Thomas County cat., 1889-11-07

afraid that when came to you that
would appear in a bad light, but con-
cluded to be honest about it, anyhow.
Try me, though, sir; you'll not regret
it. Iwant the place sorely; more than
dare tell. I'm in distress. l have
nothing else to say. My appearance Is
my only recommendation. Ii 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 man who has proven HIM
self trustworthy. or if your actions are
more closely watched"
.rve seen those consequences, sir,
and it's all right They are to be ex-
pected under the circumstances, and l
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 l am"
Donning broad-brimmeds 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 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 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 un-
Obtrusive man. He seldom volunteered
remarks save to ask instructions con.
corning his work; he never presented
himself unbidden. Judge Parkers
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 himse 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, spen,
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. anC
ever ready to converse on all subjects
except his past life; that was sealed
| book.
| The summer wore uneventfully
away, until one morning. late in Au-
gust. visitor entered the Judges
study. 1t was Joshua Skiles. a mem
Der of the bar in the judicial district
over which Judge Parker presided
His face indicated an important mis-.
sion.
Judge" he said. after few re
marks on general subjects. '.you hav,
a new man at work on your place..
''Yes. indeed. have. l don't won
der you've noticed it. Many other.
have spoken to me of the improve.
ment But he's no eye-server; 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?"
No; well, the truth is. he declined
to give it, and he's been SO faithful
that have respected his reasons TO