Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-06-19
THE LOST DEEDS.


y parting glance around the Office, to as
sure himself all the desks, closets and iron
safes are properly secure for the night, and
the solicitors confidential clerk locks up and
prepares for home With coat buttoned to
the throat, and hat drawn over lis eyes, Mark
Edwards turns his steps towards home. and
cheerfully faces the rough wind and drzzling
rain, which numerically pelt and buffet him,
as he vainly halls omnibus after omnibus to
receive she same answer-''full." But Mark
makes no trouble of these out-oi-door incor-
venieuces, for his minds eye is fxeG On the
well covered tea-table, bright fire. aud. best
Of all, the pretty yoaug wife awaiting his re
Iurn. The picture IS 50 pleasant. that he
cheeTtIy breaks forth into line of '' Home,
sweet Home" as be turns the corner of the
street where stands his own trim little domi-
eli
Mrs Edwards Is Pcering into the darkness
Though tae folds oi the muslin curtains. and
has the door open before Marks hand touches
the kuocker
What night for you, love-" says the
littie matron, brushing the rain-drOps from
his Jusby wbiskers, and kissing MIN compass
siOnately; - and now late you are -
Edwards looks up at the clock as he strug-
giles out of bis dripping coat. L late
indeed" he answered .. but Mr.. PIeadwel
has started on his trip to the lakes this after
noon, au4 there we're great many things to
attend 10 before he went. Aui look here,
Fanny, this packet contains some valuable
deeds and securities which will be called for
by the owner in a few days. In the mean
while | have to copy one Of them, bat don't
feel inclined to begin tonight. Where cau
place thcn with safety :"
Fanny suggests his desk. but that Is the
first article burglar would be likely to med
dla with. The wife's checks pale at the idea
Of such visitor. and she considers. d" That
old escroitre in the spare bedroom, will not
that do?'
Mark still hesltates. . l had so many
iriunctious to be careful, and not let them 60
out Of my possession. that am afraid of even
that"
Fanny reminds him that there is secret
drawer in it. " Don't you remember" she
asks. what trouble we had to ird it -
! .. Ha the very place "' So his wife car
ries the candle for him, and the valuable
packet is deposited in this hidden receptacle
. Its orlv con tents are few highly scented let
ters, cied together with a piece of ribbon
which Fanny. laughing and blushing, confess
es are Mr. Mark Edwards love effusions be-
fore marriage. carefully preserved to be 1
witness against him when he becomes old anC
cross.
Perhaps it was restless night and unplea
saut dreams which made the clerk SO uneas.
even in the hurry of the next day work
knowing that he had not visited the escroitr
before lea7ing home in the morning to ascer
tain with his own eyes the safety of the paper
in charge.
He pooh-poohs the idea as it presents itsel
remembering that one key is in his own pos
session and the other on his wife's housekeeI
inc bunch but it returns SO often, that 1t
with feeling of relief that he hears the sig
nal for closing, and feels he is at liberty
, return home.
, How is it his welcome is not such smilln
i, one as it usually is? Fannys spirits see
depressed, and her eyes look as If they ha
been ciouded with tears.
Have you had any visitors to-day
: her husband carelessly inquiries as he sips b
tea.
, The hesitating No is SO family pronou
= ced that the young man. hitherto pre-oecupl'
with business. looks up.
That 80 sounded like Yes VI
has been herc!'