Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1926-02-26

ance when she came tripping down to
breakfast.
There, dearest /" she exclaimed. 81
knew that tonic was just what you
needed. You look even better than
you did before our marriage"
II have certainly found a wonderful
relief" said Bobby. soIemnly.
Mr.. Bridges sat In his private ofice,
immersed in a pile Of correspondence.
when the glazed door opened sudden
ly and his son-in-law walked In with
breezy Good morning, father"
"Have you heard about the neck
lace7p was almost the first question
asked Of the young man after the pre-
llminary greetings.
agnes has told u.s." was the an
swer. But you are offering too large
reward-s1, ,250 will bring It."
Mfr. Bridges swung around in his
swivel chair In amazement.
what do you know about itT' he
said. what do you meant"
"Just what say" Tunstall coolly
replied. Its a little secret-but it's
all in the family. Write me check
to bearer for $3.50, and l guarantee
that the necklace shall be produced
and save you s1,750i"
Stlll wondering, the broker COM
piled, but with such an expression of
inquiry that, when Bobby had pock
eted the check, he proceeded, In
gravef manner than his father-in-law
ever had known him to assume, to
make the mutely demanded explana-
tion. having assured himself that the
door was securely closed.
Though possessed Of an ample In
come" he said, Il have always spent
1t as 1t came-and not infrequently
before It came. 1t was during such a
state of temporary lack Of funds that
I was introduced to your household. I
assure you most sincerely that I had
no idea at that time Of Tarleton's
feelings toward Laura, and certainly
had no intention Of becoming his rival,
and 1t was therefore without compunc-
tion that accepted from him loan
sufficient to enable me to maintain a
proper appearance in the social circle
In which you move"
A soft whistle was the father-ln-
laws only comment.
"Well.' continued Tunstall, when
Jack found that Laura preferred me
he turned rusty, dunned me for the
debt. which now aggregates $3.50,
and even at my bachelor dinner hint
ed that might be served with legal
process on my honeymoon. That was
one reason for concealing our where
abouts. and 1t was that threat hang
ing over me-together with an oppor-
tunity that fate itself must have
cheated-that induced me to take tenn
porary charge Of one Of my wife's or
naments, which Inow feel much pleas
ure in transferring to you. I need
hardly say that, for the sake Of the
reputation of the family and the feel
ings Of your daughter, 1t would be
well not to tell how you have recov-
cred It, especially to my wife"
What Is that about your wifel" In
qulred Laura, entering the office un-
announced.
Il was merely saying that you
would be delighted to know that your
father has recovered your necklace" ("
said Bobby. with great presence of
mind.
"0h how lovely" exclaimed Laura.
as her husband held It up. "You know
scarcely got good look at 1t on our
wedding day. But don't go, Bobby"
she added, as he turned to leave. II
came in to ask papa to turn the man
agement Of my affairs over to you
just wait while he has the papers
made out"
"You might charge that s1,250 to
the dowry." whispered Bobby to his
father-in-law.