New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1884-10-08
A PERILOUS TRUST.
rhe Story OF a Travelling Cler

A PERILOUS TRUST.
The Story OF TravelIn. Clerk.
Years ago, while was q clerk in my
uncle's dry goods store, in Whitehaven,
Pa, my employer, becoming alarmed
at the many burglaries which were
perpetrated, resolved to send ten thou
sand dollars to bank in Harrisburg
for safe keeping.
As he was an invalid at the time, he
concluded to intrust to me the convey
ance of his money to the bank
/ was then young fellow of eighteen
and felt proud Of the trust reposed in
me.
When was ready for my journey he
provided me with loaded pistol. con
tanning two barrels, and advised me to
keep it in good condition.
Then I had an interview with his
adopted daughter, Susan, my intended
bride.
Having soothed as well as I was able
the fears she now expressed for my
safety, / set out with light heart on
my journey. The wallet containing my
uncle's ten thousand dollars was in nv
inside pocket, and in another
pocket was my own wallet, which in
shape and color resembled the other
Two days travelling by boat and
stage-cOach brought me, without mis-
hap, to tavern within twenty miles Of
my destination
"All aboard for Harrisburg!" shouted
the driver Of the coach, as he sprang to
his place and seized the reins of his
horses.
Two other persons only, apparently
strangers to each other, whom l had
seen at separate tables while dining,
entered the vehicle after sprang in.
One was an elegantly dressed lady of
about twenty -fve-the loveliest woman
I thought / had ever seen.
She gave a quick, flashing glance
with her magnificent eyes as she
smoothed out the rutfied folds of her
dress; then her long lashes fell, and
she Flushed slightly.
Although [ had resolved that would
be faithful to Susan, yet | could not
help admiring the beautiful stranger.
The other traveller seated opposite to
me in the further corner of the stage,
was an old, white-haired man, with a
thick beard of the same hue, which,
with the high collar of his coat, almost
concealed his face.
Now and then, as the coach moved
on, the old man blinkcd at me in half
smiling, half sleepy manner. The
vehicle had passed the few houses on the
route, and was slowly going up an as
cent in the road, when the male pas
senger spoke to me.
Tedious work this, '.he remarked.
Yes, sir" l answered.
Have you come far?''
'Tolerably far replied. =
AS spoke made startling discov-
cry. My fellow-passenger was not an
old man. The upper edge of his wig
for it was a wig-had slipped down, re-
vealing part OF his coa!-black, curly
The lady opposite to me leaned over;
then she arose and seated herself by nv
side.
II saw you start, she whispered, in
an agitated manner. Perhaps you
have noticed the same thing I have.''
You mean-the-the -Wig?'' said.
Eyes that mans wig. Depend upon
1t, he is some bad character! You are not
going to get out between this and Har-
risburgp''
81 had not intended to-
'.For Heavens sake, do not! / should
be so frightened to be left alone with
that man!''
And as she spoke I noticed that she
trembled from head to foot.
BE not alarmed, - said.
''YOu will ptOtect me! Oh, thank
you, sir. thank you!" she rejoined.
With that she raised her beautiful
black eyes gratefully toward my face.
! felt fattered and pleased to have
this magnificent woman relying upon
me for protection, and I pulled con-
ceitedly at the few hairs, which, in
promise of future mustache, had be,
gun to cover my upper lip with a faint
down.
81 have a box of valuable diamonds
in my pocket" continued my fair COM
panion. 81 am afraid those are what
that man is after. fear he is rob-
ber.'
THAT remains to be proved said;
s'but, come what may, I will protect
you.''
viii you? How noble, how brave
you are, sir!
My heart beat fast with pride and
vanity. What would Susan say when
she should hear of my adventurep--
how q beautiful woman and a stranger