, 1888-06-03
A VERY YOUNG THIEF.

G~loriously bright rose the sun one June
morning years ago. Long, warm rays
shone across the spotless floor and touched
the rows OF shining dishes on the dresser
in Mrs. Primes cozy kitchen. The little
maid who stood at the open window was
thinking of something far less pleasant
than the peaceful scene before her. Her
cheeks were pale and her eyes swollen
with weeping as she stood there looking
~languidly u Only yesterday she had
thought herself the happiest girl In the
world, when out there under the lilacs
she had promised to be Robin Moore's
wife. Today she was the most miserable,
for she was accused Of a crime and was
about to lose her only means of support.
Yes, she, Molly Gowen, whose character
had always been the best, was accused Of
theft by the employer whom she had
served faithfully these four years.
1t came about in this wise: The day be-
fore our story opens Capt. Prime brought
home thirty silver dollars and placed
them away in the desk that stood in one
corner Of the keeping room. Before do
ing so, however, he SHOWED them to his
wife and Molly. and allowed little Kitty
TO play with them awhile. In the after
noon he went to the neighboring village,
leaving the desk unlocked, as he often
did. 1t was sunset when he returned,
and just as he entered the house he saw
Molly come out of the keeping room.
She started and turned pale at sight Of
her master. who asked her with n smile:
Ibid | brighten you Molly?"
Molly laughed nervously as she re
piled: YES, sir; l did not hear you come
in, and you startled me-"
IT, ,,n,,,, sl,,..It. a.. ...-. r.
currence then, though il surprised him
TO see Miss Molly so nervous. Presently
+, Mrs. Prime, CAME in with Kitty in her
arms. ''Oh, it was your voice that
woke me" she said to her husband. II
had n of my headaches this afternoon,
and | think Kitty and l both have slept
nearly two hours"
In the evening, after her work was
done, Molly came In, dressed for a walk,
and asked permission TO visit a friend
who worked for n neighboring family.
1t was granted, and Molly started out,
but had not gone far before she met
Robin, and instead Of visiting her friend
she strolled down by the river with him.
Shortly after the captain came in and
went to the desk for something. On
opening the drawer, he found hat his
money was not where he left it In the
morning. BE searched each drawer In
tarn, her called his wife Hannah,
have you moved my money!"
why, no." responded Mrs. Prime,
coming to the door and looking in. Again
they searched the desk, but with the
same result.
Call Molly" said the captain.
''She has gone over to Mr.. Ford's Ia
see Eunice," responded his wife.
Has any n been here today?"
mo, l asked Molly that question when
| woke up, and she said she had not seen
any one this afternoon"
"What was she doing in the keeping
room today when l came home7'
Mrs. Prime looked surprised. II did
not know she was In there" she replied.
The captain then told his wife OF
Molly's confusion that afternoon.
but, Ezra" she replied, ''you surely
don't suspect Mollyr Why, | would as
soon think of Kitty as OF her."
what else can have become of the
money!" he queried.
This was a problem that Mrs. Prime
could o solve, 80 she remained silent.
Just then Molly came in, looking
flushed and tired from her rapid walk.
Where have you beenH" demanded
the captain.
Molly looked confused. She was moi
used to being asked such a question, and
the captains manner was $50 stern II
frightened her. She could not tell him
about Robin, 80 she remained silent
The captains brow grew stern L
Molly had answered him frankly HI
would ave believed her. but her silenc'
strengthened his suspicious
.'Have you been to see Eunice2" HI
continued.
Molly hung her head and answered
family, mo"
What were you doing in the keeping
room this a~fternoon?"
There was such a lump in Molly
throat that she could not answer at first
but after a moment she said: II went Ii
to see II II needed dusting."
1T took you some time to make tn
answer" said the captain sarcastically
at is of no use, Molly, you may as wei
tell me at once where my money ISL
Molly turned pale and looked helpleasl.
at him Even Mrs. Primes faith bega
to waver, and she said gently; Tell him
dear. He won't be hard on you"
This was too much for the poo Cir