Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-10-02

morning you can come anu oiAck my
shoes. Do you understand" ?"
Jack nodded assent. He could not
trust himself to speak. He was unused
to such kindness, and it was with diff
Guilty that he could refrain from bursting
into bitter sobs. Mr.. Brett, with a
sympathizing look upon his fine old face,
handed him three crisp dollar bills,
which Jack took with grateful smile,
and tucked away in pocket of his di-
lapidated vest.
"You've been good TO me, sir" he
said. his voice shaking, "snd I'm heap
obliged. And I'll pay you back every
cent, see if don't, and-and-God bless
you 2"
And roughly pulling the cap down
over his eyes to screen the tears that
were chasing each other down his grimy
checks, he opened the door and quickly
dashed out.
Mr.. Brett turred TO his books, sur
prised to find that his own eyes were a
little misty.
"Well, well The boy is honest or |
am greatly deceived" he mused. "At
any rate, took quite fancy to him,
and If find him true to the test, Twill
see il cannot find something better for
him"
Promptly, the next morning, Jack sp-
peared in stout shoes that creaked nois-
| ily as he walked. Over his shoulders
dangled new tox studded in brass nails
with his initials. Mr.. Brett gave him
an encouraging nod when he began work.
He had feared that Jack, like the aver
age street Arab, had but little regard for
honor and would no, come back.
Its pretty good box, isn't IL" he
said proudly, when he was through.
Business was fair yesterday. and Id
like to pay dollar, sir, on what owe.
Taking out two shines, that will leave
me one dollar and ninety cents more TO
pay"
Mr.. Brett toyod with the bill Jack
handed him.
"Are you sure you can spare this,
Jack ;" he asked.
YES, sir" replied Jack, promptly.
al didn't use all the money you gave
me-"
"Very well, I'll credit you with it."
And Mr.. Brett put the bill in the desk,
while Jack, with the air Of person who
has lifted mortgage, went about his
business with happy heart.
Contrary to Mr.. Brett's expectations.
Jack did not come TO his office on the
following day. Confident the boy had
reason for his absence, he waited, but a
whole week passed away and brought no
signs Of him. Finally, he dismissed him
altogether from his thoughts, much dis
appointed to find tha, Jack had proven
himself just the reverse of what he had
imagined him to be.
Though | can't get it into my head
why he paid me back that dollar" he
said. He might jus, as well have
cheated me out Of the whole. Perhaps
he meant to be honest but the temp
tation was too much. Well. well, I am
sorry. II he had proven himself true
metal, might possibly have made a man
Of him."
All the winter the shipping-merchant
heard nothing of the young delinquent.
Once. returning home from business, he
observed a tatterdemalion who bore
striking resemblance to him. While ap-
preaching to see if it was Jack, he darted
swiftly up an alley till his form was lost
in the quickly gathering night. All his
suspicious were fully confirmed by this
guilty action.
II was at the close of beautiful day
in spring, Mr.. and Mrs. Brett were re-
turning home from drive in Central
Park. Ahead of the carriage, looking
very sweet and dainty in her riding hab-
it, rode their little daughter Nellie. She
was mounted on pony that had only
come from the country week before and
was therefore unused to city sights but
her parents did not feel the slightest
alarm. as it was known to be as gentle as
a kitten.
Suddenly scene of intense excitement
took place. Amid the cheers of the en-
thusiastic urchins that lined the highway
fire-engine was deserted bearing wildly
down upon them on its way to conAa-
grafton. Thinking to avert the danger
,hax r.aoaoad tbar, NJ praff oaI1od o,,t