Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1869-12-03
No, John. It is my duty. But not

lie wlll arrive by the next train, said
Blenchford, with shudder. 81 was wait
ing for him.
And that is due in thirty minutes, -
said Normandy, looking at bis watch
"Giye me the money, James, and we will
leave this place before the villain arrives. ;,
Grace saw all, but heard nothing, for
they had withdrawn to the other side of the
room, that she might not be pained but a
great fear was weighing upon her heart,-
Z dread Of some approaching calamity.
When they came back, she looked from one
to the other for some explanation, but very
httle they gave her. Normandy spoke
first.
Miss Blenchlord, you are puzzled at my
words and actions, but you viii pardon me,
| know, when tell you that it is better for
all Of us to say but little about it. Your
brother has been led into an error that
threatened to be almost SERIOUS. For
tunately, everything is now arranged quite
satisfactorily, thanks to your presence, and
he viii return to the city with US. Watch
over him, and pray for him, he added,
solemnly, shat he may not stumble again. +"
'I ask it, " said james, bowing bis head;
and without another word they left the
house, and were soon on their way back to
the city
Silently they rode until the limits of the
city were reached. Then John Normandy
gave the reins to Blenchford, and alighting
babe the brother and sister adieu.
But you, John?' said James. ''What
viii you do?"
Fear not for me, " replied Normandy,
adding in a whisper, I shall not betray
you, whatever happens. "
Then he charged them both never to tell
what had passed between them that night;
aud, without waiting for their replies he
strobe rapidly down the street.
He went directly to the bank, reaching it
just at opening time, and without word
to any one, went straight to the vaults-his
custom every morniug-aud deposited the
money that James Blenchford had stolen
from them Then he went back. and met
the officer to arrest him. He expected it;
but he had left the money in lis place, and
now be was ready for prison. he felt thank
ful that he had been allowed so much time
He had saved James Blenchford and his
father, and Grace, and what did he care
now? He was alone in the world; he had
done his duty; and he had hope James
Blenehf0rd went to him in prison but Nor
mandy would hear nothing about surrend-
erine himself.
i will tell you a secret, james, and then
you viii see a motive for my actions. I love
your sister better than lay own life, and
could not bear to have word whispered
against her, Let it rest as it is. l am con
tent
Again James B.enchford promised, butt
was hard for him to abide by it. With all
his faults, he had generous heart That
every day he told Grace the whole story Of
his disgrace, and how John Normandy was
suffering for them; and he was touched by
the recital, and thought of every means to
! liberate him
The money, James, where is it now?"
Normandy placed it in the safe, un-
known to any one.
And has it not been found Would
uot the whole matter be looked upon as
great bunder and would not Mr.. Norman
dy be liberated at once, and be exonerated
from all blame, if the money was found
there?'
Away went James Blenchford without
waiting to answer his sisters question, and
within ten minutes was mounting the steps
to the bank lie sauntered up to Ganson,
and carelessly inquired if there was any
thing new in Normandy case.
Nothing, replied Ganson. He pro
tests his innocence, and l am inclined to
think he speaks the truth
SO am I, Ganson. Do you know I am
half certain that it is all great mistake
that the money is now somewhere about the
safe +
I don't believe it is gone, said Blench-
ford, controlling himself wonderfully.
would like to have another search made.
III ask father, and here he comes.
Jonas Blenchford felt very sore over the
disgrace of his favorite, and especially since
his daughter had returned, and spoken in
the warmest terms of her treatment during
the ride. He was therefore very willing to
do anything to clear up the matter He
readily consented to make another search
for the missing money, though he was well
satisfied that it would be fruitless.
| And indeed it came very near being so.
For full two hours they looked, pulling
drawers, turning and unfolding papers, till
every one but James was satisfied that il
was not there lie, knowing, or fully be-
lieying that Norm andy told the trutb, did
not give up, and at last brought the pack
age to light, from an obscure corner whore
If might have been overlooked a score Of
times.
With a cry Of joy, Jonas Blenchford took
the package and counted out the money, al
| in bills of a large denomination.
It's al right boys he shouted. Nor.
/ mandy is innocent.
Then all was confusion. James ran home
and told Grace, and they rejoiced together
while their father went in person and pro
cured the release of Normandy, telling the
strange story as he went 1t was the hap,
piest moment Of his life when John Nor,
mandy took his place in the bank again
James proftted by his bitter experience.
He never again swereed from the right, and
is now living, respected citizen of his ma,
tive place. Grace never has forgotten hel
extraordinary sleigh ride, and never viii
for her name is now Grace Normandy, and
she loves her plain, noble-hearted husband
4 with true affection
THAT was a beautiful idea in the mind o
y l,,hoF1.r,r roea b,,r n