The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1871-09-07

commit SIN or know despair, answered
the star-crowned figure on his right shoul>
der.
"And men call me the voice of the
shadow, whose followeth me shall have
riches in plenty and life of joy,' am
swered the brazen tone, with harsh
laugh.
Hans cast down bis eyes in thought,
and there, on the green sward, rested the
shadow of the brazen one, dark, un-
shapesy thing. portraying his true form
divested of the dazzling glare, and twice
the size of the figure itself Hans started
and trembled; there was no shadow near
the figure on his right, but soft light lay
shimmering on the grass-the light from
her silver wings.
''Pooh, pooh, man never be afraid of
a shadow" said the brazen tone, jeering-
ly; that is the best proof you can have
that l am real, tangible being, and ready
to serve you. The words OF the shadow
less are all very we'll for ordinary occa-
sions, but at a time like this listen to me-
"What shall ! do with the wallet ?'
asked Hans II don't want to keep it if
it is dishonest l could not bear to be a
thief"
''Never call yourself hard names,' an~
swered the brazen tone. The act of
finding and of stealing are two differeut
things The facts are these: Somebody
loses purse; you are fortunate enough to
find it; therefore, it is your own, of
course, TO do with as you like"
''Not so, interrupted the Shadowless.
''The money must have proper owner,
and it is the duty of Hans TO discover him,
if possible, and restore it to him that is
what he will do as an honest man."
Hans WINGED at these words, and the
Shadow, seeming to perceive that he had
gone too far, replied
"Well, there is no harm a: least, in
Hans taking the wallet home with him,
and thinking it over awhile; it will be
much safer in his chest than lying out
here in the weeds.'' This suggestion
pleased Hans but the Shadowless spoke:
''Do not listen to the tempter, Hans,
but take the money at once to the Justice
and tell him all about it. If once within
your grasp, you know not to what you
may be tempted-perhaps even TO steal"
Hans was offended at this implied
doubt of his honor, so he said, angrily,
''Do you think me child, that 1 cannot
be trusted / choose to take the wallet
home, and I will :"
CLANS, Hans" murmered the silver
voice, imploringly, "drive ME not from
you by wilful obstinacy; know me as
your true friend, and trust me, all will be
well at last"
A pang went through the heart of
Hans, at these words, and he was Just
about yielding when the Shadow said
s'How childish your fears are what,
| afraid to trust yourself, one night with a
little bag of gold7 l thought you were
more of man. Suppose you had not
found the wallet to-day, it would have
| laid among the reeds all night. Is it not
| in realitv, mnch safer with you? You
can carry it to the justice tomorrow.
These specious words decided Hans,
and the soft, imploring voice of the Shad-
| owless was no longer heard. He arose
! and went toward his house attended by
the voice of the Shadow, who kept sound
ing in his ear the praises of his manliness.
! Hans observed that the shadow on the
grass was larger than before, and he
thought it hid the sunlight but the voice
| of flattery sounded sweeter in his ear, and
| the lurid light lowering on his shoulder
! dazzed him SO he went on, not needing
that the skimmering light had gone from
his oath and that the star>crowned form
sat dropping, dimmed ard silent. When
Hans arrived at his cottage he carefully
barred the door, a thing he had never
done before, and then once more spread
the gIittering gold out upon the board be-
fore him, and counted them one by one.
"There are just ninety-one pieces
whispered the Shadow, zone piece would
buy you coat. Don't you think you
deserve something for finding the wallet,
Hans 50" Hans listened, but said nothing.
He was thinking that if he had ne W
coat, he might walk to church with the
miler's pretty daughter +; but the people
would wonder where he got the new coat.
It seemed as if the Shadow knew bis
thoughts and went on
"You might 90 to the town, you know,
and perhaps there might be something
owing to you, who knows. The coat is
bought with money owed to you, eh,
Hans and then on Sunday, when Trenck
comes along, he will have to stand on
one side; and look, now, there she comes. .
Hans looked up, and there she went,
sure enough, looking more blooming than
ever.
''You can replace the piece when you
earn it, and restore the wallet then nc
one knows when you found it, urged the
Shadow.
Hans sighed heavily and then he took
up the bright pieces and dropped them II
the bag, all save one, that he kept upon
the table.
''Thou shalt not steal," murmered the
silver voice, but now the tone was as fain
: as dying echo, and the brazen tone
drowned it at once with loud laugh, anc
the inquiry