Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-07-13
NO. 164.
GALES and Sketthes.
THAT TEN DOLLARS.


II was odd, very odd, reckon 1t up this
way or that way, or in whatever way |
might. the result was Just the same-T
had ten dollars more than | could ac-
count for. went over the whole quar-
ter's receipts again to see if something
had not been omitted; but everything
was quite right. " Ha! what's this? II
looks like a scratching out; and yet it
can't be. for never use a penknfe." So
! held the leaf up to the light and scanned
it closely, and then, turning il over. scru-
tinzed it again. "It certainly does look
very much like an erasure; but no, It's
only little roughness on the surface of
the paper" | was completely puzzled.
1t was quite possible for me to have too
little; hut to have ten dollars too much
could not understand that at all
Well" said to myself, "it's better, at
any rate. than having ten dollars too lit
tie" Still, the idea Of there being a mis-
take somewhere made me feel very un-
comfortable.
had been very busy preparing my ac-
counts in order to present them to my
employers in the morning. for the NOR
row was a quarter-day. and knew that
in nothing could clerk offend so much
| as by being wrong in his balance. So |
| thought a little and then determined to
| consult Jackson, our managing clerk. /
was young mt the time-not more than
twenty; and. having been in the estab-
| lishment only few months, | knew but
| little of his character. He was exceed
| inglv attentive to business; but there
were some vague floating rumors going
the round of the place. which accredited
him with anything but n steady life. But
he had always been very civil. and even
| kind. II me; and so, in my dilemma, |
sought his advice. lie went over my ac-
counts with me, but could detect nothing
| wrong.
We'll, Watson" he said, .'you are on
| the right side now, and if you take my
| advice, YOU will keep there Just pocket
the money and say nothing about it,"
Seeing that demurred he continued:
"Of course you can do as you please;
but know this much, if you were ten
dollars short. you would have to make it
up in quick time
| was again about to make my OBJ
| ections to this mode of procedure, when
| was cut short by salesman, who came
to say that Mr.. Jackson was wanted in
the sale room. As he strobe away, Jack
son turned round and said
"fll see yoa about it again, Watson. In
the meantime You need not mention it to
any one"
| saw no more of him till my labors
were done for the day, and was reach
ing my hat down from its peg, when he
! tapped me over the shoulder
Zone word, Watson, before you go: if
ever it should be found out where the mis-
take lies. | will make it all right for you.
Good night
| That night the ten dollars were ever be-
fore me.
| The last thing remembered before fall
ing asleep was thinking of the ten dollars;
| slept and dreamed of ten dollars. In
the morning. whilst at breakfast, laid the
whole affair before my mother, and asked
her counsel.
Give up the money of course"
"But you see, mother, | am afraid it
would offend Jackson, he seems so much
to wish me to hush it up"
| Never mind jackson do what is right,
and am sure il will be better for you in
the end. Tell Mr.. Elliot, the head part
ner-''how 1t is, and am certain he won't
be angry"
| ] ate the remainder of my meal in si-
lence for whilst did not wish to make
an enemy OF Jackson, who could, if he
pleased, make my situation very unpleas-
ant, ! had strong compunctions about
keeping the money. Breakfast was over.
and as | was leaving home, my mother
took hold of my hand and said:
Promise me. Henry, before you go,
that you will give up the money"
| | hesitated
"Surely, Henry, You would not steal ?"
"Steal? Never" and | promised at
once
Jackson found no time to speak to me
that morning, being engaged with Mr..
Elliot; but when, in turn. entered the
private office, saw him cast an enquiriDg
glance towards me.
This seems all right, Watson" said
Mr.. Elliot, after looking over my account.
Have You anything else?'
Yes. sir; have still ten dollars, of
which am unable to give any account"
"Strange Are you sure that You have
missed nothingg
Quite, sir, | have been over everything
several times, and last night Mr.. jackson
was kind enough to assist me-"
Its strange; but you can put the
money back into your safe. dare say it
will be found out before the next quarter
is up. And by the by. Watson. intend
to raise your salary. Holloway is going
to leave, and l wish you to take his place"
| | thanked him, and heartily. too; for
a hundred dollars a year was no small
| increase at our house.
Let me see. | think, Jackson, he had
| better go tomorrow
"Yes, sir; it will be most convenient
"You hear. Watson. | believe there's
nothing mCre. Good morning"
There was JOY in our house that night.
and on the morrow | went forth with a
light heart to take possession OF HolIo-
ways stool.
And now. dear reader, just take Jump
over the next three years. Jackson was
still in his place; but had risen step by
step. until I occupied post inferior only
| to that eld by himself. The mystery at
tached to my ten dollars had never been
unraveled and they still reposed peaceful
ly in my safe. jackson and / got on very
well topeth hut there was one thing