The Free lance. (State College, Pa.) 1887-1904, October 01, 1903, Image 17

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    was worth to the Harris family, for lie had only been superintend
ent for a few years. Tom wrung his hands as he thought that
this paper was not his, but was in the custody of Mr. Conrad till
he picked it up. Tom could not sleep. He must decide what
should be done with that paper, which was the missing link in the
evidence necessary to lay claim to Mud Creek valley.
The next morning Tom was in search of Mr. Conrad, whom he
found at the house of his brother, just across the street from the
scene of the fire. Ella met him at the door, and presented him to
her father as her hero. “Your daring has made me a happy
man,” said Mr. Conrad, as he looked Tom square in the face and
held his hand. “We can never repay you, Tom.” “Never mind,”
stammered Tom, for he was not a little embarrassed at the praises
he was receiving from all sides. “I came,” he said, “to make an
apology and ask a favor.” Mr. Conrad smiled and said, “Your
apology is certainly out of order, but I am only too glad if I can
do you a favor.” Tom somewhat relieved went on. “After
throwing your desk out of the window I picked up a paper that
had fallen 'out when the desk was lifted. Without thinking, I
carried it home. Last night I drew it from my pocket and then
remembered where 1 got it. And that is my apology.” Tom
colored and looked Conrad square in the face. “This paper,” he
said, “furnishes evidence that would put mother and Bertha in
comfortable circumstances. I only ask that you will see that t
is not destroyed, and if it is destroyed that you will bear testi
mony of its existence.” Tom paused. Mr. Conrad’s face was a
puzzle. “I knew,” added Tom “that you would want to see
justice done.” “Certainly,” interrupted Mr. Conrad, “I am only,
too glad if I can' do you a kindness, and doubly so if it aids jus
tice.” Tom handed the paper to -Mr. Conrad, and was about to
leave, when Ella addressed him. “Do come again, Mr. Harris, for
mother will be anxious to see you when she is a little better. We
fear she \yas hurt in her fall yesterday.” “Yes, Tom,” said Mr.
Conrad, looking up from the old lease which Tom had given him,
“Come in any time. We want to know you better.” Tom finally
promised, and said goodbye.
A Tale of the Strike.