Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1882-03-30

como back had not young English
lady one night sung in my hearing an
old home ballad, so we'll remembered
in connection with some loved ones
who in this world will sing no more,
that craving for my native land mas.
tered mo at once, and in very short
time was on my return home.
On the way had one night fright
full dream. fancied terrible enemy
had me down and clutched my throat.
Tighter grew his grasp and fainter my
breath. My staring eyes scanned every
feature of my murderer. Slowly and
painfully did call to mind the face
above me. gasped an entreaty for
mercy.
"Givo it to me; want it; must have
it instantly-instantly!' was the hoarse
reply.
What-what can he mean?'
What" he shrieked in maniacal
frenzy. "My f20."
had quite forgotten about the bet
and E20; but tho dream set me think
ing of what rumors had heard respect
ing Staining since left England--that
his money had wasted, he had fallen in
position, and even into poverty.
Poor fellowW | thought, there
may be something in that dream. II
his pride will accept it he shall have
the money back, and very glad 1 shall
be to restore it,"
Back in England, settled down in the
old country. Main matters disposed Of
began to think OF minor ones, and
among the latter the discovery of Stain
ing. He was not in his former haunts,
and failed so long to find him that
was beginning TO despair, when ono
night l met him in the street.
The brilliant light of the ballroom
may Increase the luster OF woman s
eyes, but il you want to see a broken
down man in his worst aspect, survey
him standing disconsolately under a
street lamp, and he with folded arms
presenting picture OF mute despair.
SO did 1 behold Staining. I put my
hand upon his shoulder. He sprang
from me as though l were a wild beast.
"Iidid. not want to run away" he
said, hoarsely ; "they knew that. Go
on; I'll walk quietly enou gh. Why
what-can it be"
Yes, it is Smith, your old com
panion. Come out OF this and confide
in me. II you are in trouble and money
can helplyou, you shall no. want" And
took his arm aud We went together.
And then | heard poor Stainings con.
fession, and it amounted to this: When
helhad wasted his money no had OBJ.
tanned situation in a merchants Office.
The pay was sufficient to keep him: but
even now nothing could restrain him
from betting on horse-racing. As a
consequence he was soon penniless, and
worse-dishonest. He bad paid 4 bet
ting debt ont OF f2O nose which had
been intrusted to him. Discovery had
ensued, and though the luckless man
had explained tina: it was only through
failure Of another member OF the
virtuous fraternity be could not replace
the money at once. lac had been dis.
charged, and had reason 10 sup oose he
would be prosecuted.
Many, many thanks" replied the
poor follow to my offer. "You can see
the firm in the morning; but I doub,
whether they will take the money.
believe they are bent on my ruin"
Early the next morning was at tho
Office of Blendon, Baydon & Co, and
having stated my errand, proffered nay
GO.
Mr.. Baydon was SLEEK old gentle.
man. There was an air of wealth and
ease all over him. He bowed compla-
Gently and said:
can appreciate your kindness to
this poor man, aud myself would pass
the matter over at once, bat my part.
ner takes different view, and cannot
interfere"
"Can see Mr.. Blenden?"
" Yes; IL you will call again in two
hours"
4" In the cab kept muttering to my
self: " Benden, and Robert Blenden,
too? an sure of it. Still, IL it be 30,
it is very strange. think I should
know that face again. We shall sec
who will be master"
Back to Messrs. Blendon, Baydon &
Co. 3 Office, and then in the presence Of
Mr. Blendou. All my anxiety for my
poor friend faded away. was master
OF the situation. stated my desire to
pay the amount of Staining's defaloa-
| tfon and nv hnna that undar Aha an.