Weekly Trinity journal., 1876-12-23


know who it was, | have my ideas to be
sure but after all | may be mistaken.
For three or four days Jake came
to the claim, but his presence was ap-
parentiy unnoticed. At last, however,
his patience was rewarded by seeing
Bertha coming out to meet him. He
judged, and rightly, too, that there had
been no improvement in matters at the
house, from the careworn appearance
of the girl. 1t was evident at once that
her fathers troubles were affecting her
also. They exchanged greetings.
came to thank you once more for
your sympathy" she said, land to bid
you good bye. We have got to give up
the claim and will go away"
"Give up the claim ," said Jake, in
astonshment. why so?"
LISA long story" she replied, "and
would not interest you. We are in the
power OF one of fathers creditors and
have to surrender all. That is why"
She spoke in dry, hard tone which at
once aroused his sympathies to their
fullest action. Tell me how it is" he
said earnestly. "I've helped people out
of tight places before this and may be
able to again"
She looked at him steadily for some
time. Probably the glance was roassur-
in, for she at once led the way into the
house.
The old gentleman didn't seem to rel
ish the intrusion. Nor did he seem to
improve when Bertha told him what
Jake had said.
Well, if this gentleman has got five
thousand dollars to lend us, with the
chance of never getting it again he may
be right. Tell him about it, Bertha, /
don't like to talk Of it,"
Thus directed, Bertha gave Jake an
outline Of their cause of trouble, the old
man sitting silently by. -Four years be-
fore they were living in Wisconsin
town where the father was prosperous
merchant. Then came the crash Of 1857
which had swept away everything, and
more. They had given up all to the cred
itors, without going through the forms of
law, and there was still a large balance
unsettled. A friend had loaned him Il
sum of money, and with it he had come
to California in the Winter of his life, to
retrieve his fallen fortunes. He had been
in measure successful, had paid part
OF his indebtedness. And now one OF the
creditors, having bought up the claims of
all the others had followed him hther
and demanded immediate payment, in
default of which he threatened u resort to
law. They knew not which way TO turn
to raise the money and the claim was now
in possession of the sheriff.
Why don't you tell him of the com
promise that's offered ?" asked the old
man, bitterly, when she had finished
She did not speak, and he resumed
lie will give up the debt, call it settled,
he says, for her. | told him | could see
her dead but not the wife Of such a thing
as he"
"And what says Bertha ?" asked Jake.
GO He knew my feelings years ago"
she answered, taking the question to her
self. Where there is no respect, there
can be no love. | did not tell him so,
/ but it is true, nevertheless.
"And what about the claim Is it a
good one ? Report says that it is"
Report for once tells the truth. With
one years work believe | could have
settled everything against me. But the
hope is gone now"
Not entirely Mr. Mosier. You must
get the money and pay this harpy Off"
What are you talking Off" said the
old man, exctedly. " Don't make sport
of me fyou please. Who is to furnish
that much money on such security as
can give 2"
Wen, will"
" You ~
Yes, me. don't look much like it,
do |? But you can't tell by the husk
what the kernel is always"
For moment the father and daughter
looked Mt each other. When the old man
spoke again his voice was low and quiv-
erng.
" will not deny Mr.. Jenison, but your
offer has inspired me with new life and
hope. But consider. We cannot see un-
der the ground and what believe about
the claim may be- based on too glowing
hopes. 1t would make the matter far
worse to me if should become your
debtor without the means Of paying"
"Tm willing 10 take all chances, Mr..
Mosier."
$50 be it, then. You will not find us
lacking in gratitude 1 can assure you, 1t
is thing had no ri ght to expect, that
! you, who know so little Of us"
"Say no more, old man. Men are
sometimes judged by their acts-some-
times by their motives. In the present
case you may be satisfied that | consider
everything safe. Wen go over 10 the
county seat tomorrow il you feel able,
and get the matter settled, 50 that your
would be son-in-law can 60 back to his
home among the Badgers without any
thing around here to worry his precious
mind about"
After a little more talk in reference to
minor details to be observed, Jake took
hie leave. Bertha had quilted the room
and as he passed out the door was en-
gagged in household duties on the little
porch. She gave him II grateful look as
he came along.
"You have indeed lifted cloud from
our house Mr.. Jcnison. 1t will be Christ
49, Mnulum nnA a anrrnu.R.L ..n II