The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1886-10-30

were called, which they often held to-
gether; or the evening whist parties; or
the lectures and concerts, which all the
neghborhood attended. and which, of
course. they couldn't omit.
Another spring opened, and Mrs. Bur-
ford's health began to fail. A KIND
neighbor suggested housckceper. to
relieve her of her family cares; and an
excellent French wonicn was recom-
mended. She proved capable but con-
sequential; penurious in certain mat
ters, extravagant in others. But she
came to- stay, and stay she d d-a fixture
as immovable as the great pyramids.
Mr.. Burford was getting gray and
wr;nklcd, and had an anxious. care
worn look. He never sang now. and
ioke and banter were far from his
thoughts. Yet he WIS not i'll, and he
made no complaint. He said but little,
and rs summer advanced became more
and more quiet and sober--wth far
away. pre- occupied air. The extra desk
tinued allowing himself not even q
days recreation in the hottest weather.
Winter came; Mrs. Burford was qu to
stracted, though sympathetic and kind
as ever, sparing neither pains nor OK
| pense for her comfort. Norah was still
ia treasure" Mrs. Burford said. and
the honsekeeper r-"indispensable. The
family expenses were heavy-there was
no gainsaying that now. And besides
these. Mr.. Burford, who had always
been known as a benevolent man had
many calls on his purse for charities
that he could not refuse. But they were
gett ng purdensome, for. in addition,
preparations were going forward for
Tilly's marriage. that was expected to
take place in the spring.
MIR. Dudley, the junior partner, was
taken sick in Fobruary-right in the
midst of settling the years business
and, with only the one clerk to assist
him, Mr.. Burford was wcll-nigh dis
couraged. But he toiled on. not only
attending assiduously to all demands on
his time and attention through the day,
but going over accounts far into the
night. just at this time several heavy
failures crippled the resources of the
firm. which psrplexed and irritated
him. He could have borne them pa
tiently had he no. also been besct by
bills that required immediate payment
his own family bills, of much larger
amount than he expected. One day,
howevor. he was cheered by the arrival
of q check in payment of AN old debt.
1t was too late to deposit this, and say
ing to the clerk that it would be OF
course sacure in the safe, he placed 1t
there; and in reply to his remark about
burglars. exclaimed that he would defy
any man to pick the lock.
In the evening Grandfather Ellis went
to inquire after his daughters health
was sorry not to see William. "He had
business call to make, said Mrs. Bur-
ford; will be in soon. probably. Sc
the old gentleman waited till quite late.
1T is unusual for h m to be away at
this time." she answered finally to his
close questioning. II don't understand
it. But perhaps you'd better 90 to the
store tomorrow; it's too bad to keep
you here any longer tonight. "
MIR. Ellis was quite disturbed, bu
merely replied that he was tired-woult
make the best of his way home. ant
come again the next evening. 1t wa.
SO late that he concluded to take the
most direct way to the house. This
led him through narrow back street
On this street the rear door of his son
in-law's place of business opened
The moon was low, but gave
light enough to set all objects
in high relief. As he advanced
he saw figure crouching at that door
Thoughtless of every thing save thC
protection of MIR. Burford's property
he fearlessly approached Startled by
the sound Of footsteps the figure raisct
its head turned around and, with ,
deep groan, sank to the doorstep, hid
ing its face with it's hands; but not be
fore Mr.. Ellis had recognized the
features.
"William?" said he, in hoars'
whisper. what-why is ths?" Only ,
shudder and low, hcart-piercing cry
that is good. explain say what thil
meuns!" came now in firm, stern tones
1.-The key-the koy-the wrong key,
was hurriedly whispered.
J "What need of it at this time of thu
. n'ghtP Rise, and tell me quickly. L
there any thing can do for you?"
The man arose-leaned, trcm bling II
every limb, aga nst the door--woult
even Lnen nave Iaiicn nou 1OG MT. II III
lent his shoulder for support. Boil
were silent for moment; then MIR
: Burford, with q heavy sob, grasped th'
old mans hand.
Something wrong, fear, William
: I must know what it is,'' was the tender
entreaty. perhaps we had better g
, home. though"
"No; oh no! I have been fool
But-but, oh! not quite thief--yol
have saved me from that. And
thick-coming sobs prevented further
, utterance.
"Thank Godr' said Mr.. Ellis, fer
/ vently. "Surely was divinely led t.
: pass just at this time! And now let mt
| know the worst"
, AS briefly as possible Mr.. Burford tolt
} of his anxiety to pay his debts; of th'
5 receipt of the check late in the day ant
. placed In the safe; and that in an evi
, moment, he had determined to take ad
! vantage of the report of burglaries il
) the neighborhood, and came himself Il
| rob the safe, and thus have the means
to settle his family bills.