The Worthington advance., 1882-03-23

T. Co.'s Office, and then in the presence Of
Mr.. Blendon. All my anxiety for my poor
friend faded away. I was manager IT the
situation. I stated my desire to pay the
ton. and my hope that under
the extenuating circumstances no
publicity would be given to the miserable
wrong doing.
Mr.. Blendon heard me with some i'm
patience, and before replying, drew check
to self or bearer" for ElO0. Having given
it to the clerk, he said to me:
"You will excuse me answering some-
what shortly. 1t cannot be 1t is not the
money We care about, but We must vindi-
cate the law"
declare was pleased at the grandiose
style of his speech. How beautifully he
.as working into my net! suggested that
in Il case like this there was no imperative
call to such course, and that forbearance
might be shown.
Il do not see it. "observed Mr.. Blendon.
"You do not appear, sir, to observe the i'm
mense importance of furnishing delin-
quency of this kind. ! cannot take your
money. If were to let this man Off, l
would be ashamed of myself. I have just
overcome some foolish hesitation Of nv
partner. am always firm myself" (Not
always. Mr.. Blendon--not when last Saw
you. But wait bit. A little further into
my net. please.) And, therefore, however
sorry may be, sir, must say no. II l
were myself to commit an act Of this
kind, and"
Why did he stop! I bowed quietly, and
rising said:
You are quito right, MIR. Blendon, for
dishonesty is terrible thing. and whilo not
for mo.aent pressing my request, I know
q curious case known to myself. Some
twenty years ago" !" poor young couple, not
long married, had fallen into poverty. The
wife and infant were i'll; the husband was
distlacted; he must get money. When his
young wife and infant child were almost
starving what was to be done2 The money
vas obtained Mr.. Blendon. You know
how. But in what way was it repaid before
mischief came. and how was the husband
saved from run and legradation--saved to
become rich and respected merchant
Whose money saved Linn? That you do
not know, but will tell you. Tho G20
note which rescued the husband, rested
cnly ten minutes before in the very pocket
OF this very Staining whom you are about
to prosecute. Then Staining was as rich
as you are now; but he was kind
Christian man. Mr. Blendon, have O
right to ask you to what character do you
lay claim.''
have often thought since, what admir-
able advantages are a clear head and a
calm temper. I'd worked myself up to O
white heat. 1t was only when he saw my
drift that my listener manifested any strong
emotion. Then he rose fro;n his chair With
flushed face. but he resumed his seat. and
by the time l had finished Ae was almost as
calm as when entered. There was q slight
pause, and then he said
You have acquired some knowledge of
al incident III my life which am not called
upon to discuss. Is this knowledge con-
fined to yourself3"
i believe it to be confined to myself and
my informant, and l have no desire il
should be Otherwise"
Mr.. Blendon bowed.
Il will not conceal that I shall be glad if
this goes no further, and on that footing
wlll:say that your friend will be freely ab-
solved. and will even aid him if can.
lon must excuse my taking your t2o.
ani obliged to you for coming Good
morning."
| felt ss left him that the enemy had
vel! covered his retreat, and had not loft
Lie a morsel of triumph more than he
could help. But my object was accom-
pl'shed, aud l fastened to meet Staining
lie was not at the appointed place 50
went to his lodgings. The landIady told
mo he had come III early and gone to his
room- net we'll, she thought She and
went up together anil knocked more than
once. Then Went in. Poor Staining lay
upon the bed dead. His enfeebled frame
had not been able to endure the recent
wear and tear. and he was now beyond the
reach of his follies and his troubles.