Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-11-01

" SU8SsSo1u HVnn uEbt Uskc.l
best thing he can do to save himself from
the JAIL.
Erred Barton went up 10 the house yes
terday. being Sunday, in the evening, and
there wasn't light visible from cellar TO
attic. He rang at the door twice, but
could get no answer"
81 hear that proceedings are to be CON-
menced against him In the morning" said
one.
Yes" put in he OF the beard, 81 know
all about that. am the chief mover in
the matter. There amt many that want
to appear. But what is it to me p | be-
lieve In justice to the wrong -doer wheth-
er he is rich or poor"
you'll have the whole community with
you. I'll be bound" said the meagre man.
wheezily.
''ls there any cause given for this diff
Guilty ?" asked one who had Just Joined
the group. ut don't seem to me that
Abel has been very extravagant liver
He has not large family, and his expen-
ses must be small
"Extravagant !" sneered the man with
the red beard. "Extravagant! Why he's
always bad the best going in every direc-
tion." He shrugged his shoulders with
an envious and grudgng action. "And
they do say" he added. ''that he has kept
company with them that had his wife
known OF, proud woman that she is. she
wouldn't have been any too well pleased
with"
The stranger had moved several times
very uneasily in his seat during this con-
versaton, but as these last words were
uttered, he could contain himself no long
er. He rose from his chair and made his
way to the group.
pardon me-" he said as it possible
have heard rightly3 Has Abel Harris
bank failed ?"
In the interest felt in the question no
notice was taken of his shabby apparel.
All svmpathized with his desire.
'You heard rightly, sir,' said one who
had not heretofore spoken. you heard
rightly. alas for many people in this city.
Abel Harris bank doors were closed last
Friday morning"
IL suppose you are very largely inter
ested ?" pursued the stranger turning to
the one with the red beard.
The remark did not seem to fit with any
pleasure upon the one addressed He
fidgeted moment, standing first on one
foot and then on the other, but finally. in
a clustering sort of way, said, "Oh, not
to large figures. But it's the principle,
all the same, whether he had stolen nv
pennies or some other mans thousands. /"
.'Will you tell me the exact amount ?''
pressed the stranger. "Dare you truth
fully state II to me and these o'
There was no reply to this from the one
to whom the words were spoken, but in n
moment some one In the group spoke out.
just loud enough to be heard. II know.
It's two dollars and forty cents"
1.-Two dollars and forty cents!' sneered
the stranger. ''And you," he continued.
turning TO the man with the meagre as
pect. ais your loss equal to the great sum
which seems to be the foundation of so
much enmity and bitterness ?''
To this the same voice on the outer edge
Of the group was obliged to reply. mot
one single cent. He drew it all out more
than fortnight ago.
The meagre man uttered no word, and
the cOncave stomach seemed to increase
its concavity.
The stranger looked from one to the
other of these two before him. A hectic
flush sprang to his cheeks, and his famed
with indignation.
John Lyford." he said with great Bit
terness. The red-bearded man started TO
hear his name thus abruptly called by one
whom he recognized. John Lyford, twen-
ty-five years ago your father was on the
brink Of ruin. Not only poverty but dis
grace stared him in the face. He saw no
way out of his troubles except the COW.
ards suicide. Abel Harris father reached
out his hand and saved him, lifting him
into competency which perhaps you are
now enjoying. Yet you speak these dread
fll word have heards OF Abel Hart, and
propose dreadful things as if it was some
revenge to be reached. What do you
think Of yourself when you are alone in
the dark. or don't you ever dare to go
there? ?"
Continued tomorrow