Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1886-04-02
.tJlJ L4:If F;ri5 p17s.)

is no document before the courta Mr. Muir
ridge retired to his own office, followed by
his son.
Look here, Dick" he sail. ''this thing is
getting more complicated I must think it
over. You've done your share Leave it to
me-"
You needn't go investigating or inquir-
ing, or anything" said his son; ''you may
entirely depend on the truth of my facts.
Start from them
Perhaps Yes; we'll I've nothing for
you at the office. Dick Go and take holt
day; amuse yourself sonlehow-as you like
to amuss yourself. But mind, not word
to any body-not syllable. Not breath
of what you've told me either to Norah or
to her brother. This paper and the accu-
sation it contains belong to me. Do you
hold your tongue about the matter Let no
one suspect"
Dick desired nothing so much as complete
oblivion and the burial of the whole bust
ness. He said so, in fact.
But what shall you do nextg' he asked
That is my business. Only hold your
tongue, and leave the rest of the case to
me-"
1T has Gomez said the office boy. watch
ing. He's done something at last. He's
ordered to leave the office in disgrace |
knew he would do something; and I've got
something more, and [ shall make him
w-riggle He thinks he won't be found out
Hol I'm mea ly little devil, and she's a
sapphire. It's something against her, is iti
DUST you wait. The office boy has a eve
open"
Mr.. Murridge went back to his own office
and sat down gloomy and wrathful. He
left his door wide open, and the boy, sitting
at his own table, his hands on the handle Of
the letter press, watched him carefully,
wondering whether the time was vet ar
rived for him to step in But for such lad
to step in' before the right moment might
endanger everything. Suppose if, by reason
OF premature stepping in. instead of seeing
Mr.. Richard wriggle he might himself have
to do all the wrigglings If he got turned
out OF his berth this would certainly happen
TO him when he went Eome his father being
fellowship porter, and stout of arm.
All this took place at ten o'clock, the first
thing in the morning. 1t was over by half
past ten. When, at eleven O'clock Norah
came as usual, she found her employer sit
ting idle. His letters were unopened. his
safe was still shut. his rapers were not lad
out before him. The days work was not vet
commenced.
"Why!" cried Norah; ''what is the mat
ter wi you to-days Are you i'll"
Her eyes were so bright her face so full
of sunshine, her look so radiant with the
happiness of youth. innocence and love that
Mr.. Murridge groaned aloud, wondering
how this thing could be possible.
Wait moment here" he said taking his
hat; II will be back in few minutes"
Norah 5--d plenty to occupy her. She
opened her black bag. spread out her napers,
and put them in ORDER till Mr. Murridge re-
turned, which was after five minutes; he
was accompanied by young gentleman,
who, while Mr.. Murridge opened his safe
and rummaged among his papers, stared at
Norah rather more closely than was consist
enU with good manners, according to her
own views
Here" said Mr.. Murridge presently, TAX
ing his head out of the safe sis what you
want" He gave the young gentleman
paper, and followed him ouy of the office.
"Well9' he asked in whisper
THAT is the young lady," the clerk re-
Piled also in whisper.
But the office boy heard and wondered.
You are quite sure of it?"
"Quite sure Iwould swear to her. I am
certain of her identitv" ~