The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-06-24
Confession Of a Thief.

My father had been dead a month
when one morning Mr.. Maitland, oul
family lawyer, one of my fathers Oldest
friends, called on me.
"Mr. Charles" he said, after we had
shaken hands, eve have arranged your
fathers affairs, and found a purchaser
for the estate, but"
care all the out laying debts paid in
full ?" interrupted quickly.
"They are, but continued our kind
friend in a troubled voice, 81 grieve to
say there is hardly anything left for
you and your sister; scarcely thousand
dollars"
"Ah !" he went on, eff you had only
followed my advice There were among
your fathers debts more than one that
could honestly have been cut down by
one-half. You father had ever an open
hand and generous heart, sir !"
81 regret nothing that has been done,
Mr.. Maitland, and have but one more
question to ask you; when can l have
the thousand dollars? ?"
"To-morrow, if you wish it."
A few days later my sister Emmeline
and | bade adeu to our once happy
home-ours, alas no longer-and de-
parted for New York.
In spite of my efforts to bear ny
against the sudden adversely that had
fallen upon US, the blow nearly over
whelmed me first. l did not think so
much of myself; man can always make
his way in this world with energy and a
strong will, but was troubled for my
dear sister. How should l find the
means of providing for this fragile, deli
cate girl of sixteen all the comforts and
Injuries she had hitherto enjoyed !?
When this terrible problem first pre-
sented itself to me, fell a prey for just
one moment to utter discouragement
and despair. But those of my race are
proud and strong of will, and mentally
resolved that | would fight the battle of
life so bravely that victory must at last
crown my efforts.
Arrived in New York, We took a
modest apartment and furnished it with
as much comfort as our slender resources
would allow. | made out of all my
fathers former friends, resolved to APP
ply to them one after another until
had obtained employment. Day
after day and week after week | solicited
| hoped and waited Promises without
number, expressions Of interest for my
self and my sister and regret for our
bereavement We're lavished upon me
But that was all. It was the old story
so well known to all those whose hard
doom condemns them to solicit aid or
succor from their fellows-promses first
then, oblivion. We had now been three
months in New York, when one morning
found that only five dollars remained
in my purse. Here, then, was the end
of all my dreams. But how to faco the
cruel reality! The winter was ap-
preaching, my sisters pale face was
growing paler day by day, and hack
ing cough began to harass her. An
other fortnight passed, during which !
had been obliged to part with my watch
and chain and even with some articles of
clothing, to procure the bare necessaries
of life. But worst Of all, l was atlength
forced to acquaint Emmeline with our
terrible position. The poor child tried
to comfort me with tender caresses and
hopeful words, but the words died away
on her quivering lips and gave place to
bitter sobs. And l could do nothing.
Nothing? All, yes one last hope re-
NAMED to me. Some days previous /
had written to Mr. Maitland, telling
him of my desperate condition and re-
questing him to give me some letters of
introduction to the New York law offices,
and that very morning had received an
answer in the shape of a large, official
looking letter, bearing the address of
Hon. Mr.. Carleton, an emingnt member
of the judicial bench. Taking up my
hat, straightway bore the letter to its
destination. and, having read it, the
Judge said to me, glancing at me kindly
over his gold trimmed spectacles,-
SIN few days you will hear from me,
and think shall have good news for
you"
On the third morning after this inter