The Russellville Democrat., 1877-05-24
"Four thousand dollars don't lay long

| on my road, however unfrequented, and the road we travelled tonight has always some one passing over. No, the money won't be found. An! me-" and the old man lay back in his chair like one ill.
 For an instant my heart reproached me, and was almost ready to confess my trick, for my grandfather looked the picture of despair.
 "Pll go and saddle a horse and ride back. I suppose you must have lost il when the horse was being freed from the harness 'Tis only three miles back and the moon is now up. It won't take me long to ride it."
 "I think I'll go with you," replied the old man.
 Don't think oft" I replied. "Trust me, grandfather; if can't mend clock or turn somersault, you will acknowl. edge was always a good hunter. I'll bet you anything you dare that I'll re- cover every dollar of your money" Do you think so ?" he asked, grasping me by the hand. You must not mind what said to you, my boy, about being good for nothing. You are my grandson, and my boy heir, too. All have will be yours some day"
 "Thcre's one thing you won't agree to let me have" replied.
 He waved his hand.
 "I know what you are going to say '' he answered. "Weli, your grandmother has been talking to me on the subject. Go, along, boy, bring me back the four thousand dollars, and I'll allow you to marry Sallie Miller"
 I made spring for the door and was burrying to the stable, when the old gentleman followed me.
 Remember my conditions, the four thousand dollars I lost. Find that for me, and you can marry Sallie Miller, and I'll provide for you. But if you fail to bring me the money, say nay. and perhaps for a good while to come" I flew along that road as fast as good horse flesh could carry me, but felt like a guilty wretch, as l knelt down by the stone, and passed my hand beneath it. A gleam of happiness crossed my heart as held the package in my hand. My first impulse was to hurry home as fast as I had hither. But refecting that my speedy return might throw suspi- cion on the affair, allowed the horse to walk nearly the whole distance. Grandmother met me at the door. She said my grandfather had been counting the minutes since left. He was still in the sitting room.
 I held the package up, and grand mother kissed me.
 "You are good boy" she said, "and I'll see that your grandfather does the right thing by Sallie Miller" Here you are, sir" l shouted, com ing into the old mans presence, and placing the package in his hands.
 "Thank heavenw he devoutly ex- claimed. "I had given it up, my boy. Did you have much of searchY Where did you discover it?'
 "Just where I said you lost it. On the spot where we broke the shaft"
 Grandfather examined the package and found it all right. Then he hugged me, and pulled my ear. saying:
 "Now, you scamp, you can marry Sal. lie Miller. Bring her home here, for she no doubt requires good deal of instruc- tion in housekeeping, and your grand mother will make her fit to keep your house from running to waste"
 s x
 Readers, these things happened many years ago. All the landmarks about the farm have long since passed away; but there is still large, flat stone by the roadside, as one rides out from the town of Randolph, and I never gaze upon it without recollecting how intimately my destiny and that old rock are connected.