Thomas County cat., 1889-11-14

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would appear in bad light, but ! con-
cluded to be honest about it, anyhow.
Try me, though, sir; you'll not regret
it. want the place sorely; more than
l dare tell. I'm in distress. have
nothing else to say. My appearance is
my only recommendation. If that
won't do, must CO."
He looked pleadingly at the Judge.
who. rising, came from behind his
desk, and standing close to the appli-
cant said:
''Well, John, let me tell you that your
candor and evident truthfulness have
impressed me very strongly in your ia
vor, despite the appearance against
you. I'll try you for 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
more closely watched"
1--we 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. l 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 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 cam
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, 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
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 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-
|
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 himsel If,
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 to his room, spent
his evening in quiet pursuits.
The Judges interest in him grew in
to genuine fondness. He liked to talk
to 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 sealed
4 book.
The summer wore uneventfuily
away, until one morning. late in Au-
gust. a visitor entered the Judges
study. 1t was Joshua Skiles. MEM
ber of the bar in the judicial district
over which Judge Parker presided.
His face indicated an important mis-
sion.
Judge" he said, after a few re-
marks on general subjects, ''you have
a new man at work on your place"
''Yes. indeed. have. / don't won-
der you've noticed it. Many others
have spoken to me of the improve
ment But he's no eye-server; he's
thorough-going to the smallest de-
tail"
Skiles grinned expectantly at this
enthusiasm. as he asked:
what is his name?'
He calls himself john"
NO surname, eh?"
No; well, the truth is. he declined
to give it, and he's been so faithful
that have respected his reasons for
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