The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1893-02-25
CHATTER VII.
TIE DOWNWARD PATH.

spirit, so the old bank clerk proceeded
from the private office, his eyes fixed,
his face pale aud set, like some penitent
culprit traversing cindered via dolOrosa.
His task had been melted out to him.
To study that mobile face, one would
discern at a glance the vaScilating weak
ness that was a part of his character.
He was not naturally a bad man. but
circumstances had set his face towards
the downward path, and a shrewd, tyrani-
cal master was pushing him slowly
farther down the steep incline, until in
sheer despair the Observation-Disclosures
wretch ceased to struggle.
Away back in this mans life was
certain dark chapter. Newly-married,
the incumbent of subordinate govern
mental position, a glass of wine had led
him to gamble. Step by step he was
drawn into net spread by unsCrupu-
louS acquaintance. In last frantic
endeavor to recount his losses, he Dor
rowed temporarily a small amount from
trust funds. He lost again. The theft
was discovered. Trivial as was the Of
Tense, light as might this first sin be
made before a charitable court, In his
situation, the frightened Wharton saw
only ruin, the penitentiarY. Like the
weak coward he was, he fed, abandoning
friends, home and family. He sought a
foreign land. tried by honest labor to
earn sufficient to reimburse the govern
mcnt, and send for his wife and chill
dren. He had never written them.
Shame and tear Oh being traced and ar
rested prevented that. Under an as
sumed name he finally returned to
America Time had changed him. He
was accounted dead, forgotten. No one
recognized him. He had long since sent to
the government the amount he had
stolen. He only sought the pardon of his
wife, penitential rehabilitation with his
family, with the idea of beginning life
over again with them in some secluded
village.
Alas, ne found no trace. The sad rec
ord Of their weary waiting was lost in
tbs whirl and changes OF a great city.
DiSgraccd, their name furnished, they
had hidden themselves affair, where, he
had never found ont.
In his distress, John Wharton took to
drink. One day, accidentally, he was
met and recognized by an old fellow-em-
ploye in the government service-Arnod
Dacrr. The latter was at that
time clerk in the Ridgefcld bank.
He saw in the diShcartencd refugee pill
able tool, in his knowledge of the past
menace that would WELD Wharton to his
caprCeS. From the day that the old
clerk entered the employ of \ bel Mcr-
wyn, it was to become Tho ally, the slave,
the hireling of the man who could crush
him at his will
\ great sob rent the bosom of the mis-
cradle man as he dreaded the covered
passage way leading from the rear of
the bank, and emerged on the street a
sudden dizzy spell seemed to overcome
him. as the broad, faring sunlight daz-
Zled his eyes. For moment he Havered
unSteadily to and fro, and it was with
difficulty that he collected his benum bed
faculties, and recalled the mission he
had been sent to execute.
Il am to hold, to hide the PACKAGE"
he told himself, slowly, painfully like a
dull child memorlzing difficult lesson,
II am to go among the men and play
part-plaY
\ CHASTITY palior overSpread his face
as he repeated the words. Some mental
wrench upsetting the natural faculties,
frightened him. \ man ever terrified by
phantOmS, the unreal, unCanny lot aA
pOrtioned him by his hard taskmaStcT
was too dreadful, in his present I'M
hinged mental condition to grapp!e with.
He had read of men feiguiug insanity,
and
John Wharton quickcned his footsteps
Like a scurryiug thief cvading n Gordon
of police, he travcrsed alleys, lanes, and
unfamiliar bY-ways. He reached his
lodgings by rear staircase, entered his
plaInly-furniShed room, tOttercd to a
chair, and sunk into it.
One hOur-twO hours. His head bent
on his open hands, he never moved
thinking, thinking. Three hours A
stumbling, limping step sounding on the
stairs, and a thin, disease worn face
peercd in at the door, timidly opened.
ut mightnt be you, Mr. Wharton"
projected heSitating voice.
The old clerk aroused himself with an
effort, struggled to his feet, guIped
down great groan, and turned his hoI-
low eyes on the intruder.
The latter was a cripple Partial
paralysis had robbed him Of health in
the prime OF life. The one being in all
the wide world whom he could truly
call friend, the single creature in the
universe who seemed to possess a parti-
Gle Of genuine affection for him. Whar-
ton had picked the poor wretch from the
gutter one dark night year agonc and
out of sheer sympathy, Tom Cupplcs, as
he was called, had since been his pen
sioner.
Faithful as a slave, grateful as a
starving dog, lifted to comfort and
plenty. the cripple had since taken care
of his room, merded his clothes, black
ened his boots tried in his half. helpIess
wav to earn the food he ate.
"Goodness," he eiacuIated as Whar-
ton turned his wan face towards him
what has hapnenedp Mr. Wharton
YOU are i'll, will send for A doctor"
In rnnnine alarm tho friob1oned faced
CuppIcS started towards the door.
Stop ordered WhOrtOn. in a frenzy
of irritauilitv. II am not ILL., The bank
has failed, amigo TO the tavern and
bring me some LIQUOR"
Tom Cupples recoilcd as if from an
electric shock. A mute horror came in
TO his dull ewes.
"LiauOr?" ne raSped. tottorinr-.sobl