Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1890-08-22


ed. Show me the work at once, sir, il
you can. l couldn't find words TO
thank you, sir, even if 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, in
dicating what work would be expect
ed 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. 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 choseto envelop
himself but he trusted that his pur-
poses were honorable. though he was
somewhat suspicious.
Judge Parker was a large-hearted
man, widely known and beloved for
geniality, benevolence and uniform
! Justice. The humblest citizen, il
worthy, might apply to him for help
certain of II patient and responsive
hearing. knowing that his liberality
had drawn to him many unworthy
supplicants, he now suspected that
John had some designs upon his phi
lanthropy, and accordingly believed
that he needed watching.
But each glance through the win
dow showed John working indus
triously, 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 persons commented to tie
Judge upon the improved appearance
of the place.
John was an unusually quiet and
unobtrusive man. He seldom volun-
teered remarks save to ask instruc-
tious concerning his work he never
presented himself unbidden. Judge
Parker's several efforts to elicit some
account Of his life failed he was re
spectfully candid in answering that
he did not wish TO tell anything
about himself, saying that he entire
ly rested his hope Of continued EN-
ployment 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 err
rands, and retiring early to his room,
spent the evenings in quiet pursuits.
The Judges interest in him grew
into genuine fondness. He liked to
talk to him, and found him well post
ed and shrewd in the ways Of the
W world, and ever ready to converse on
all subjects except his past life; that
was a sealed book.
The summer wore uneventtully
away, until one morning, late in Au-
gust, u visitor entered the Judges
study. Il was Joshua Skiles mem
ber of the bar in the judicial district
over which the Judge presided. His
face indicated an important mission.
Judge, he said, after n few re-
marks on general subjects, you have
a new man at work on your place.
Yes, indeed, have. don't wonder
you've noticed it. Many others have
spoken to me Of the Improvement.
But he's no eye-server he's thorough h
going TO the smallest detail.
Skiles grinned e1pectantly at this
enthusiasm. as he asked:
What is his name p
He calls himself John
No surname, eh p
We'll, the truth is, he declined to
give it, and he's been so faithful that
| have respected his reason for con
cealing it, whatever they are
us it possible you don't remember
him, judge
NO, don't; yet several times I've
thought there was something famil'
lar about him, either in his motions
or looks | 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 ] set
eyes on yonr new man | knew that
fellow, if he has disguised himself
with whiskers. I'm not often de
eived in people / tell you"
Il dare say not, but | am, if I've
ever seen him before
well, then, Judge" said Skiles'
with manifest pressure, you SEN
fenced him ten years ago to the pen
itentiary."
Judge Parker looked closely at
Skiles before replying or showing any
feeling at the statement. The man
was not favOrite at the bar. He
bore a reputation for pettiness, his
cases usually being trivial, most OF
them plainly trumped up by himself
upon trifing disputes between par
ties, and he was given to volunteering
service as bids for favor.
So the Judge looked at him, secret
ly displeased at the disclosure. He
didn't want to hear evil OF John he
liked him, and was disposed to be,
lieve this one OF Skiles' designs upon
| his favor.
His name, Mr. Skiles =
John Dorker," replied Skiles effu-