The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1875-09-08

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. think?r
"l'm afraid not" answered Evelyn,
doubtfully; "he is so old that his
hand trembles good deal. How
ever, in that basket you will find the
papers he kept from his old business,
and you can judge for yourself" d"
i Henry took down the basket, and
emptying the papers in his lap, ran
them over carelessly. Suddenly be
stopped at one of them with start
of surprise, and read it through earn
estly. The young girl watching him,
saw the color fade out of his cheek,
and deathly paleness succeed it.
After time he rested his bead in
his hands, and seemed to ponder long
and deeply. Then he arose with a
strange expression of gloom upon his
face, and approached her Miss
Deverell," be said, in low, husky
voice, "this paper contains matter OF
the greatest Importance to your
father. l shall keep it, and see that
Justice is done him. No." he added,
gravely answering her looks. 81 can
tell you nothing more. You will
hear from me in few days; meantime,
take this money-it is only a little,
but all | have-take it, / say" he
cried, almost fercely. Il tell you it
belongs to you, and thousand times
as much" Forcing it into her hand,
be went away without another word,
leaving her frightened and bewilder-
ed by his strange actions.
Father" he said, sternly, ap-
preaching Mr. Archer, 81 always
knew that you were a villain You
ruined William Devererl deliberately
Here is the proof" placing the paper
before his father.
Where did you get this?" quiver-
ed Mr.. Archer, with white face.
Il discovered it among his pa
pers."
'Does be know its value2"
/ doubt if he knows of its existence
even, so implicitly did he trust you
to his ruin, be added, bitterly.
Then" said his father, compla-
Gently, destroy it, and all's safe"
"No, / will not" answered Henry,
sharply. "Justice must be done"
well" said Mr.. Archer, going off
on the other tack, and assuming an
air of generosity that sat as we'll upon
his features as a coucbshell would on
snail's back, "I'll take him back at
ten dollars a week. But don't make
me give up the money.
every cent" retorted Henry,
firmly. turning away.
The upshot of this conversation
that few days after Thomas Archer.
merchant, absconded with all be
could lay his hands upon.
Henry settled up the business to
the best advantage, and with the pro-
ceeds in his pocket started for Mr.
Deverell's home, but when be arrived
there they learned that they had
been driven out for non payment of
rent Heavy hearted he sought in
formstion among the lowly neighbors.
but could get no trace Of them and
was about giving up in dispair when
he ran across them sitting on the
steps of a tenement, the sick girl
wearily leaning on the old mans
shoulder.
Hailing passing hack, he placed
them in a very few words the histo-
~ of his fathers dishonesty, his
strange discovery of it and the sud
den reversal Of their fortune.
"And you" said William Deverell
after long and grateful silence,
what have you left for YOURSELF"
There" said Henry, stretching
out his hands: "honest and willing to
work, not only for my own support
but also to make good that portion Of
the debt which is still due you"
But" said the other, "until you
are able to shift for yourself, let me
offer YOU some Of this money"
"Not a cent" interposed Henry
at would burn my fingers Besides,
how could the son succeed where the
father is in such bad repute2 No; I
will leave the city for a time and
End some employment, however hum
ble.u
Both Evelyn and her father would
have combatted this resolution, but
be returned firmly:
Let me take nv own course. As
it is now, cannot bear to look any
man in the face, for | feel as if nv
fathers dishonor had reflected back
on me. Time and my own exertions
will overcome that, perhaps, and, in
the meanwhile, you shall hear from
me-"
Resisting their entreaties that be
would remain with them longer, be
bade them farewell, and was gone
Fostered by that care and atten
ton which her fathers extreme pow
erty had hitherto, prevented her from
receiving, Evelyn very soon recover
ed he- full health. A few weeks az
terward, purchasing a small dwelling
in a retired country town, the father
and daughter turned their backs
upon the scene of their former suffer
ings.
Months rolled by and nothing was
heard of Henry Archer And yet
be who had so nobly sacrificed him
self to his sense of right and honor,
who had raised them out of The
depths of misery into peaceful afflu-
ence, was never out of their thoughts
Oftimes, when the old man, recalling
those sad days of suffering aud de-
spair, dwelt gratefully on his name, /
there came a gentle glow to his |
daughters eve that spoke of more than |
gratitude.
One morning, as they were sitting |
in their little parlor, they were
startled by terrific explosion that
shook the windows and brought them
to their feet in alarm. There was
death in the very sound; and. in q /
few moments, the village was full Of
excited, hurrying crowds, While
the father and daughter were con-
versing together in awe stricken
tones, terrified villager rushed into
their presepce with the news that a