The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-04-20
A Wasted Life.

Within the last week, says the New
York Graphic, the pride Of IN honored
househas been humbled, but not by tho
fault Of either OF its partners. Yet one
OF them had fault which the hard OF
heart are not ready to forgive. He
was generous and trustful. Before
he had become rich he hud q bosom
friend named Bailey, who afterwards
died poor and left q widow and ono son,
When the New York merchant learned
OF these facts he provided home for
the means Of earning her own liyeli.
hood, and took the youth into his EN-.
ploy, The boy, Frederick, grew up
into q shrewd, active man whose bust.
ness cspacity pleased all the members
OF the firm. As time went on he was
advanced from one position Of trust to
another until, five years ago, he was
made chief bookkeeper Of the concern.
His benefactor was pleased, and tho
mother now had hope that her declin.
ing years would be happily passed amid
pleasant surroundings and cheered by
the love Of the son who was her stay
and pride.
To oil outward seeming the young
man led q correct life. He appeared to
live within his means, had no vices that
showed upon the surface, and no evil
associates. Tho only drawback to his
mothers happiness was the fact that he
was often out until late in the night
and looked weary and haggard in the
morning. By way OF excuse he pleaded
that he had to remain late OF the Office,
Thus the young man lived, at home, at
church, in society, in the presence o.
his employers, o life OF rectitude. Blu
there was another current, deep and
black, running beneath this outward
calm Of his existence, and it was rapid
ly sweeping him away to destruction.
The young man has lived the life oI
a thief and debauchee for three years
past. In his midnight reyelries in the
company Of abandoned beauty and al
tho gaming table he has squandered
100000 that belonged to his beneiac'
tor and tho firm. By day his skill doc
tored tho books OF the firm so that they
should betray no secret, and his smiling
face was made TO mask his villainous in
gratitude. He had 0 wife at home, bu
her love did not suffice 10 keep hin
from sin. He was tempted and he fell
Into evil courses and companionship
deeper and deeper in the mire Of yict
he stepped down until concealment wa
no longer possible. But he had GOV
cred his wanderings well during th,
three long years in which he lived hi
double life. II could not have been
happy life. With every mornings dawl
he must have looked into the face OF I
felon and hated him as the iurtive eye
mot his own. The praise Of his employ
ers turned TO gall at his taste.
At last there came q day when thi
double lifo became uncomfortable. H,
fled. It was only last week that hil
flight was discovered. Then slowly th,
truth came out, TO shame the hearts o
mother and wife, embitter the life o
his benefactor, and bring o cloud owe
IN old and honored firm. Whether h,
took q companion in his flight and hoy
much money went with him is no
known. To-day Frederick Bailey is al
outlaw, and must remain fugitive un
less heis brought back tospend the bes
years Of his life in o felon's stripes.
The worst OF such IN example is TIM
IL hardens mems hearts and teache
them distrust. They will mike It al
excuse for refusing help to tho needy
pointing to tho black ingratitude Of tn
man who robbed his benefactor. Blu
the ono lesson taught above all other
is that the man who leads two live
may be sure that his sin will find hin
ont.