American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-04-13

leading from the hall, the servant ushered in
the young man.
"Well Frederick, am glad to see you"
said MIR. Hawley, extending his hand with an
air of cordiality.
81 trust you have been quite well, sir" ans
wered the young man without looking in his
face, but assuming an air of pleasure at seeing
him return.
81 have been very we'll thank you. Freder-
lex. | am somewhat fatigued, however, after
so long journey. Every thing has gone well,
| believer"
eyes, sir, answered the Young man in a
slightly faltering tone, Mr. Hawey noticed it
and looked at him with quick enquiring
glance.
81 have sent to you for the KEY Of my pri-
vate desk. Did you bring it with you?"
eyes, sir, here it u.s." he responded, taking it
from his pocket and handing it TO him.
"Sit down, Frederick; wish you to pass the
evening with the family IN the parlor. wish
to deposite first some money in the desk that
have with me, and then we will go in and
have some musiC.H
Frederick Proctor made no answer; but with
a colorless cheek and a restless manner he be-
gan to walk up and down the room Just as he
had been doing in his own chamber. Ills mind
tortured between confession and lalsehood. He
knew that he was on the eve of ruin. False
hood might save him-coniosson he believed
would. The latter was humiliatIng to him
the former would degrade him in his own esti-
nation as low as he would fall in Mr.. Haw-
ley's, by the acknowledgement of his guilt
He was yet undecided what course TO take
The merchant had placed the key in the lock
and turnel it. He opened the leaf of the glass
door To the secretary and then laid his hand
upon the knob of the side drawer to open it.
AT this moment Proctor paused and rested
his eyes upon him with a look of painful hesita-
ton. All at once it vanished, and look of
resolution aud purpose took its place. He sat
Indifferent that is tried to appear as he would
have done had he been innocent. II is very
difficult for guilt to feign innocence. Piatina
may look like plate, but it does not deceive the
skillful observer. Mr.. Hawley took pocket
book, and opening it, started back and turned
with look of painful surprise and suspicion
towards his clerk. Proctor looked him full in
the face; but lla1ley saw through the silver
wash of falsehood; for the young man had
yielded to the evil instead of the good sugges-
lions, and resolved to brave it boldly.
"Fredenck," he exclaimed, extending in his
hand the empty note book, ''how is this? Have
you removed the five hundred dollars that was
here to another drawer?"
"What, sir; is it not THEREOF he cried rising
up, taking it from him, and rapidly running il
over.
"You sec it is empty"
"This s incomprehensible, MIR. Hawley," no
answered with well feignod surprise.
"Have you no knowledge what has become
of the amount of money in tens and fves which
| left in this book"
sit IS very strange"
ait was placed under your charge"
81 know 1t was sill; but"
"When did you see it here safe the last?"
81 have not looked into the drawer since you
left, sir"
'Yet you have been here writing every after
noon two or three hours, according to my di-
rectons, in recopying the private letter book
which was nearly ruined in the fire at the
store"
ayes, sir, and have nearly completed my
task"
sit is extraordinary that this money should
have been taken. Have you kept the key in
your possession?"
eyes, sir, unless it was taken out of my
pocket at night by somebody and returned be-
fore morning"
"Then 1t is your impression some one has by
at would seem so, sir"
Mr. Hawley fixed his eyes steadily upon him
for moment in silence. Proctor tried to en-
counter the gaze, but was forced 10 drop his
eyes TO the floor.
"This is very extraordinary, Frederick" he
said, severely.
The young man seemed greatly agitated,-
All at once he caught Mr.. Hawley's hand and
sunk upon his knees before him.
"Pardon-pardon, STRIP he cried in deep an
guish. "Forgive my falsehood, by which |
have added to crime! | only am guilty."
"Have you taken this money!"
eyes sir, and the only atonement can make
is to confess my crime and throw myself upon
your mercy. abhor myself for attempting to
shelter by resorting TO falsehood. have en-
bezzeled the amount, SIR"
ITO be concluded in our nextl