Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-10-27
SAVED FROM DISGRACE.
4 SLEIGH RIDE AID WHAT CAME OF IT.

ALEIGH RIDE AID WHAT CAME OF IT.
Jonas Blenchford, with coat, hat and
gloves already on, heard the tinkle of the
sleigh bells, and arose to go down, but
when lie reached the door, ne felt a light
touch upon his arm, and heard the we'll
known voice Of his daughter.
''Pa, may go?"
But I m only going to the band, Grace. "
After that, father. l viii go there and
wait fer YOU Il will not take me five min
ute to get ready.
"WeH-wclI! Be spry. and I'll wait, .
said the old gentleman, quite merrily, and
. III give sou such sleigh ride as you never
had before-d sleigh ride extraordinary.
You know have tie black before the cut
ter"
so much the letter. said Grace and
she ran away to dress. little dreaming how
well the promise would be kept.
John Normandy stood by the window
locking out upon the busy street. ever and
anon giancing at his watch, as though I'M
patient for the time to pass. And indeed
he was He had 10 thought for what was
passing in the street below. He saw Jonas
B.auchi5rd aud his daughter as they drove
Up TO the bank, but forgot them the moment
they passed from sight within the entrance
He hsi weiehty thoughts upon his mind,
that coui not be cast aside by any ordinary
occurrence.
He vas somewhere about thirty years Of
ssa, tali, erect, diguiied, and very plain Of
feature. He had bat;lcd with discourage
n.cnts an! poverty until bis very face bore
marks of the terrible struggles, but he had
Conquered. His motto had ever been ''On
ward and upward, " and, ne"er giving way,
Le had at last become cashier Of the bauk
eli E, position both honorable and lu-
c-olive.
0nly tveivcmonth had he held the po
stian bat in that ,hort time he had won the
confidence Of the officers of the bank, the
regard of his fellow employees, and was
generally liked by those doing business with
him.
Still lie was unsocial. He lived life of
his own. When the bank was closed for
the day he hurried away TO his lodgings,
aai was seen no more until the hour of bus
mess the next day. Business was his only
pleasure. He talked little-worked much !;
lie vas poor companion, but true friend
He merely turned his head when the
I'.s,deut and MS daughter entered the bank,
ali then went back to his thinking; but
B.nchfori seemed disposed to molest him.
Day dreaming, Normandy
Ihave encountered so much reality that
there !, but little of the imaginary left, -
Ssli he, turning toward them, half reluct-
aatly.
oh, Ge! Normandy. Not quite thirty.
shglf Judge, and settling down into an
cider uaa than | am. What are you think
msaJeut? 1t must not be. Grace, can
y9l do anything to show this practical old
gentleman tie error. of his ways? III leave
gol with HIN to try, while | devote few
moments 10 business
Don't forget the ride, fa;her."
Never fear. You shall have it. "
Normandy was really yexed to see the old
gentleman !r9t away, and leave him t. en-
i--.a.n the peerless Grace Blechfor Grace
suspected II, and she led HIN by q pretty
.-'e % words that brous ht the smile to his
fA2- ll sllse OF himself, and provoked some
A'-s't mcTTy replies, that sounded strange
Fifol Als Hrs When Bicnchford return
..-- '1put diem quite s0ciabe. Norman
g. .saninS over The dsk, iistenig to Grace !:
-7rg tax, and occasionally putting in :
"'Tl that sAowed how well ne was enjoying
IlavirE by - smoke - exclaimed
Dea;hio7i in surprise. but his manne
,-alsei Immediately Some very urseu
BUSINESS keeps me here. Wait Normand,
81 axe nv place
I should be pleased, " said he.
" sFy good, Normandy and remembe
ma. promised her ride such as she new
e. had before
4 Tde extraordinary, father"
les yes; that was it, Do not disap
Point her"
Assuredly not
while Normandy was drawing on hi
s'l1'e'at' gentleman stepped to his sid'
80 >i9Ae to him in very low tone Nor
-1u-y lace bianched whittier than tn
s. tnt he recovered instantly.
1hanl YOU Ganson, for this proof o
-'-' .flendship, but | have known it 70
-e hours. Please let it rest where it is,
.'I can and | will make it all right in th
"a'ns. There is some great mistake. u