Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-03-28

-N+N%~N 'Ne' - IA NAN VI ~
The banks were OF course closed for tn,
night, and he dared not leave his littl,
box of valuables at the rooms where HI
lodged. Might he confide them for th,
night TO the care OF Mr.. Percy, who h,
knew had facilities for keeping them
His clerk should call for the box in tht
morning, with an order signed by him
self. Ny brother-in-law consented. Al
this was transacted in the hall, for the
stranger did not wish the delay Of enter
ing the library where the family was
assembled. lie accompanied Mr.. Percy
TO the dining room closet, in the base
ment, where the safe stood; saw the box
placed inside, and the safe locked. He
then departed, hastily expressing his
thanks.
In the meantime, we, in the library,
hardly heard or regarded the business
like voices in the hall, so intent were we
in listening to the wonderful story of an
elephant hunt which uncle Timothy was
relating, with Nora perched on one arm
OF his chair, Ned on the other, and the
baby on his knee. When .Iohn returned
10 the library, he at once told us of his
visitor and the box coufided TO his care.
Uncle Timothy was disposed TO blame his
nephew little for so readily allowing a
man. but slightly known to him, to be.
come acquainted with the position OF the
safe.
"You say, John" said he, THAT your
knowledge Of this man is merely by
Ieputalion-that you have met him but
once. lie may be, very likely is, one OF
the bes: Of men, but you should not al.
low a sudden impulse, liking for his
cordial manners, to lead you 20 gener
ously TO condde to him the situation OF
your safe"
Il admit. uncle, that il was somewhat
returned John, but
wished TO make tacit amend 10 him for
A certain groundless dislike that ! expe
rienced fer him upon our first meeting,
and which l feared might have rendered
my manner little brusque toward him "
"Ah. you disliked him." cried the child
ike old man, trust TO these impressions,
hey are rarely at fault. Second thoughts
are not always best! You may have
the safety of your family
and your property. Who knows-.his
man may be connected with the terrible
Dsnd OF thieves that are preying on the
The simple old gentleman seemed to
have the idea that i! is possible for a
man 10 DC entirely honest. es,imable, and
yet not precisely to ones taste. ]
thought with some amusement and much
OF the unreasoning and trivial
prejudice that had been able TO influence
NE with regard to himself; aud | hoped
hat John and Laura had forgotten, as
they had pardoned my foolish words.
Although Johns sturdy and unsuspi-
cious nature OF The Engishman could
hardly be led to credit the possibility ol
danger that might ensue from the visit
be had received-he accepted, Tor the
sake OF re.assuring Uncle Timothy. my
Jffer 10 go to the station and describing
he gentleman, whom knew well by
sight ss he was occasionally at the office
Of my newspaper, inquire il he had taken
a ticket for Cnicago. | arrived at the
station three quarters OF en- hour after
he train had lel.. AMI Intercepted the
-icket-agent. lie replied that he had
not noticed such q gentleman; mig bit
haze sold him ticket. but thought not ;
u the crowd aud bustlo it might well be
hat he had sold him the ticket without
looking at the buyer; the gentleman
might have had mileage ticket, or per.
maps Tree pass. Clearly, nothing wa:
20 be learned iu this way. returned 10
he house. told ny uust,isfact )ry story.
and louud that all disagreeable impres
,ions OF what had occurred earlier in the
evening were being dispelled by the
pleasant chat of uncle Timothy, who
seemed unsel6shly determined to conquer
his own fears. and atone for the uneasl-
ness his prudence might have caused.
This time it was a story about the faith
tul Tippoo, who had more than once
saved his masters life in India; and the
narrative proved so exciting that the old
gentleman forgot TO leave us for the
night until alter ten O'Clock. an extraor-
binary thing for him who had retained
he primitive habit of going to his room
punctually at nine. To sleep. prolonged
and en- irely tranquil, he said he owed
much OF his good health, which might
nave been compromised by the climate
of India. When l passed at night the
door of Uncle Timothy's room, l never
50 much as heard sound of breathing
and / envied this old man who had no
sexiug cares, no harassing worriments,
1r pressure OF brainwolk 10 disturb his
profound sleep.
As the clock sounded half.past ten
Uncle Timothy arose from his chair, Nora
rang the bell for Tippoo; and, after kiss.
ng the children and bidding US a pleas.
lnt "good night the old gentleman went
up stairs 10 his room. Soon after, the
family separated for the night. | went
10 my room. but not 10 sleep, for had not
mine enemy written book; and mine
was the grateful task Of withering, scalh