The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1883-03-07

meant to return what you took.
That's what every well brought up
4 young man means when he takes the
first steps in crimes of this sort"
Truly l meant it." George pro-
tested. Il took the money first,
hoping to win back with it what l
had lost in play. Then when 1 had
lost that took the ring. Then, des-
perate fool as l was, / took the
watch and pledged it. That led to
the discovery. If it hadn't been for
that, all would have been well"
How so?"
"Last night the luck turned" said
George, and l won back a good part
of what l had lost, enough to recov-
er the watch and ring and all the
money | took from the TILL"
as it possible?" exclaimed the
signor.
Il have it all here" said George,
touching his coat. st was in my
pocket when you came to the house,
didn't you know it?"
The signor was obliged to confess
that he had not seen so far as that.
II was in distress trying to invent
some way of returning the things
without being found outlying to
keep my father quiet-when he
brought you in and spoiled ell. I'm
less" said George, with looks of en-
treaty-"unless you will be merciful
and help me-"
II will help you on one condition,
George"
"Name it! I will do anything"
he eagerly promised.
II only ask you not to do a certain
thing" said the signor. "You know
what it is-the greatest folly a young
man can be guilty Of"
"Iknow what you mean," George
replied. Gambling. l have found
out by experience what misery it
leads to-"
"And / had vowed that if l only
could win back enough to save my
honor, l would never-never play
again. And | never will"
"Then trust me to make every
thing right with your father" said
the signor, again clasping his hand.
"Will you leave all to me?D
II shall be SO glad to, if you will
take the troubled"
A few minutes later, relieved of
his dreadful burden, with lighter
and more hopeful heart than he had
Carried in his breast for days, he de-
parted, leaving the signor to work
out the delicate question in his own
way.
That afternoon the signor dis
patched note to Mr.. Oatman, in
forming him that it was quite inn
portant he should be present at the
evenings performance.
In due time, accordingly, the
planter appeared with his family
wife, daughter and son-and took
his place with them at the end OF a
seat, only few steps in front OF the
performer.
There was a crowded audience,
and everything went off charmingly.
The egg trick was repeated by par
ticular request and afforded as much
amusement as ever.
The signor allowed himself to be
shot at, and caught the bullet in his
teeth.
Ladies saw their handkerchiefs
cut up and made into an omolette,
and afterwards restored to them
ironed and folded.
A pair of doves were found in
lady's bonnet. and a rabbit in an
old gentleman's hat.
So the signor went through with
his stock performance-all delight
full novelty then and there, though
so familiar to other audiences in la
ter times.
At length he had occasion to bor-
row another hat.
He stepped down to the seat oc-
cupied by the Oatman family, who
were among his most interested
spectators.
perhaps you would lend me
yours" he remarked, ''ifI will prom
ise to be careful of il"
The planter handed him his large
and somewhat seedy hat with a
broad smile.
George looked on with bright eyes
and throbbing heart.
The signor stepped back to his Ia
BILE, when, looking into the hat, ne
gave start of surprise, and with a
frown of feigned displeasure, turned
to address the audience.
Il have particularly requested
that gentlemen should be careful to
empty their hats before handing
them to me. One hat came into my
hands. you noticed, half full of tur-
nips. And now mark the incredible
carelessness of this one"
So saying, he put his hand into
the hat and drew out gold watch
which he held up by the chain.
"a hat seems n very unsafe place
for carrying a watch. and why
couldn't the gentleman have taken
the trouble to remove something so
valuable before lending it to me
But what is this ?"
Having placed the watch on the
table, the signor shook the hat and
turned it toward the audience, show
ing it to be partly filed with loose
bank notes.
These he began to remove by the
handful, placing them on the table
with the watch with many exclama-
tions of surprise, amid roars Of
laughter from the spectators.
Then he shook the hat again to
see if it was empty at last, and hear
ing something rattle, fished out a
ring.
"a cold r;pr - ba avclained hold.