The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1869-11-04

the encounter.
What shall We do, John?" said
Mrs. Walton, disInally.
I'll tell you mother. There is moth
ing for me to do here. Well 60 to
Brandon, where there are wooden
mills. There l can get chance to
work, and I'll rise, never fear. 1t is
best for us to CO."
the next day Mrs. Walton's tene-
ment was empty, and no one knew
where the family had gone. Oscar ex-
ulted in what he regarded as his tri
umph.
Twenty years passed. To the bare
footed boy they brought wonderful
changes. Attwenty-four he found HIM
self superintendent of the mill where
he had entered as a poor operative,
earning a salary Of five thousand dol
lars year. He had built a handsome
house, over which his mother presided
with matroney dignity. His sister Liz
zie was the wife Of young physician
in successful practice in the same town.
One winter evening they were all
seated in luxuriously furnishedroom,
before glorious fire. His sister had
come to spend the afternoon, but was
prevented by the violent storm from
returning to her own home.
"What storm it is!' she exclaimed,
wonderingly. 81 pity those who are
out in it,"
Eyes" said her brother, sit is the
most violent storm of the year. The
snow must be two feet deep at least.
But we need not feel troubled. 1t is
summer indoors"
"Who would have thought, John,
that we should come TO live in such
comfort?" said his mother. Twenty
years ago we were poorly off !"
81 well remember. 1t was lucky
thing we came to Brandon"
$50 it has turned out. But was "a
Harmed when you quarreled with young
/ Oscar Ronalds."
| l have forgiven him. The harm he
| intended has only done US good"
"Have you heard of him lately 2"
she inquired.
''Not lately. His sisterdied ten years
ago, and Pm told Oscar is very eXtrag-
agant. That is all.''
The storm increased in violence, sha-
king the house, firm and strong as it
was. All at once the door bell rang
sharply.
"I'n &C myself" said John. "The
servant may not be able TO close the
door again.
He opened the door and sharp cut
ting wind entered with furry ofsnow.
"Will you give me shelter ?'' said a
faint voice.
! IT was a man who spoke, still young.
He stepped in quite exhausted, and
John Walton closed the door
"Yog have had a hard struggled in the
storm, i,as,o you ,4at'''
slI have indeed. am chilled to the
BONE"
"Come to the fire." and John threw
open the door of 3he sitting room.
He perceived that the stranger had
no overcoat and appeared thoroughly
chilled. Warm bricks were ordered,
and in half an hour he WAS more com
Portable. He looked thin and haggard.
his face bore theimpress of dissipation,
He more than once looked earnestly at
John Walton. Finally he said abrupt
! ly:
"Will you tell me your name: Your
face looks familiar"
"My name is John Walton"
"What?' said the other, with start
''Did you live, when a boy, in the town
of M-?'
Eyes, but 1 don't remember you"
Lam Oscar HonaIds," ," said the other
in low voice.
"Isit possible?" exclaimed the three
and they involuntarily glanced at The
lI-clad stranger.
Il see what you are thinking of.
do not look much like the boy you uset
to know. | have been wild and extrav
agant, and lost and squandered all my
property. have gone down hilI-yor
have gone up"
81 am sorry for your misf0rtunes,'
said John kindly. "If ! can be Of any
service to you, will"
81 came here hoping to get the pos
of clerk, which | understood was va
cant. If l had known that you were
here I would not have come"
"And why?"
Because you cannot have forgotten
my ill-treatment of you"
at is not forgotten, butquite forgiv
en-" said John Walton, kindly. Gun
consciously you did me service. Th'
elerkship you seek is mine TO bestow
You shall have it, and will guarantee
your conduct. The salary will be small
only eight hundred dollars"
at will be fortune to me, who an
penniless. God bless you, John Walton
for your generosity. You shall not fine
I your confidence i'll bestowed"
have no more to tell, except tha
then and there began new and bette
life for Oscar, who was after Will
promoted, and now has modest ant
cheerful home of his own, with goot
wife to add to his happiness. And thi
was John Walton's revenge-a nobl
and Christian revenge, the only on
worth taking for an injury.
Bridal breakfast parties, two days be
fore the wedding, to show off the pres
/ IL.