The Nevada picayune., 1885-01-22
THE CONVERTED THIEF.
In the waiting room Of a sms Il railroad station. conspiciou sly dis played was the placard-

piayeu was tne placaru-
 BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETs.'
 A stout, well dressed old gentle man, in every line of whose face honesty and creduilty were depict ed, read the warning, and turning to a sanctimoniOus looking young man who happened to be standing near by, remarked:--
 '"How much rascality there is in the world! It is sad to think that it is necessary to put up such no. tices; but I suppose ifauch notices were not put up in public places hundreds of unsuspecting people would be plundered by the light 1 fingered gentry"
 The young man in a semi-clerical garb, who was standing near the old gentleman, responded with sigh. "Eis sad indeed to think that there are such wicked people who resist all the missionary efOrts that are made to reform them. It is sad, very sad"
 Just at this moment the signal was given to board the train, which was about to leave. The elegantly dressed old gentleman and the de- won't youth sieses their grip sacks, and in few moments were occu' pying seats opposite each other on the train in which there were very few passengers, where the ac- quaintance which had begun in the visiting Eoom was kept up. Resuming the topic of conversa- tion where it had been dropped the kSd gentleman said:-
 "When a man has once become accustomed to q career of crime 1t is a very difficult matter tor him to reform and lead a new life"
 "Ah! my dear sir" said the de mure youth, shaking his head in a despairing sort q way; "you can have no idea how difficult it is for those who are in the bonds of sin and the gall of iniquity to lead a new life. l know from sad exper- ence how difficult it is for sinner to turn from his wickedness. for al though l am, l trust, one of the elect and engaged in distributing tracts among the ungodly,yet there was time when I, sir, was @ pro. fessiorsl thief"
 The old gentleman who had been listening attentively, started from his seat as if desirous of creating a greater distance between himself and the converted sinner, and ex- claimed:-
 "What, yOuw
 "I do not wonder that you recoil in horror from me-" continued the young man sadly; "but it is impos sible for you to detest me half as much as do my former self. cheerfully accept your loathing fol the self.confessed criminaA and even ask for more of the same sort for regard 1t as part of the pen ance to openly acknowledge and confess my former sln, before ] vas snatched as a brand from the burning."
 "How did you come to see the evil of your former waysi" asked the old man, looking dubiously at his new acquaintance.
 "I was brought to sense of my utter unworthiness by what might have been q fearful catastrophe. shudder even now when think Ol how I walked through the vAl'ey and shadow of death. But it was all for the best. But for my fear full experience might now be lit. tie better than an actual sinner" The young man buried his face in his hands and shuddered con vulsively, while the old gentleman was so much effected that he brushed away tear.
 "Would you mind relating to me the occurance which caused you to abandon your profession as a--'
 "As thief: Speak right out That is a part of my self-imposed penance that I should be reminded of my former unworthiness. l was not only thief. but was also g social outcast. l smoked, played billiards, drank beer, swore and was rarely ever inside ofa church Although what l underwent is to me a dreadful nightmare, yet, as you seem to take an interest in my affairs, will give you faithful ac- -o,,ot oe thu 1raodfnl rafaStrnnhe q