Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-03-12


while," said the gardener; and Betsey
capped the climax with 1.-The only won
der is we're not all murdered in our beds
into the bargain"
But Mrs. Harrow still refused to doubt
her protege.
'As well accuse me of taking the
money for my own use; as well suspect
Ferguson or Betsey," she said. "Be-
cause the man has struggled TO reform
himself so long, shall we suspect him of
dishonesty have been careless. He
had no opportunity"
And then chill ran through her heart,
rs she remembered that Hawker had alb
solutely held her dress, on the pocket
side, too, in his hands.
II have been careless" she repeated,
arguing down her unspokon thought.
II will of course be responsible, and
will not have Hawker charged with theft
on no better grounds.
Betsey went down to the store that
evening, before anything had been seen
of Hawkor, and returned grimly tri-
umphant, followed by the stoor keeper,
Mrs. Jones. Mrs. Jones had something
to say to Mrs. Harrow, and appeared to
be very glad to have it to say. The sub
stance of the communication was this:
Hawker had been 10 her store that very
evening. and purchased dress for his
daughter.
Garnet merino, with fringe and but
tons TO match; dress for Liz Hawker,
you may say" said the woman. I'D go
to church in it myself"
'Ile is sober man, now, and en-
ployed at good wages" He is fond of
his daughter, and probably has been
careful in order to make her present. y
Yes ma'am,n said the woman; Il
hope it's so, I'm sure"
She started and uttered a cry just then,
for there at the door stood llawker him.
self, white, trembling, despairing. He
clasped his hands above his head.
There amt no chance for me- he
said. II thought the Lord gave folks n
chance when they wantedonc. He won't
give me none. never took yer money,
mum.
That bill-God knows that hears me-
found two weeks ago. Twas on the
bridge I'd been fur oats, master, and |
seen something red in crack. picked
it up-twas spectacle case" (And he
took one from his pocket.) And |
thought nothing oft There was nothing
in it thought; but few days after |
found there was-a bit Of paper rolled up
and come TO look, it was twenty
dollar bill. looked in the papers and
',wan't advertised, and looked on the
walls and fences, and nothing was posted
up there about it, and so says /, who
should have it but me? and I'll buy irock
for Lizzie, such rs she's never had before,
for her birthday, if hear nothing of ii
before. It's awful against me but never
touched your money-nobody can prove
it not even Lizzie, for kept it for sur
prise for her"
And Mrs. Harrow, before them Nil,
crossed the room, and put her hand on
the old mans head-and bent down in
despair.
II believe you," she said.
But Mr.. Harrow stood stern and cold.
You are encouraging crime, Annie, y
he said, in tones as measured as though
he had been delivering sermon. "You
have no right to do SO; no sensible per-
son can refuse so positive proof. l do not
believe you, Hawker, and it is my duty
to deliver you into the hands of justice.
| will give you every chance to prove
your innocence.
ave none but God Almighty" said
Hawker passionately land have called
on Him."
'.Betsey, send Ferguson for an officer.
II is not the value of the money, but the
principle of the thing. | must place you
under arrest"
And the next morning the clergyman
appeared before the justice Of the peace
to make a charge against his servant. His
wife went with him, determined to the
last to maintain her protege's honesty
and the woman from the store was there,
and Betsy also, and the little court room
crowded with people who had certain
satisfaction in the fact that Hawker had
turned out bad" at last, as they always
said he would. He stood there, pale and
trembling, with hopeless look on his
face. But he denied his guilt in words
as solemn as he had at his command.
II can't prove it, sir" he said in an
swer to the charge. "But the money
spent found on the old bridge in red
spectacle case, two weeks ago. They
say God sees everything, and if there's
any way to do it, say He will witness
nv innocence as solemn and reverent as
! if was in church"
Then every one saw strange change
come over the face Of the Justice. He
bent forward eagerly.
"In spectacle case-on the ole
bridge?" he cried.
Eyes, sir" said the prisoner.
.sHave you the case? Let me see it.
said the Judge.