Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1930-05-08

using the mails to defraud, because
really, it wasn't fraud. Father was
blind"
"YOu see, she doesn't realize what
she has DONE" argued Eddy stoutly.
"Ellen," her fathers voice was low
and shocked, "do you mean to tell me
that you-solicited money for a home
for the blind"
Ginger flushed crimson, and swiftly
paled, but she did not finch. "Yes,
did, father. By chain letter. And
1t went like wildfire. Ten cents apiece.
That's why paid everything in dimes.
Eddy"
"But, my child, it is-almosi steal
ing"
"Oh, father, no. Doesn't it say In
the Bible that the servants Of God
are to get what they need? And you
know we did need ill''
"But Ellen-it was plain begging"
swell, all church work is. COllec.
tons are begging. And is it any worse
to take money, if you can get it, from
publicans and sinners, than from
stewards and trusteesf"
There's at least q full bushel of
mail al the office" interrupted the
inspector.
"a bushel of dimes! p she calculated.
"And it's got to go back where it
came from. Every cent Of it." But
even the inspectors severity had re-
Taxed somewhat. Now l guess we
can fix this up, If you, sir, will 60
bail for IL that she doesn't start any
more funny business.
"Pm afraid you'll have to go down
with US, sir. There's a deal of red
tape to go through with. And the
money TO send back"
81 will come at once. IL am 20
surprised-so shocked" stammered the
confused father, 1 can't tell you how
sorry I am. l never dreamed that
Ellen, If you had told me. If you had
asked me-"
"Oh, father, I-Only wanted to help
you. L Wait a minute!"
She ran quickly up the stairs, and
in the hallway above they could hear
her nervOusly quick movements. as
she balanced the ladder against the
wall. and pushed open the trapdoor
to the attic.
81 can't imagine how she came to dc
such thing" apologized the troubled
father anxiously. "But she meant all
right. She was so eager to take care
Of me-"
ooh, she's just a kid" assented the
inspector. "We all know what kids
are"
Ginger's feet were pounding down
the stairs again, and they awaited her
coming In silence. She crossed the
room and stood before the inspector
slim and slight, but with straight
shoulders, as one willing to bear the
burden Of her wrongdoing.
"Here!" Into the hands Of the as
tonished inspector she pressed an old
dolls trunk, and it was heavy. "It's
the rest Of the Dimes" she explained
81 don't know where they came from
I burned the little white angels
mean the letters. And l spent lots Of
the dimes, too, for ever so many things
dresses, and stockings, and even food
These are all that are left"
swell, now" said the inspector
awkwardly, 81 don't rightly know what
to do with this-but l reckon I'd bet
ter take it along. Will you come, sir
We have car"
81 will 60 with you," offered Hiram
Buckworth.
"YOu'd better wear dark glasses
father" cautioned Ginger. "Yor
mustn't see too much too soon. And
officer, If anybody has to go to Jail
don't you take him. You come ant
get me-"
ooh, nObody'll have to 60 10 Jail
Well Ak this up. And you will prom
Use to be good little girl"
Ginger nodded her head nervously
Her eyes glistened with tears that she
held in check.
In a short while they were all gone
and she was alone again with Eddy
The house was very still. She stood
in the center of the room and stared
blackly into space, stared and stared
Suddenly great storm welled In hel
breast. The pain Of II scorched bel
throat, tortured her eyes. She threw
herself among the cushions In q cor
ner of the couch, and sobbed a.