Tama County Republican. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1867-1872, 1868-08-14

to do, from what knew of the young
fellow. He was not tic sort OF lad
to leave his duties (he was clerk in q
government office) for scene which
he knew was especially distasteful to
his uncle and guardian, and there risk
uron a single event sum that was
eq.a. - third of his whole income
Uncle Dunce and /, it was true, per.
illed great deal more than that pro
portion of orr property in Operations
in iron, but that was all IN the way OF
business, and it was upon business hab
its that the old man prided himself and
for which he looked first ofall, in 9th.
ers. That Charley should have shirk-
ed his work at the Sword and Gun
Office for days pleasure was sin Of
itself almost incapable in his unce's
eyes; but that he should have spent
that day on racecourse, and there
betted fifty pounds more 1 look.
ed at the whole matter, in fact, the
! worse it appeared for my young friend
and client, and the less did | wonder
at the lines upon Uncle Bunce's fore
head as he sat in his cucumber frame,
but by no means as cool as cucum-
ber,-and snapped the clerks up so
sharp that they trcmbled to approach
his den.
| When he left the Office for the day,
as he was accustomed to do an hour
or so before me, his junior, did ven-
ture to remark: "Comc, Bunce, you
will at least not be in a hurry about
this matter ofpoor Charley: perhaps /
may have to tell you something about
it tomorrow which may cause you to
think differently of him.
You mean well, Coe, and / thank
you" said he, gravely. "But shall see
my lawyer to-nighl, and give him such
instructions as will, at all events, pre-
vent my'property falling, after my de-
cease, into the hands Of the betting
ring"
Stern I had often seen Nicholas
Bunce, but bitter never. Twas glad to
see him bitter, for it was proof that he
had been wounded sore, and unless he
had dearly loved the lad, Charleys con
duct would not have had the power to
wound him. Now, where there has
once been Love, there is always room
for Reconciliation; and as soon as Uncle
Buncc was round the corner, l took a
l-hansom to the Sword and Gun Office.
1t had been arranged long ago that,
on the next evening, my partner and l
! should dine together at the formers
house: and we did so. AT one time,
Charley had been asked, but that was
all over now, of course. Uncle Bunce
had not come to the city that day, and
it was evident, by his wearied and mel
ancholy manner, that he had been oc-
cnpied in something distressing and
disagreeable; indeed, have no doubt
that he had been remaking his will
was not one whit afraid of the old
gentleman, but was resolved to put
a good face upon the matter. "Your
good health, Nicholas, sad I, as he
pushed the claret to me, after dinner,
land Charleys good health
| Lnoie ISunce started as ifhe had been
stun
= 10 not wish to have that young
mans name mentioned in my hearing,
observed he.
"Atter tonight you shall not hear it
unless you please" said l, but | mus,
have my say for this once. l told you
should do so yestarday, and Iprom
ised him the same last night Then
shall have discharged my conscience
and if you choose to let your nephew
go to the dogs, it will be through no
omission of mine. have neither cx-
tenuation nor apology to make for
him.
Il should think not" interposed Tn
Gle Bunce.
Your thought is founded, however
upon wrong premises, Nicholas have
neither to make for him, simply be-
cause he needs none"
"Needs none" echoed the old man,
and although his tone meant to be con
temptuous, | thought detected in it
an accent of hope.
Il mean what l assert, old friend,
replied |, quietly. The lad has be-
hayed, | will not say as any other
young man would have behaved in the
like circumstances for that phrase is
often used to excuse an indiscrction,
but | will say th,s, and then have done
with it: He has behaved AS true gen
tleman, and Especially as good man
Of business, in the whole matter" l held
up the wineglass between my eye and
the light, and smacked my lips like
one who, having relieved his mind may
now afford to enjoy himself
Uncle Bunee seemed to gasp for air
"What the deuce why, you'e 'er
making fool of me-" exclaimed he saw
agely. DO you mean to tell me he
did not go down to the Derby:'
"Of course he did. The govern
ment sent him.
government sent him -
repeated my respected partner like one
in dream.
"Just so," said 1. "But don't let
me trouble you with the particulars OF
subject which see is distasteful to
you, and about which you have quite
made up your mind. have now per-
formed my duty in the NATTER and
there's an end ofit.-This is good wine.
II it's no secret, may ask what did
you give for it a dozen?"
FIFTY pounds. Fifty pounds to ten
against Palmyra,' muttercd the old
man. Then: Its all lie, Coe,' cried
he, suddenly. .How dare you talk to
me about the government sending
| "Mr Bunce," interrupted l firmly,
| Il will not endure such language
You may be as brutal and unjust as
you please to your own flesh and blood
but you shall not bully me. l am not
in the habit of telling lies. The fact is
this Git you really wish to hear the fact,