The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1895-08-23
6he Shadow Q
BERTH: = :,,,: Of a Crime.

I His figure was small, his shoulders
STOPPING, his height about i've feet
seven, his hair quite black.
This much could be seen of him rs
he stood with his back to the door,
seemingly SO absorbed In his contemp-
latiOn that he was not aware OF Mr..
Medlicott's presence until that gentle
man coughed.
Then he turned around.
The front view presented the same
idea Of respectability struggling with
poverty to keep up appearances.
The turned-dOwn shirt collar was
scrupulously clean, through frayed ut
the edges, and the black necktie was
rusty and showed signs OF wear.
He Wore slight whiskcrs, but the up
per lip and chin were shaver, though
the beard was worn according to its
natural growth about the throat.
The complexion was pale, Of the
pallor that goes with sandy hair rath-
or than with black, the face thin, the
forehead high and narrow.
The under lip vas very thin md
almost hidden beneath the upper,
which protruded n little; the nose was
sllarp and hony, the eyes set and Of a
reddish brown.
AS the countcnancc was turned upon
Medicott It wore humble, not to say
say cringins look; indeed from head to
foot the man looked apologize, rs
though doubtful of his reception.
His hands were long, thin and ILL.,
shapen, but the length and the up
pearance of the nails told they were
not used to hard work.
How do YOU do. Mr.. Abershaw,"
said Mr.. Medlicott; take a seat"
Mr.. Abcrslaw seated himself upon
chair, the back of which was against
the window.
You were secretary or amanuensis
to my old friend, Mr.. John Roberts, I
sce," said Mr.. Medlicott, taking note
book and letter from his pocket.
II was. sir, and he was very anxious
when he went away to America to
provide me with some employment"
HE speaks very highly of you In
l9s letter, though cannot understand
how he came to know that I was In
want Of an amanuensis. I have only
mentioned 1t at the Office, thinking one
Of my own clerks might undertake
what want, but they don't seem in
cltned to give up their evenings, and
they certainly have enough to do. I
must warn you, Mr.. Abershaw, the pay
will be sinall-sO small that I cannot
f! see that 1t will be worth your accent
| ance."
However small 1t may be, I shall
be glad OF 1t, SIR"
Mr. Mcdlicott cOughed and referred
to the letter in his hand.
/ NElm T odOo Crovf3o,
| Dear Old Friend:-I am going to
have a run through the States and
Canada; 1t Is trip I've long promised
myself. l shall he away about n
twelvemonth. I am going to ask you
a favor. I hear you want q private
secretary ut home to help you In your
correspondence over your various be-
nevolent undertakings. I have lately
been employing In somewhat the same
capacity, a young fellow named Luke
Aberslaw, and have found him per-
feet treasure; steady, industrious, oblig-
Ing, accurate. can fully recommend
him. He is but poorly off, and it would
be doing q really charitable act to en-
gage him, and would oblige me in the
bargain. I can say no more.
EAU revoir. Yours ever,
"JOhn Roberts"
Mr.. Medlicott read the letter twice
through, occasionally glancing up at
the face before him.
lie did not like the face; 1t seemed
to have n curious repulsiOn for him,
but Mr.. Medlicott was a thorough mat
ter-Of-fact man who pooh-pOoled all
such ideas.
John Roberts was very old friend
| he put his recommendation in the
form Of favor. He had appealed to
his benevolence, n weak point
The young mans eyes were fixed
upon the carpet. but the anxiety with
which he awaited the decision was
visible In every feature even in His
nervously twitching fingers as they
lay upon his knees.
Il would make myself useful in any
way, sir" he said pleadingly. II don't
set myself up for anything; all l look
to is to get an honest living, and care
very little what do to obtain it."
He heaved deep sigh ps he finish
cd this appeal.
Mr.. Metllicott's heart was touched.
Il fear you have known misfortune"
he said.
II have indeed, sir. / have had to
fight my own way in life ever since 1
was a mere boy" was the answer.
Were you left an orphan then?"
II was, sir. never remember my
mother; she died when I was very
young. My father was q carpenter,
but unfortunately he was addicted to
drink. had but miserable home.
What education have had l picked
up as best could. The drink killed
my father at last"
BY this time Mr.. Medlicott was thor
pughly interested In the young mans
story, only he wished that he would
look him In the face while telling 1t,
instead Of letting his eyes wander
about the carpet. But that was ner-
vousness, humility.
Mr.. MedlicOtt although lawyer by
profession, prided himself upon being
q philanthropist; there was scarcely
an association for the amelioriating Of
the moral and social condition Of hui
mainly that he was not In some way
connected with, and 1t was as an as
sistant In conducting his multifarious
correspondence upon these subjects,
which was daily growing, that he re-
quircd the services of an amanuensis.
Although a professed philanthropist,
he had some heart and really pitied
this meek and difldent young man,
but he also had an eye to bargain.
"Lct me sse," he cOgitated; "he is
very poor. very eager for the situation.
Flo will be glad to take small sum.
At oil events I can get him much
cheaper than most young men and
oblige an old friend, and serve q de-
serving person at the same time. He
said, too, lie would not object to make
himself generally useful. II I were to
take him into the house he might help
Dawson and do lots Of things. Board
and lodging, and. let me see, ten shlll-
ings.n week: that would be a most
liberal OFFER"
And with the air Of man who Is
making q magnificent proposal, Mr..
Medlicott placed the proposition be-
fore him.
II shall be most grateful, sir, for
such situation" replied Abershaw,
especially to be in the house. 1t is so
unusually lonely in lodgings, especial
! leo oapni z III