The Redemption Of Kenneth Galt

e which had come into his possession years before in the foreclosure of a mortgage given by a poor farmer, and wh

in his big revolving chair, his eyes fell on a stack of letters addressed to him. Rapidly shifting them through his stiff fingers, his attention was drawn to the only one which bore no stamp or postmark. He recognized the w

tone he used to the banker on all occasions, lest he might by accident ex

tly slipping away: "But hold on, To

y three of us carry keys to the front door-you and me and Fred; and when I was ope

rs, tore open the envelope and began to read. The waiting clerk heard him utter a gasp. It was followed by a low, subdued groan, and looking like

aken five thousand dollars of t

r obeyed as an automaton might, his wrinkled face beneath his shaggy eyebrows wildly distorted, his lips parted, showing his yellow jagged teeth, his breath co

t! Run and get the sheriff-if you can't find him fetch the deputy! Then see if the telegraph office is open. I'll jail that scamp before night! I want my money! I want my money! He's no son of mine!

uite as bad as-really, you oughtn't to handle the boy that way. He's been a good friend to me, and I'd hate to think I'd

vering and clinging with both hands to the back of his unsteady chair. "Go and do

ton," the clerk yie

t a door on the side of the building and gained the stree

not a real thief, either. Folks have told him all his life that he had a right to m

, who wore great heavy top-boots, a broad-brimmed hat, and had sharp brown eyes an

ou, Bill," he said. "He's

n in a vacant lot across the street, where, on a high hoarding of planks, glaring new circus bills were posted. "The boys are about to sme

ound the shaggy head prone on the desk, the long arms hanging down at either side. For a moment Toby thought the banker was a

cries and promises! He has lied to me, he'll lie to you!" Therewith S

growled,

member, and was about to take action against them, I got your ear, and showed you that in a suit at court you'd have to make certain showings of a private nature that

as that got to do with

olks will get the impression that you are in a shaky condition? The other bank would make it appear ten times as bad as it is, and we might have a frightful run on us. We are all right, solid enough, the Lord knows, but money-ready money-

ght! It would ruin us-absolutely wreck

f heavy steps in th

I didn't tell him what you wanted. Don't a

ut it was too late; the sheriff, with his usual l

nging stride. "I hope you are not scared about what I owe

nd set the observant officer wondering. "The truth is, Johnston, I thought I needed your services, but I fi

lance swept the two disturbed faces before him. "I don't ca

s Sunday shirt to ask me to see him. I found him looking like a staring idiot, and was informed that it was a false alarm. False nothing! I'll give you boys a tip. I'll bet that gay and festive Fred is up to some fresh devilment. You