Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-03-08


who the patient was, or what connec-
ton he had with the Grey family.
ANY relationp" he asked.
To this Mrs. Grey replied in the
negative, and he rightly judged from
say anything more.
A week passed, during which the
kindest care was taken of our youthful
burglar. Several times during this
period Bob commenced speaking Of the
night of the robbery. but he had been
told to defer speaking until he was
better able TO do so. At length, his
convalescence was so far advanced that
he was permitted to speak.
II am very much afraid" said he,
"that you think have been accustomed
to-to what l was detected in the other
night"
Il could not believe it," said Mrs.
Grey, warmly.
Mr.. Grey said nothing. He had seen
more OF the world than his wife, and,
though he felt unwilling TO believe
that one with such frank, handsome
face could be guilty OF duplicity, he
had learned not to trust implicitly to
appearances.
Thank you said Bob, gratefully, in
reply to Mrs. Grey.
How. then, were you brought into
such situationP" asked Mr.. Grey
''unless by your own consent?"
al will tell you, sir, cOncealing moth
ing"
Perhaps it would be as we'll TO tell
Bob's story in our own words.
Bob's real name Was Robert Lee
His father had been a mechanic, in the
receipt OF a good income, which en-
abled him TO keep his son, who was IA
bright boy, at school. Mr.. Lee, how
ever lived in the present, with little
thought of the future. Having always
enjoyed good health, he judged that he
should for many years TO come, and on
ly laughed at his wife when she sug-
gested that he should either endeavor
To save something from his income, or
else obtain an insurance on his life.
Don't be alarmed, wife," he was ac-
customed TO say; IL shall live for thirty
years yet, Don't think you are going
TO get rid of me so soon"
Being answered in this way. Mrs.
Lee desisted from her entieaties, al
though she well knew that she would
be left destitute in case anything should
happen her husband.
The contingency which she so much
feared at length arrived. Mr.. Lee was
stricken down by fever, which, in an
incredibly short time. Slapped the foun-
tain of life, and left Mrs Lee a widow,
and Robert fatherless.
OF course, Robert was taken from
school, and contributed as far as he
could, by the proceeds OF the few odd
jobs he could obtain, TO his mothers
maintenance.
Thus ma tiers stood for year, when
his mother. too, died, and he was left
alone in the world. A month after his
mothers death, as he was in search of
something TO do, he was accosted by
rough looking man, who asked him if
he would like job, OF course, he an
swered in the affirmative.
Then, said the latter, meet me at
ten o'clock this evening at -" Here
he named a certain house.
as the business to be done at
night?' inquired Bob, with surprise.
Yes" said the latter.
Not suspccting the nature of it, our
young hero kept his appointment, and
met the man. They were joined, be-
fore setting out, by another. and then
started for the house Of Mr.. Grey.
Still. Bob did not suspect the object
of the expedition. having been put off
with some plausible excuse.
The rest of the story the reader is
already acquainted with.
Mr.. Grey, n well a. his wife, was
disposed To believe the account Of
Robert Lee, and both began 81 fee! a
friendly interest in our hero, which
soon ripencd into "a warm attachment.
Cant you do something for him?"
asked Mrs Grey of her husband.
That is what have been thinking
Of was the reply. II should take
him into my own counting room IL
there were vacancy; but should be
obliged TO create "a place for him. How
ever, ] am inclined 10 think | can get
him in with Hathaway d Co"
That would be an excellent place
for him"
None better"
IL may be said that Mr.. Grey was
successful in his Efforts, and Robert
Lee was, on his recommendation. re-
ceived into the counting house OF the
wealthy merchant referred to.
Robert was deeply grateful, and ex-
pressed his gratitude with all the earn
estness dictated by a warm heart.
We are compelled 10 be brief, and
pass over several years in IA summary
Kramer, saying only that, when Rob-
ert was seventeen, he went out 10
Shanghai to serve as clerk in n branch
warehouse, ana that eight years after
ward he rose 30 junior partner.
Eight years have passed away; 10 the
commercial world IL brought the panic