Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1890-07-31
Johanna, do you want to become
Paul's wife?''

"Johanna, do you want to becorn.
Paul's wife?"
"Yes!' came the firm answer.
Then again there was silence. The
brokers' lids closed YEARLY, and
while he was wiplng the perspiration
from his brow, he reflected.
Lock the door," the sick man at
last began anew, and his eyes wan
dered about anxiously. Even the
window curtains had to be let down;
then he had himself carried to his
iron safe. From an inside drawer he
took the securities ard had thera
counted.
"Papers to the value of $4,000
gulden!" said the book-keeper.
"To the count as a penny to u.s."
added the woman.
The secretary OF the count was re-
ceived the next day with n remark
that the broker had gone away on n
u journey. Nobody knew where, or
when he would return. Thes secretary
returned several times to look for
him, but when he heard that in real
ity the broker was in his room on
his death-bed he came no more.
In his place came the officials Of
the criminal court. The broker was
expecting them, and days before he
was shaken with the ague of the
damned.
NV hen they come you must dis
sembl". teign Inconsistencies" the
wife whispered in his eur, and left the
house with the daughter. The dying
man was left to himself, and fervent-
ly as he longed for it he did not lose
consciousness. He heard the count
very distinctly as he gently and for
bearingly gave him to understand
that he had never treated him as
he had Others, like Jew; he heard
him almost beg; "Josef, you are a
good, honest man; give me back my
money!"
The broker bit his lips and was 81
lent although some terrible power
seemed to prompt him to say: 1.-The
money is in the hands of my daugh-
ter's betrothe,l; gave it to him; |
wished to steal it for my family. l
regret it; take it back; | want to die
an honest man!'
In his breast honesty and the blind
love for his family fought a hot and
savage battle. The second triumped.
He closed his eyes, and not syllable
was to be forced from him.
The count was seized with sudden
wrath
Gentlemen. l want my money! I'll
see if there is no way to get at my
money? Away to prison with him.
He could not be taken away. The
official physician certified that the
broker could not be transported
without endangering his life. Inves-
LEGATIONS were made in every direc-
ton; the count suspected all the bus
mess men of the capital. dragged all
relatives of the brokerinto the fair.
demanded that criminal suit should
he brought against the whole world
Only OF the intimate friend of the
house, the young bookkeeper, not u
soul had any suspicion. OF TIE be-
trothal that had shortly preceded
the embezzlement. not IL word had
reached the outside world.
The attempt was again made to
bring the accused invalid to confess
The examining magistrate tried with
gentle words to touch his heart.
The count also told him that he
would voluntarily make over to him
one half of the securities if he would
confess where he had put them and
how the place OF cOncealment could
be found. He appealed to their
business relations of many years,
which had come to be almost friend
ship. The woman did not dare to
leave the sick man to himself, for she
was afraid that he would confess all.
During the interview she kept her
imploring, beseeching, commanding,
gaze fixed upon him.
As the broker feigned unconscious
ness, they could do nothing with him
and departed without having gained
the least point And nothwithstand-
ing, had they but persevered, they
would have brought the tortured
sinner to confess. The intense long
ing to die an honest man famed up
within him for a moment, and gained
such predominance that the woman
troubled. And since such moments
had come, she was watching in
feversh agitation for the death Of
her husband.
And just ut this time-apparently
there was a change for better in the
condition of the sick man.
"God is not willing that l should
die in disgrace; l shall live" he said
to his wife, and drawing her plump
hand to his lips he kissed it long and
fervently.
, II shall live now, they car
come. l will return their money
Where is Paul? Let him be called
he shall return me the papers; l vii
Ike Free"
The woman trembled whenever sh'
heard step on the stairs; what if i