, 1870-07-16


old Ryner, with his capacity lor taking things
to heart, it had been 1ike long crucidxion.
and yet the instructive love Il parent cannot
die out; reeellect Davia's grief for wicged
Atsalcm: "Would God I'D died for thee,
my ten. my yeou.'
Still, compared to what h used to be, Ben
Rymel was steady. As hswinter approached,
there set il an 'taer phaseof the reformation;
1or he pulled up even tom the talking and
laughing, and became as k>ad as gold You
might hayo thought he hai taken lis dead
grandfather, tle clergyman, for model, and
was striving to walk ii lis stsps. he vent to
Church, read his medica! works, vas pleasant
at home, gentle With Nirgarst, and altogether
ehall last father, promise it." was the earn-
estly-spoken answer. Ben kept his promise
throughout the winter, and eeemed likely to
keep it always. M Rymet grew stronger,
and was in business regularly which gave
Ben more time for lis books. It was thought
that a good time had Set in for the Ryme1a
hut, as Mrs. Todhetley says, you cannot con-
trol Fate.
l had to call at the shop one day for box
Of what Mrs. Todhetley called "Houeehold
Pills, Kymerts own making. When anybody
was aihng ut home, she'd administer dose Of
theee pills; two, or one, or bali one, accord
ing to ou1 ages and capacity for swallowing;
But that Rymer was 10 conscientious man,
should have thought they were composed OF
bread and pepper Mrs. Todhetley, however,
pinned her faith to them, and Rhe said they did
wonders.
Well. I had to 60 to Timberdale on other
box OF these delectable Household Pills. 01r.
Rymer and lis son stood behind the counter;
tile one making up his books, Ben pounding
something in mortar. Winter was just on
the turn, and the trees and hedges were be-
ginning to shoot into bud. Ben left his pound
ing to get the pills.
''Is this Mr.. Rymer's2 Halloa, Ben! ali
right. how goes it, old boy ?"
The door had been pukhed open with burst,
and the above words were sent into our cars,
in tone not over steady. Tley came from
man who wore sporting clothes, and his hat 30
much aside that it seemed to bo falling. OF his
head. Ben R5mer started in surprise, his
mouth dropped.
But that it was early in the day, and one
does not like to libel people, it might have
teen thought the gentleman had taken little
tao much. He staggered up to the counter,
and held out his hand to Ben. Ben, just then
wrapping up the box Of pills, did not appear
10 see it.
" Had hunt aftor you, old fellow" said
and ali Kinds Of places. Couldn't think Where
you'd hid Soursef.'
!" "Iou are back pretty soon, Egrow1ed Ben,
who certainly seemed not to relish tho visit.
Been back month. Couldn't get on in
tie New World; its folks are too down for me.
! say, want word with you Can't say it
lere. I suppose"
"No," replied Ben, rather savagely.
"Just you come out bit, Ben, resumed
the stranger, after short pause.
~ can't" replied Ben; and his tone sound
ed mo more IKE won't. II have my business to
'"Bother business! Here goes, then; its
your fault il yon make ne speak before people.
Gibbs has come ont Of Hiding, and he's getting
troublesome-"
ST youH go outside and wa,t, I'll come to
you" interrupted Ben ut this, with summary
quickness.
gave me the pills with one hand, and took OF
Lis apron with the other. Getting his hat, he
was haeten.pg out, when Mr. Rymer touched
his arm.
"Who is that MN, Benjamin ?"
IA fellow used to know in Tewkesbury,
father"
.Whats his name ?" ....
s.Cotton. I'll soon despatch him, and be
back aggaln." concluded Zen, as he disap-
I put down half-a.crown for the pills, and
Mr.. Rymer left his place to give me the
change There had been kind Of conscious
pressed, .elnce the night when had seen him
giving way to his emotion in Crabb Ravine.
This mans visit brought the scane back
again. Ryner's eyes looked into mine, and
then fell.
d" Ben is all right now, 8rr. nsmer."
II couldn't wish him better than he is, It's
just as though ho were striving to make atone
killed me st the time"
"I should forget it."
"Forget 1t I never can. You don't know
what it vas, Alr. Johnny" he continued in
kind Of frightened tone, red spot of hectic
coming into his pale, thin cheeks, d and trust
night but to lie listening for summons to my
door, the officers searching after my son, OF to
tell me he WAS taken: never rose up in the
morning but my sick spirit fainsed within me,
as to what news the day might bring FORTH
~, Bsnj1mip r. and ad his Il friend 1 were pacing
got out, probably to be out Of the reach Of
earesdroppers, They did not look best pleased
with each other; seemed to be talking sharp
at tell youI can't md won't" Ben WIS
s;sying, rs ! passed them in crossing over.
fellow wants to DO on the square, you'll not
let him. As to Gibbs"
The voices died ont Of hearing. ] went
home with the pills, and thought no more
about the matter.
. Spring weather is changeable, as ne English
and snow was drifting down. In tho midst Of
il, who should present himself ut Crabb Cott
at midday but Lee the 1etter-carr1e1. HIS
sEaky old legs eeemed hnrdly able to bear
him np as7ist .hs ts ftsr 1os az he came into the
ho wanted,
'.Please, can sec the Squire in private,
eir: :" asked Lee, who waa looking partly an
6ry, partly rnefM. Lee had never been in
Eolstcrous epi1its since the affair of the bank
EOte took pltce. Like great many more
people, be got fancifnl will. yearr, md could
not be convinced but that the suspicion in re-
gard to it lay on him.
Come in ont Of the storm, Les. WHATS
up?"
PLEASE, Mr. Ludlow, sir, let me 60 10 ace
the Squire, was all the answer.
The Squire was In his little room, hunting
fer mislaid letter IN piece Of furniture he
called his bureau. 1t was the same bureau
tlst-but wel let thst go for now. As shut
about the bank note and Benjamin Rymer.
An instinct Of the truth flashed oser me-as
srre ~ fate. somethfng connecting it with Ben
bnd come out The Squire WAS looking too
surprised to notice mo.
ttIt was Mr.. Rymer'a son who took out the
good rote and put in the bad ene?" he ex-
claimed. take care what you say, Lee"
Lee stood outaide the rorn hearth-rug his
old hat covered with fakes OF SNOW, held be-
tween his two hands. The Squire had put his
back against the bureau, and was staring at
him through bis spectacles, his nose and face
Of finer red than ordinary.
The thing had been tracked homo to Denja-
min Rymer By the man, Cotton, Lee explained
IN rambling kind Of tale. Cotton, incensed
at nSmer's not helping him to some money
which was Whist he had c '1ne to Itmberdale
to ask fot-had told in revenge OF the past
transaction. He had not been connected with
it, but he knew Of the part taken in il by Hy-
mer.
don't believe a syllable Of it," said the
Squire stoutly, finging himself into his bureau
:. Yor, can sit down, Lee. Where did you saw
you heard this ~