Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1870-10-19

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too. The lightning calculator might
beat him, but | doubt it; and l never
knew that lad to forget to dot his is
and cross his t's in all my acquaint-
ance with him, after he learned to write
at all.
At twenty he was one of the best
clerks in our establishment, besides be-
ing as fine looking young fellow as
one would wish to see. On the whole,
l did not wonder that Miss Lucy Ev-
ans took fancy to him-a sister, sir,
of one of the young fellows at our
place, and girl who looked like a
queen, and was as good as she was
handsome.
used to meet them walking on the
battery, where lovers used to walk in
those days. He was so fond and
proud of her, and she had such ten
der way of looking at him, that they
made my old heart young again, as l
often told Mrs. Humphries, to whom |
always confde everything. And how
he reyerenced her-why a ribbon or
faded flower, that she had worn, were
cherished by him as a miser cherishes
his gold.
At last he told me in confidence
for her name was sacred, and not to
be spoken before every one-that they
were to be married.
And when | look back, sir, said
he, .Hand remember the miserable days
of my wretchcd childhood, and think
how friendless and forlorn l was, and
how there was nothing before me but a
prison or gallows, and think now l
have every thing to make mans life
blessed-the power to win respecta-
bic livelihood by reputable labor, the
respect Of men, and the love of such
girl as Lucy can never betoo CRATE
full to the kind friend who saved me
from life [ dare not contemplate.
God bless Mr.. Grinby - said he, lift
ing his hatrevcrentiaiiy as he might
in church, and there was a prayer in
his dark eyes as he looked upward.
Those were the last words l ever
heard him speak, except Good night -
All, dear me, it should have been good
bye. Ten minutes later l went one
way home, and he, as it seemed after
ward, walked just two blocks, and then
came back here. At twelve o'clock
that night I awoke Mrs. Humphries.
my dear" said I, Il must have
had the nightmare or something
',Goodncss = said she, 'it seems so.
Your hands are like ice. What gave
it to you, love? That lobster, I'll be
bound"
Perhaps, said I. Il admit I ate
a hearty supper. And nothing else
could make me fancy young Wade at
my bed side, white as a ghost, with
both hands on my breast"
.sAh, but the nightmare is always
black, not white" said my wife. And
then she went to little cupboard and
brought me glass of wine. After
that I went to sleep again.
I did not rise early, and was quite
behind my usual time. When l reached
our place I found it in q great commo-
ton. Clerksrunning hither and thith-
er, the heads of the firm standing about
in the most unbusiness-ike manner,
and three constables on the premises.
..Yhat is the matter p said, ad-
dressing Mr.. Grinby.
"Matter enough said he. ''We've
been heavily robbed"
Il fancied that couldn't happen
here" said l. Il really believe 1t
would be impossible for burglars to
break into Morris, Grinby Il Sons,
sir"
"Ah," said he, ''they did break in.
The door has been quietly opened from
the inside
"And believe" began Mr.. Morris.
Sir" cried young Grinby, out of
breath, Il beg as a gentleman, as a
man, of principle, you will not give
utterance to your unfounded suspicious
totally unfounded and unworthy Of
you.
''Prove them so, sir," said Mr.. Nor
ris cody, "and I'll apologize
I looked an inquiry.
Don't ask explanations, | beg, Mr..
Humphries, said Mr.. Grinby. Some
thing has been said the speaker will
regret. All there comes my messen-
GER