The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1882-02-01

Most men would hesitate at telling
ssuch a story Of themselves. But am
convinced that it will afford sugges-
tion OF mercy toward such as do fall,
and some may be turned away from
temptation by it's recital.
bad been an under clerk in large
establishment for many years. Natur-
ally economical, my savings had at
tanned TO such respectable sum that
ventured upon married life, quite as
much az refuge from the monotony Of
nv inexpensive .htyle of living as in
obedience to those warnings OF nature
which man is either very foolish OF
very bad not TO heed in due season
like most men, however, whose adven-
lures of this kind are not followed by
the comfort and ease which depend
upon money for their possession, in the
course of time came to repent the IN
dertaking; for was in debt, and my
family had increased, while my income
had not kept pace with my expenses.
My wife lacked the courage to practice
the proper self-denial which would be
consequent upon a Ietrenchment of our
expenses. was daily annoyed by duns.
j had borrowed money in every avail
sable quarter, and walk in the public
streets was literally denied sto me by
the fear Of encounterinR some one to
whom was in debt for house expenses.
Returning home late one night, iaded
by 4istless stroll through the town, /
found the junior member of the firm
awaiting me. The house had received
intelligence. after business hours, of
transaction entered into on their ac-
count, which secured the immediate
transmission to an isolated inland town
of several thousand dollars, together
with certain papers and statements
necessary to conclude the affair. It was
too important matter to be intrusted
to the insecurity and uncertainty of the
mail Upon a consultation of the men,
bers Of the firm had been selected to
perform the necessary two days jour
ney. accepted the mission with alac-
rity, for the reason, among others, that
il would be such recreation as would
divert my thoughts for time from the
perplexities of my miserable condition.
With the usual foresight of the firm
everything necessary to my prompt de-
parture had been prearrRnged. The
needful papers and accounts, and the
indispensable money required to finish
tho transactions, were placed in my
hands in an envelope addressed to the
gentleman who had acted as agent OF
the concern in the matter. A letter oi
instructions were also inelosed.
I remember well the bright Septem,
Der morning on which l started on
horseback and alone on my journey, oi
which accomplished half the first day
arriving at farmhouse, whose occu
pants unhesitatingly granted my peti
tion for share for the night in it,
humble hospitality.
The weather had grown colder as the
evening came on, and by the time 1 haC
reached the house experienced sen
sible chill. had with me flask o
liquor, and was furnished, at my re
guest at bedtime, with q small quantity
Of hot water with which to compound
sort of punch, as an antidote to the colo
apprehended having taken.
had removed the package of mone'
from my pocket and laid it on the table
with view of putting it under my pill
low before going TO bed. AS it lay Of
the table the address was uppermost
on the left-hand upper corner Was
memorandum, "s5,6OO inclosed."
was standing with my back to the door
Succeeding q few moments OF entir
silence heard steI behind me, and
almost thought breath upon my face
Turning suddenly round / beheld M
- host with the hot water / had called 70
la a tumbler in his hand. He wa
quite beside me, and his eyes rested, q
j iancied they rested, on the packag
upon the table. must confess wa