The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1853-07-01

have offered 10 advance HIM money if he
will open STORE"
"That would be rather dangerous
business for you," remarked Lyman IN a
thoughtful mood. ~
"But he won't do il now," the old
man returned with considerable satisfac-
ZION, "This thing will shut him up"
When Wilton reached his home he
found his mother sitting in the front
room, and he at once told her all -fhat
had passed. She was horror struck, but
not for single instant dds entertain
a question that she had il in her possess
ion several weeks before it was paid out,
The conversation between the mother
and child was long and earnest, but they
could find no clue 10 the solving Of the
difficulty. All looked dark and gloomy.
After dinner, Wilton put on his hat
and took few turns in the garden. He
seemed to be struggling with a strong
desire, and more than oncs he laid his
hand upon the gate, and then turned and
went back again.
Al length he placed his hand upon his
brow, and muttered few incoherent
sentences to himself. When he looked
up again, he was pale and sad, but ap>
peared no longer undecide d. He opened
the gate and passed out into the street,
and turning to ,he left he walked away
from tho village. At the distance of
about half mile, he came to small
white farm house, where lived Mr..
Drake, one of the tbrifiiest farmers in
the town, and as he turned up the pink
bordered walk tha: led TO the door, he
was,met by happy, laughing, beautiful
girl, who came down the walk TO meet
him. I r.l5a1 .ao
"Why, what is the matter, dear Will
toni" she exclaimed as she. noticed the
pallor that oversprcad his features.
"Come into the house and ! will tell
you," he exclaimed.
Alice Drake took the young man by
the hand and walked with him up
through the garden. When they reached
The sitting room Wilton Cunningham
closed the door and told her all that
transpred. His voice was fi7m, for he
had schooled himself 10 the task.
"And now" he continued, as he fG-
iahed his story, 81 have thought, Alice,
that it would be better for me TO tell you
this, than 10 have il come from other
lips. l know not how il will turn out,
but | fear that | shall be unable TO dis
prove Mr.. Randall's charge. In all pro>
liability l shall be called before Squire
Bullard for examination, and the event
cannot but cast foul stain upon my rep.
utaiion. 1t is painful thing TO be situ-
ated thus, for others must suffer beside
myself; but you, dear Alice, | would free
from the"-
Wilton hesitated and wiped tear from
his eye, but he soon gained his self pos
session, though his voice faltered as he
continued: M
"You know our relations, dear Alice,
but if this stain falls upon me, | must re-
lease you from your VOWS. One SO pure
as you should not unite with man upon
whose name even a suspicion of crime
can fasten ITSELF II is like taking my
life itself thus to-" e.is8 .us..
"Hold, Wilton" uttered the fair girl,
who bad managed thus far to keep back
her tears. care you guilty Of this
thingr" H8
"It Is cruel to ask me that, Alice
81 ask /, nevertheless"
GAS there is o Ga who hears me
now, the thought, even, Of such crime
never entered my mind. The person
does no, live who can say with truth
that ever wronged him or her."
81 believe you," returned Alice, lay.
ing her hand upon Wilton's shoulder and
gazing aAFectiofately into his face. 81
know you, and knowing you as do.
shall never forsake you. When ! prom
ised to be yours for life, ! did it upon
mature deliberation, nor did | mean that
the first time the cold breath Of SANDER
or suspicion rests upon you, l should
throw you off,
"Noble, generous grill" murmured
Wil,on, as he wound his arm about her,
"this takes away half the sting; but you
must remember well what you do"
ri know what would do, Wilton
Ali! if | could forsake yon in your
trouble. how unworthy should be Of the
sacred office Of wife! But tell me, have
you no suspicious? You say that for
some time various small sums Of money
have been taken from Mr.. RandalPs
drawer" e .. .
"Yep, dearest! For over year there
have been frequently discrepancies be-
tween our cash record and the amount in
the drawer, but in many cases il has been
the result Of Mr.. Randall's own care
lessness in taking money during the day
for small purchases, without giving a
minute of il; but in some cases, | know
that the money has been stolen."
"And have you no suspicion OF who
took III" asked Alice, with great earn.
estness. .4,,sj Il, .rs,l.. !. -a-,e-
81 do not know who took it, and il
would be upgenelous to tell Of mere