Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1884-11-28

aetly the same as he had been before.
He was glad to see them, and there
was not a particle of change in his
tone or manner. Both Charles and
his wife tried to say something about
his leaving their house; but he headed
them off every time. He would not
permit the matter to be mentioned
They went home, unable even to ~
in an apology.
Both of them missed the kindly
words and wholesome advice of tho
good man, though Mrs. Dykes would
not acknowledge it. His good influence,
upon both was lost. Even Charles be.
came reckless in his finances.
The close of Tinkham's store
brought nor business to the young
merchant for a time, though the bank
rupt's successor soon made things ex-
citing for him. A %ruinous competition
followed. No longer restrained by
Uncle Pills prudenS counsels, Charles
branched out. and grasped more than
he could possibly handle.
At the end of the year the balance
sheet was not pleasing to look upon.
Then followed a reckless attempt to re-
cover lost ground. Notes at the Trip
Teton Bank become very troublesome.
One of them was given for a new pi-
ano. People said Dykes was living too
fast. The young merchant was wor-
ried. He had yielded to one extrava-
gance, and there was a long train be-
hind it.
His next balance sheet showed that
he was three thousand dollars in debt,
and bis stock was not worth half the
sum. He saw that he must fail. After
supper. n evening he told his wife
all about it. 1t would be a terrible
humiliation to fail. as Tinkham had;
and Marian wept as though her heart
would break.
In the midst Of the scene Uncle Phil
walked into the room, as he always
did, without the ceremony of knock
ing. He often called.
"Uncle Phil, / am going 10 fail, forI
can not pay a note of four hundred
dollaxs that falls due tomorrow" said
Charles bitterly, when he saw that he
could not conceal the facts from the
good man.
elbow much do you owe in all,
GShCu ouClC Ill.
"About three thousand dollars"
groaned Charles.
CIVIL three thousand put you on
your feet, solid, Charles?"
eyes, sir; but can't raise three
hundred"
81 will give you a check for three
thousand dollars in the morning. l
will be down at the store at eight
O'Clock. ] noticed that youhave looked
worried lately; but you said nothing to
me-"
II could not say anything to you,
uncle; and | can not take your money,
after what has happened"
Nothing has happened yet, and
with the blessing of God, nothing shall
happen"
"You may help me on one condi-
tion," added Charles, after some dis
cussion. And that is that you will
come back and live with u.s."
Marian joined in insisting upon this
condition, and the good man yielded.
He used no r%eproaches; he would not
say, 81 told you So" The note
was paid the next day, and in the even
ing Uncle Phil was domiciled in his old
apartment, quite as happy as the young
people.
Charles sold the lady's horse, the
buggy, the piano, and other extras,
and reduced all his expenses to a very
reasonable figure. Marian was happy
again, and did not believe there was
any too much salt about Uncle Phil.
She had given up the business of con
quering a husband. In fact, both OF
them have come to believe that neither
should conquer, or try to conquer th
other.
After awhile it came out that Uncle
Phil was worth at least fifty thousand
dollars. Doubtless the church and the
missions will get some of it; but it is
probable that Charles Dykes will be re.
membered, though both he and his wife
sincerely hope that the good man will
live till he is hundred.-N. Y. Sundo4
AH3,eytiso,.