginald Browns eager eyes, and.
thrusting back a sob, she went to Paul
Peudehayen because he had held his
hand out to her. Then she saw her
mother. and 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. 81 won't hear any
one Say-Oh, Uriah," she turned to
Devon, "you know. Oh, say did it."
Wont 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 Pendehaven.
"Oh, you can't arrest my poor little
mother she cried "Her Whole life
has been so miserable. I must help
her. You must, you, Philip"
Philip got out Of his chair but Doc
tor John put him back into it again.
Wait" he whispered into the boys
ear.
Il want 70 tell you, everyone" went
on Tony, tierce!y, that I'll swear til
| die my mother"
Paul Pendlehaven took the speaker
| by the shoulders and forced her face
up to his.
"Ths 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
| "Whered | get d gun to shoot any
one? This woman did it herself
| saw her"
Then you were here" cried Philip.
| Mrs. Curtis acted as if she We're go
ing to faint, but, as no one paid any
attention to her, she slumped back be-
sitle her daughter, who turned away
contemptuously.
That settles one question:" com
mented Doctor Paul, grimly. you
shot Devon Reggie" and the boy sank
into Il chair beside his mother. "Now,"
continued the doctor, "who robbed the
Safe?"
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 footing
the safe.
Il 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 he stared at Mrs Devon in open
mOuthed Amusement. '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 it
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 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 was in 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. He had
discovered the loss of the money but
had not dared to make any inquiry
about it. Hastily he ran oyer the sit