New Ulm weekly review., 1885-12-23


Tsversd, endsavooarIing . conceal III
lagitation.
'And you played billiards with q
brother officer and, in his after dis
tress, returned him the money you
had won saving hinl from future ms,
cry and despair?"
~ did, replied John Landor.
.sAnd it was one OF the proudest and
happiest moments of my life. "
Grasping John Landor by the hand,
the stranger exclaimed, in voice
scarce audible from emotin, sI am
Lewis Fairborouga!' And before
John Landor could reply he siezed up
on the notes, and tearing them in a
hundred pieces, threw them in the fire.
There! the debt is paid!" he ex-
claimed, "and am thankful that it
is in my power to render you some
service in return, my oble-hearted old
fellow" And he rung his hand once
more.
ssMr. Marlborough, said John Lam
dor, II knew you the very moment
! you entered-and Heaven knows /
wished you to remain in ignorance OF
our acquaintance. / am still your
creditor, although-polnting to the
fire as he spoke-you have destroyed
the written proof of my Indebtedness
to YOU"
"But / am rich," said Lewis Fair
borough, with sparkling eyes. "and
part, at least, Of my acquired wealth
l owe to you. Your generous conduct
sixteen years ago was the means OF
saving my beloved wife, who at the
| time was lying dangerously ill, and
who would probably have never re-
covered but for the ease and comfort
which that sum of money was enabled
to procure. 1t saved me, too, from
sickness and despair-for had I lost
| her then under those most cruel Cir
cumstances, I do believe L should
| have died or fallen victim to desper-
ate fate. You saved me from them
both; and have prospered ever since.
At the conclusion of the war entered
my uncle's house at St. Louis, and be-
come, in few years, a partner of the
firm. The house is now my own l
am rich, and yearn to give you some
substantial proof of my gratitude.
Will you deny me this opportunity,
under circumstances so momentous as
the present? You surley cannot.
And SO sit down, pray you, and tell
me the whole history ofyour troubles.
am here as a friend not as creditor. !"
John Landor heard, but was un-
able to reply. He spoke some inco-
herent words, intended to express his
grateful sense Of so much kindness,
but he could not speak outright.
The words would not come; they re-
manned rooted to his heart, and
would proceed no further. A bright
and overfowing feeling took possession
Of his SOUL He felt that his trial was
at an end, and his salvation nigh.
They conversed together for long
time, each aquainting the other with
his individual history since the even
ing they had first met; and at length
returning to the present circumstances
which had so auspiciously brought
together.
"First of all," said Lewis Fairhor-
ough, in allusion to his friend s affairs,
II wish you to go straight home and
acquaint them with your change OF
fortune5 and on your way deposit
this check which 1 am about to write
to your order"
He sat down as he spoke, and pres
emily handed to John Landor g. check
for $4,000.
"You can accept it as q loan, if you
like" said Lewis Marlborough, with
a smile, "and, should that not suffice,
remember that there is the same
amount at your disposal"
I "God bless you! said John Landor,
as he pressed his hand; "God bless
you!'' And IN another moment he
was off.
He first deposited the, check; and
then, with beating and exultant
heart, proceeded home. He could
hardly speak for a few moments, but
held his wife in his arms, at last ex.
claiming, "We are saved!"
Then he sat down and told them all
of the scene in the. hotel, and the
strangers deep distress; OF his retxrn-
ing him the money which he had in.
| Celueu lOt his Wue-n exchange IOT
his written promise never to play
again for gain. Then of this same
strangers entrance In his office but an
hour ago, bearing his OWN notes. which
he was unable to redeem; of the strang.
er's sudden recognition, and his gener.
Gus conduct in destroying the notes,
followed shortly after by his princely
loan.
! ''And the name of this unselfsh
noble MANI" inquired his wife, still
sobbing in her JOY
"Lewis Marlborough" he answered,
with smile.
"I will treasure it all the rest Of my
life," she fervently exclaimed. "My
husband s friend and saviour!"
~ knew he was q noble fellow al
heart,'' John Landor said, referring
to the scene sixteen years ago. And
this is the result! Howlittle thought
at the time that he would one day be
the means of saving me!'
| "And now" said his wife, ttiftroublt
comes to us again, trust we may bt
found as redily prepared as We have