Oxford eagle., 1889-10-31

Nor, despite the appearance against
YOU I'll try you for month. but you
must not complain II you are eenied
certain privileges that would be ac-
corded to a man who has proven him
self trustworthy. or il your actions are
more closely watched"
I've seen those consequences, sir,
and it's all right They are TO be ex-
pccted under the circumstances, and I
won't complain. DO as you please
with me till, you feel ! can be trusted.
Show me the work at once. sir. II you
can couldn't find words to thank
you, sir. even IL you had time to hear
them Ny 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 sc; him to do some wedding Mt
sPo; in sigh; 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 II was plain that he
had become deeply interested in the
man whose history had been so can
didly and honestly withheld lie could
not fathom the mystery with which
the applicant chose TO cnvelop him
self. but he trusted that his purposes
were honorable. though he was some
what suspicious
Judge Parker was large-hearted
man. widely known and beloved for
| geniality. benevolence and uniform
justice The humblest citizen. If
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
piicants. he now suspected tha; John
had some design upon his philanthropy.
and accordingly believed that he need
ed watching.t
But each glance through the window
showed John working industriously.
| with an earnest vigor and care that
cut the sharp edges from his suspicion
And so he worked throughout the
trial month Faithfulness and 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 un-
| obtrusive man. He seldom volunteered
remarks save to ask instructions con-
cerning his work; he never presented
himself unbidden. Judge Parker's
several efforts to elicit some account
OF his life failed; he was respectfully
candid in answering that he did not
wish TO tell any thing about himself.
saying that he entirely rested his hope
of continued employment upon his
work
When the month ended he was re-
engaged. and still he maintained the
same scrupulous care in every piece of
work. however trivial He never left
the place. unless sent upon errands.
and. retiring early 10 his room. spent
his evening in quiet pursuits.
The Judges interest in him grew in
10 genuine fondness. He liked to talk
10 him. and found him well posted and
shrewd in the ways Of the world. and
ever ready TO converse on all subjects
except his past life; that was a sealed
book
The summer wore unevensfulir
away. until one morning. late in An-
gust a visitor entered the Judges
study. Il @as Joshua Skies. a ga-u-
Der Of the bar in the judicial district
over which Judge Parker presided.
His face indicated an important mis-
sion-
Judge he said. after q few re-
marks on general subjects. you have
rev nan At work on your place ="
Yes. indeed. have l don't won
der you've noticed IL Many others
have spoken TO ne Of the improve
ment But he's 10 eye->errer; he's
thOrOugh-soiag to sae smallest de-
tail
Skiles grinned expectantly at this
enthusiasm. as he asked:
What Is his names'
He calls himself John-r
No surname. eh7"
NO; weii. the truth i. he declined
to give il and he's been 80 faithful
that have respected his reasons for
eoncealing it. wha ever they are"
is il possible you don't remember
him- Judges'
No. ] don't; yet several times I've
thought there was something familiar
about him. either in his motions or
looas. can't tell which
We'll. I've Just got back from a trip
10 Europe. been most all over the old
country. and the moment I set eyes on
your new man knew the fellow. if he
has disguised himself with whiskerS
I'm not often deceived il people tell
you"
Il dare say not. but am il I've
ever seen him before
We'll. then. Judge said Skiles.
with manifest pleasure. you sentenced
him ten years ago to the penItentiary"
Judge Parker looked closely ri
Skiles before replying or showing any
feeling At the statement The man
Was not a favorite At the bar. He
bore a reputation for peitiness. his
cases usually being trivial. most of
them plainly trumped up By himself
upon trining disputes between parties.
and he was given TO volunteering serv-
ices as bids for favor
1 - eha I,arwa HrulraI III,