Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1846-05-29
menl. by door leading from the hall, the

air of cordially.
| trust you have been qnic we'll, SIR an
swcrcd the young man, without looking it
his face, but assuming an air of pleasure a
seeing him return.
Il have been very well thank you, Fred
rick. | am somewhat ialigued, however
after so long a journey. Everything has gone
well, believe! 2
yes, sIr,' answered the young man, in q
slightly faterng manner Mr.. llawley no.
ticcd it and looked at him with quick en-
curing glance.
Il have sent to you for the key TO ny pri.
vate desk. Did you bring it with your
Yes, sir, here i, is he responded, taking
it from his poke, and handing it TO him.
sit down Fredrick wish you to pass
the evening with the family in the parIor.--
| wish 10 dcposte first some money in the
desk that have brought with nc, and then
: we will 90 in and have some music
Frcdrick Proctor made no answer but
with colorIcss cheek aud "A restless manner he
began to walk up and down the room inst as
he had been doing in his chamber His mind
tortured between confession ard falschood.
, lie knew that he was on the eve of ruin.-
| Falsehood might save him-confcsslon he
/ believed would. The latter was humilialing
/ to hm--the former would degrade him in his
own estimation as low as he would fall in
| Mr.. llawley's by the acknow lcdgment of his
guilt. He was yet undecided what course TO
take. The merchant had placed the key in
the lock and turned it. lie opened the leaf
to the glass door of The secretary and then
laid his hand upon the knob Of the side draw
or 10 open IT.
At this monen, Proctor paused and rest
cd his eyes upon HIM with look of painful
hesitation. All at once 1t vanished, and IA
look ofrcsoution and purpose took its place.
He sat down, took up a paper aud tried to ap-
pear Indifferent. Mr.. Hawley took out a
pocket book, and opening it, started back
and turned with "A look Of painful surprise
and suspicion toward lis clerk Proctor look
ed him fall in the face ; but Mr.. lIawley saw
/ through The silver wash of ialsehood ; for the
young man had yielded to the evil instead OF
the good suggestions, and resolved TO brave
it boldly.
'Fredrick,' he exclaimed, extending in his
I hand the empty notebook, how is this p
have you removed The FIVE hundred dollars
that was here to another drawer
'What, sir is it not there = he cried ris-
lng up, taking it from him, and rapidly rum
ming it over.
'Iou see it is empty
This is incompfchensble, Mr.. 1awIey,
he answered with a wcllieigned surprise.
Have YOU no knowledge what has become
Of The amount of money in tens and iivcs
winch left in this book d"
1t is very strange
IL was placed unler your charge
/ Il know it was, sir; but
when did you see it in here safe the
lastr
Il have not looked into the drawer since
you left, sir
yet You have been here writing every
afternoon two or three hours, according tC
my direction, in recopying the private lettc
hook which was nearly ruined al the fire a
the store
'Ycs, sir, and have nearly completed my
task
1T is extraordinary that this money SHOULD
have been taken. Have you Kept the key il
your posscsslon!'
eS, SID, unless lis was taken out Of m,
pocket at night By somebody and rcturneC
before morning.
Then il is your impression some one ha
by some means got the key and taken lht
money :!
1t would seem so, sir
Mr.. Ilawley fixed his eyes steadily for
moment in silence. Proctor tried to cncoun
ter the gaze, bu, was forced to drop his eye
TO the floor.
This is very extraordinary, Fredrick,' h
said severely.
The young man seemed TO be greatly az
iiated. All at once he caught Mr.. Hawley'
hand and sank upon his knees before him.
Pardon--pardon, SIR !! he cried in dee
anguish. Forgive my talsehood, by whic
have added to crime! only am guilty !
Have you taken this money"
Yes, sir and the only atoncment that
can make is 10 confess my crime and thro,
myself upon your mercy. abhor myse
=, for attempting TO shelter my guilt by resort
ing to falsehood. | have embezzled the Il
mount, SIR
; To what purpose could you have apple
} so much money! Rise from the floor an
5 sit down and let me hear all
Il acknowledge all sir. | have lost il
' play
In gaming!'
yes sir
'Thcn my suspicious are confirmed h
!. said sadly yet seriously, Alas that they ar
d, so. have long had suspicion that you gan
= bled, Frederick but not being able 10 prov
= it, resolved to try you for knew pei
= son who gambled would be tempted 10 en-
Il bezzle money entrusted to them.
y MY chief motive in trying you was I
know the truth of the rumors that reache
my ears; for | had it in my heart to pac
YOU in a more responsible position than thi
:, , you now hold in word to offer you by an
" by the place OF junior partner m the firm
: That you sambled, could not believe, va
{ have served me so faithfully the four yea
, YOU have been with me. therefore on qui
u ting home for Savannah, left in this desl
c under your charge five hundred dollars, an
desired you to copy the letter book here ii
/" stead of copying it at the counting room.-
Is Thus gave you ready access to the none
e NV suspicious, alas are confirmed. Nc
may charge me with laying temptation
ID your way. did so TO save myself in Il
Y future from injury il you should prove a Ca
he player. did no wrong 10 you. II u
ut were a man Of integrity, you were sale.
D. YOU proved Otherwise ! was safe. leit