The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1927-01-07

the board of trade, respected bust
ness man, good citizen, and has an
ad0ring wife and children. He goes
to church on Sundays and walks home
with a clean conscience.
Is murder justifiable? Preston had
loved Dorothy for years before Rankin
appeared upon the scene, with his
fiashy ways and tales Of wanderings
and adventures. He was just the type
Of man who would captivate the
heart Of an Inexperienced girl like
Dorothy. Preston, to whom she, was
more than half engaged. saw her slip
ping away from him.
Dorothy married Rankin, and then
ensued FIVE OF the bitterest years of
her life. He took her money and
spent it. partly gambling. partly on
other women. Dorothy ought to have
divorced him, perhaps. but she shranK
from that step; nothing like It hal
been known in her family. and, while
she was still celebrating. Rankin was
killed In the train accident that oc-
Cured after the Watertown races,
where he had gone to play.
The body was mangled among a
heap of others and only Identified by
card in card case. 1t occurred to
nobody that Rankin might have given
his card to some chance acquaintance
upon the train. Dorothy did not pre-
tend to mourn him. Six months later
she married Preston. and her real
honeymoon began
Two years of ideal happiness
passed Preston was at this time rep
enting his firm on the road. He
S away for week when Dorothy.
ted happily on the porch Of their
use, and thinking of him. saw a
eyed tramp approaching along the
ad.
Something. in the mans appearance.
his slouching gait arrested her at
bntion. Suddenly she sat up In her
hair, rigid. her eyes fixed with hor-
or upon the face of the man who had
been her husband
Rankin advanced up the little walk
pr the garden. He grinned amiably
bs he came to a halt in front of the
Terrified girl and removed his battered
hat with a mock bow.
sWell, wife," he said. SIS that all
Qg 1--we to say to me? Aren't you
70 see me again after all these
thy only shrank fro1, him.
observed the movement and
ped, not so amiably as before.
ss we'd better have this thing
away" he said. taking his
Side her. $50 you thought
d and got married again. Ell?
uess you're happier than you
tn me? And you wouldn't like
iisgraced and have to take me
never do THAR cried Dorothy.
be not" he admitted. ''All the
you'd give good deal to get rid
Ze and not let your husband know
wasn't my body that was found.
How much is it worth to your
what do you mean?" cried the girl
II mean," said Rankin sullenly.
"that I'm down and out. When
heard you thought me dead and had
got hitched up again. meant to stay
away. You weren't the only One that
was sorry to have got married. Mar
ried life wasn't all beams and roses
for me either. Now, then. how much
is it worth to you to set me on my
feet. knowing I'll never come back
Make it five hundred"
'sYou want me to deceive my hus-
bandf' cried the girl.
.Tm your husband" said Rankin
with another grin. Come now. five
hundred squares it. know you can
raise that. | didn't run through all
your money. wish ] had. but now It
seems just as well.''
Dorothy rose and faced him scorn-
fully. you mean that If give you
i've hundred dollars you will never
zee me slgain?s she asked.
That's about the size Of it." he an
swered.
II have i've hundred left and you
shall have 1t by the first post tomor-
row." said the girl. "Giye me your
address,"
''The Parker hotel" said Rankin.
That afternoon the girl drew all her
money out of the bank and mailed it
to him. No answer came. Of which
she was glad; but no Rankin returned.
And Dorothy nerved herself to meet
her husband on his return and keep
the matter from him for his sake.
..Why. you look quite worn out,
dearest" said Preston. you'll have
to run into the country for few days
change"
She chung to him Historically. Il
don't want to leave you, Lawrence, .
she cried.
"What nonsenser' he aAs2 b
kissing her. 1T will do 70 l.
dear You are as white as 3,
Come, / want you to go off or {
trip and freshen upd1nnnh
Dorothy conse9 h
spent week in ls
khe third da +.