Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-06-04
NO. 1872.
Tales and Sketfhes.
THE TREASURE.
[coNcLUDED FROM YESTERDAY

replied the soldier, ''but how could we
get enough money for the journey and
purchase ?''
I'VE could apply to some people richer
than ourselves, and tell them the secret"
'But how should we make them believe
US or prevent an abuse of our confidence
in case they would believe us? And
supposing we should not succeed? If we
did, it might happen. as in the fable you
read to your cousin the other day, that the
lion would keep the whole prey. Then,
beside the fatigue of the journey and the
uncertainty OF success, we should have to
brave the trials of u law suit. What good
would it do, say? TO the devil with the
millions that one must go so far to seek.
| have two hundred francs pension
Thanks to that, | have enough for my
quarterly expenses and my tobacco. l
laugh at the rest, like a platoon of cos
sacks
"Then you will let this opportunity es.
cape?' Charles asked. with feverish ami
nation. '.You refuse riches ?"
"Certainly, for myself" the old man
answered; "but for you it is another thing.
see that you are ambitious; that you
wish to become a millionaire we'll, get
together the necessary sum for your jour-
ney, and l will 90 with you"
"How can l get the money!"
"Earn two thousand francs; at that
price will give you treasure; do you
agree ?" -
Yes, indeed" cried Charles, with fer
vor. Then after a moment-'I never
could earn so much money!" he added,
despondently.
Work courageously, and bring your
wages to me regularly each week, and /
guarantee that you can do it,
"Think, uncle, how little workman
can lay up" s45
Il know"
.How many years will it take ?'
''You said this evening that you would
give eighteen, with an eye and an arm to
boot"
eff l were sure"
"Of getting treasure? | swear on the
ashes OF the little corporal that you shall
have one
This was the soldiers most solemn oath,
therefore Charles thought the affair seri-
Gus. Vincent encouraged him anew. re-
peating that he had his fortune in his own
hands, and the young man went to bed
resolving to work hard. His uncle's con-
fidence, however. had awakened such
magnificent hopes that he could not sleep.
calculating how he could soonest earn the
necessary sum. and planning what he
should do with his future riches.
When Susan came down stairs the next
morning, he had already gone to his
work. Vincent, seeing the girls aston
ishment, shook his head, smiling, but said
nothing. He had recommended secrecy
to the young workman, and wished to keep
it himself, besides he was desirous to see
whether Charles would persist in his new
resolution. The first months were the
hardest. The young book-binder had
formed habits which it was difficult to
break, and it was impossible for him to
work continuously. 1t was hard, too, TO
resist the temptations of his old comrades.
His courage almost gave way many times,
and he was on the point OF falling back
into his old ways. But the importance of
the end he wished to gain would rekindle
his courage, and every week that he
brought his pay home to his uncle, he felt
that he was one step nearer mis- goal
Every day the effort became easier, and
as his life became more regular, his tastes
took a new direction. His hard work
during the day made him enjoy his rest
in the evening all the more, and hav-
ing abandoned his riotous companions, he
felt a new charm in the society of his un-
Gle and cousin. The latter treated him
once more with friendly familiarity.
Charles was astonished to find qualities
and graces i'll her which he had never had
time to notice before, and she became
more necessary to him all the time. In
sensibly the aim of his life changed; the
thought of the treasure promised by Vim
cent was no longer his only motive for ac-
thoughts; he wished to deserve her appro.
baton, to become more dear to her. The
life which Charles led extinguished his
restless ambition by degrees. He saw a
simple happiness nearer home his para
disc was no louger fairy land OF the
Thousand and one Nights" but small
spot, filled with domestic joys. His re.
formation. visible to those with whom he
lived, remained secret from himself how
ever. lie did not know that he had
changed, but he was happier and more
tranquil. The only novelty which he was
conscious OF in his feelings, was his love
for Susan, henceforth mingled in all his
plans, for he could not look forward to
life without her, and he was anxious to
know with certainty whether she recipro-
Gated his affection. r4.
He was walking up aud down the little
attic one evening, while his uncle and
cousin talked near the stove. Both were
speaking of Charles first master. who at
ter thirty years of an honest and hard
working life, had sold his book binding
establishment, in order to retire inlo the
country with his old wife.
They are married couple who have
had paradise on earth.' said the old SOL
dier, 'always agreeing, always cheerful,
always at work" t@s
Yes replied Susan, "the richest may
envy them. -'rs
Charles, who was Just passing the young
girl, stopped suddenly. so You would
like to have husband who would love
you9" he asked looking at her earnestly.
Certainly. if could, the young girl
replied, smiling and blusing little.
you can," said Charles, quickly. .by
saying the word"
''What word. cousin ?'' Susan stam-
mered, more embarrassed still. ssF