The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-04-01
me how you saved the old ship from

me how you saved the old ship from
wreck"
81 took control at once, as you gave
me authority to do. Before my grand
fathers death, and the legacy that made
it unnecessary for me to work, l was
bookkeeper in a large warehouse similar
to yours, for six years, and had a knOwl-
edge of the business. An examination
of your books soon convinced me that
they had been falsifed to frighttul ex-
tent, and that checks drawn upon your
bank, in your name, had been used tor
other purposes than the payment Of the
obligations of the business"
"How could that be? James Nelson
alone had signed checks"
"Exactly SO; and James Nelson has
been systematically defrauding you for
about fifteen years."
"Impossiblep
"Quite true. When he found was
searching the matter to tie bottom he
p0cketed his illgotten gains and ab-
seconded. AS you were too i'll to give
the order for any pursuit, let him CO."
"But the money! How can all be 60
ing on well If he has taken it with him ?
There was a deficiency Of thirty thou
sand dollars for immediate obligations"
Sand having this sum idle in bank,
took the liberty of investing it in your
business"
You threw in your fortune to help a
sinking shipw
''The ship was not sinking, but fairly
afloat, and consider the money well in
vested. l have long wanted TO buy q
partnership in business understand; !;
having no love tor an idle life, and
hope you would not repay this loan, but
allow it to give me the right to help you
yet in business. There is an opening
even now, that only needs little capi-
tai to largely increase the business, and
| waited for your authority to purchase
it,"
The old mans eyes sparkled as Wal
ter clearly explained the nature Of the
proposed enlargement of the warehouse
business.
sit had been Mr.. Nelson's policy to
keep all such opportunities hidden from
you," Walter said, 'knOWing that SUCH
alternatlons would involve such an eX-
animation OF the books as would expose
his frauds. But there is no need now to
fear to open the books for any eyes"
"fhanks tOyou."
"It you will. You know what is the
dearest wish OF my heart, Mr.. Baldwin.
l love Nell, and am fully able to give
her a home as luxurious as your own,
without touching her own fortune. l
know That you have thought me drone
IN the worlds hive, unworthy OF the love
Of such a woman, not lit to be trusted
with her welfare. l will not deny that
the hope Of winning your approval has
been my great stimulus in the efforts l
have made regarding your perpleXlties.
| have taken no steps that will not bear
full investigation. 1 have rid you of u
robber who was running you under the
guise of friendship, and most earnestly
desire my reward"
"NeilieV
"Nellie and the right to be your son at
hOme-your partner i'll business. Let
me take Lhe burden Of care from your
shoulders to mine, that are young and
strong, and in return ask for the auyan-
tage Of your experience, and the wis.,
dom only years wall give. l have steered
your snip through this storm, but l am
not presumptuous enough 10 suppose
that alone could carry it. safely over
all The Intricacies of business"
abe as you will. l am gaining in
strength every day. We Will have a
wedding here. Let Neil stay in her old
home, Walter There is room enough
.or all, and l can not hope to be here
many years."
81 will never ask her to leave you. ]
want you to gain son, not lose daugh.
ter.''
"Heaven bless you for ALL My first
care Shall be to setLle the new partner.
ship, and we will have a sign painted
baldwin u Grantley."
"But you are weary now. Sleep while
| sit here and dream OF my own happi.
ness.".
And in the morning, when Walter told
Nellie all, she bent over her Uucle tt
whis per her happiness, and hear nim say
heartily:
II shall get well fast, Nell, and we
will have grand wedding. lie is /
noble fellow, tnat Walter OF yours, ant
never again will call him an empty
headed top"