The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-06-09
over that cash, or I'll-'' and the
click of q revolver hammer sounded.
ToOto1o aunc 40 ohod H., ,oo,,,,


Janie's eyes flashed in scorn.
"You harm a helpless little girl
"You, who always boasted Of bravery
For shame, Gus Rybolt; you are cow
ardl" But in q gentle tone-s'If you
will make me promise I will also
make you one, and keep mine as long
as you do yours. If you will leave me
now and become better boy-an hon
est, honorable one--I will never tell. -
The temptation to persist in his
undertaking was great, but down il,
wicked, daredevil Gus Rybolt's heart
there was tender spot, which beauti-
full jamie Johnson had held ever since
she was mite Of a child, and he had
taken care of her ut school.
Harm herp He wouldn'thave harmed
o hair Of her head to have saved his
own life, and she knew it.
You cannot have the money; but
won't you accept the promise-won't It
you make the compact?''
eyes" he said at last, in O husky,
strained voice. "Heaven bless you.
jamie Johnson and may Heaven help
mel' and he was gone.
And jamie, with eyes full of tears,
slipped into bed, and after long time
fell soundly asleep.
But wasn't that old Judge furious
when he came home.
"An abominable practical joke" he
fumed. SThere was Rube we'll as I
am, and very much surprised to see
me. 1 know who did it,"
why, papa" laughed jamie, 'tyou
ought to be SO thankful that Uncle
Rube is we'll, and not dying, as you
thought. How can you feel provoked
or angryp I am so glad it was not
true.
The next morning Gus Rybolt had
disappeared.
Ten years later jamie johnson was a
lovely, stately woman. The radiant
promise of early girlhood was more
than fulfilled, while the brave tender
heart was unchanged.
The wife of the governor was receiv-
ing, and her rooms were filled with dis
tinguished guests. The last conner
was young man of thirty, of com.
manding presence, whose grave and
noble face made him appear somewhat
older. After paying his respects to the
hostess, he made his way slowly for
ward, and was met by many smiles and
greetings. He was evidently a great
favorite in society. 49, ,-......
"Oh, there is General Rybolt, who
has refused the Austrian mission, papa
says, because he has another and better
mission among the poor Of New York.
You know him by reputation, dear;
but very few know the half of the great
and good things he is doing with his
wealth and talents" The speaker was
the Governors daughter.
jamie johnson turned her lovely hazel
eyes carelessly toward the person pointed
out-looked one instant coolly upon
him, and her face underwent a sudden
strange change.
'It is-yes, it must be Gus Ryboltl
How marvellous are thy ways, o Godl"
she breathed.
Slowly yet steadily he found his way
toward her.
Her face was no longer pale, but
flushed, and her upraised eyes showed
pleased recognition.
His first words were: "I have kept my
promise; have you kept yours?"
eYes, oh, yes," she breathed, then
added s"Thank Heavenl" to which he
gave low "Amen."
10 say the old judge was astonished
is putting it mildly. TO find in the
eminent editor and reformer his old
as he supposed-incorrigible Gus
Rybolt, utterly nonplussed him. To an
old friend he said confidentially;
eyes, the boy has turned out a
trump, and the wonder of it is jamie
thinks so too," and he laughed.
And jamie never told Of her robber,
yet she kisses sometimes a purple star
on her husbands wrist.
'It is the beginning Of the new life,"
she says, "the beautiful new life of an
honest man."