Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1893-03-09
you stand high in this community bsa

Thought you would make an effort to
hush the matter up"
How much is the amount?"
Five hundred and twenty dollars, sir,
and our expenses added will make the
cost to you, sir, $700."
Very well, sir; be seated a few mo-
ments longer, Mr.. Hardman," said Hen
ry, at the same time striking a small
bell on the top of his desk. Charles,
bring me my private checkbook from
the vault" he said to the young man
who answered the call.
When the checkbook was given to
Henry he sat down, and with a trem-
bling hand filed out two checks-one
payable to the order of Castell & Co. for
$500 and the other payable to the treas
urer of the "Neversleep Detective agen-
cy" for $3.50.
''There, sir; please give me receipt
for the check to Castell 81 Co. Your
treasurer's Endorsement will be suffi-
cient for the other. And now, sir, the
check on which is the forged indorse-
ment. Thanks; that will do Have
cigar, sir? Good day, sir, and thanks
again for your kindness and considera-
tion."
For fully 15 minutes Henry Morton
gazed upon the terrible evidence of his
brothers guilt, and then opening little
iron box in which he kept all personal
papers he mechanically tossed it in,
locked the box, went out of the private
Office smoking cigar, met his partner
Douglas with his usual welcome and
plunged again into the business of his
daily life.
Business stagnated suddenly. A crash
came; money was scarce; the firm of
Morton, Douglas & Co. were found over
stocked. Result-failure, but not :
grace. Both partners surrendered
their private estates for the benefit 4
creditors, and they, as a firm, Wee
swept out of existence. They tried for
awhile to do commission business. but
were obliged to give it up, and each was
financially in close quarters. even for
the necessaries of life.
"Why not see your brother Jack. my
DEAR" said Henrys wife to him, as he
returned home downcast one evening
after darkness had set in. II hear that
he has saved up considerable money and
only the other night his wife told me
that they were about to build new
house on the avenue. Surely after all
you have done for him (Henry's wife
knew nothing about the forged cheeky
he will help you by the return of few
of the many dollars he has obtained
from you. Our new landlord insists
upon having his overdue rent, and we
need money for groceries. The cupboard
shelves are almost empty, and you really
ought to see your brother"
''T1 do it, by JoveP' replied Henry,
much as l dislike to do it. Still, he
cannot refuse under the circumstances,
and putting on his hat Henry left his
home with expectations of quick and
pleasant return.
Henry found his brother at home, took
him into room where they could be
alone, and told his story. His surprise
can be imagined when his brother Jack
blurted out:
Cant do it, Henry; need every dollar
have. You'll have to go to somebody
else. It's no use expecting anything
from me. No, sir; nor
"Why, you scoundrel! Were it not
that the same mother bore us both ]
would kill you where you standl Now,
under no circumstances, ever speak to
me again, and never darken the doors of
my house as long as you live. By Heav-
enw Henry exclaimed suddenly, as if
The recollection of something had been
forced upon him, 81 have at home,
among my private papers, that which
will make you open your pocketbook
and decide which of us will do the beg
ging in future!"
And pulling his hat FIRMLY over his
eyes Henry Morton darted out of his
brothers house into the darkness and
with firm set lips and gritting teeth
started at a quick pace for his home.
When he reached his own doorstep his
pace slackened and slowly and quietly
entering the house and ascending the
hall stairs to his room he lighted the
gas, found the iron box in which his pa
pers were kept, and after opening it he
readily put his hand upon the paper
which he had determined to use in order
to obtain bread and butter for his family
Lifting the forged paper to the light
to be certain he had made no mistake.
his eyes were attracted to black bor-
dered "In Memoriam" which hung above
his desk, on which was plainly printed:
................,.....- .......
BERTHA MORTON