Mower County transcript., 1889-11-06
tainly be aware that these would be

tainly be- aware that these would be
good grounds for turning you away. .
II am aware Of that, sir, and was
afraid that when came to you that /
would appear in u bad light, but Icon-
cluded to be honest about it, anyhow.
Try me- though, sir; you'll not regret
it, | want the place sorely; more than
dare tell I'm in distress. ! have
nothing else to say. My appearance is
my only recommendation. If that
won't do, ] must go.''
Ho looked pleadingly at the Judge,
who. rising, came from behind his
desk, and standing closet the appli-
can't said: =
We'll, John, let me tell you that your
candor aud evident truthfulness have
impressed me very strongly in your fa-
vor, despite the appearance against
you. III try you for a month. but you
must not complain if you are denied
certain privileges that would be ac-
corded to a man who has proven him.
self trustworthy. or if your actions are
moro closely watched" ''*
"l've seen those consequences, sir,
and it's all right. They are to be ex-
pected under the circumstances, and 1
won't complain. Do as you please
with me till You feel can be trusted.
Show me the work at once. sir, if you
can. couldn't find words to thank
you, sir, even if you had time to hear
them. My work must show you how
grateful am"
Donning a broad -brimmed straw hat.
Judge Parker conducted the new man
out over his spacious estate. Indicating
| what work would be expected of him,
! and set him to do some wedding at a
spot in sight of his study windows.
He then returned to his papers and
books, but as the afternoon wore on,
he cast frequent glances through the
window at John. 1t was plain that he
had become deeply interested in the
man whose history had been so can
didly and honestly withheld. He could
not fathom the mystery with which
the applicant chose to envelop HIM
self, but he trusted that his purposes
were honorable, though he was some
what suspicious.
| Judge Parker was a large-hearted
man, widely known and beloved for
geniality, benevolence and uniform
justice. The humblest citizen, il
worthy, might apply to him for help,
certain of a patient and responsive
hearing. Knowing that his liberality
had drawn him to many unworthy sup.
plicants, he now suspected that John
had some design upon his philanthropy,
and accordingly believed that he need.
ed watching.
But each glance through the window
showed John working industriously,
with an earnest vigor and care thai
cut the sharp edges from his suspicion.
And so he worked throughout the
trial month. Faithfulness and a pains.
taking interest were stamped upon
each detail of his work, and many per-
sons commented to the Judge upon the
improved appearance of the place.
John was an unusual quiet and uu.
obtrusive man. He seldom volunteered
remarks save to ask instructions con
corning his work; he never presented
himself unbidden. Judge Parker's
several efforts to elicit some accoun
of his life failed; he was respectfully
candid in answering that he did n0
wish to tell any thing about himse #
saying that he entirely rested his hop,
of continued employment upon hi
work.
When the month ended he was re
engaged, and still he maintained tfle
same scrupulous care in every piece 0
work, however trivial. He never lef
the place. unless sent upon errands
and, retiring early to his room, spen
his evening in quiet pursuits
The Judges interest in him grew in
to genuine fondness. He liked to tall
to him, and found him we'll posted .ssn,
shrewd in the ways of the world, an,
ever ready to converse on all subject
except :'is past life; that was scaled
book. ....
The summer wore uneventfull,
away, until one morning, late in Au
gust, a visitor entered the Judge'
study. It WAS Joshua Skiles, mem
ber of the bar in the judicial distric
over which Judge Parker presided
His face indicated an important mis-
sion.
Judge" he said, after few re
marks on general subjects, ..you hav
new man at work on your place. y
Eyes. indeed, j have. I don't won
der you've noticed it. Many other
have spoken to me of the improve
ment. But he's no eye-seryer; he
thorough-going to the smallest de
tail"
Skiles grinned expectantly at thi
enthusiasm, as he asked:
''What is his name?' =
'.He calls himself John.''
mo surname, eh?"
mo; well, the truth is, he decline,
to give it, and he's been so faithful
! that have poonorfo1 hiot ,,oo .onc r.,