The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-10-01

like-he doesn't even know she hi
one. He obtained possession by fall
pretenses. Which is the more NOR
thing-to leave him in possession,
to throw him out7 Didn't you you
self hear him say that men who al
worth their salt take what they want
"Since when did you let him 8,
your standards?"
That's hardly fair"
II think 1t Is. think, too, that 70
are arguing against your own convi,
lions. Well, I've had my say. l de
liberately came out today withou
Murdoch so that l might have It, 70
would be quite justified In firing m
for what I've done. But now In
pen, remember, Under will never hay,
suspected anything"
That's like you, old chap. Wei
drop it at that, but l must explain
that Zen Is going to town tonight tC
meet Transley, and Is leaving the boy
with me. 1t Is an event In my young
life, and 1 have house-cleaned for II
appropriately. Come inside and adj
mire my handiwork."
Under admired as he was directed,
and then the two men fell into a dis
cussion of business matters. Eventu-
ally Grant cooked supper, and just as
they had finished Mrs. Transley drove
up in her motor.
Here we are" she. cried, cheerily.
"Glad to see you, Mr.. Under. Wilson
has his teddy-bear and his knife and
| his pajamas, and is little put out,
| think, that l wouldn't let him bring
the pig"
Il shall try and make up the def
cheney" said Grant, smiling broadly,
as the boy climbed to his shoulder.
Wont you come in? Under, among
his other accomplishments learned in
France, is an excellent chaperon."
THANK you, no; must get along.
l shall call early in the morning, so
that you will not be delayed on Will
sons account"
NO need of that; he can ride to the
field with me on Prince. He is great
help with the plowing."
"Im sure" She stepped up to
Grant and drew the boys face down
to hers. "Good-by, dear; be a good
boy" she whispered, and Wilson waved
kisses to her as the motor sped down |
the road.
Under took his departure soon after, |
and Grant was surprised to find him |!
self almost embarrassed in the pres
ence Of his little guest
Where to start on the bedtime prep
arations was puzzle, but Wilson him
self came to Grants aid with explicit
instructions about buttons and pins.
you must hear my prayer, Uncle
Man-on-the-Hill," said the boy. "You
have to SIT down in a chair"
Grant sat down and with strange
mixture of emotions drew the little
chap between his knees as he listened
70 the long-forgotten prattle.
AT the third line the boy stopped
You have to tell me now" he
But l can't. Willie; I have for
gotten"
Huh, you don't know much" the
hid commented, and glibly quoted
he remaining lines. "And God bless
Daddy and Mamma and teddy-bear
nd Uncle Man-on-the-H and the pig.
men," he concluded, accompanying
he last word with a jump which
lnded him fairly in Grants lap. His
title arms went up about his friends
eek, and his little soft cheek rested
gainst tanned and weather-beaten
ne. Slowly Grants arms closed about
ne warm, 1.-THE body and pressed it '
, his In new passion, strange and [
oily. Then he led him to the whim- a
pom, turned down the white sheets in
hich no form had ever lain and L
laced the boy between them, snuggled II
Is teddy down by his side and set n
Is knife properly in view upon the n
resser. And then he leaned down
gain and kissed the little face. and
hlspered, Good night little boy Il
cd keep you safe tonight, and II
ways" And suddenly Grant realized Il
at he had been praying. &C
lie Withdrew softly, and only partly "a
osed the door; then he chose a seat Oh
here he could see the little figure
Ing peacefully on the white bed cl
1.-The dear little chap he murmured. ri
must watch by him tonight. 1t would tn
unspeakable if anything should tn
ppen to him while he is under NV be
re-" st
He felt a sense Of warmth, almost ne
'othering sensation, and raised his
nd to his forehead. 1t came down li'
vered with perspiration. so
It's amazingly close" he said, and mi
liked to one of the French windows tn
ening to the west. The sun had do
ne down, and a brooding darkness tn
over all the ~alley. but far up in br
, sky he could trace the outline of be
,loud. do
Looks like storm" he commented. ld'
,ually. and suddenly felt something Nj.
hten about his heart. Br
lie turned to his chair, but found
nself pacing the living room with nm
l.. H.