The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-09-04
CONFESSION OF A THIEF.

NV father had been dead month, when
one morning Mr.. Maitland, our family law
yer, one of my fathers Oldest friends. called
on me.
.sMr Charles" he said, after we had shaken
hands. 1--WE have arranged your fathers
affairs. and found purchaser for the estate,
but"
Are all the outlaying 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 a thousand dollars"
"Ahr' he went on, iii you had only fol-
lowed my advicel There were among your
fathers debts more than one that could hon.
estly have been cut down by one-half Your
father had ever an open hand and a generous
heart sir"
'I regret nothing that has been done, Mr..
Maitland and have but one more question
to ask you: when can l have the thousand
-doIlars?n
Tomorrow, If you wish It,"
few days later my sister Emmeline and
l bade adieu TO our once happy home-ours,
alas, no longer-and departed for Now York.
In spite of my efforts to bear up under the
sudden adversely that had fallen upon US,
the blow nearly overwhelmed me at 1rst. L
did not think so much OF myself; man can
always make his way in this world with en-
ergy and strong will but / was troubled
for nv dear sister How could | find the
means of providing for this fragile, delicate
girl of sixteen, all the comforts and luxuries
she had hitherto enjoyed2 When this terri
BILE problem first presented itself to me fell
q prey for just one moment to utter discour-
agement and despair. But those of my race
are proud and strong of will, and l 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 modest
apartment and furnished it with as much
comfort as our slender resources would
allow. made out TO find all my fathers
former friends, and resolved to apply to
them one after another until had obtained
employment. Day after day and week after
week solicited, hoped and waited. Prom
ises without number, expressions OF interest
for myself and my sister, and regret for our
bereavement were lavished upon me. But
that was all. 1t was the old story so well
known to all those whose hard doom con-
demns them to solicit aid or succOr from
their fellows-promises first, then. oblivion.
We had now been three months in New
York, when one morning l found that only
five dollars remained in my purse. Here,
then, was the end of all my dreams. But
how to face the cruel realityi The winter
was approaching my sisters pale face was
growing paler day by day, and a hacking
cough began to harass her. Another fort
night 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, was at length forced to &C
Quaint Emmeline with our terrible position.
The poor child tried to comfort me with
tender caresses, and hopeful words died
away ON her quivering lips and gave place
to bitter sobs. And / could do nothing
Nothing? Ah, yesl one last hope remained
to me. Some days previous had written TO
Mr.. Maitland, telling him of my desperate
condition, and requesting 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 large,
official looking letter, bearing the address of
the Hon. Mr.. Carleton, an eminent member
of the judicial bench. Taking up my hat, i
straightway bore the letter to its destination,
and having read it, the judge said to me,
glancing at me kindly over his gold rimmed
spectacles:
"In a few days you will hear from me,
and think / shall have good news for
you"
On the third morning after this interview
/ had persuaded my sister to take walk with
me. During our promenade we happened
to pass before a restaurant in the neighbor-
hood, whence q waiter had Just issued forth,
bearing luncheon tray, on which, among
other tempting viands, was dainty chicken.
My poor sister lnVOluntdrlly nxed sucn
longing, hungry look at the food as il passed
before her that 1t almost broke my heart.
On our return home found a letter from
Judge Carleton awarting me. ApologIzing for
the irregular form of his invitation, he said
he should be happy to see me a guest at
dinner on the same evening
As the servant announced me, Judge Carle-
ton came toward me, and taking me kindly
by the hand introduced me to his wife and
daughter, and then 10 several of his guests
who had known my father. All were so kind
and cordial to me that in a few moments
felt quite at home. The dinner was brill
liant one. was engaged in an animated
conversation with a charming and very witty
lady beside whom / was seated, when sud-
denly all my gaiety fed from me. had Just
perceived at one end of the table a splendid
roast fowl that a domestic had just placed
there. The scene of the morning and the
hungry look in my sisters eyes rose up be-