Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1888-03-15
THE TWO ROBERTS.
The Romantic Story of Their Lives
and Loves.

When old Squire Vale died, he left
behind him a great reputation for
country lawyer. a comfortable income
and an only son, to whom he be-
queathed his fortune, his business and
his clerk. The clerk was Il young man
who had accidentally came in his way.
Squire Vale, although n hard-headed
and by no means capricious person,
had taken him originally because,
when he required as an evidence of his
fitness for the place to see his hand
writing. the young man had happened
to jot down the lawyer 5 favOrite quota
ton from Pope.
Squire Vale was old-fashioned in his
tastes. and to him Pope was the
greatest poet earth had ever seen, but
he had long ago given up hoping 10
meet one who agreed with him. 1t
was so delightful to find q young man
who could quote Pope. that he ques-
toned no further, but took Robert
Atkinson on that recommendation
alone.
He had indeed never regretted it.
His clerk proved himself Invaluable.
If there was a crotchety old fellow of
a client that had to be humored, Rob-
ert was the very one for the task.
When some poor, confused creature
with IA load of troubles came for adj
vice, it was Robert who was called
upon, and his good nature and
tact raveled out the story and arranged
the facts for the lawyers ear at last.
Robert was always in request. and his
employer often thought. if it were not
for his only son he would gladly make
young Atkinson his partner.
Squire Wales only son was nam ed
Robert, also. and when the clerk was
engaged was a youth at college, study
ing law with the view of entering his
fathers office. Robert Vale was fine
fellow. Not up to the old man. the
older towns-people declared, but a
good fellow, nevertheless. The two
Roberts," as they came after time to
be called, were contrast in many
qualities
Robert Vale had studied himself
near-sighted, was delicately built and
not particularly strong. However. he
had studied to advantage, was man
of enthusiasts and ideals, devoted to
business, and on the whole much to
his fathers liking.
Robert Atkinson was larger and
taller than Vale, with gray eyes
whose sight was as strong as n sailors.
and thick brown hair that lay around
his head in great messes; and he had
obtained a record for running and
rowing that made the young men of
the town both proud and envious OF
him.
The men were alike. however, in de-
yotion to each other and TO business,
and had as well unsullied regulations
for honesty. You may believe it
same as if the two r oberts had said
it." the towns-people would say to
clinch the truth of statement
The young men had felt mutual
attraction when they first met and
after Rot Vale graduated and came
home 10 his fathers office. the attach
ment only strengthened by compan-
ionship. They were sworn friends.
When Squire Vale found his end APP
preaching his thoughts naturally ran
much on his son and his sons welfare.
The one thing most satisfactory to his
mind was that he should take Robert
Atkinson into partnership. So he
talked of the matter. first with his son
and then with Atkinson. arranged thu
terms to his own satisfaction. and even
had the new sign painted under his
inspection. 1t ran:
"va1e s. Atkinson, Late William Vale"
There" he said to his son when it
was finished. sit looks neat After a
time, of course. it will be well to have
my name painted out when clients
out of town are used to the change.