Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1873-03-11

"Isn't there some name to the
purse 2" asked his mother.
She took it as she spoke, and up
on the inside Of the clasp, which
was lined with red morocco, she read
"John Thompson"
10 ThomI son was one Of the
wealthiest men in the country. He
owned q very large farm, and be-
sides supplying a large amount of
milk to customers, he raised large
quantities of garden sauce and fine
fruit which he sent to neighboring
city.
"Ah, how easily he could spare
tt" whispered Abel. at would
be no loss to him."
"That is so in a measure, my
son." said the widow solemnly.
ellis would be the loss but we
would lose-oh how much"
1--WE, mother" 7"
"Ah, my boy. Should you keep
this-should you keep it--whero
would our honor be? The next
time you met Mr.. Thompson you
would fear to look him in the face.
You could not look at him with
happy consciousness of your own
innocensc. There would be a taint
upon your character, sting in
your soul. Oh, would you keep it,
Abel ?"
ooh, no, mother / would not. No,
TO, I'll carry it back this very
night"
You might wait till morning
you must get me some wood now."
The purse was laid away in q
place of safety, and on the follwing
morning Abel started off bright
and early, and walked with a light
and buoyant step, for he was salts
fed with the work he was doing.
Mr.. Thompson lived in q large
mansion on the top of a gentle en-
inencc, at shnrt distance FROM, tho
road, which was surrounded by a
park of noble trees. Abel took his
way up the neatly graveled walk,
and met the owner on the broad
piazza.
"Do you wish to see me, sir ?"
said the host. He was kind, gen.
crous hearted man, stout and cor
pulent, with a face full of health
and good humor.
ayes, sir" answered Abel,
promptly, at the same time ascend
ing the piazza. 81 found a purse
last evening and opening it we
found your name upon it."
"And who is we :"
"My mother and me, sir"
"Thcn you did not think you
needed the money Z"
"Sir :" said the youth with in
curing gaze.
"Secing that you bring the mon
ny to me / suppose that you have
no use for it,"
use for it, sir ~ repeated Able,
1t q loss how to understand the
man. "Oh, God knows we had use
'or it, but not so much as we have
Tor our honor and truth"
"Were you afraid to keep it 7"
Mr.. Thompson in the
same peculiar tone.
afraid ! what do you mean
Do / love my mother because l am
afraid to hate berl l brought
your money back because it was
yours and not mine."
Thus speaking, Abel handed the
gentleman the purse and turned
way. Mr.. Thompson did not say
/ word and the youth kept on, feel
ng glad he had done right yet at
he moment almost ready to cry at
he reception he met.
When he reached home he sank
lown into n chair and leaned his |
read upon his hands. /
"What's the matter, Abel p ask
ID his mother in alarm.
But, before he could answer they
we're both startled by hearing a
lorse hot up to the door. 1t was
Mr.. Thompson. He dismounted,
ind as the door was open, entered
ceremony. He bade the
widow a cheerful good morning and
hen took seat.
"Arc you engaged at present :"
"No, sir" replied the youth ca
yerly, for the man spoke very kind
y.
"Wouldn't you like something to
To-" --f~-e>
"Oh, yes sir. Ispent all day yes
.erday looking for work. My