The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1878-10-09

81 know you amt to blame Tor WnaJ
your father did, but guess I'll look
little further" And starting his horse,
| he was soon out of sight.
Poor Walter A sharp pain shot
through him as he recalled afTesh 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 O large dry-goods
store; and he applied for the situation.
His open, manly face made q favorable
impression on Mr.. Lewis, the merchant,
and he agreed to take him on trial for
one week.
Walter was active and faithful, and
gave perfect satisfaction. But Mr.. Lewis
CHANGED to hear that he was the son OF
the forger and murderer, Asa Bradley"
and when the week was out, he coldly
told Walter he could look for place
elsewhere.
The boy took this dismissal grievous-
ly, Knowing as he did the reason, it
touched him like deRth-chill. Was he
to be crushed through life for inheriting
|
thought filed his soul with bitterness,
and prepared him for the stern, almost
fierce. determination which followed.
This tainted name should no longer be
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
s no more Walter Bradley, but Gilbert
Henshaw. He would go where he was
v unknown, and the secret of his old name
should be revealed to no one.
s More than three hundred miles he
travelled on foot begging food by the
way after the little money Mr.. Lewis
n had given him was gone, and often at
night having only the damp ground for
h his bed. He reached the boundary line OF
Ohio. and at once began anew the weary
e search for employment.
One warm summer evening he en-
If tered field, and found rest and refresh
ing sleep in heap of new-mown hay.
,s The sun was far above the hills before
the tired, footsore boy awoke. Old Mr..
Gardiner and his man came out with
" forks in hand to open the hay.
"Jiminy |" exclaimed Abel; eff here
il init q boy asleep, and came near a
pitching my fork right into him ]"
ar Walter opened his eyes and looked
wild aud frightened.
le "What are you here forP" demanded
Mr.. Gardiner, grutfiy.
N dill am going to Ashburton, to
- try and find work. 1 hadn't any place
to sleep, or any money, and laid down
w here for the night.
"You won't get work in Ashburton.
tn The mills have stopped, said Mr.. Gar
diner. in Modified voice.
.rt "Do you know any one who woulo
like to hire boy? I'd be glad OF even
,es a small job, for 1 must either work ol
starve."
/. The farmer gave sharp look into the
HWell." said he kindly, "go in ant
ne. get some breakfast, anyhow and /
you're a mind to, you may stay here to
r day, and I'll try you. What's you
Is name?"
"Gilbert Henshaw," replied Walter
with redeemed face.
to He toiled faithfully all that day, ant
lie did so we'll that old Mr.. Gardiner de
ny cided to keep him week; and when tn
Ow week was ended, Mrs. Gardiner ha
5 a found him so obliging and useful IN tn
IN, house that she said to her husband:
ey "I think we better keep this boy I'll
lily the harvesting is over. He's yer
,or handy, and will save us great man
gas 1Yes, responded Mr.. Gardiner; an
M; the matter was settled.
u.s. Weeks and months passed. Gilbel
vas was happy in his adopted home, and I'll
ct. comfort and plenty around him mad
al the long autumn like a continued hol
of day. Old Mr.. Gardiner and his wi
be grew more and more attached to hin
2. and their kindness to him was unfailinl
lir- One peculiarity in the boy, howeve
I it puzzled the worthy couple and pique
to their curiosity. Gilbert never alludt
ce. to the past, and never would tell direct
PSI where he came from, or if his paren
de. we're dead or alive. But they were Co
no siderate enough not to press him, al
or preferred to think that he had some 81
18th reason for his silence which involved ]
ght blame of'his own.
When winter came the GARDENERS we
uld less inclined than ever to let Gilbert 6
ply He stayed with them, attended the V
he lape school, and worked morning al
vii evening, taking care of the cattle.
less One day Mrs. Gardiner was lookl
sed, over large mahogany box which CO
tied tanned valued family relics. She to
out an ambrotype, and after gazing at
ard, long and tenderly, she said to Gilbe
ling who was near, with much emotion:
"This is the picture of my only brot
you er, Thomas Iding. He came to drei
full death. A wicked man, named 4
Bradley, murdered him."
take Gilbert's knees shook under him.
gasped for breath, and his face LOOK
+ in wild and white.