Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1922-03-23
THE FISHERMAN
BY DOROTHY A. BALDWIN.

worth heartily. you've come just In
time. This Is a ripper of thunder
shower, isn't it? 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.
"Ie and Uncle Joe went down 10
Stevens brook this afternoon. Uncle
Joe's delighted to have someone
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 a terrible shower this Is !"
There came IA binding fash Of light
ming. followed by q terrific crash Of
thunder. Then the front door was
flung open and Marcia rushed into the
hall.
Thank goodness. you've come,
Dick :" she cried. but where's Uncle
Joe?"
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 togs quick and come back
with me 70 hunt"
Involuntarily Marcia remembered
Uncle Joe's will. which was to leave
two-thirds of his property to her in
case of her marriage. IL he should be
dead, ii 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 rs unworthy. She loved her
uncle and she and Dick did not want
TO profit by his untimely death.
Ten o'clock struck then eleven. then
twelve. II was of no use to think Of
going to 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 himf'
cried Marcia.
I'VE found decided trace" said
Ralph, quickly, looking hard at Dick.
Look at these" and he held out TO
he startled girl her uncle's handker-
chief. covered with blood, and an open
iack-knife.
I'VE found these lying together bo-
low the bridge. That's Dicks knife"
Marcia uttered an involuntary ex-
clamatlon. Then her head went up.
"Well. what of it," she said defiant
~. "Dick loaned him the knife. and
ne accidentally cut himself with It."
"Oh, very likely" said Ralph. with
biting sarcasm. "Dlck knew about your
uncle's WILL and he just thought he
saw a good chance to benefit by II.
that's what, Wen just turn this young
man over to the sheriff"
Marcia looked imploringly at her
father, who shook his head sadly ap5
looked away.
Dick" she cried. Its not true.
know it,"
"Of course it isn't. Marcia. Things
1lll clear up before long. II we could
only find your uncle :"
you never will, unless you choose
70 find-hs body" said Ralph sign'fi-
cantly.
Dicks face famed. He balled his
fists and made a quick step toward
Ralph. when the door flew open and In
walked Uncle Joe!
Don't stare at me as If / were
ghost" he cried. Did you think was
lost for goodf"
"Uncle joe" gasped Marcia. "Where
have you been?"
"Over at Ezekiel JohnsoD'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 shelter in sight,
but Johnson happened along just then
and offered 10 take me to his house. I
tried TO telephone you, but the wires
were out of commission. When the
storm kept UP, they offered me IA
nights lodging and said they'd bring
me home bright and early this morn
ing
II 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
yon"
IL think Ralph would like to 60 i'm
mediately," said Marcia Jelly. The
strain must be wearing on him :"
Uncle Joe stared at Marcia in aston
ishment as Ralph slammed the door
behind him. Sparing no details, Mar.
cia told him the whole story. Uncle
Joe chuckled.
That's the trouble my cut finger
caused Thought Dick was after my
money. did he? Well. I'm not going
IN hova onv cucpicfonS lilyo tl,ot m ~1,r1