The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1878-10-16
WALTER BRADLEY'S SECRET.

When Asa Bradley was sentenced to
the States prison for life for the double
crime of forgery and manslaughter, many
people said that wicked man was now
where he could do no harm; but it was
dreadful misfortune to his wife and son.
Six months afterwards, Mrs. Bradley
died, end the friends of the family
asked, "What will become of poor
Walter?'
But this little burst Of sympathy was
all "poor Walter" ever got of them;
and when the boy was sent to the aims
house, it was agreed that the place was
good enough for the son of convict.
For five years the almshouse was Wal
ter's only home. Then the overseers OF
the poor informed him that he must be
"bound out" and earn his own living.
Young as he was (he was scarcely thir-
teen), Walter had stout heart, and it
needed only this sudden send-off to
rouse his latent sense of independence.
For the first time he realized his posi-
ton clearly, and found his native pride.
he declared with spirit that he would no
longer be beholden to pauper help, or
would render pauper service, and with
this resolution he went his way to fight
the battle of life alone.
he little knew the difficulties he would
have to meet and conquer. After apply
ing in vain at several places in town, he
went to Rockland, thriving factory vii
lage, and spent three days in fruitless
search for work. Weary and discouraged,
he finally met a farmer who wanted
some bel in his haying.
too," said the boy. with Frightening
eye.
"That sounds we'll. Where do you
liver"
CT came from Stony Brook"
"Come little nearer. I want to take
q good look into your face"
Walter approached the wagon for in
spection.
s.You look willing, at any rate. What's
your name ?"
"Walter Bradley, sir
81 hope you amt no way connected
with Asa Bradley, who killed Thomas
Iding."
81 am-his son." faltered the boy,
with averted face.
"Well, that's unlucky! I want to
hire a good likely boy, not a son of -
Then came long embarrassing silence.
"Well, guess on the whole I won't
hire you," said the farmer, rehectively.
"I know you amt to blame for what
your father did, but I guess I'll look a
little further" And starting his horse,
he was soon out of sight.
Poor Walter A sharp pain shot
through him as he recalled afresh how
hard and unjust the mans decision was,
and his own friendless condition. But
at length his elastic spirit took hope
again, and he walked resolutely on to
the next village. Here he was more
fortunate. A placard with "Boy
wanted" was conspicuously displayed
in the window of a large dry-goods
store; and be applied for the situation.
His open, manly face made favorable
impression on Mr.. Lewis, the merchant,
and he agreed to take him on trial for
one week.
Walter ives active and faithful, and
gave perfect satisfaction. But MIR. Lewis
chanced to hear that he was " the son Of
the forger and murderer, Asa Bradley" 1"
and when the week was out, he coldly
told Walter he could look for a place
elsewhere.
The boy took this dismissal grievous-
ly. Knowing as. he did the reason, it
touched him like q death.chill. Was he
to be crushed through life for inheriting
a name loaded with disgrace? The
thought filed his soul with bitterness,
and prepared him for the stern, almost
fierce, determination which followed.
This tainted name should no longer be a
hindrance to him. He would discard it
forever.
Walters maternal grandfather was
Gilbert Henshaw, man whose charac-
ter was above reproach, and to be called
after whom would be an honor to any
descendant. Henceforth he would be
no more Walter Bradley, but Gilbert
Henshaw. He would go where he was
unknown, and the secret Of his old name
should be revealed to no one.