Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1922-05-13

ton came out here again, and I got her
to come, too.
az had lodged marrying her, prom
Using that I would do it when the mill
was mine. In. the meantime, had
hooked up with this man Blackburn, and
he had started mill for me.
81 guess Miss Jierdon had gotten to
thinking a little Of Houston, after all,
because when forced here to the final
thing Of telling some lies about him to
young woman, she did 1t, but went away
mad at me and threatening never to see
me again. Our relations. while she had
been at the Houston camp, hadn't been
exactly what they should have been. Miss
Jierdon is dead-she had stayed in
little cabin in the woods. / had lived
with her there. About ten days ago, the
baby died, while was laid up at camp
with sprained hip Today / went
there to find her dead, and while | was
there Renaud and young Houston caught
me. This is all I know. | make this
statement Of my own free WILL without
coercion, and l swear 1t to be the truth.
the whole truth and nothing but the
truth, SO help me Cod"
The little lobby milled and buzzed,
drowning the scratching Of the pen as
trembling man signed the concession,
page by page. Then came the cllnk' OF
handouts. Houston Strengthened, to md
a short, bulky form beside him, Henry
Blackburn.
'.Well2" questioned that person. Il
guess It's UP to, me- II haven't got
much chance against that"
What do you mean"
simply this" and the bulky Black
burn drew nervous, sweating hand
across his brow. Il amt above dealing
with crooks. I'll admit that. But kind
of draw the line at murder. I'm in your
hands, Houston. I've got mill up there
and 1t Amt worth the powder to blow 1t
up-to me, anyway. But with you, It's
different. If you want to make Inc
fair offer, say the word. and I'll go more
than halfway. What say"
"Is tomorrow time enough! p
.aTomorrow--or the next day. Suits
me-"
Then he went on, leaving only three
figures In the lobby-the bent, silent
form of Ba'tiste Remand, grave, but re-
warded at last In his faithful search; the
radiant-eyed Houston. free with free
dom that he hardly believed could exist;
and a girl who walked to the window
and stood looking out a moment be-
fore she turned to him. Then impetuous-
~ she faced him, her eyes searching his.
her hands tight clasped. her whole being
one Of duplication.
I'm sorry" she begged. 'Can you
will you forgive mef'
Boyishly Barry Houston reached for
ward and drew away a strand Of hair that
had strayed from place, spirit of ven
ture In his manner, buoyant tone in his
voice
Say 1t again. I like It'll"
But ! am--don't you believe meF'
"Of course. But then-I-I-" Then
he caught her hands. WIFI you go with
me while ! telegraph" he asked In
sudden earnestness, II want to wire
TO the papers back In Boston and tell
them that I've been vindicated. VIII
you--l"
I'm be glad to-"
They went out the door together.
Houston beaming happily downward, the
girl close beside him. her arm in his.
And IL was then that the features of
Batiste Renaud lost their gravity and
sorrow. He looked after them, his eyes
soft and contented. Then his big hands
parted slowly His lips broke Into a
smile of radiant happiness.
(THE END)