Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1852-12-22

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larly counting the money when brought to
me; but as, on this occasion, it had passed
through other hands, thought it right to
do 50. Therefore calling Smith back as he
WAS leaving my counting house, [ desired
him to wait few minutes, and proceeded
to ascertain whether it was quite correct.
Great was my surprise and concern on Gnd-
ing that there was Il considerable deficiency.
'' From whom said l, did you receive
this money? -
s. lie replied, From Mr.-,' naming
my confidential clerk"
s. 1t is strange said !, looking steadily
at him. Bat this money is incorrect, and
1t is the first time have found it So He
changed countenance, and his eye fell be-
fore mine; but he answered, with tolerable
composure, that it was as he received it, :"
''' 1t is in vain,' replied, 'to attempt to
impose upon NE, or to endeavor to cast sus-
plcion on one whose character for the strict
est honesty and undertaking integrity is so
we'll established. Now, am perfectly con-
vinced that you have taken this money, and
tLat it is at this moment in your possession:
and think the evidence against you would
be thought sufficient to justify me in imme-
i'ut you are very young man; your con-
duct has, | believe, been hitherto correct,
ana [ am willing to afforl you an opportu-
nifty of redeemiug the past. All knowledge
Of this matter rests between ourselves
Candidly confess, therefore, the error of
which you have been guilty: restore what
you nave so dishonesty taken endeavor,
by your future good conduct, to deserve my
confidence and respect, and this circum-
stance shall never transpire to injure you
The poor fellow was deeply affected. In
voice almost in"rticuate with emotion, he
acknowledged his guilt, and said thas, hay
ing frequently seen me receive the money
without counting it, on being intrusted
with it himself, the idea had flashed across
his mind that he nigh easily abstract some
without incurring suspicion, Or at all events
without there being sufficient evidence to
justify it; that, being in distress, the temp
tation had proved stronger than his power
of resistance, and he had yielded. L can
not now,' he continued, 'provc how deeply
your forbearaece has touched me; time
alone can show that it has not been mis-
placed lie left me to resume his duties"
"Days, weeks, and months passed away
during which l scrutinized 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 ex-
pertinent had succeeded. The greatest regu-
larlty and attention-the utmost devotion to
my interests-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 utmost
openness and plain-dealing, my confidence ia
him was SO far restored, tnat, on vacancy
occurring in a situation of greater trust and
Increased emolument than the one he had
hitherto filed, placed him in it; and never
had | the slightest reason to repent of
the part I had acted towards him. Not
only had the pleasure of rejecting that
had, IN all probability, saved q fellow-crea-
ture from continued course Of vice, and
consequent misery, and afforded him the
opportunity Of becoming respectable and
useful member Of society, but had gained
for myself an indefatigable servant-a faith
full and constant friend. For years he
devotion. His character for rigid, nay, !
e7on ool uPu ulouo hoHeStJ, was So Weil hHoWu
that as honest as Smith, became proyerb |
amongst his acquaintances. One morning
missed him from his accustomed place,
and upon inquiry, learnt that he was de
tanned at home by indispostion. Several
days elapsed, and still he was absent and |
upon calling at his house to inquire after
him, [ found the family in great distress on
his account. His complaint had proved ty-
phus fever of a malignant kind. From al
most the commencement of his attack, he
had, as his wife (for he had been some time
married) informed me, laid in state of total
unconciousness, from which he had reused
only to the rawlings Of delirium, and that the
physician gave little hope of his recovery.
For some days he continued in the same
state; at length message was brought me
saying that Mr.. Smith wished to see me
the messenger adding, that Mrs. Smith
hoped would come as soon as possible, for
she feared her husband was dying. i'm
mediately obeyed the summons.
6 On entering his chamber, found the
whole of his family assembled to take fare
well of him they so tenderly loved. AS
soon as he perceived me, he motioned for |