PAID IN FULL

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21228, 26 September 1940, Page 3

PAID IN FULL

NEW SERIAL STORY

by H. S. Sarbert

CHAPTER Vlll—(Continued.) “I can't help it,” grandfather,” she whispered. “It seems so—oh, so awful,to me!” “Don't see there’s anything awful in my picking up a bargain, and—” “But there must be some reason for the sale,” Viola said. “Mr Preston valued his business so much; he had taken so much pride in it, and now ” “Well, I don’t know anything about it,” Mr Winn replied. “He’s a dark horse, as I’ve told you before —a very dark horse. He won’t talk, and it isn’t for me to make him. I’ve got my own ideas, of course. I reckon it’s something to do with Harry. He’s got himself into some mess that we don’t know about very likely, and David has got to get him out.” “Did he say that?” Viola asked the question quickly, and her grandfather grunted. “Of course he didn’t! Would he ever say a word against that boy. I’ve just drawn my own conclusions, that’s all.” And Viola, as she went slowly upstairs to her room, also drew her own conclusions. There certainly must have been some reason for this sale—some reason why Mr Preston was selling and leaving the neighbourhood altogether. Her heart was heavy, for it seemed as if the last link were broken. When Harry’s father had gone, what would there be left? David Preston superintended the removal of his furniture to the warehouse, where it was to be stored. He could not bring himself to sell for he had purchased some of these articles before his marriage. They held tender, sacred memories for him. But he was going now, and he would not be returning. There was the name over the door —“Preston and Son”— but it would not remain there for long. It would be painted out. He had said goodbye to his customers. Some of them had .been genuinely sorry. There had been tears in the eyes of some of the elder women, who had dealt with him for so many years. He had been deeply appreciative of this sentiment. It seemed that a hand was clutching at his heartstrings. To give up everything! All that he had worked for—all that he had taken such pride in building up! And the money that he was getting for it was to go to pay Harry’s debt. Suddenly David Preston straightened himself up. Harry’s debt! Yes, that was right, but it was to save Harry’s honour —to save the honour of the name. He held his head higher at the thought. That was to be the result of his sacrifice, and it was worth it! For Harry’s sake! To give his boy a fresh chance to build up anew. A wonderful light came into David’s eyes, the light of a great love. “It’s going to be all right with my boy,” he murmured. “He’s going to make good. It would be worth ten times the sacrifice for that!” CHAPTER IX. Hope For the Besi David Preston walked along towards the station. His head was bent at first, but later, as a new thought came to him, he held his head high. He was not leaving Shalford in disgrace. His old friends and neighbours must not think he had slunk away with his head down. No, he would keep his head high. That was the idea! Just before he reached the station he heard his name called, and Viola Winn came running af.ter him. “I thought you’d have come over to say good-bye,” she said, and there was a hint of reproach in her voice and in her eyes. “Why, my dear —I’m very sorry. I suppose I should have done that,” he repiled, “but it—well, I thought the good-byes were all over! However, it’s fine to be seeing your pretty face again, Viola.” It was a pretty face—but it was a pale little face as well. Viola hadn’t her usual bright colour, and some of the sparkle had gone from her eyes. David saw that, and he knew the reason for it. He knew that this girl had been suffering quite a lot, not just for the past day or two, but for months; ever since this other woman had come into Harry’s life and done all the mischief.

They walked along slowly until they got to the station, and then paused. They could see the signal from where they were standing, and it had not gone down yet, so there was still time to chat. “You know, Mr Preston, it—it all seems so strange to me,” Viola whispered. “What does, my dear?” “You going away like this. It’s always seemed to me that you were part and parcel of this place ” “That’s natural enough,” David interrupted, “since I used to pick you up in my arms when you were a small baby. But time changes most things—other things take their place. “But you never tnought you'd be leaving here, did you’” He shook his head. “Not for good,” he told her. “I’m attached to the village. I’ve watehI ed it grow, and I’ve always tnought

Political Speech in Lions’ Cage • Election history was made in Perth, West Australia, when Mr F. Claude Swaine, Senate candidate, who calls himself an “Empire Cooperationist,” made his policy speech in the lions’ cage at Wirth’s Circus in Fremantle. “I might just as well give my opening speech for the Senate from the lions’ den as anywhere else,” said Mr Swaine.

I should go on watching it extend—and, maybe extend with it. But then, we can’t read the future, and I’m going to be near my boy—my Harry.” “You—you might come back one day?” Viola spoke the word, as one who clutches at a straw. She knew that tears were very near and yet she was making a brave effort not to break down in front of him. David dropped his bag and he laid his hands on the girl’s shoulders. “Here’s something for you to remember, my dear,” he said. “Mind, I’m not promising anything, for I don’t know what the future may hold, but perhaps one day we might both come back—the boy and me together. Who can tell? We've got to wait and see—and hope for the best. By the way, is there any message for Harry?” The colour came into Viola’s cheeks. “Why, yes, of course!” she exclaimed. “Of course, Mr Preston! Please give him my best wishes ” “Your love, Viola, eh? Better make it your love!” ! “He doesn’t want that, Mr Preston.” j “You can’t tell, my dear. I’m thinking he’ll be wanting it—one ' day very soon.” \ (To be continued daily)