The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1869-10-23

planation, but very little they gave her.
Normandy spoke first.
"Miss Blenchford, you are puzzled at
my words and actions, but you will pardon
me, know, when / tell you that it is bet
ter 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
tunatey, everything is now arranged
quite satisfactorily, thanks to your pres
ence, and he will return to the city with
us. Watch over him, and pray for him."
he added, solemnly, "that he may not
stumble again"
~ ask it," said James, bowing his
head and without an other 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 Nor,
mandy gave the reins to Blanchford, and
alighting, bade the brother and sister
adieu.
"But you, John ?" said James. "What
will you do ?"
"Fear not for me-" replied Normandy,
adding in whisper, II shall not betray
you, whatever happens
Then he charged them both never to
tell what had passed between them that
night; end. without waiting to hear their
replies, he strobe rapidly down the street.
He went directly to the bank, reaching
it just at opening One, and without
word to any one, went straight to the
vault-his custom every morniug-and
deposited the money that James Blench-'
ford 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 its place, and now he was
ready for prison. He felt thankful that
he had been allowed so much time. He
had saved james Blenchford, and his
father, and Grace, and what cid he care
now lie was alone in the world; he
had done his duty and he had hope.
James Blenchford went to him in prison,
but Normandy would hear nothing about
surrendering himself.
81 will tell you secret James, and
then you viii see a motive tor my actions.
| love your sister better than my own
life, and could not bear to have word
whispered against her. Let it rest as it is
: am content"
Again James Blenchford promised, but
it was hard for him 20 abide by it. With
all his faults, he had generous heart
That very day he told Grace the whole
story Of his diagrace, and how John Nor.
: mandy was suffering for them: and she
> touched by the recital, ana thought Of every
mcars TO liberate him.
"The money, James, where is it now ?
"Normandy placed it in the safe, ur
known to any one.
4 "And has it not been found? Woult
not the whole matter be looked upon a
as a great blunder, and would not Nh
Normandy be liberated at once, and ex
ouorajeG from all blame, if the money wa
found thoreW
/. Away went James Blenchford, withou
wailing to answer his sisters question
and within ten minutes was mountin
the steps of the bank. He sauntereu u
= to Gauson, and carelessly inquired if ther
S was any thing new in Normandy's case
Nothing" replied Ganson. "He pro
tests his innocence, and | am inclined t
think he speaks the truth"
} 80 an |, Ganson. Do you know
5, am half certain that it is all great mis-
take-thet the money is now somewher
d about the safe!"
, Il wish it might prove so. 1t is
hard blow for Normandy, and if it
d gone, who else could have taken it? II
IS has taken the key to the safe"
it 81 don't believe it is gone," sal
n Blenchford controlling himself wonder
fully. al would like to have anotht
search made. I'll ask father, aud here
:, comes"
. " Jonas Blauchford felt very sore ovC
the disgrace of his favorite, and esp
II" cially since his daughter had returned
), and spoken in the warmest terms of he
treatment during the ride. He WI
=, therefore very willing to do any thing I
clear up the matter. He readily COZ
l. seuted to make another search for th
II" missipg money, though he was we'll sati
=, fed that it would be fruitless'
- And indeed it came very near beiu
- so. For full two hours they looked, pul
- ing drawers, turning and unfolding p
pers, till every one but James was sati
= fed that it was not there. He KNOWN;
= or fully believing that Normandy told til
, truth, did not give up, aud at last brougl
- : the package to light, from an obscure co
Der where it might have been overlookC
le score of times.
e. With cry of joy Jonas Blenchfol
took the package, and counted out Il
&c money, all in bills of large denominato
y "Its all right, boys" he shoute
Normandy is innocent"
Then all was confusion. James n
ot home and told Grace. and they rejoiot