The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1880-01-16
NO. IS.


| little dreamed that ere we got home
a way would be opened to me- We were
going down a steep hill and il was now
quite dark, when the horse stumbled
and fell and in an instant shaft was
snapped in twain. sprang out of tie
wagon, and grandfather quickly fol-
lowed.
The horse in his fall had become en-
tangled in the harness, and lay helpless
upon the earth. The moon was lust,
rising, and gave but an uncertain light,
tor the sky was full of feecy clouds,
but still it was light enough TO perceive
grandfather drop the package OF four
thousand dollars as he stopped down To-
free the horse. There il lay at my feet,
and he was unconscious of bis loss. :.
Another instant | picked it up and was
holding it behind me, irresolute how to
act. You will understand that I did
not mean to steal it, but somehow or
other had an indistinct idea that I
could make the occasion snbserve my
aims. There was large fiat stone by
the roadside. I had trapped a rabbit
there once and knew there was con-
siderable cavity beneath it. An instant
later and the $4,000 was deposited in
the hole.
i
The shaft being tied up we got on
our way home again, but it was mid
night ere we arrived at home.
Grandfather had not been within
doors FIVE minutes ere he discovered the
loss OF his money. He didn't get angry,
but he was frightened. 1t was the
first ting in my lite had witnessed
him alarmed. 9
'I've lost my money!" he exclaimed,
as he drew his hand from his coat pock.
ct. Then he Slid down, like a helpless
child, into chair, and the cold perspir-
alton broke out in large drops upon his
forehead. lis face became very white.
Grandmother was standing by his side.
" Never mind" she exclaimed ;,
grandson will go back and look for it,
and dare say, will find it too.
ssFour thousand dollars don't lay
long on any road, however untraSuent-
ell, and the road we travelled to-nigJis {
has always some one passing over it.
No, the money won't be found, All!
me,o and the old man lay back in hiss
chair like one ill.
For an instant my heart reproached
me, and was ready to confess my trick,
for my grandfather looked the picture
of despair.
'sI'll go and saddle horse and ride
back. suppose you must have lost it
when the horse was being freed from
the harness. sTis only three miles back.
and the moon is now up. 1t won's
take me long to ride it.!
81 think I'll 60 with yon," said the
old man.
DOu VI As9 AOPiAOAa A@S@
me, grandfather if / can't mend n
clock or turn a somersault, you will ac-
knowledge was always a good hunter.
I'll bet you anything you dare that I'll
recover every dollar of your money"
ado you think SO? ?'' he asked, grasp
ing me by the hand. "You must not
i
mind what / said to you, my boy,
about being good tor nothing. You
are my grandson and my heir, too. ALL
/ have will be yours some day"
'There's one thing you won't agree
to let me have," / replied.
lie waved his hand.
81 know what you are going to say,,''
he answered. "WelI, your grand
mother has been talking to me on that
subject. Go along. boy, bring me back
the $4,000 and I'll allow you to marry
SalIie Miller"
I made a spring for the door and was
hurrying to the stable, when the old
gentleman followed me.
"Remember my conditions, the 81, 900
lost. Find that for me and you can
marry Sallie Miller, and I'll provide
yon. But ii You fail to bring me the
money, say, / say nay, and perhaps
for good while to come"
| flew along the road as fast as q
good horse could carry me, bnt felt like
a guilty wretch as / knelt down by the
stone and passed my hand beneath il
J A gleam of happiness crossed my hear,
| as / held the package in my hand.
My first impulse was to hurry home
as fast as / had thither. But Yehectinp
+ that my speedy return might throw Q
suspicion on the affair, | allowed tbs
horse In walk nnarIv fha whole dis