Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1886-12-24
"Kezlah." said Daniel. a few DAYS

AFTER Bertle disappearance, have you
been to my wallet lately? Thar's fif-
teen dollars gone somewhat"
"Lor' no, Daniel. | never did such
fling. When did you miss the money!"
"Only this mornin', but it might have
been gone afore. The fust money l
ever had took, too"
Father" said Harry, maybe BERTHE
took it, 1t seems as though we would
have found him before if he had been
without money"
no, no, Harry" said Mrs. Allen,
quickly; "do not hint such thing
again. That poor dear boyd lose
hand sooner'n touch cent as didn't
belong to him."
"Well,' said Daniel, after a long
pause, the moneys gone and the moro
think ont, the more think he took
it. No one else could have took it,
wife. | don't begrudge the money to
the boy. ! would ha gin him more, if
he wanted it; but if them's his prin-
ciples, I'm glad he's gone
Mrs. Allen demonstrated with her
husband on the injustice of the accusa-
ton. In her own mind she felt sure
that she knew the thief. She dared
not mention it to Daniel, however, for
he would hear nothing against Harry.
A year wore away, and still no tidings
of BERTHE reached the farm. Harry had
gained his point in driving him away.
He was now sole manager Of all Mr..
Aliens business. His word was law
with Daniel, but not with Keziah. She
could hardly tolerate him, feeling per-
fectly sure that he had forced her hoy
away from her, and had then hardened
the old mans heart against him.
Years rolled by. The hand of age
commenced to stamp his indelible
marks on Mr. and Mrs Allen. Keziah
could no longer attend to the house
work, so a trusty girl was engaged to
take charge Of the kitchen. The old
people felt that they could now enjoy
quiet, happy old age together after
their years of toll.
Such was not to be the case. Mrs.
Allen was taken very i'll. Noted
physicians were summoned from all
parts, but their skill was unayailing.
One bright. sunny day in early autumn
they laid her away forever She who
had been fond mother to BERTHE was
gone. He was indeed an orphan now.
\ short time after this sad event.
Mr.. Allen had n desirable offer made
him for part of his farm. He had long
been thinking of selling, in order to
dispense with hired help. lie also felt
that the sands Of life were running out,
and the money thus realized would
make him comfortable while he lived.
He finally concluded the bargain and
received most of the money for his land
at once.
1t was impossible for him to deposit
the money in the bank the day he
received it. Although he felt that it
was very unsafe 10 keep SO much cash
in the house over night, he could not
60 10 the city until the next day
The hired girl spoke of spending the
night with friends, so Daniel supposed
he and Harry would be sole inmates of
the house, When bedtime came the
old man placed the package of money
under his pillow and retired to rest.
Some time during the night he was
dimly conscious of a cloth being
pressed tightly against his nostrils. He
knew no more until he felt somebody
shaking him violently, and calling on
Linn to awaken. He found standing at
his bedside his housckecper and three
men. neighbor ana his two sons.
"Popr man said Lizzie. Look
quickly and sec if your money is where
you put it. You have been robbed by
your beloved son. Harry.
Don't say Harry took it, girl You
viii Kill me if you do. Call him
quickly, and we Will ind the robbers.
Maybe you're mistaken. I'll look
myself and see"
He raised his pillow and found
nothing. Harry entered the room at
this crisis, and asked hurriedly if the
money were gone,
=" Harry" said Daniel, "you have
stung the heart that loved you. Lizzie
saw and heard all. Tell us about it.
girl"
Mr.. Leeds, the neighbor, was justice
of the peace. He now proceeded to |
arrest Harry, who stoutly protested his
innocence.
did not go over to Mr. Leeds, as |
| spoke of doing said Lizzie. Icing !
very tired | went right To bed but not
to sleep. kept thinking of the danger
the place WAS in on account OF that
money. Twelve o'clock found me wide
awake. Soon after this | thought |
heard voices in the garden rose and
went to my window, Fortunately it