Morris tribune., 1882-10-26

nave uOlle so. lie remembered the sur
prise he felt when she handed him the
bill on the preceding evening.
As he stood there his mind worked
tell the truth to Waltersp Could he bear
to see his wife taken before magistrate
and sent to prison? The thought was
intolerable.
Or should he permit suspicion to re-
main upon himself? He remembered
his good reputation, his years of honest
toll He thought of his church, of the
boys in his blble-class, of q cell in the
penitentiary, OF unspeakadle ruin and
shame. The world seemed slipping
away beneath his feet. But a strong inn
pulse urged him to make supreme
sacrifice. Better that he
should suffer bitter mis-
ery than that the wife of his youth, gull
ty though she be, should be branded as
felon.
"Well," said Mr.. Walters, sadly but
with firm tone, what have you to say
about it?'
Mr.. Skiff sank into chair covering his
face with his hands. he said,-
Il took the note!'
1t was lie, and the good man, even
though in u high state of excitement,
added anguish. That he, a man of un-
spotted honor and unimpeached veracity,
should have actually told a lie to hide the
sin of another! In a calmer moment he
could not have done it.
1--WE will 60 at once, then, to a mag
istrate," said Mr.. Walters. 'You are my
prlsoner"
But" said Mr.. Skiff, rising, with his
face pallid and careworn, ''you will not
manacle me or hold me? 1 will go with
you quietly. You will not make my
shame public in the streets?"
"No," said Mr.. Walters.
81 am ready" said Mr.. Skiff, taking his
hat, with a trembling hand.
He locked the door of his store, as he
went out. People wondered at his ap-
pearance as he walked with tottering
steps down the street. There was little
knot of idlers in the magistrates Office,
and it was speedily increased. Mr.. Skif
sat down upon a chair near the desk of
the Justice. Everybody, including the
magistrate, regarded him and Mr.. Wal
ters with intense curiosity.
Mr.. Walters stepped forward and in
| few brief words presented charge
| against the postmaster. There was stir
among the spectators as he declared his
Office where the justice sat, the evil news
| went forth apace to startle the entire
| village.
"Yes," murmured the postmaster, 81
confess-I confess that l did it."
The magistrate in pursuance of his du-
| ty, required that Mr.. Skitf should find
| bail for his appearance at court, or else
go TO prison. Mr.. SkIff sent for DR..
| Thomas, his family physician and his
| lifelong friend. The doctor came, and,
| grieved beyond expression at the story
of the crime, entered bail for Mr.. Shift,
who then arose in silence and passed
the people who f1ocked upon the side
walk looking curi,usly at him, went sad.
ly with downcast eyes to his home.
| Mrs. Skif had not been aware of his
absence. AS he came through the gar
den gate he heard her voice. She was
at work in the dining-room, and through
| the open window came her tones as she
softly sang to herself the words of fa-
miliar hymn. To Mr.. Shift the singing
seemed like horrible mockery. If she
but knew that his footsteps were bring
ing desolation!
He pushed through the hall door, and
into the room. She had her back to-
wards him as he entered, and when she
heard his step she turned about with q
| pleasant word upon her lips, but his ap-
pearance arrested her tongue.
! "Why, JohnW she exclaimed, in alarm,
"What is the matter?"
| Mr.. Skitf could not answer her. He
fell intoa chair, and placing his head
uoOn the table, he sobbed, while his
whole body shook with the force of his
emotion. His wife was at his side in 8
moment. kneeling by him, she put hel
arms about him and said,-
| ''What is it? What has happened? Il
| is terrible to see you in such condition
Can't you tell me what is the matter
dear?''
And so, when he tried to master the
|! feelings that had controlled him, she ca
ressed him and entreated hun to tell hel
the secret of his agitation. Presently he
| lifted his head, and with what calmnes:
he could, he said to her,
Il am going to prison-for years.
have confessed myself to be felon."
Mrs. Skiff locked at him with amaze
| ment and alarm.
"a felon, John? IMPOSSIBLE! Do tel
me what dreadful thing has happened
Confessed? You did not confess any
thing, did you?"
Il confessed that took money from
letter" said Mr.. Skiff, looking at her.
"You, John! You! don't believe it.
No, l don't believe it. 1t is impossible
You were not mad enough to do such {
thing. You never did itw
"No" said Mr.. Skill, solemnly, II new
er did"
But why, then, did you confess yor
took it? What for? What does it al
mean?"
| ST lied about it. I lied to the post-of-
flee detective; lied to the magistrate;
lied before my Maker; and who know
so we'll the awful consequences of false
hood, | lied woman to save you'll" said
Mr.. Skif, looking at her almost fiercely
"To save me?" exclaimed Mrs. Skiff
weeping. "To save me from what:
What have I done? O John! what, what
does all this mean?"
Mr.. Skif rose from his chair and ad
vanced towards her.
did you not give me a five-dolla1
note, last night? Did you or did you not?'
81 die, said Mrs. Skiff.
/ Well" said Mr.. Skif, taking her BY
the wrist, that note was stolen from
decoy-letter sent to this Office It wa
marked. Who took it? You know that ]
did not. But have said that took it, be
cause l would not have my wife branded
18th crime. Woman. have saved yol
from punishment, but fear you do no
appreciate the sacrifice"
Mr.. Skiff turned about, as if he would
leave the room.
"One momentW said Mrs. Skiff, will
great calmness. Mr.. Skiff stopped
Mrs. Skif was very white, but she hat
perfect self-control.
"Do you believe stole that note?" sh,
asked. There was something in hel
manner that inspired her husband
mind with doubt.
| 81 do not know" he said. "I do no
want to believe so dreadful thing, but
"That note," she said, "was given t,
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