St. Landry democrat., 1882-08-26
terry very quickly; but l shall have to
| L Z l. l.,

terry very quickly; but l shall have to
study over it awhile.''
Declining to say anything more def
mite, but promising that the family
should hear from him if he succeeded in
finding the lost treasures, he presently
took leave, giving George a very signiti-
cant look at parting.
He had not been long at the hall,
bordering over the painful problem he
had been set to solve--hauntcd by the
pale face of the guilty son--when the
face itself appeared before him.
"Ah, George"' said the signor, kind
ly; q am glad to SEE YOU
The youth came forward slowly, too
much agitated to speak. Then, appar-
emily touched by the signor's sympa-
thetic manner, he broke forth impior-
ingly:
"For mercys sake, sir, don't expose
me-
My dear Georgen replied the signor,
taking his outstretched hands, IL Shall
not expose you if / can help it. But
let 5 understand each other. Tell me
all about il"
you know it ail!'' exclaimed the
wretchcd youth, beginning to tremble
and sob violently.
Il know something. You have fallen
in with bad companions. But how
could you-how could you deceive and
wrong your own parenls9'
"Because | am an idiot. because am
the most miserable, ungrateful wicked
son that ever had good parents to
wrong.'' said George, IN CONFUSION of
remorse and despair. but [ didn't
mean to rob Them
II know said the signor "You
meant to return what you took. That's
what every well-brought-up young man
means when he takes the first step in
crimes of this Sort
"Truly meant it, George protested.
81 took the money first, hoping to WIN
back with it what l had lost at play.
Then when | had lost that. | took the
ring. Then, desperate fool as was, |
took the watch and pledged it. That
led to the discovery. If it hadn't been
for that, all would have been we'll"
"How SOP the signor inquired.
last night the luck turned,' said
George, land won back a good part Of
what have lost; enough to recover the
watch and ring and all the money |
took from the till
"Is itpossible'' exclaimed the signor,
astonished.
Il have it all here" said George,
touching his coat ut was in my peck
ct when you came to the house; didn't
you know it9'
The sgnor was obliged to confess that
he had not seen so far as that.
Il was in distress, trying to invent
some way of returning the things with
out being found out--trying to keep my
father quiet-when he brought you in
and spoiled all. Unless said George,
with looks of entreaty-'unless you will
be merciful and help metz
Il will help you on one condition"
said the signor.
Name it! l will do anything!' the
youth eagerly promised.
Il only ask you not to do a certain
thing" said the signor. 'You know
what it is-the greatest folly and sin a
young man can be guilty of. -
IL know what you mean George
replied. "Gambling. | have found out
by experience what misery it leads to.
And | had vowed that if could only
win back enough to save my honor, l
would ver-never-neyer play again!
And | never Will!''
"Then trust me to make everything
right with your father" said the signor,
againg clasping the young mans hand.
xviii you leave all to me:?'
81 shall be so glad to, if you viii take
the trouble!' said George.
A few minutes later, relieved of his
dreadful burden, with a lighter and
more hopeful heart than he had carried
in his breast for days. he departed, leav-
ing the signor to work out the delicate
question in his own way.
That afternoon the signor dispatched
note to Mr.. Oatman, informing him
that it was quite important he should
be present at the evenings perform
ance.
In due time, accordingly, the planter
appeared with his whole family-wife
and daughter and son-and took his
place with them at the end of q seat,
only a few steps in front OF the per-
former
There was crowded audience. and
everything went off charmingly. The
egg trick was repeated by particular re-
quest, and afforded as much amuse-
ment as ever. The signor allowed him
self to be shot at, and caught the bullet
in his teeth. Ladies saw their handker-
chiefs cut up and made into an ONE
lette, and afterwards restored to them
ironed and folded. A pair of doves
were found in a ladys bonnet, and
rabbit in an old genlleman's hat
So the signor went through with his
stock performances-all delightful
novelty then and there, though so ia
miliar to other audiences in later times!
At length he had occasion to borrow
another hat