Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-11-22

StdilCe TOlIi dtteHulnS Ut t1e proper tilic.
sent the sum required by Smith. My con- I
fdence was so great in my head clerk who
had been long known to me, that | was
not in the habit of regularly counting the
money when brought to me but as on
this occasion it had passed through other
hands, | thought it right TO do SO. There
fore calling Smith back as he was leaving
my counting Eouse, l desired him to wait
for few minutes and proceeded to ascer-
tain whether it was quite correct. Great
was my surprise and concern to find that
there was a considerable deficiency.
From whom said l, did you receive
this money!
He replied, From Mr. - naming
my confidential clerk.
1t is strange said I, looking steadily
at him. But this money is incorrect, and
it is the first time | have found it So He
changed countenancc, and his eye fell be-
fore mine but he answered with tolera-
BILE composure, that it was as he received
it,
6 1t is in vain, | replied, to attempt TO
impose upon me, or endeavor to cast sus-
picions on any one whose character for the
strictest honesty and undertaking integrity
is so well established. Now | am perfect
ly convinced that you have taken this mo-
ney, and that it is at this moment in your
possession: and think the evidence a.
gainst you would be thought sufficient to
Justify me in Immediately dismissing you
from my service. But you are a very
young man; your conduct has, | believe,
been hitherto perfectly correct, and | am
willing TO afford you an opportunity of re-
deeming the past. All knowledge of this
matter rests between ourselves. Candidly
confess, therefore, the error of which you
have been guilty restore what you have
so dishonesty taken; endeavor by your fu-
ture good conduct, to deserve my conf
dence and respect, and this circumstance
shall never transpire to injure YOU. The
poor fellow was deeply affected, in a voice
almost inarticulate with emotion he ac-
knowledged his guilt, and said that having
frequently seen me receive the money
without counting it, on being entrusted
with it himself the idea had flashed across
his mind that he might easily abstract
some without mourning suspicion, or at all
events without there being sufficient evil
dence to Justify it that being in distress,
the temptation had proved stronger than
his power of resistance, and he had yield
ed. Il cannot now,' he continued, prove
how deeply your forbearance has touched
me; time alone can show that it has not
been misplaced He then left me to re-
sumo his duties.
Days, weeks and months passed away,
during which j scrutipized his conduct
with the greatest anxiety, whilst at the
same time carefully guarded against any
appearance of suspicious watchfulness !;
and with delight observed that so far my
experiment had succeeded. The greatest
regularity and attention-the utmost devo-
ton TO my interest marked his business
habits and this without any display; for
his quiet and humble department was from
that time remarkable. AT length finding
his conduct invariably marked by the ut
most openness and plain dealing, my con-
fidence in him was so far restored, that on
vacancy occurring in situation of great
err trust and increased emolument than the
one he had hitherto filled, placed him in
it; and never had the slightest reason to
repent of the part acted towards him.
Not only had | the pleasure of rejecting
that had, in all probability, saved fel.
low creature from a continued course Of
vice, and consequent misery, and affordine
him the opportunity of becoming a res
pectable and useful member of society ,bu
| had gained for myself an interchangeable
servant-a faithful and constant friend
For years he served me with the creates
fidelity and devotion. His character fo
rigid, nay, even scrupulous honesty, was
so well known, that 'as honest as Smith,
became a proverb among his acquain
tances.
One morning missed him from his &C
customed place, and upon inquiry, learn
that he was detained at home by indisposi
ton. Several days elapsed and still HI
, was absent and upon calling at his house
to inquire after him, found the family il
great distress on his account. His com
plant had proved typhus fever of ma
lignant kind. From almost the commence
t ment of his attack, he had, as his wife
I (lor he had been sometime married) in
formed me, lain in a state of total uncon
r seriousness, from which he had reused onl
, to the raving of delirium, and that tn
physician gave little hope Of his recovery
For some days he continued in the sam
d state; at length message was brough
\ me saying that Mr.. Smith wished to Sc
0 me, the messenger adding, that Mrs Smit
r hoped would come as soon as possible
for she feared her husband was dying.
. Immediately obeyed the summons.
a On entering the chamber, | found tn
r whole of his family assembled to take
| farewell of him they so tenderly loved.-
= AS soon as he perceived me, he motione
e for me to approach near to him, and TAX
IL 4