The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-03-15

proud smile. "I ain o gentleman, despite my
present hnmiliatipg condition. would seorn
to take that which no longer rightfully belongs
to me- To put the matter on business footing,
what will you give ME to show you exactly the
whereabouts of the money!"
"Why," said Mr.. Vanderveldt, an expression
of perplexity coming into his stoid counte-
nance, II don't know what to say. How do |
| know you are not a swiDdler, for instance?"
And Mr. VandeEveldt tried to force very
| knowing scowl. lfb
"Oh, as to that" replied Mr. Prddy, with
superior smile, !. give me a shovel and will
reassure you at once."
"Good!" replied the city gentleman, rising.
There is still light to see by. Lead the way,
| sir t9
Hold The bargain," said the seedy man,
| picking up his hat, and halting upon the
threshold. If the money is there take half.
| Is that fair?"
at will be quite fair if the money is there"
| said Mr.. Vanderveldt
| Mr.. Priddy took the shovel, and. carrying
| it in his hand, walked straight to the large,
| oval plot in the middle Of the green pausing
to gaze about him when he arrived on the edge
of it, as though to get his correct bearings.
Mr. Priddy then fell to digging. The earth
was moist, and the large, brown sods were easily
turned.
Mr.. Vanderveldt, regardless of the flying
mold, drew to the edge of the plot, and stood
staring with expectant gaze down into the
slowly deepening hole.
Suddenly the blade of the shovel smote some
thing hard, and there slight sound of
the spliDtering of wood. Mr.. Priddy redoubled
his efforts without word. Mr.. Vanderveldt
gave vent to deep "ah !"
In another moment small, square box was
disclosed to view, the wood of it discolored
almost to the hue of the clay soil which still
adhered in Jumps to it.
For heavens sake!" cried Mr.. Vanderveldt
fairly overcome with excitement, "let US go in
the house and divide. The money, man-the
money!"
The city man, with trembling hand, lighted
the gas. Mr.. Priddy took up the door mat and
very carefully deposited the befouled box upon
il.
The shovel had shattered the fragile lid, and
with the aid of a carving-knife he speedily
pried open the splintered fragment. Then.
putting in his baud, he drew forth small red .
canvas bag nearly round in shape, and tightly
bound with cord at the mouth.
Cut it'll" cried the portly city gentleman,
thrusting knife into Mr.. Priddy's hand, when
that worthy had been calmly trying to undo
the knot for about three minutes.
i trust you are no longer inclined to ques-
tion tho motive of my vist?" said the seedy
man, passing the keen blade through the string.
90 hang it, no! There, open, do! Ali"
large heap of glittering gold rolled out
upon the snowy tablecloth as MIR. Priddy
turned the canvas Bug upside down.
Both men stood regarding it for o moment
in silence; then Mr.. Vanderveldt's fat hand
wandered mechanically toward the little pile,
and he fell to counting.
"Ab. that's right" said Mr.. Priddy. "See
how much we have here"
Five hundred dollars" announced the city
man, after long interval Of silence.
Good. thought as much. wo-ffty each.
good nights work, Mr.. Vanderveldt!"
My friend, you have behaved like true
gentleman. The money was all within your
grasp, yet you chose to say No, it belongs to
the owner of the house!' Give me your hand,
Mr.. Priddy !" SC ga
"And now let US divide" continued the
city man. na
Stay One little favor, Mr.. Vanderveldt.
Two hundred and fifty dollars in gold is no
light weight. Would you give me paper for
the amount. your check or notes2"
With pleasure" replied Mr.. Vanderveldt,
and going to a desk he unlocked it, drew forth
a check book and filling in a check for the
amount, handed st to the seedy man, who,
with the greatest Gang froid imaginable. placed
it in the breast pocket OF his shabby jacket.
The two men sat awhile smokn and chat
ting, and then Mr. Pfiddy took his leave and
departed.
Again Mr.. Vanderyedt sat after dinner COM
placently surveying his garden this time in the
company of his wife and daughter.
Again there came zap at the door. again the
servant maid ann0Dsced a visitor, and again
she was directed to show him in
tall man in frock coat entered, bowing
very politely to nobody in particular, in man
ner peculiar 10 shopwalkers.
Mrs. Vanderveldt instantly recognized him as
Mr.. Mercer, the silk merchant, TO whom she
was under various pecuniary obligations
VERY sorry to trouble you sir, at this un-
seemly hour" said Mr. Mercer, with an apollo
getic glance at the tablecloth. do you re- |
member settling little account of mine this |
sir?"
% gave you eight eagles" said Mr.. Wander.
veldt.
The shopman put his hand into his pocket |
and produced the eight pieces of money, which |
he laid upon the table.
You are gentleman, sir" said he bowling |
toward the fat city man, Whose character |
stands too high to leave room to doubt that |
what has occurred is more than a trfing and |
mistake. But, sir, are you aware |
that those eight eagles now before you-the |
identical ones you paid me, sir-are all of them |
cons?"
Mr.. Vandervelt turned pale. He had taken |
the coins from the heap OF gold which the |
seedy man had dug up on the previous ght.
For couple OF minutes be sat in silence, |
staring vacantly at the shopman before him. |