The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1883-03-01

Il haven't had the pleasure" the
youth replied, dryly.
''No doubt you have been more
pleasantly employed. The city
offers a good many attractions to q
spirited young man; and 1 see by
your looks" the signor added, with
a meaning smile, ''that you are moi
one of those billiards who go to bed
at dusk"
George smiled in a CLASSY sort o.
way, and seemed trying to bring
out some careless reply, when his
mother remarked. complainingly.-
George keeps very late hours
this winter, I'm so sorry! for any
one can see it isn't good for him.
''He used to make calls with me
evenings" said the sister. "But he
never does nova days. l cant
think what he finds to amuse him
so late every night"
81 can Think said the signor
81 know the city, and Iknow young
men. I'm sorry, GeorgeT HI
looked the young man keenly in the
eye, as he continued
eff you hda been in the habit O.
Remaining at home nights, this thief
never would have taken placer
By the look, and the words, and
the manner, and still more by the
tone in which the words were spoken
poor George must have perceived
that his secret was in the signor'
possession. Still the trustful parents
and affectionate sister remained free
from the slightest suspicion of hi:
guilt.
81 reckon that's true, signorp
said the father, 'George is known
to be a capital shot, and no bur
glars would venture in the house
when he was at home. Do you dis.
cover anything more?'
"Being a stranger here" the sig
nor replied, 81 can't make up my
mind at once. If yowr son should
set about it, I've no doubt he could
clear up the mystery very quickly
but I shall have to study over it
awhile"
Declining to say anything more
definite, but promising the family
should hear from him if he sue
ceeded in finding the lost treasures,
he presently took leave, giving
George a very significant look at
parting.
He had not been long at the hall,
bordering over the painful problem
he had been set to solve,-haunted
by the pale face of the guilty son,
when the face itself appeared be-
fore him.
"Ah, Georgep' said the signor,
kindly; II am glad to see you"
The youth came forward slowly,
too much agitated to speak. Then,
apparently touched by the signor's
sympathetic manner, he broke forth
imploringly-
'For mercy's sake, sir, don't ex-
pose mer'
my dear Georger' replied the
signor, taking his outstretched
hands, 81 shall not expose you if 1
can help it. But let's understand
each other. Tell me all about it."
"You know it allr' exclaimed the
youth, beginning to trem-
BILE and sob violently.
81 know something. You have
fallen in with bad companions.-
But how could you-how could you
deceive and wrong your own pa
rents?'
Because l am an idiot! because
[ am the most miserable, migrate
full, wicked son that ever had good
parents to wrongp' said George, in
of remorse and despair.
But didn't mean to rob them"
81 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 1 meant itp' George pro-
tested. II took the money first,
hoping to win back with it what 1
had lost at play. Then when 1 lost
that l took the ring. Then, desper-
ate fool, as 1 was, 1 took the watch
and pledged it. That led to- the
If it hadn't been for
hat, all would have been we'll"
GLOW SOP the signor inquired.
"Last night the luck turned said
George, '::and l won back a good
part, of what 1 have lost; enough to
recover the watch and ring and all
lhe money L took from the TILL
SIS it possible" exclaimed the
signor astonished.
Il have it all here" said George,
his coat. sit was in my
pocket when you came to the house;
lidn't you know it?'
The signor was obliged to con-
less that he had not seen so far as
that.
81 was in distress, trying to in
vent some way of returning the
things without being found OUT
,rying to keep my father quiet
when he brought you in and spoiled
all! Unless said George, with
ooks of entreaty, "unless you will
be merciful and help mer
81 will help you on one condition"
said the signor.
"Name it! l will do anythingp'
the youth eagerly promised.
Il only ask you not to do GER
tain thing" said the signor. "You
know what it is-the greatest folly
and sin a young man can be guilty
of''
81 know what you mean," George
replied. Gambling. have found
put by experience what misery it
eads to. And I had vowed that if
[ could only win back enough to
save my honor, / would never-never
never play again! And never
villp'
"Then trust me to make every
hing right with your father" said
he signor, again clasping the young
mans hand. evil you leave all to
ne?"
81 shall be so glad to, if you will
,nly take the oublep said George.
A few minutes later, relieved of
lis dreadful burden, with a lighter
nd more hopeful heart than he had