New Britain herald., 1924-07-29

I'll you re not, why do you lntrude upon us?' Inc demanded.
 ''I am a friend" l told him.
 q never saw you before in my life" he asserted. The girls face lost the expression of horror that the youths words had brought to it. She reached across the table and touched his hand.
 Let him explain. Frank" she pleaded. "It can do no harm"
 l bowed to her. 1 turned to the boy.
 She's worth dying for" told him. Equally, worth living for"
 "Your opinions are undcsired and impertinent," he said.
 But my intentions are of the kindliest," I fetorted. Young man, don't be a fool. Men in fear of ar rest, and threatening suicide, are silly to think of conventions. Look at me. Do ' seem the sort to do an unconventional thing without a season?"
 "I have been watching you two people," I said. Passing by your table I heard you"7-and I looked at the girl,-'ask him not to kill him. self. Here is danger. Am ] such q coward that I must refuse to obey the ordinary dictates of humanity and save life?"
 The young man sneereJ "Strang- CTS give their lives for strangers, but not their money"
 How much?" I asked.
 "Ten thousand dollars" he replied. "I suppose you have that much in your pocket?"
 "1 have" told him calmly. As a matter of fact, I had at least three times that amount in cash upon my person. Also, had, in letters of credit and in securities that would be as readily negotiable in Australia as they were in New York, something like three hundred thousand dollars more.
 And l suppose that inasmuch as you would risk your life to save a drowning man, you will gladly hand me over the ten thousand dollars"
 His lack of belief was understand able.
 Wait bit" I suggested. Before l leap into the river to save the drowning man, l assure myself that he is really in danger, not merely hysterical from fright"
 The boys eyes were Contemptuous. but the girl anticipated his refusal.
 Explain to him. Frank" she pleaded. Tt can do no harm. He Is not detective"
 bowed to her. Thank you," I said.
 Pm thief" he said harshly, fac ng me squarcly.
 ] nodded. And discoycrv---', 1
 "ls certain by tomorrow morning." he declared.
 l glanced around the restaurant me hour was late. Most of the pa- .rons had left. l produced pocket book. From it withdrew twenty i've ve-hundred-dollar bills.
 His eyes widencd; q whistle of came through his ,lenched teeth.
 Do you suppose I can accept such gift?" he whispered, as though inc tight of the money had hurt his vocal cords.
 "ls death oasicr?" inquired.
 ioure about twenty-five" II guessed. Let us assume that I did lot always have pocketbook filled vith money. Let us suppose that if stranger had been my friend. had lone for me what I am offering you hat-well, there might have been a 'irl, as there is a girl with you" II 'eard my voice grow gruff and larsh. Take it and live, or refuse lnd die. Do have to beg you 10 ac- cpt what l do not need?"
 T said that l was a thief, am" | le faid. Tomorrow morning my l will find ten thousand dol | ars missing from his cash box"
 1 tapped the notes in my hand 'unless--" l suggested.
 Tt will be years, if ever. before I an repay this loan"
 T never lend; l give" told him.
 He looked at me. I am no senti- nentalist but tell you that saw a oul cross from hell into heaven, 'ut still he hesitatcd.
 You must know exactly the sort [ person to. whom you are making ne gift,' he said. liked him be- ause he made no pretensc: he did ot cringingIy swear that it was A lcred obligation.
 Go on," l encouraged him. |. My name is Frank TirreII. I'm a 1rt Of confidential clerk for Phineas arbon. He is trader and specula- 'r. The bulk Of hisf6perations have , ,ln N-itb int. 1,.Q,,,,, ans. t...., |