Evening capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1888-1893, 1892-11-11
UNDER SUSPICION.

Something very unusual to quiet Talm-
lev had happened, and Talmley was de-
ciledly uncomfortable about it.
OF course everybody knew--as every
body knew everything in that delightful
place, where each neighbor was friend,
zach friend brother--and what the
village folk knew was this---the miller,
old Harvey Jameson, had been robbed.
ga queer business" said the miller,
shaking his dusty head solemnly. and
telling the circumstance for the fiftieth
time to his neighbor, Farmer. Greene,
who had dropped in to sympathize with
his old friend; nobody knew i had the
money but my daughter Jennie and
young Levoe, and can't suspect a
single soul put the money in tin
box, and put that among lot OF other
boxes in the cupboard, waitin till /
could go to the bank with it, an 10 and
behold! when went to get it out yes
terday there wasn't a single sign OF box
or money. l can't understand it,"
"Neither can /. neighbor, said Greene
running brawny hand over his shock
OF untidy hair; 'neither can |. But do
think ye set too much store by that
young man ye've took into your house.
an mebbe ye've mistook him. He's 4
deal too fine about his clothes an his
hands, an his hair, to be any too honest,
but" cautiously, as he saw the flush
that stole over Jameson's face, "but
mebbe I'm tallfin too fast, but it's
mighty curious, and one don't know
what to think"
ssOne might try to think nothin that
weren't charitable" said the miller
gravely, IAN | don't suspect the lad
It's more'n I'd like to lose, for it takes
q time to earn it. But young Levo6
didn't have nothin to do with the stealth
---no more'n you or mean I'd rather
people wouldn't kinder hint he had"
"'Taint in nature not to think it seein
he's stranger, an nobody knows what
or who he is; an he has fine ways with
him an talks hike schoolmaster," said
Greene stubbornly. 81 don't like to see
you took in, neighbor, and I'm mighty
much afraid you are by that mill hand
Of yourn."
Then Greene held out his hand to the
miller, who was deep in thought, and
bade him good day, and betook himself
to his duties on the farm near the mill.
But the farmer had left seed Of
doubt behind him; and when h - ,ch a
seed not found soil to nurture it I.lIil it's
fruit hung heavy on the. giant tree
which sbadowed friendship or dark
ened forever soul immortal?
In Talmley there was but one who
had not been born there, and that one
was Dick Levoe, the stranger who had
crossed his threshold six months before
to ask for employment.
Jameson wanted hand in the mill,
and hired Dick, taking him as boarder.
The young man had ''iine ways" AZ
Greene said.
He was not especially handsome, but
he was cheerful, courteous, and willing
to work, and yet, for all that, showed
unmistakable signs of having had no oc-
casion to perform any labor, at some
time not far past. He was educated
even Jennie, who had spent year at
boarding school, could be instructed by
him.
'sI'll just keep my eyes open an not lei
on for awhile" thought the miller, "but
as Greene said. who else could have stolen
the moneys"
He perceived no change in Dick, nc
confusion, no sign of guilt, but greatly
to the good mans conformation he dis
covered something else. The young mar
was in love with pretty Jennie, and she
was fully conscious Of the fact.
There was now difficulty, and one
which the miller did not care to meet.
He was pondering over 1t one day
three weeks after tho robbery, wher
Qlavin Of the Hollow called and pait
him ten pounds which had been du,
some time.
II hear your house isn't a very secur,
place for money" said Glayin, with {
smile, sbut j hope nobody will walk of
with this while you're asleep
'sI'll take care of that" answered tn,
miller, conscious that Dick could hear
II don't calc'Iate ON bein robbed twic,
by the Same person, and I've got owe
thinkin everybody meet is honest
Good day, sir Much obliged
Glaven departed aud the miller wen
into the house.
Jennie was singing softly as she sewe,
ut window. Mrs. Jameson was not in
having gone TO visit sick neighbor,
Without word the old man passet
into his chamber, and there secreted th'
ten pounds, frowning as he did SO.
"I'll send that fellow paokin soon
whether l find him stealth or not" h
muttered. ut amt none too comfort
( able feelin to know you've got 10 loci
MP every shilling you get, and not tel
anybody where you put it."
He ate his supper that evening in 81
lence, Jennie and Dick chattering in
cessantly, and Mrs. Jameson told abou
every ache and pain that racked th
woman she had been 10 visit.
But the miller could only wonde
whether or not that frank, manly fac
and those CHEEKY tones OF his employs
belonged TO knave and scoundrel.
"An Jennie and him seemed 10 under
stand one another far too well" he 80
liloouixed. II used 10 like the lad. bu
ia as lief soc my girl care for old blin,
Jack. tho fiddler, as this fine gentleman
AZ Grcete says. he's too fancy abou
himself 10 be honest. I've often hear'
tho greater the rascal the more genteel
- guess Ill load the rifle
He did load his rifle, and placed II nes
hia bed, telling his wife that he ''wain'
e0ing TO lose amy more money, but th
6rse ons that came for dishonest pur