Mountain Democrat., 1857-12-05
ter-nOw 1 can prepare for his treach

/ Ill tnc pOSt'OIIlcc as nc hau been directed.
On his way back to his employment, he
called at the counting-room of merchant,
whom as one of Bcalc's acquaintances he
well knew. Richard wished to make in
quiries in an indirect way for situation,
but while he was striving to form some
question to this end, the gentlemen came
to his relief by asking if he knew of any
young man in need Of situation whom
he could recommend to him, as he had
vacancy for a clerk. - Richard eagerly
offered himself. Mr. Curtis was surprised
that nc should wish to leave his old place,
but gladly accepted him, having long ad-
mrcd the integrity and strict application
OF the young man, whose praise he had
frequently heard from Mr.. Bcalc. The
yearly salary was named-t was one hun
drcd dollars more than Richard was now
receiving; and having engaged to enter
on the duties of his new place on the fol-
lowing Tuesday, he went with light
heart to his old employment. lie did not
mention his intention to Mr. Beale, and
so tho week passed without Mr.. Curtis
visiting the store, lie hoped that he had
not met his employer, for Richard had Il
wish that the latter should not hear how
his trcachcrous scheme had been defeated,
till the last moment.
On Monday evening Richard knocked
at the door of Mr.. Bcalc's room, and in as
few words as possible requested the wages
due him, as he was engaged to 20 to an
other house on the morrow.
u have known of your engagement
since Wednesday," replied MIR. Bealc.-
MIR. Curtis informed me of it. May |
ask the motive of this secret and unusual
proceeding on your part? | believe
gave you no cause for so sudden IL deter
mination to quitmy cmploymcnt-didT II"
"Nocausc 2" Richard repeated bitter
ly, "Oh, no, sir, no cause Of coursc-Ihc
clerk is only the dupc, the slave of the
merchant, and has no right to complain
of any conduct however iniqutous, of
which he is the victim"
Your sarcasm is rather out Of place,
young man," replied Mr.. Bcalc coolly. 81
asked if | had given you any cause of
offence. knOw have not-you falsely
imagine that l have, and thus imagining,
you have done yoursclfa great injury
Nay, no qucstions-l will tell you ALL
On the day that Mr.. Oslethrop was here
| noticed a great alteration in your looks,
your words, your whole conduct. |
suspected at once that Philip had over.
heard our conversation and repeated
it to you, in consequence of which you
were disturbed in mind. This was natu.
raj, and | was fax from blaming you hut
it afforded me opportunity for n test which
had peculiar reasons for desiring to mp
ply. l penned brief note to Mr.. Oglc,
throp, gave 1T to you to seal, and watched
you from that window. thought the
temptation would be severe one, and il
you rose superior to it need never have
any fears concerning you. was right,
the temptation was strOng-t0O StFOHg iol
your honor or integrity to withstand.
saw you open the lcttcr-'twas enough
did not Mt all wonder when heard OF
your applying for new situation; you
thought was acting treacherously tow
ards you, and that you would outwit me. "
Mr. Bc0lc ceased, and looked tiXcdly at
Richard, whose whole cOuntcnanco was
sutiuscd with bushes as the true nature
of his conduct was brought calmly to his
view. In his indignant feelings he had
not till this moment thought of his dire
liction Of principle in opening letter not
intended for his inspection now he was
overwhelmed with shame and remorsc,
for he was naturally upright and ingeni-
GUS. Mr.. Bc0le saw his confusion, and
turned to his desk to pay what was due to
Richards salary, but first taking some pa
pers from secret drawer, threw them OH
the table before the young man.
"All this is ut an end now" he said,
"but you may think how unjust your
supposition was to me, how injurious to
yourself as said awhile ago"
Richards eyes were intcntly bent upon
the papers. One was in the merchant :
handwriting, notice of Richard Wilkins
having been admitted as Junior partner
into his old and established business firm;
the Others were the necessary legal papers
relating eTercto Richard continued pa
zing on them as if fascinated, till the mcr,
chants voice broke the spell.
"Wcll, young man, do you understand
the matter nowy"
"Oh, sir! I" said Richard, turning his
eyes imploringly upon him, and then I'M
able to reprcSS his tortured feelings, he
bent his head on tho table to conceal the
first gushing tears.
"Rcgret is unavailing, now," said Mr.,
Bcalc in his clear, cold tones. 81 had cv-
cry reason to place confidence in you.-
During these four years have observed
your conduct closely. 1t was such as to
satisfy me; and cSolving to reward your
strict integrity and faithfGlness, | had de-
cided to take you into partnerShip,as you
sec by these papers, prepared nearly two
months ago, and only wanting signatures
and date. My friend, Mr.. Ogcthorpc,
had frequently mentioned his nephew,
whom he much desired me to employ
At this last visit agreed to do so. 1t
was my intention to give you an agrcCa.
bic surprise tomorrow, and therefore |
desired to keep my arrangements secret,
fortunately, as now soc; for my whim
enabled me to test the st. ength of your
principles" ............
"Oh, if you could only forgive me, Mr.
Bcalc," exclaimed Richard, imploringly
ut was my first error in this rcgard-l
am Sure it will be my last"
For an answer, Mr.. Bcalo quietly push.
cd tho money he had counted over to
Richard. and picking up the papers tore
them into small Fragments The young
man looked sadly at them, but knowing
that rcmonstraNCc or cntreNty was una.
vailing with the stern man, he by strong
effort conquered his emotion, and taking
up the money, bowed his thanks and fare.
we'll to his late employer, and turned to
| So lcNVc tho room = Az hO lnid hiS hnnA