The Arkansaw traveler., 1889-09-14

plainly beneath your abilities, wages are unlmpor- tant and lastly, the work Is not your chief object You must certainly be aware that these would be good grounds for turning you away"
 "I am aware of that, sir, and afraid that when came to you that would appear in bad light, but concluded to be honest about 1t, anyhow. Try me, though, sir you'll not regret N. want the place sorey more than l dare tell. Pm in distress. have nothing else to say. My appear Ance Is my only recommendation. Ii that won't do, must go."
 He looked pleadingly at the judge, who, rising, came from behind the desk, and standing close to the applicant, said =
 "Well, John, let me tell you that your candor and evident truthfulness have impressed me very strongly in your favor, despite the appearance against you. I'll try you for a month, but you must not complain if you arc denied certain privi- leges that would be accorded to man who has proven himself trustworthy, or if your actions are more closely watched:"
 Eve seen those consequences sir and it's all right They are to be expected under the circumstances, and 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 ann" Donning a broad brimmed straw hat, Judge Parker conducted the out over his spacious estate, indicating what work would be pected of him, and set him to do some wedding at & 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. It was plain that he had become deeply interested In the man whose history had been SO candidly and honestly with held. He could not fathom the mystery with which the applicant chose to envelop himself, but he trusted that his purposes honorable though he was somewhat suspicious.
 Judge Parker was 6 large hearted man, widely known and beloved for his geniality, benevolence, and uniform justice The humblest citizen if worthy, might apply to him for help, certain of 6 patient and reponsive hearing. Knowing that his liberality had drawn to him many unworthy SUD- pliants, he now suspected that John had some de- sign upon his philanthropy, and accordingly be- lieved he needed watching.
 But each glance through the window showed John working industriously with earnest vigor and care that cut the sharp edges from his sus- picion.
 And so he worked throughout the trial month. Faithfulness and & painstAking interest were stamped upon each detail of his work, and many persons commented to the judge upon the improved appearance of the place.
 John was an unusually quiet and unobstrusive man. He seldom volunteered remarks save to ask instructions concerning his work; he never pre- sented himself unbidden. Judge Psrkers several efforts to elicit account of his life failed he was respectfully candid in answering that he did not wish to tell anything about himself, saying he entirely rested his hope of continued employ ment 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 was not & thew broom" He never left the place, unless sent upon errands, and retiring early to his room, spent his evenings in quiet pursuits. The judges interest in him grew into 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 lite-that was 8 sealed book.
 The summer wore uneventfnlly away until one morning late in August visitor entered the judges study. It was Joshua Skies, 6 member oi one of the bars in the judicial district which Judge Parker presided. His face indicated an important mission.
 "Judge" he said after few remarks general sub- jects, "you have 6 new man at work on your place "Yes, indeed have. I don't wonder you've no-