Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1868-12-17

so florins, of course, gone. Mynheer
Van Groten had become so afraid, that
he shut the window every time he left
the room, and as no further theft was
committed, the loss was at last forgot
ten; at least nothing more was said
about it. Two or three weeks might
have gone by, and Myneer Van Beeren
was just slipping his afternoon coffee
in his Study" when old Claus sent
his name in, wishing to thank his old
employer.
"Thank mel" said Mynheer Van
Beeren, for what? for my last present?
He has thanked me for that long ago,
and since then l have not seen him;
but let the old man come in"
The door opened Immediately after,
and Claus, hat in hand, appeared upon
the threshold, but he looked very mis-
cradle. "Halloo! Claus, what is the
matter with you, man? You have
grown pale and so lean, that | should
hardly have known you. Have you
been sick? never heard word about
it!' 80, my savior" the poor man
sighed; | have been very sick; so sick,
that | did not think | should get up
again; l dare not do anything yet; the
doctor has given me strict orders not
to work; he only allows me to walk
out in the air, to-regain some strength.
"Poor Claus" Van Beeren said
compassionately; ''and why didn't you
let me know of it?''
go, my dear sir" the old man said
fervenuy; you knew it anyhow, for
you came to my rescue in my need in
such magnanimous and delicate way.
/ do not know how to thank you"
'My dear Claus" said Van Beeren,
Il certainly would have been most
happy to have assisted you, if l had
heard a word of it; and perhaps it
is not too late now; but l assure you,
/ knew nothing of it, and do not un-
derstand what you mean by saying, I
helped you in magnanimous and de-
liberate manner"
80, my dear sir" said the old man,
''why not allow me to thank you, for
you can't deny it. Your own good
dog brought me the money you know"
''Oh, is that what you mean," Myn
heer smiled, "but my dear friend, that
was on your silver wedding and no.
body then thought you were going to
be ILL.,"
"Ah no; l don't mean that" the old
man said, shaking his head; "the sec
ond time, about three weeks ago, when
the dog came to me by himself and
brought me another such roll. He had
been scratching at the door for some
time, before we heard him and could
admit him."
"My dog?" the merchant asked in
amazement; "my Oppas?''
"Why certainly; he delivered the
money at my bed side and walked off,
wagging his tall
"And how much did the roll con-
tain?"
''Just as much as the first-50 for
ms" was the answer.
"That is strange" said Mynheer,
amazed; slapping his knee with his fiat
hand; "but Oppas shall! come in.'
"And you really knew nothing of
it?''
''Not a syllable
"But where can the dog have got the
money!"
He stole it! the merchant roared
out; "stole it in opposition to all laws:
mol l never saw the like. Send up the
dog, Claus; he will probably be down
stairs in the yard; we viii give him
an examination. Stay; did you feed
him again that time?'
"Well, you may well imagine that,
Mynheer, the children didn't hardly
know what to do for him, and he
staid with us about an hour until sent
him home again, because | feared
you might want him.
"But l can't comprehend yet"
"Well, never mind, Claus, I'll tell
you that after while; just send up the
dog"
Oppas came, exhibiting great joy;
for he jumped up at Claus continually
and wagged his tail, as if to show his
Joy at the old mans recovery.
81 say Oppas," his master said,
''what have you been about, eh? What
do I hear of your The great New
foundland dog probably did not un-
derstand what his master said, but he
did not like his tone nor his look; he
had become shy; but wagged his tail
in more lively manner, seeming only
little oppressed.
"Well," said his master, chow is it?
Where did you get the money, that you
brought old Claus; to get another ex-
ira dinner, eh?" The dog grew more
and more shy, and low lay down on
his belly and crawled up to his master,
who said laughing: "Ahal do you ac-
knowledge your. guilt at last? Oh, you
good for nothing beastl" AS soon as
the dog saw the cheerful face, his fear
was gone at once. Before Mynheer
could have thought of it, he jumped up
to him and licked his whole face in
such manner, that he could hardly
keep him off. When he had quieted
him a little, he told Claus the whole
story of the theft at Van Groten's
which none but the dog could have ac-
complished, and also Quilted the old
man about the theft. He said the dog
had only done, what he would have |
done himself, if he had known of the
sickness of his old faithful servant
He should not trouble himself about
the money. for he had perfect right