Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1876-10-19

boy was branded as thief. Mr.. WllmOt, VINO
was angry at Sans insinuations, wanted him
sent to prison but Mr.. Baker was merciful
man, and did not bring upon US further dis
grace. After this felt that I could no longer
remain in Mr.. Bakers employ, and thus l
went to Loostring & Tools. So that Sam
might have chance of getting back his char
acter, Mr.. Baker gave him a letter Of intro
duction to merchant at Bombay, somewhere
in India, who might be able to find him EN-.
ployment such as wouldn't have temptations.
Sam eagerly jumped at the offer, but up to
the moment of his departure declared himself
innocent of stealing Mr.. Bakers money.
Poor fellow it was the last we saw of him.
Before the vessel reached India she met
fearful hurricane, and every soul on board of
her perished."
| Overcome by these painful recollections,
Abel buried bis face in bis hands and wept.
Complete silence reigned in the room for few
moments, and then Polly, controlling, with an
effort, ths strong emotions that swept through
her heart, crept to her fathers side and placed
her hand in bis.
Dear father" she said, in broken tones,
"the story Of your sorrow makes. you dearer
to me than ever"
The old man withdrew his hand from her
embrace, and, when she had kissed the tears
from his cheeks, resumed:
"There could be no doubt of your brothers
guilt, and was too sensible of the kindness
of his employers to allow them to suffer. re-
solved, come what might, that would do my
best to repay them. For this daily denied
myself; for this narrowed your opportuni-
ties of education and this, next to your hap
piness, my child, is the object of my life"
Dear father, and until now you have al
ways led me to believe that the amount paid
haifyearly was to discharge debt of your
own."
"My darling, was it to your interest to know
the truth? When your brother left England
you we're but child. Up to tonight, it has
been my constant endeavor to hide the real
facts of the case from you. had hoped to
have paid off the whole amount before you got
, married. Toms proposal tonight, however,
has frightened the secret out of me, for could
not allow him to marry you without knowing
the truth"
"And now do know it, Mr., Webb" ex-
claimed Tom, who had been trying to speak
FOR some time, but had been unable to do 80,
owing to strange sensation as Of marbles
rolling up his throat and determination to
water his eyes-"now do know it, am now
more than ever desirous of making Polly my
wife. I thought of having the banns put up,
next week, and then we can be married be-
fore another month is over our heads"
"But, Polly" inquired Abel, "is not that
rather soon p
His daughter was at that moment engaged
in attending to the fire, the brightness OF
which had, during the recital of Abels revela-
ton, become somewhat dimmed. Just after
he spoke, CHEEKY fame shot forth and dis
closed happy smile upon Polly's face and a
bblush pom hsr cheek, form ing quite sufficient
answer to the question.
"Well, my children" continued the old
man, "do as you will"
Tom Smith sprang from his chair, and was
wringing Abel's hands in token Of gratitude,
when the sound of footsteps ascending the
stairs caught Abels ear.
"Here, Polly quick with the candle" be
cried: "there is some one wants Us, or has
mistaken the floor"
The room had hitherto been illuminated
solely by the 6tful CLEAN of the fire, and just
as Polly had got the candle alight the door
was opened, and in strobe Mr.. Baker-Ba-
ker, junior-whom Abel had left only an
hour and half before.
20, Abel" said Baker, with his broad, rud.
dy face glowing with excitement, "Im 30
glad I've found you at home. I've good news
for you-news that will make your heart leap
from your bosom"
"What-what is it ? exclaimed Abel, while
Polly and her betrothed looked on in silent
amazement.
"Why your boy Sam-he who eight years
ago was thought to be guilty of robbing US
is proved to have been innocent"
Abel sank back in his chair, his face grew
pale, and bis hands clutched the wrist of Tom
Smith and bis daughter, who had rushed to
his side.
"How-how do you know this p he gasped.
can hour after you left my Office, letter
from Australia was delivered-it was written.
BY magistrate in Melbourne and was to the
effect that our late cashier, Robert Wilmot,
having received fatal injury through being
run over in the streets, in his last moments
made deposition before the legal authorities
that your son was innocent, he himself ap-
propriating the moneys of the firm, and in or
der to conceal his own delinquencies was COM
PEELED to fix the guilt upon some one else.
The official papers will arrive by next mail;
Abel, believe me, no person is more rejoiced
at this intelligence than myself"
The old man was in tears-he could not
speak; but the pressure he gave the extended
hand evinced his belief in Baker, juniors, sim
cerity.
"And, Abel" continued the newcomer, "it
gives me great pleasure-more pleasure than
I can tell you-to hand you back your ninety
pounds. Both my father and myself resolved
never to touch penny of it (; if you had died
before you we're satisfied you had discharged
the sum, we should have handed over the
money to your daughter. I am delighted,
however, to give it back to you personally
and, if you will come to our Office, tomorrow,
I will hand you over the per cent. interest
which has accrued since the first payment.
Good.by, Abel. I feel myself an intruder
now. Good-by, and Heaven bless you, my
honest fellowp
Baker, junior, who seemed with every word
to become thicker and thicker in his utter
ance, then placed in Abels lap small can
vas bag, which gave forth a clinking sound,
and once again heartily wringing the the old
mans hand, bounced out of the room, ere any
one could bid him farewell.
"Polly, Polly" whispered Abel, "give me
that work-box."
The girl knew what he wanted, and placed
the box before him. She saw his fingers draw
from its contents of precious relics of bygone