The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1870-11-22

and another much more elastic, for the
great barbarian world outside.
We became very unhappy family after
this discovery, for, Of course, all mutual
confidence was lost, until it should appear
who the offender was. No one was exempt
from suspicion though the weight Of it
was equally divided between California
Tom and my demure friend John Merrill.
Each had his friends, who believed the
other guilty, butwhile the boy modestly re-
trained from saying anything about it,
Tom did not scruple to head his own party.
It's easy enough to see who the thief
isl heard him say one night, as he occu-
pied the centre of little knot of his
croneis. cts that sleek-faced little
hypocrite that is at the wheel now.'
"Of course tits, said Derby, one of the
'congenials.' "Its enough to condemn
any fellow to know that he keeps his dom
key always locked.'
What business has ono man to be al
lowed to lock his donkey, anyhow" de-
manded Tom, loud enough now for all to
hear 81 say, let's go and kick the lid
open and see what's in it,
"Sit right down r' said Frank Wight
man, from our side of the house, for Tom
had risen as if to carry his suggestion into
effect. "Don't undertake anything of the
kind. John Merrill isn't here to speak for
himself, and no man shall break his chest
open while Pm by to prevent it."
"Don't you want to find out who the
thief is ?' asked Derby.
"Of course I do and don't think
should have to go far to do that. If there's
to be general search of chests and hunks,
I'm ready to agree to it at any time; and
perhaps the boy would be willing to open
has, in such case. But say it shan't be
k5cted open in his absence"
cts plain enough that he's the guilty
one," said Tom, "when his chest is the
only one locked, and
81 don't know about that p retorted
Frank, with significant look. GA thief
may find other places for his plumber be-
sides in his chest. Indeed, if he's an old
hand at it, he would be likely to.''
This home-thrust put an end to the dis
cussion for the moment for Tom as well
as Derby and the rest of his gang, were
afraid of Wightman, who alone was a
match for any two of them. But when
John was relieved from the wheel, we told
him what had occurred, and how suspicion
was thickening upon him. Frank asked
him, if he were willing to open his chest
and let us all have look at it's contents.
No." said he, quietly, "I am not will
ling"
"But why not, if you are innocent ?''
cannot say why not, but I can assure
you that know nothing about the stolen
things. You must either take my word
for it, or, if general search is determined
upon, open my chest by force, for I shall
not consent to have it DONE"
" believe what you say, john" said
Frank, and so does Bill, here, that you are
entirely innocent. But there are many
who don't, and there will be still more, il
you don't satisfy them. Perhaps if you
would let me, alone, overhaul it, OF Bill, il
that would suit you better, Ell ?'
mo" l cannot show the contents of it,
even to Bill. If the matter is pressed hard
| shall appeal to the old man for protection
though l don't know as that would dc
any good"
"None at all, i" said Wightman and /,
both at once.
"What would he do, do you think ?''
Exercise his authority, and demand the
key at once, or open it by force. He has
heard about the thefts, as you know; and ]
heard him tell Mr.. Baldwin that, if anoth.
er case was reported, he should mako a
general search, and fog the thief, if he
could be found" The boy rested his face
upon his hands in thought, but made nc
answer.
"Never mind, john" said Wightman
"don't fret about it. No harm shall come
to you anyhow. Pm satisfied of your truth