The Dolores star., 1924-09-12
but 10 reality he is selfish to the core.

'"' ne uoesn even know she has
one lie obtained possession bv foIse
pretenses. Which Is the more moral
thihe-to leave him In possession. or
I" throw him out1 Didn't Won yopr.
self hear him say that men who ore
worth their salt take what they wanty''
since when did you let him set
your standNrds?"
That's hardly fair"
i think 1t Is. | think, too, that You
are arguing against your own conyic.
tions. Well. I've had my say. de-
lDerately came out today without
Murdoch so thnt I might have 1t. You
would be quite justified In firing me
Tor what I've done. But now I'm
through. md no matter whnt may hop-
pen, remember, Llnder will never have
suspected anything"
That's like you. old chan. Wen
drop 1t at that, but I must explain
that Zen Is going to town tonight to
meet Transley. and is leaving the boy
with me. 1t Is an event in my young
life, and l have house-cleaned for 1t
appropriately. Come inside and ad-
mire my handIwork."
Linder admired as he was directed.
ana then the two men fell into 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 areH' she cried, cheerily.
Glad to see you, Mr. LInder. Wilson
has his teddy-bear and his knife and
his paJamas. and Is u little put out,
think, that l wouldn't let him bring
the pig"
i shall try and make up the def
clency,' said Grant, smiling broadly,
as the boy climbed to his shoulder.
Won't you come in? Linder. among
his other accomplishments learned In
france, is an excellent chaperon.'
Ihank you, no; must get along.
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
heid with me on Prince. He Is a great
help with the plowing."
I'm sure" She stepped up to
Grant and drew the boys face down
to hers. "Good-by, dear; be good
boy" she whispered, and Wilson waved
kisses to her as the motor sped down
the road.
Linder 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-t -the-lIill," said the boy. You
have to sit down in chair"
Grant sat down and with strange
mixture of emotions drew the little
chap between his knees as he listened
to the lOngforgotten prattle.
At the third line the boy stopped.
prompted.
But can't. Willie; I have for
gotten"
"Huh, you don't know much," the
child commented, and glIbly quoted
the remaining lines. "And God bless
Daddy and Mamma and teddy-bear
and Uncle Man-on-the-Hill and the pig.
Amen" he concluded. accompanying
the last word with jump which
landed him fairly in Grants lap. His
little arms went up about his friends
neck, and his little soft cheek rested
against tanned and weather-beaten
one. Slowly Grants arms closed about
the warm, 1.-the body and pressed II
to his In new passion, strange and
holy. Then he led him to the whim-
room, turned down the white sheets In
which no form had ever lain and
his teddy down by his side and set
his knife properly in view upon the
dresser. And then he leaned down
again and kissed the little face. and
whispered, Good night, little boy;
God keep you safe tonight, and
always" And suddenly Grant realized
that he had been praying.
He withdrew softly, and only partly
closed the door; then he chose seat
where he could see. the little figure
lying peacefully on the white bed
"The dear little chap" he murmured
81 must watch by him tonight. 1t would
be unspeakable If anything should
happen to him while he Is under my
care"
He felt a sense of warmth, almost
smothering sensation, and raised his
hand to his forehead. 1t came down
covered with perspiration.
ITS amazingly close" he said, and
walked to one Of the Fr6ach windows
openlng to the west. The sun had
gone down, and broo<iing darkness
law over all the valley. but far up In
the sky he could trace the outline of
cloud.
Looks like Storm" he commented,
On sually, and suddenly felt something
tighten about his heart.
He turned to his chair, but found
himself pacing the living room with an
,.o,etber InexpIIcable nervousness.