Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-07-28

it. It's every farthing I had of your
euv'nor's. and they may think them.
selves lucky, for in a few hours I shall
be over the water,'' said Mr.. Newman,
with a wink, as he rushed away.
When Jack regained his friends they
remarked that he looked rather pale
and startled. but did not seriously in
quire the cause, and he was prudent
enough to keep mis- OWL counsel. He
slowed away the money in an under
pocket, and, after a vague attempt to
realize his extraordinary luck, he ADAM
doned himself to enjoyment again.
| Naturally this little episode did not de-
press his spirits. He became more and
more hilarious until he found himself
riding home on the top of a four
wheeled cab, decorated with a false
nose, and in a very happy frame OF
mind.
He presented himself at the office
next morning with a shocking head
ache and a very dim recollection of the
events of the preceding day. He re-
membered his interview with Mr.. New
man, but was puzzled what account to
give of his mission. The money was
fortunately safe, and this, of course,
proved a great consolation.
"Straw, you're wanted" said a col
league the instant he arrived, pointing
rather ominously towards the partners
room.
Jack would have liked time to pull
himself together, but he had to present
himself Immediately before his en-
ployers, whom he found looking very
grave and angry. One Of them said:
"Mr. Straw, we have a most unpleas-
ant duty to perform. You We're sent
yesterday on an important Grand, and
you are guilty of a fragrant breach Of
confidence and discipline"
"What do you mean, STRIP inquired
Jack, humbly.
"You never went to Chelmsford at all
yesterday"
No, sir, but -"
"No excuses, Mr.. Straw; your pro-
ceedings are well known to us. You
will leave this day."
perhaps you will allow me to ex-
plain" began Jack, in desperation.
"Not a word, sir. 1t is no use pre-
varicating. I may az well till you that
I saw you passing my house yesterday
evening riding on the roof Ct a cab in q
disgraceful condition. You were evil
IDENTIFY coming from the Derby"
II don't deny that I vent to the
Derby, sir" said Jack, summoning up
his native impudence when he perceived
that concealment was useless; but Ideny
that there vas anything j my condition
to excite remark. I lest my friends,
and had to get home the best way l
could. Twas in high spirits, 1 admit,
but that was from the consciousness of
having done my duty to you"
sob, of course you went to the Derby
on our account!"
.'That was so, sir. Having ascer-
tanned that the person I was in search
Of had gone there, 1 did not hesitate to
follow him." said Jack, unblushingly.
Greatly, Mr.. Straw, your impudence
surpasses belief. We will not hear an
other word"
81 soon came across my man, and
took the earliest opportunity Of accost-
ing him, proceeded Jack, firmly, but
respectfully. .sThe man is a swindler,
and I therefore threatened to give him
in charge on the spot. unless he re.
funded the money he had obtained from
you. Seeing that l was determined, he
paid me, and it was lucky I followed
him, for by this time he has left the
country"
AS he spoke, Jack produced f25O in
banknotes, which he laid triumphantly
on the table. The effect of this dramatic
coup upon his employers was magical.
After staring at Jack a moment, and ex-
changing glances with one another, the
severity of their expressions relaxed,
and the culprit felt that he was saved.
"Really, Mr.. Straw, this is an extra.
ordinary story" said the partner who
had addressed him, taking up the notes.
Il suppose it is true. In fact, you have
brought excellent evidence" he added
becoming %jocose.
81 had to take the mans word as tc
the amount be owed you. You did not
mention it to me,'' said Jack quickly.
"No we did not. But the money ii
correct; quite correct, ''said his employer
struck by this adroit piece of testimony
"This is an agreeable surprise. ]
wonder at the man paying YOU"
"He did it to avoid q disturbance, fol
he had won a lot of money and wanted
to get away" said Jack, in a matter-of
fact tone.
There was another whispered consulta
ton between the partners, during which
Jack felt much more at his ease than h,
did q few moments before. AT length
the senior partner said:
"Mr. Straw, my partner and l hav'
to thank you for the service you hav'
done us. Our hasty decision was, o
course, founded on a misapprehensiono
the facts. and you will please conside
our words unspoken."
"Pray don't mention it, sir,'' sal,
Jack, magnanimously.
"We are always pleased to acknowl
edge zeal, especially when it is com
bined with discretion, Mr.. Straw; an,
we propose to reward you by giving 70,
a check for f10."
81 must say 1 consider your elatio,
yesterday evening was natural, unde
the circumstances" interposed tn
other partner, who was in high goo